The market for Hakeem Nicks hasn't exactly been scorching this offseason after the 27-year-old receiver snagged 38 catches for 405 yards and four touchdowns in one season with the Indianapolis Colts.
After beginning his career with the New York Giants as one of the most promising young targets in the NFL, Nicks knows his career is at a crossroads, but he's not ready to hang up the spikes.
"I'm nowhere near finished, man, and I want to prove that to the world and everybody," Nicks told FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo in a phone interview this week. "That's definitely my mentality, but I don't even want to talk about it. I feel like I got into that situation last year talking about it. I'm about to just go out there and prove it.
"I can't even describe the feeling to you. It's like a burning sensation inside of me. I just want to be the best. I know I have to work hard at it; it's something that's in me. It's just in me and takes over me."
After winning the Super Bowl at 23, Nicks admits he let his contract situation and injuries get to him. The 6-foot-1 wideout hasn't broached the 1,000-yard mark in three seasons and couldn't beat out an injured Reggie Wayne for snaps last year in Indy.
One benefit for Nicks is that his play down the stretch did pick up last season, including a nine-catch performance against Dallas in Week 16. The receiver said finally being healthy will help him when he finds a new home.
"If you actually look at the film, you'll see I had my burst back last year. I got everything back," he said. "For two years, when I was coming off the broke foot and PCL (sprain) in the knee, it took some time to get back. But last year, if you put the film on, you'll see I was beating guys off the line of scrimmage, beating guys downfield in my routes."
Nicks recently met with the San Francisco 49ers and his agent told Garafolo the receiver has a few other visits lined up, but declined to reveal the teams.
The wideout will have to prove to some team he has more left in the tank than a bit-role as a No. 3/4 receiver on the outside in order to get a shot to demonstrate he's indeed not finished yet.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast welcomes back Colleen Wolfe to the show and breaks down team needs heading into the draft. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
