2012 NFL Free Agents: Realistic Wide Receiver Acquisitions for the 49ers

As most of Niners Nation knows, the 49ers are not the most Gung-ho franchise in the league when it comes to free agency, and recently that philosophy has served them well. In Jim Harbaugh and GM Trent Baalke's first offseason together, they made some under-the-radar acquisitions and didn't pull the trigger when the price was too high.

Just because they are not willing to pay the big bucks doesn't mean they won't at least get involved. In fact, I expect San Francisco to be in talks with a few of the top free-agent wide receivers in the coming weeks.

It's not outrageous to think they will get in touch with Vincent Jackson, who is arguably the most prized receiver since Dwayne Bowe will likely get the franchise tag from Kansas City. But when other teams begin to mention top dollar, I believe San Francisco will bow out.

Last offseason, San Francisco was in talks with the undisputed golden boy of the free-agent market, Nnamdi Asomugha. Asomugha proved to be a little too expensive for the Niners' taste, so they folded and moved onto the next target: Carlos Rogers. That situation worked out for the best.

The 49ers will be looking for a bargain at the receiver position; their mentality is to likely upgrade the corps as a whole, and not just add one potential difference maker. This is why it's been reported that they will likely add via draft and free agency.

In this piece, I'd like to go over a few under-the-radar guys at the wide receiver position that could be great fits for San Francisco.

Pierre Garcon, WR (IND)

We've seen how the entire Indianapolis franchise is in flux right now and a lot of guys are on their way out—guys a lot more established than Pierre Garcon. But Garcon might be a real catch in free agency, no pun intended.

Even in a disastrous situation in Indy this past season, Garcon still managed 70 receptions for 947 yards and 6 touchdowns.

The fact that he secures the ball and gets up-field in a hurry is a plus considering the 49ers' struggles on third-down situations. At this point in his career, we still haven't seen everything he has to offer—the verdict is still out on whether or not he can be a Reggie Wayne for the next 10 years. At only 25 years old, Garcon is still fresh and ready to contribute to a contender. 

The 49ers could make a play for him and get a great deal without breaking the bank. It seemed the 49ers didn't have enough guys getting open and were too dependent on Michael Crabtree, who took too much flack. But Niners fans forget he was the only receiver with a catch in that dreaded NFC title game.

The decision to add Garcon, like the other receivers listed in this article, would be predicated on the philosophy of having an arsenal of weapons to develop and gel together, rather than a quick fix with an overpriced free agent whose best days may be behind him.

Robert Meachem, WR (NO)

The 49ers brought in a No. 17 last year in Braylon Edwards, but it didn't quite work out. I think Robert Meachem could.

Meachem is 6'2", underrated and comes from that complex high-flying offense in New Orleans. Meachem would surely be able to handle the system in San Francisco and provide versatility at the receiver position. 

Meachem isn't getting a lot of attention for a few reasons:

1. Marques Colston is the free-agent wide receiver from New Orleans people are gushing about.

2. Drew Brees isn't signed yet and the sides reportedly aren't close.

3. Meachem's numbers are drastically diluted due to how much they spread the ball around in New Orleans.

Meachem stepped up to the plate whenever he needed to, and was a very dependable target all over the field for Brees and that offense.

He is also coming from a very competitive division in the NFC South, where Atlanta and Carolina demand that you score a lot of points against them. The 49ers need to score more points than they did in 2011, and a great way to do that would be to add guys with experience in that department.

Meachem could break out of his shell just like Carlos Rogers did in the 49ers system.

Reggie Wayne, WR (IND)

Reggie Wayne has been productive for years, and even after enduring a heinous season with the Colts, I think he's still got more to offer.

The immediate reaction from most is that Wayne is too old, or he's nothing without Peyton Manning, but I assure you both are incorrect.

When I see Wayne, I see someone who is driven to get one more Super Bowl ring before he retires, and for that to happen, he needs to go to a contender. San Francisco certainly fits the bill.

Wayne would add veteran leadership and experience to a receiving corps that is lacking in both departments.

I don't feel I need to pour the stats on you; we've all seen the tremendous plays Wayne has produced over the years. It's feasible to think Harbaugh and Baalke would bring him in on a one- to two-year contract to assist in some Super Bowl runs and help the younger wideouts progress.

The 49ers are most likely drafting one or two receivers in April's draft, and a guy like Reggie Wayne could be a tremendous influence on them. And, Crabtree could most benefit from Wayne's presence.

Stevie Johnson, WR (BUF)

In Buffalo, talks are continuing between the Bills and the blossoming superstar receiver Stevie Johnson. He's put together two back-to-back 1,000-plus-yard receiving seasons in Buffalo, but the San Francisco native could still move on. At 6'2", Johnson has displayed the ability to stretch the field, snatch the ball at its highest point and get YAC.

His lack of maturity has raised some red flags, but it's something that could easily be overcome in an environment like the one the 49ers have in the Bay.

And while Johnson is probably the least of the under-the-radar acquisitions, he still will be in the shadows of Vincent Jackson, Marques Colston, Dwayne Bowe and even those willing to pay up for Mike Wallace.

Johnson is definitely a guy that could benefit from a fresh start, where he'd have a chance to continue showcasing his skills but also show how humble he can be.

He could be one of the great young receivers coming up in this league; we all saw how foolish he made Darrelle Revis look at times. Johnson could be a steal if the 49ers could come to terms on a reasonable deal.

To Conclude

This is truly the direction 49ers fans should expect San Francisco to go. The proof is in the pudding; they will not spend a large sum of change on a commodity like that—the front office will be looking for value. There is a strong possibility that one of the four mentioned receivers will be wearing red and gold in 2012, and each one has good reason.

Whom the 49ers will bring in for Alex Smith at this point is a bit of a mystery, and we can only speculate. But with the combine over and free agency right around the corner, it's time to get all our bets in before it actually goes down.

Currently, the 49ers are in the midst of signing their own free agents. They just signed Ahmad Brooks to a long-term deal worth $44.5 million with $17.5 million guaranteed. Dashon Goldson is expected to receive the franchise tag any day now, and quarterback Alex Smith awaits a contract.

Niners fans need not worry if their team is not as aggressive as, say, the Redskins, Dolphins or Buccaneers, because remember, they are in a lot better shape than any of those teams and have way less cap space. San Francisco will do what is best for the franchise in the long run by acquiring a low-risk/high-reward pass-catcher.

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