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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 18:  Wide reciever Sidney Rice #18 of the Minnesota Vikings prepares to face the Baltimore Ravens during NFL action at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on October 18, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Ravens 33-31.
MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 18: Wide reciever Sidney Rice #18 of the Minnesota Vikings prepares to face the Baltimore Ravens during NFL action at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on October 18, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Ravens 33-31.Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

2011 NFL Free Agent Class: Best WRs Available?

Ben HeckMay 20, 2011

With the lockout still in place until at least the June 3 hearing, us fans will have to wait a little longer for the start of free agency.

While we wait, what better way to pass the time than to take a look at who's going to be available? It looks like a good portion of these wideouts will stay exactly where they were in 2010, but there sure isn't anything wrong with dreaming, is there?

Here are the top 12 receivers who will hit the market in the next couple of months.

Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 12:  Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers carries the ball on a reverse against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 12: Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers carries the ball on a reverse against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty

2010 stat-line: 14 Rec., 248 yards, three TD (only started five games)

The 28-year-old wideout known as "Action Jackson" held out because of a contract dispute with the Chargers until October 29, 2010 and then had to sit through a four-game suspension. This meant he saw very little of the field as a result.

But I think that because he didn't have health issues, teams would be more willing to take a risk and sign the playmaker who put up over 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns on 68 catches in 2009.

Pro Bowl quarterback Philip Rivers has already shown that he doesn't need Jackson on the field in order to produce, and since Jackson will likely be looking for a good amount of money, I doubt the Bolts will bring him back for 2011.

Sidney Rice, Minnesota Vikings

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MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 22:  Sidney Rice #18 of the Minnesota Vikings catches a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 22, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 22: Sidney Rice #18 of the Minnesota Vikings catches a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 22, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

2010 stat-line: 17 Rec., 280 yards, two TD (only started five games)

Just like Jackson, Rice saw very limited playing time in 2010. Rice didn't have character issues, however, and had to undergo hip surgery last offseason. It took him quite a while to recover, and he didn't make his 2010 debut until November 21.

In his six games, Rice put up one 100-yard performance, against Buffalo, in which he also caught two touchdown passes. He seemed to make a full recovery, and if Minnesota doesn't bring him back as a weapon for rookie Christian Ponder, then they will be making a huge mistake.

Can't argue with having a physical, 6'4'' receiver to throw the ball to.

Santonio Holmes, New York Jets

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23:  Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets celebrates after he scored a third quarter touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvani
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets celebrates after he scored a third quarter touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvani

2010 stat-line: 52 Rec., 746 yards, six TD (only started 10 games)

In his first season with the Jets, Holmes saw his targets reduced considerably, although he did have to serve a four game suspension.

With continuing maturity and growth from the young signal caller in Mark Sanchez, if Holmes stays put in New York, we could be seeing a season much like his 2009 season with Pittsburgh.

The only problem I see New York running into is which receiver to bring back for 2011 (Holmes or Braylon Edwards).

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Steve Smith, New York Giants

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SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 07:  Wide receiver Steve Smith #12 of the New York Giants rushes against Roy Lewis #34 of the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 7, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 41-7. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Ge
SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 07: Wide receiver Steve Smith #12 of the New York Giants rushes against Roy Lewis #34 of the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 7, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 41-7. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Ge

2010 stat-line: 48 Rec., 529 yards, three TD (only started seven games)

Smith battled injury, and therefore, only managed to start seven games throughout the 2010 season.

He was somewhat of a disappointment, but as 2009 showed us (107 catches, 1,220 yards, seven TD), Smith has the ability to put up big numbers while catching passes from Eli Manning in New York. His vertical quickness allows him to turn short routes in to big gains.

Don't be surprised if the 26-year-old gets a four to five year contract from the G-Men once free agency starts this offseason.

Malcom Floyd, San Diego Chargers

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 2:  Wide receiver Malcom Floyd #80 of the San Diego Chargers makes a one-handed 41-yard reception for a first down against cornerback Perrish Cox #32 of the Denver Broncos during the second quarter at INVESCO Field at Mile High on Jan
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 2: Wide receiver Malcom Floyd #80 of the San Diego Chargers makes a one-handed 41-yard reception for a first down against cornerback Perrish Cox #32 of the Denver Broncos during the second quarter at INVESCO Field at Mile High on Jan

2010 stat-line: 37 Rec., 717 yards, six TD (only started nine games) 

There's no doubt that Floyd was one of San Diego's most underrated weapons over the last two seasons. While Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates got all the attention, Floyd was making all the plays.

On just 37 catches, Floyd racked up over 700 yards and six touchdowns. This gave him one of the top YPC average in the league at 19.4. 

While he may not be the flashiest guy on the field, he sure is a threat in long-distance passing situations and third downs as well.

I doubt the Bolts will bring Jackson back for 2011, like I said earlier, but they should certainly consider bringing the 6'5'' target in Malcom Floyd back for the playoff-hungry Chargers.

