2012 NFL Free Agents: Plaxico Burress and Dependable Starters Still Available

The NFL offseason has reached its peak as the 2012 NFL Draft wraps up this weekend, but still there are some notable names floating around in the free agent pool.

Teams in need of a dependable wide receiver who failed to address their situation during the draft should take a look at some proven NFL talents capable of holding their own on football's biggest stage.

Here are a few of the worthy starters still available:

Braylon Edwards

Though there is the risk of obtaining extra baggage when signing Braylon Edwards, the 6'3" deep threat can still provide a spark in the passing game. 

Edwards is only 29 years old and already has 39 touchdowns to his name. The former Michigan Wolverine is still one of the few wideouts who can elevate above the defense and bring down tough balls.

Edwards made the Pro Bowl in 2007, recording the only 1,000-plus yard receiving season of his career with the Cleveland Browns that year.

Patrick Crayton

Though it is a bit of a reach calling Patrick Crayton a starting-caliber wide receiver, he does provide a dependable pair of hands for the most part.

A 6'0" wide receiver with plenty of experience in the NFL, including some as a return man, Crayton brings a solid 14.8 yards per catch to the table as a free agent this offseason.

Crayton has good but not great speed and can get open on occasion, as he is a dependable route runner. Surviving in the NFL for nearly a decade is no easy task, so he must be doing something right.

The Texas native has 246 receptions for his career to go along with 25 touchdowns. Crayton was a Second-Team All-Pro selection in 2009. He is only 33 years old with eight years of experience under his belt heading into the offseason.

Plaxico Burress

Plaxico Burress demonstrated exceptional ability in the red zone last season with the New York Jets, catching eight touchdowns from Mark Sanchez and giving defenses fits pretty consistently. 

The former Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants, who caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Eli Manning with minutes remaining, has 550 career receptions, 63 of which have gone for scores.

The downside of Burress' game is that he has only surpassed 1,000-yards receiving in four of his 10 NFL seasons. Still, he is a quality starter at age 34, capable of beating defenses over the top. 

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