2012 NFL Free Agency Predictions: Where the Top Wide Receivers Will Land

The 2012 NFL free agency wide receiving class is completely loaded.  There are three impact talents in Vincent Jackson, DeSean Jackson and Mike Wallace, who could all change teams this offseason.

So, where will all these great players end up next season?

Vincent Jackson Will Go to the Chicago Bears

Vincent Jackson is the biggest prize on the 2012 NFL free agent market.  He is very likely to leave the San Diego Chargers and sign with a new team.

Jackson and the Chargers have suffered through several contract disputes in recent years.  Jackson considers himself one of the league's elite receivers and wants to be paid like one.  The Chargers consider him a very good player but are reluctant to pay top dollar and extremely unlikely to franchise him considering their depth at the wide receiver position.

Jackson will end up with a contending team that is desperate for a big end-zone threat. The Chicago Bears are the most obvious fit because a No. 1 wide receiver is the team's biggest need and they would prefer to target linemen in the draft.  

The Washington Redskins are the dark horse contender for his services because owner Dan Snyder loves splashy signings and the team needs a receiving threat.  Plus, the San Francisco 49ers may see him as their last piece for a Super Bowl.  After all, if San Francisco had any production from the position in the NFC Championship Game, they may well have won the title.

Wes Welker Will Stay With the New England Patriots

Wes Welker is a great receiver but there is not much to say here: he will be back in New England.

The Patriots love Welker and he loves them.  The chances of his signing anywhere else are extremely low.  In fact, sources suggest the Patriots will franchise Welker  and then take their time to explore a new long-term deal.

Reggie Wayne Will Go to the New England Patriots

Reggie Wayne is the best aging veteran free agent at wide receiver.  He could stay with the Indianapolis Colts but, since the team is in rebuilding mode now, he will likely look to finish his career with a Super Bowl contender.

The clear choice is the New England Patriots.  Wayne would love to play with Brady, who is the closest match to Payton Manning out there in terms of professionalism and cerebral play-making. 

The Patriots have great medium pass and slot options in Wes Welker and Julian Edelman but have needed a great deep threat since cutting Randy Moss.  Wayne is not quite as good as he used to be, but he is still an excellent deep route runner and he would fill that need for the Patriots. 

If that expected match fails to materialize, the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers could also go after Wayne.  But, in this case, it looks like a fairly clear-cut signing.

DeSean Jackson Will Stay With the Philadelphia Eagles

DeSean Jackson is a top candidate to go elsewhere in free agency but he is likely to remain in Philadelphia.

Jackson and the Eagles disagree on his value: Jackson believes he is an elite player and should be paid like one, while the Eagles feel like his production has yet to match his talent.

What that adds up to is the Eagles will place the franchise tag on Jackson and see if he can turn up his game and produce elite numbers in 2012.  If he does, then he will get paid long term.  If he does not, then the Eagles' brain trust can feel more comfortable letting him go in 2013 free agency.

Of course, the combustible Jackson could choose to hold out, which would likely push the Eagles to trade him to avoid another costly offseason distraction.  So, while Jackson could end up suiting up for another team next season, it likely won't be directly through free agency.

Nonetheless, if Jackson is not franchised, contenders will line up to sign him.  The San Francisco 49ers may pay him on the assumption that he will buy into their winning culture.  The Bears will be tempted because he is young and they are desperate for a receiving talent.  Plus, as we learned with Sidney Rice last year, never count out the Seattle Seahawks.  

Dwayne Bowe Will Stay With the Kansas City Chiefs

Bowe is a young, elite talent, which is why the Chiefs will not let him go.

Kansas City is widely expected to franchise Bowe , which would be logical given their need for talent at the receiver position and Bowe's production.  He will also continue to improve, which makes the prospects for a long-term agreement very strong.

Of course, if for any reason he is not franchised, the Chicago Bears should make a very strong play for his services.  

Mike Wallace Will Remain With the Pittsburgh Steelers

Wallace will end up staying in Pittsburgh.  Although recent speculation has suggested that Wallace will leave because the Steelers are too far over the cap to re-sign him, Pittsburgh's top earners Ike Taylor, Ben Roethlisberger and Lawrence Timmons are all restructuring their deals so the team can keep Wallace.

The Steelers inspire player loyalty like few other franchises.  Their very public desire to keep Wallace, coupled with their top players' willingness to help out, means this deal will get done.

Steve Johnson Will Go to the St. Louis Rams

Johnson's antics have worn thin on the Buffalo Bills' organization.  Combined with their fear of signing another Lee Evans deal (he barely produced after that monumental contract in 2008), that should keep the Bills from making the smart decision to re-sign Johnson.

Johnson is also young enough and has the upside to land a big deal elsewhere.  The Bears are likely to go after Vincent Jackson, a better fit for their needs, and the Rams need a major upgrade at the receiver position.  Johnson is a good fit to work with Sam Bradford for years to come.

Mario Manningham Will Stay With the New York Giants

The Giants know that any big deal for Manningham is an overpay in terms of on-field production.  But Manningham is now a marketable hero in the Big Apple and he makes big catches.  A deal will get done.

That's the list: all of your top talents at wide receiver.  Where do you think they will end up? Leave a comment and let's debate!