Jacksonville Jaguars: 8 Receivers the Team Should Have Pursued in Free Agency

As fans of the NFL, we see a lot of things happen and we see things that "should" happen. Players leaving one team for another, a player signing a lucrative deal to stay in place for a few more years.

It's all part of the cat-and-mouse game general managers play in an effort to hold their cards close to the vest and make the best choices for their team and playoff chances.

Of all the glaring needs the Jacksonville Jaguars had when free agency started, general manager Gene Smith and his staff worked with head coach Jack Del Rio to find pieces to fit the puzzle that was not complete.

The defense got an overhaul and so far this year, despite the 1-3 record, there is noticeable improvement.

On offense, there are still issues on the offensive line with the team shuffling players in and out of the lineup because of ineffective play or injury.

The line, however, looks like it can remain a cohesive unit to block for their star, Maurice Jones-Drew.

The one glaring need is still at receiver. Mike Thomas is a quality receiver, but he is small and certainly not a No. 1 pass-catcher by NFL standards. But then again, neither is Wes Welker and he is having a star-studded season.

And remember that because we do not know what went on behind closed doors and who got a phone call from Jaguars brass, we are not sure who was turned down or who was left off a list to call in the first place.

These receivers, however, are ones who arguably got away from the team and any one/two/three of them could have really helped the team so far this season.

Laurent Robinson

He was on the St. Louis Rams last season and was a free agent signing in Dallas this summer.

All Robinson is doing is filling in admirably while Miles Austin and Dez Bryant are dealing with injuries.

His quickness and speed could have been used as another deep threat for Blaine Gabbert to have at his disposal.

Randy Moss

I realize he retired and somewhere in the back of his mind, he thinks he will be back in New England before the end of the season.

But did the Jaguars avoid one of the best receivers of all time because of baggage or skill? A healthy Randy Moss at 75 percent of his old self is better than any receiver right now on the Jaguars roster.

Moss would never play in Jacksonville, but don't you just want to know if the team even reached out to him?

Steve Breaston

Remember, at one point, he was the third option in Arizona.

Breaston was an early free agent signing in Kansas City. He has great quickness and helps the return game as well.

Mike Sims-Walker

He was released because of injuries and lack of production for his stint in Jacksonville. But he has looked like a different receiver in Missouri.

Sims-Walker also took with him good speed and seven touchdowns catches from last year.

Think the Jaguars are kicking themselves about this one?

James Jones

He re-signed with Green Bay in the preseason. Many thought Jacksonville would be in the running for this talented receiver because of Jordy Nelson's likely increase in playing time and the drafting of Randall Cobb.

But Jones still goes out and does a great workman-like performance for the Green Bay Packers.

Plaxico Burress

This one as well, I cannot blame the Jaguars.

You did not know what you were going to get with him after being out of football for two years.

Burress has not made a huge impression yet, but his size would have created mismatch problems for the Jaguars' opposition.

Lance Moore

He was on the field in Jacksonville last weekend.

But he was in a Saints uniform.

Moore may be the most underrated receiver in the NFL. He is a great possession-type guy who seems to be around the end zone when Drew Brees and the Saints are in the red zone.

Sidney Rice

Injuries. Damaged goods.

He signed with Seattle and was injured. Now, he's healthy. The Seahawks still have issues at quarterback, but a player with Rice's skill and talent can hide many mistakes by Tarvaris Jackson and the Seahawks' passing offense.