The free-agent market is expected to be well-stocked with wide receivers when it opens next month, with a number of big-name players available.
That's good news for the Washington Redskins, who plan to add a high-profile receiver in free agency, several people familiar with the team's deliberations have told The Washington Post.
Some guesswork is involved over which players won't be hit with the franchise tag before March 5, but the list of receivers currently eligible for free agency include Dwayne Bowe, Marques Colston, Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson, Vincent Jackson, Stevie Johnson, Mario Manningham, Mike Wallace (restricted), Reggie Wayne and Wes Welker.
Chargers coach Norv Turner told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora the team is considering all of its options with Jackson. Garcon has reportedly already turned down a five-year offer from the Colts. The Billscontinue to work toward a long-term deal with Johnson, while the Chiefs are prepared to apply the franchise tag on Bowe. DeSean Jackson and Welker are also thought to be candidates for the tag.
The franchise-tag value for receivers is expected to be $9.4 million this season.
If the Redskins do trade up in the 2012 NFL Draft in order to select Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, as it has been reported they are willing to do, their focus on the free-agent market would only become more clear.
The Redskins' top returning receiver, Jabar Gaffney, led the team last season with 947 yards, which ranked 26th in the NFL.
