NFL's 10 Best Free Agent Wide Receivers Available in 2011

Todd Jacobs, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Feb 15, 2011 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

The NFL's free agent wide receiver pool may not be deep but it does have some talent to consider. At the top of the scale are players that have played for the top echelon teams. Vincent Jackson endured little wear and tear in the 2010 NFL season. He held out and then sat out with injury for most of the season

No.10. Steve Smith (New York Giants)

Steve Smith didn't do much to increase his value heading into the 2011 NFL season. Distinguishing himself between an NFL Draft pick will be difficult for many NFL owners. Smith may end up as a number three receiver for a team that is weak at the receiver position. Wherever he ends up, it will be at a reduced price.

No.9. James Jones

James Jones showed he deserves to be mentioned among the better wide receivers in the league. He has speed to run the deep routes and will be a better acquisition than a possible NFL Draft pick. Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers is in Jones camp but the money may not be available for Jones to return to the Green Bay Packers.

No.8. Malcom Floyd

The San Diego Chargers will need to do everything in their power to lock up Malcom Floyd. The one negotiating advantage A.J. Smith has in regards to Floyd is the fact that Phillip Rivers can work with anyone on the field and make them a good receiver. Look for Floyd to make an attempt to play within the division.

No.7. Randy Moss

Randy Moss may be overrated as the seventh best available wide receiver. One team will take a chance on him but they will not pay much. Moss cost himself more than a couple million dollars with his disappearance last season.

No.6. Terrell Owens

Age is the key factor for Terrell Owens going forward. the team that does take a chance on Owens this season will receive a handsome return on their investment. If Owens and his agent are smart they will make this contract incentive laden.

No.5. Sidney Rice

Injuries hurt Sidney Rice's value for the 2011 NFL season. Rice has the potential to be a top ten wide receiver with a great quarterback and if he is healthy he will post some big numbers. Look for Rice to gravitate to a team that plays their games in a dome.

No.4. Brad Smith

Brad Smith has some teams looking to spice up their offenses drooling as they anticipate the free agent signing period. Smith will get looks from some unlikely teams. Look for the New England Patriots to come calling as well as the Miami Dolphins. they have played two games against the talented special teams player, wide receiver and quarterback. The New York Jets will do everything they can to keep him in the fold but they won't be able to keep him in the fold.

No.3. Braylon Edwards

The New York Jets will have to sign one of their talented wide receivers but Braylon Edwards will not make the cut. Teams that are looking to add to their wide receiver corps will look to talk to Edwards but he is not a number one wide receiver.

No.2. Santonio Holmes

The New York Jets will have to do everything in their power to lock up Santonio Holmes. Holmes is the favorite target of Mark Sanchez and the team has already said they will do everything in their power to keep him on the team. This does not bode well for Edwards and Brad Smith.

No.1. Vincent Jackson

Vincent Jackson is a non exclusive franchise tag player. This means he will be available to negotiate with other teams but the team that does sign him could be on the hook for two first round draft picks at the most. This has hurt Jackson's chances to move out of an already toxic relationship with the San Diego Chargers and puts general manager A.J. Smith in position to trade Jackson in a possible sign and trade.

Yahoo! Voices

NFL's 10 Best Free Agent Wide Receivers Available in 2011

Yahoo! Voices

Also on Yahoo!

Yahoo! Contributor Network