With NFL free agency set to begin on March 10, NFL.com has shared a list of the top 17 wide receivers soon to be available.
Pass-catching options could be a position of need for the San Francisco 49ers if veteran Michael Crabtree, one of San Francisco's several notable offensive free agents, does not continue his playing career with the team that drafted him in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Marc Sessler of NFL.com offers a list of the top 17 wideouts available in free agency, plus his thoughts on Crabtree.
Sessler's Top Five
1. Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers
2. Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens
3. Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles
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- Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers**
Let's start here: Tomsula told Around the NFL last month that the Niners "absolutely" want to re-sign the wideout, but we don't buy it. Crabtree has topped 1,000 yards just once in six seasons since San Francisco grabbed him with the No. 10 overall pick in 2009. While the team would probably like to keep him at a bargain price, we haven't seen the same speed from Crabtree since he tore his Achilles' tendon two offseasons ago.
Free-agent fit: If the Niners don't re-sign him, how about the Dolphins? After dumping Brian Hartlineand Brandon Gibson -- and potentially Mike Wallace -- Miami could use a reliable veteran target for Ryan Tannehill.
5. Cecil Shorts, Jacksonville Jaguars
NFL.com's "Around the NFL" crew has named their top 25 free agents of 2015. Free agency officially begins on March 10.
Sessler's "best of the rest"
6. Kenny Britt, St. Louis Rams
7. Hakeem Nicks, Indianapolis Colts
8. Denarius Moore, Oakland Raiders
9. Brian Hartline, Miami Dolphins
10. Harry Douglas, Atlanta Falcons
11. Eddie Royal, San Diego Chargers
12. Jerrel Jernigan, New York Giants
13. Jacoby Jones, Baltimore Ravens
14. Ted Ginn, Arizona Cardinals
15. Nate Washington, Tennessee Titans
16. Mike Williams, Buffalo Bills
17. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts
