2012 NFL Free Agents: Top Teams in Dire Need of a Playmaking WR

Free-agency in the NFL begins next month, and there's going to be a mad dash to sign the many talented wide receivers in need of a new home.

Of course, some of them may return to the current team, but do expect some big shifts around the league and for a few players to be overpaid because it always happens. 

The list of 2012 free-agent wide receivers is very strong, which is good because there are a number of teams who desperately need to make a big splash this summer.

Guys like Reggie Wayne, Wes Welker, Vincent Jackson, DeSean Jackson, Dwayne Bowe, Marques Colston and Mike Wallace are all going to be highly coveted. 

Whether they're a young team looking to add experience or a contending team that needs a few more pieces to the puzzle, look for teams to act fast on receivers once free agency starts. 

With that said, here are a few teams in dire need of a playmaking wide receiver.

Chicago Bears 

No other team has as big of a need as the Bears do at wide receiver. Johnny Knox, Devin Hester and Roy Williams aren't cutting it, which is why Chicago has to be heavy hitters in free agency. 

Of course, the Bears may look to the draft for wide receiver help, but honestly, they're better off getting an experienced player that can step in and help them win right away.

With Jay Cutler and Matt Forte (should they re-sign him), the Bears will be successful. However, if Chicago tosses in a very skilled wide receiver, the Bears then have the chance to be elite. 

Chicago is in a very tough NFC North division, and in order to go the playoffs next season, the Bears have to surround Cutler with better talent at wide receiver, or else they'll never get a shot at winning the Super Bowl. 

St. Louis Rams 

With the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, the Rams have the option of selecting Justin Blackmon to solve their wideout problems. It's a huge risk, which is why I don't believe they'll do it. 

St. Louis is more likely to trade back and acquire more picks. Since the Rams are a struggling franchise, it's the smart thing to do. 

This means that new head coach Jeff Fisher needs to pursue a wide receiver that will be a big threat for young Sam Bradford. I think they'll re-sign Brandon Lloyd, but they should also go after another talented veteran because Bradford needs more than just Lloyd to truly thrive. 

If the Rams want to start winning now, giving Bradford stronger weapons out wide is the best approach, so look for St. Louis to be big players in the free agent wide receiver market. 

Cleveland Browns  

With the No. 4 overall pick in the draft, the Browns could potentially land Blackmon, and while that would be a good idea, it doesn't mean they shouldn't considered veteran wide receivers as well. 

Trent Richardson and Robert Griffin III are also possible options for Cleveland at No. 4, so whatever the Browns do in free agency will help show what they're likely to do during the draft. 

With Colt McCoy at quarterback, the Browns aren't going to win unless they bring in more talented offensive players. Greg Little was virtually all the Browns had last year, and while he looks good for the future, the Browns need more than just Little. 

Adding a skilled veteran wideout will help lift the Browns to new heights, which is something the team needs soon in the tough AFC North division.