2012 NFL Free Agents: DeSean Jackson and WRs Worth the Risk

As the NFL free agency period draws closer and closer (it will begin on March 13), teams are weighing the risk and reward of signing a big-time wide receiver. 

Philadelphia Eagles wideout DeSean Jackson was nothing but trouble in 2011 and is now likely to be hit with the franchise tag so that his fifth season with the Eagles in 2012 will be all but guaranteed, however unhappy it is.

For every reward there is a risk involved. So which pass-catching wide receivers should teams risk taking on this offseason? Let's take a look.

DeSean Jackson

The 25-year-old Long Beach, California native was a disaster last season. For the first time since his rookie year, Jackson failed to surpass 1,000 yards receiving, even despite catching 11 more passes in 2011 than 2010. 

Although Jackson's sideline body language would suggest he is locker room poison or something of a baby Terrell Owens in his youth, his on-field talent is well worth the risk of the occasional frown. Jackson can make a significant impact in the return game as well as on offense, making him one of the elite skill talents in all of football.

Stevie Johnson

Another 25-year-old wide receiver from California that brings with him the knucklehead factor is Buffalo Bills' pass-catcher Stevie Johnson. Johnson has caught 79 balls for a little more than 1,000 yards on average the past two seasons with the Bills.

Johnson has shown glimpses of why some consider him a Pro Bowl-caliber wide receiver, but too many times last season—especially in a late-season game against the N.Y. Jets—Johnson fell victim to bad drops and seemed somewhat rattled. 

Still, his talent is undeniable and without a doubt NFL quality. Teams without a threat to stretch the field should consider bringing on Stevie to do just that, but in this case the uncertain reward narrowly edges the risk.

Reggie Wayne

The state of the Indianapolis Colts is in the balance as March 8 nears (the date when the Colts must decide on Peyton Manning and the reported $28 million they owe him), and that means that the futures of aging veteran talents like wide receiver Reggie Wayne must be decided on.

Wayne is 33 years old and by NFL standards that's not such a good thing. But still, after 11 season in the league Wayne has shown no signs of slowing, catching 75 balls for 960 yards and four touchdowns last season despite playing without future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning for the first time in his career.

Prior to last season with the Colts, Wayne had seven consecutive 1,000-yard plus receiving seasons, so his consistency makes him a must-sign this offseason. Although Wayne's age is a risk, as is his desire playing for a team with slim championship odds, the former Miami Hurricane still has the flawless sideline footwork and supreme route running skills to dominate for any NFL squad.