NFL Free Agents 2013: Vital Offensive Playmakers Teams Must Push to Re-Sign

There are several offensive playmakers in this year's NFL free-agent market, and each player is sure to generate plenty of interest across the league.

Retaining key playmakers is the answer to most offenses' explosive production. Failing to do so puts a dent in team chemistry and certainly makes things tougher for the quarterback when surveying a defense.

Take Wes Welker of the New England Patriots for example.

He's a major part of the Pats offense, and Tom Brady gets plenty of passing yards because of Welker's ability to accumulate yards after the catch. And it's the constant dependability of Welker that cannot be immediately replaced.

We'll check out more on Welker first, but the other playmakers here mean just as much to their teams' efficient ball movement.

Note: Check out entire list of free agents on Spotrac.com.

Wes Welker: WR, Patriots

Every year Wes Welker has been with the Patriots he has been targeted 120-plus times.

Unsurprisingly, he has racked up over 1,100 yards each season with the exception of 2010.

Easily the most consistently reliable underneath receiver for Tom Brady, Welker knows how to find the first-down marker and move the chains.

He constantly beats man coverage over the middle, to the outside and downfield, which allows for everyone else to face favorable mismatches as well. Not to mention he is a dominant threat inside the red zone and on third down.

That impact is a big reason why the Pats score so effectively when needed.

Reggie Bush: RB, Dolphins

Reggie Bush is still one of pro football's most dynamic running backs.

Unfortunately, the Miami Dolphins haven't approached him this offseason.

According to Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post:

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A source close to Reggie Bush said this week that Bush still badly wants to return to Miami, and his camp is confused as to why the Dolphins haven’t even made an offer yet.

The Dolphins expect big things out of Lamar Miller in his second year next season, and it’s possible that even if Bush does return, he would have a limited role in the offense.

"

This is interesting because Bush is clearly the best and most established back for Miami. He has developed into an every-down ball-carrier since joining the team, and the versatility is a competitive advantage.

Plus, Bush's first 1,000-yard rushing season came with the Dolphins in 2011.

With some reliable receivers and a promising quarterback under center, having the veteran running back will keep Miami's offense on an improving pace.

Victor Cruz: WR, Giants

Although Victor Cruz is a restricted free agent, the New York Giants must still work to retain him.

He's the Giants' best receiver at getting the important yards after the catch, plus he can stretch defenses downfield.

In two seasons he has compiled 2,628 receiving yards and scored 19 touchdowns on 168 receptions.

Factor Eli Manning's ability to spread the field and Cruz won't consistently face double coverage. Possessing the quickness to win against man-to-man underneath, Cruz's total skill set also finds the zone soft spots and makes him explosive enough to split a Cover 2.

For Big Blue to make another Super Bowl run, Cruz is needed for Manning's receiving corps.

Dwayne Bowe: WR, Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are on the brink of making one quick turnaround.

By introducing Andy Reid as the new head coach in early January, per Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com, his pass-oriented philosophy is appealing to any receiver.

Well, Dwayne Bowe is that primary playmaker for the Chiefs and his talent is required to get K.C. back on track.

After all, this is a guy who logged over 1,100 receiving yards when Matt Cassel was his main quarterback. Considering the Chiefs hold the No. 1 overall selection in the 2013 NFL draft, Kansas City landing a top quarterback prospect will upgrade the offense.

Include the rushing threat of Jamaal Charles, and a sound decision-maker such as Geno Smith would have a nice play-action to set up. And when faking a hand off, Smith's strong arm and accuracy would be welcomed by Bowe downfield.

In short, K.C. would remain balanced and score at a higher rate next fall.