NFL Free Agents 2012: Analyzing Lee Evans and the Best Available WRs

With a lot of top-tier, young receivers no longer available, the NFL's free agent market at wideout has slimmed down.

There are, however, some seasoned veterans that can still provide another couple years as a No. 2 target and/or to help out on strict passing situations.

Lee Evans

An undersized deep threat, Lee Evans is a lot stronger than given credit for. He's also an excellent route-runner who can make double moves or catch screens to quickly get upfield.

2011 was undoubtedly a disappointing season for Evans, especially in Baltimore where Super Bowl hopes were at stake. Prior to last season, though, Evans was the man in Buffalo having caught 377 passes for over 5,900 yards and averaging almost 16 yards per reception.

Any team needing another deep target that can jump and be reliable over the middle will surely welcome Evans' services. And he's only 31 years old, so Evans has more time to produce and help develop the younger receivers.

Plaxico Burress

Although he'll be 35 years old before the 2012 season kicks off, Plaxico Burress can still be that red zone fade threat in clutch situations.

With the height and leaping ability advantage, Burress still managed to catch 45 passes for 612 yards and score eight touchdowns last season. Obviously not his most productive year, but it's not like Gang Green is the best passing team either.

Plaxico needs to go somewhere that has trouble scoring near or in the red zone (see Cleveland or St. Louis). The concern is whether Plax is willing to go to a losing team and shine, or minimally contribute on a much better team positioned well for the postseason.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Another aged veteran who has seen better days, T.J. Houshmandzadeh can do just what he did in Oakland last year—simply be effective when targeted.

He only caught 11 passes (five of which went for first-downs), but averaged 13.3 yards per catch. Based on recent seasons, there's no way we can expect Housh to revert back to 2007 when he caught 112 passes for 1,143 yards and scored 12 touchdowns.

However, that experience still exists, and Housh best works as a No. 3 receiver playing opposite the tight end or regular slot receiver. If anything, Housh's presence will create other mismatches as he'll likely be left one-on-one.

Bernard Berrian

A few years younger than Housh and Plax, Bernard Berrian still has some time left to be a solid contributor.

From 2006 through 2009, Berrian was a reliable target with Chicago and Minnesota. During that four-year stretch, Berrian averaged 56 catches for 827 yards and totaled 22 touchdowns. After a down 2010 and getting 2011 cut short, Berrian can still provide as a slot receiver.

He brings good postseason experience and knows how to find the soft zone spots for first-downs. Include Berrian's skill set to beat single coverage: he'll make a solid possession target the next couple years.

John Rozum on Twitter.