Braylon Edwards, New York Jets

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08:  Braylon Edwards #17 of the New York Jets makes an 18-yard reception in the final minute of the fourth quarter against Jacob Lacey #27 of the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadi
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Braylon Edwards #17 of the New York Jets makes an 18-yard reception in the final minute of the fourth quarter against Jacob Lacey #27 of the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadi

2010 stat-line: 53 Rec., 904 yards, sevenTD (15 starts)

Edwards has great size and strength, allowing him to amass 900 yards and seven touchdown receptions in 2010 for New York. But he has had trouble with dropped passes as well as run-ins with the law.

Despite great athletic ability when he hits the field, I don't see the Jets bringing Edwards back. Holmes has had a few issues himself, but with more upside, I think they will only retain Holmes, not Edwards.

If money grew on trees, I think Rex Ryan would convince the front office to keep them both for Sanchez, but I just do not think that is the case here.

Terrell Owens, Cincinnati Bengals

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24:  Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates his touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates his touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

2010 stat-line: 72 Rec., 983 yards, nine TD (11 starts)

Many seem to believe that Owens has run out of gas. To those people that have been saying that, did you not look at his production in 2010?

In just 11 starts (14 overall games), Owens amassed just shy of 1,000 yards and 10 TDs. What isn't productive about that stat-line?

Owens simply came in to Cincinnati and completely took the spotlight from teammate Chad Ochocinco, and as we all know, that's a tough feat to accomplish.

Owens will be 38 in December, so I don't see the Bengals taking another shot at him. But I know for a fact that someone will. Hopefully, though, 2011 will be T.O.'s final season.

Randy Moss, Patriots/Vikings/Titans

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26:  Receiver Randy Moss #84 of the Tennessee Titans warms up prior to the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Receiver Randy Moss #84 of the Tennessee Titans warms up prior to the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

2010 stat-line: 28 Rec., 393 yards, five TD (11 starts with three different teams)

It's clear to me that Mr. Moss has overstayed his welcome in the National Football League.

His 2010 performance with three different teams (Patriots, Vikings, Titans) has shown me that he has turned in to a locker room cancer, and his poor performance on the field only creates a more disturbing situation.

At this point in their careers, there's a huge difference between Terrell Owens and Randy Moss. I am praying that no NFL team will sign him to a one-year deal for 2011. I would love to be able to remember Moss's career for what he did in his prime, rather the fact that he played far too past his prime.

James Jones, Green Bay Packers

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23:  James Jones #89 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after the Packers 21-14 victory against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: James Jones #89 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after the Packers 21-14 victory against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

2010 stat-line: 50 Rec., 679 yards, five TD (only started three games but played in all 16)

Jones stepped his game up in 2010, producing a career-high 679 yards on (another) career-high 50 catches. Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers spread the ball around quite a bit this past season, and Jones' productivity could have seen a rise because of the loss of receiving TE Jermichael Finley.

If Green Bay can retain its entire 2010 offense, they will be without a doubt the most electrifying offenses once again in 2011. So why not bring the possession receiver in James Jones back again for another go round?

Steve Breaston, Arizona Cardinals

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GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31:  Steve Breaston #15 of the Arizona Cardinals loses a shoe as he eludes the tackle from Myron Lewis #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale, Arizo
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31: Steve Breaston #15 of the Arizona Cardinals loses a shoe as he eludes the tackle from Myron Lewis #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale, Arizo

2010 stat-line: 47 Rec., 718 yards, two TD (11 starts in 13 games)

The streaky, 175-pound Breaston has caught a total of just seven touchdowns in his four seasons with the Cardinals, making him a non-factor when his offense hits the red zone. 

But, seeing as he is primarily a slot receiver, his numbers look pretty solid. A great threat down the field (15.3 YCP average in 2010), Breaston uses his slim body size to his advantage. 

Considering Arizona's ugly quarterback situation, I'm not so sure if Steve will want to suit up for the Cards once again in 2011. We could be seeing him in a different uniform this year.

Mike Sims-Walker, Jacksonville Jaguars

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 26:  Mike Sims-Walker #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs after making a reception during the game against the Washington Redskins at EverBank Field on December 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida.  (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 26: Mike Sims-Walker #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs after making a reception during the game against the Washington Redskins at EverBank Field on December 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty

2010 stat-line: 43 Rec., 562 yards, seven TD (13 starts in 14 games)

With the drafting of quarterback Blaine Gabbert at the No. 10 spot in April, there is new hope in Jacksonville. With maybe one or two seasons of development on the bench behind David Garrard, Gabbert will be ready to take over the league come 2012 or 2013.

If Sims-Walker is patient and willing to go through the re-building mode in Jacksonville, I think he'll stick it out. If not, then obviously, he will decide not to return.

But I think that with a consistent quarterback under center for the Jags, we will see Sims-Walkers' production go way up. He's already shown us he has play-making ability.

Other Notable Free Agent WRs

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 19:  Wide receiver Santana Moss #89 of the Washington Redskins makes a touchdown pass reception against Alan Ball #20 of the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Ge
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver Santana Moss #89 of the Washington Redskins makes a touchdown pass reception against Alan Ball #20 of the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Ge

Santana Moss, WAS

Jacoby Jones, HOU

Lance Moore, NO

Brad Smith, NYJ

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, BAL

Danny Amendola, STL

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