Free Agents 2008: Receivers
Here is the final part in our free agent series; the short list of receivers and tight ends expected to become a free agent tomorrow at 11 pm.
Randy Moss (Age 31) - New England; 98 rec, 1,493 yards, 15.2 ave, 23 TD (16 games)
Bernard Berrian (Age 27) - Chicago; 71 rec, 961 yards, 13.4 ave, 5 TD (16 games)
Andre Davis (Age 28) - Houston; 33 rec, 583 yards, 17.7 ave, 3 TD (14 games, 8 starts)
Jerry Porter (Age 29) - Oakland; 44 rec, 705 yards, 16.0 ave, 6 TD (16 games)
Devery Henderson (Age 25) - New Orleans; 20 rec, 409 yards, 20.5 ave, 3 TD (16 games, 9 starts)
Bryant Johnson (Age 26) - Arizona; 46 rec, 528 yards, 11.5 ave, 2 TD (16 games, 8 starts)
Keary Colbert (Age 25) - Carolina; 32 rec, 332 yards, 10.4 ave, 0 TD (8 games)
Drew Carter (Age 26) - Carolina; 38 rec, 517 yards, 13.6 ave, 4 TD (16 games)
Jabar Gaffney (Age 27) - New England; 36 rec, 449 yards, 12.5 ave, 5 TD (16 games)
D.J. Hackett (Age 26) - Seattle; 32 rec, 384 yards, 12.0 ave, 3 TD (6 games)
The return of Terry Glenn is in doubt and none of the Cowboys' young wide outs has stepped up when given the chance. Jerry Jones has gone on record that Dallas is looking to upgrade the receiver position and add another dimension to the team’s high flying offense. If Jerry Jones is looking to put the team over the top then signing one of these top receivers could do the trick. The WR class in this year's draft is not as strong as it normally is and while the Cowboys certainly will be looking to see who is available, selecting a receiver in the first round is far from a given.
There are whispers that Dallas will look to sign Randy Moss which would certainly cause an uproar that would make Jerry happy. While that looks good on paper the execution of such a move would be troublesome at best especially considering the slight salary cap room the Cowboys have. Terrell Owens and Randy Moss are not known to be the best of friends as it is and both have large egos that demand the ball on every play. It would be nice to think that both could put aside their differences and make nice in order to form the most dynamic and explosive wide receiver pair in the history of the NFL but that is just a pipe dream in the end.
Dallas would be smart to take a look at Bernard Berrian who is a speedy guy and has the ability to stretch the field but might be looking to make more money than the Cowboys are willing to pay. There are many teams with a depleted receiver group desperate for a guy like Berrian but then again he may be looking to move to a true contender. Berrian has his drawbacks though; he always has a case of the drops that comes at the most inopportune time. Jerry has to ask himself whether the risk is worth the reward as Berrian could definitely step in and open things up underneath for Owens, Witten and Crayton.
Devery Henderson is also interesting as a cheap, speed guy that the Cowboys could afford and use. He had his best year in 2006 when the Saints made their dramatic run to the NFC championship game and he benefited from Sean Payton's down field passing attack, a system he could flourish in once again in Dallas. There is also the possibility that Denver releases or trades Javon Walker who is a good friend of Owens and when healthy can be an explosive player.
The Cowboys will certainly look to draft a receiver this year but a rookie receiver is far from a sure thing. Nearly all rookie wide-outs take a year or so to adjust to the pro game and the Cowboys are looking for someone who can step in this year and make a difference. There are some interesting prospects that the Cowboys will have their eye on but if the Cowboys are able to sign a free agent receiver that frees them up to narrow their focus in the early rounds of the draft.
0 recs |
52 comments
Comments
I think Berrian will want too much money
The 2 guys on your list that I like are Andre Davis and Bryant Johnson. They could provide another threat opposite T.O. if TG doesn't make it back 100%.
by Terry on
Feb 27, 2008 2:50 PM CST
reply
actions
0 recs
Berrian is soft...
he's a great deep threat, but he struggles against press coverage and his hands are below average.
The Bears dumped Moose, so I would expect they will do what it takes to keep Berrian and avoid starting completely over at the WR position.
Henderson drops a lot of balls, isn't a good route-runner and has struggled to stay healthy. Not a good combination.
I like DJ Hackett myself. When he's healthy, he has been productive. The problem is that he's not a speed guy and would only be a slight (better red zone WR) upgrade over Crayton.
Bryant, a former #1 pick, is a nice combination of size and speed. It's hard to guage what kind of interest he will draw from other teams.
If we make a move for a FA WR, I think we'll be looking at the leftover scraps once the dust settles.
by Fargo Cowboys on
Feb 27, 2008 3:03 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Not only that
But his hands are not that good. Dropped passes are one of my pet peeves, and I worry that Berrian would give me an ulcer.
by ChrisRichey on
Feb 27, 2008 3:03 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
He had 71 catches
in an offense that had subpar performances at the QB position, and and still had 951 yards receiving, that doesn't sound like a troy williamson..
by Deke on
Feb 27, 2008 3:11 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
He was their only option...
Muhammad couldn't seperate. Berrian had...let me check...129 passes thrown his way (only a 54% conversion).
Heck, we all witnessed it on SNF when he dropped a sure TD after burning Henry on a stop & go.
by Fargo Cowboys on
Feb 27, 2008 3:16 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Thrown his way!!!
how many hit him in the hands that he droppped, thrown his way isn't a stat you cant trust, I woudn't put too much stock in that stat, how many are catchable, especially from the two guys they had starting as their QB in Chicago, and a couple of those games, the wind and weather was rediculous, especially the game against the Packers. We have a receiver on our team in T.O that drops his fair share of catches, you can see them weekly from him, T.O actually lead the league in 2006 in catchable dropped balls.
by Deke on
Feb 27, 2008 3:30 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Just a tool....
...obviously that's doesn't tell the entire story, but it's a useful piece of information.
I watched enough Bears games to know that his hands are well below average. Not Troy Williamson below average, but that's only part of the problem. Ask any Bears fans if you don't agree.
I drafted Berrian in a couple of fantasy leagues, expecting him to emerge this season and it didn't happen. So, I went back and watched the NFL Ticket Shortcuts...I then realized that he was getting the opportunities even with the QB issues Chicago faced. Yeah, Grossman, Orton and Griese were part of the problem, but they were getting the ball to him in several games. In addition to dropping the easy catch, Berrian also fails to haul in the tough catches and he is easily re-directed off-routes by defensive backs (because he doesn't play strong).
He's a long strider and stretches the field, but he's far from being a well-rounded pass catcher. I've seen enough of him to know that he's going to be inconsistent in any setting. He's probably going to get paid as a #1 WR in Chicago or somewhere else and he's simply not a #1.
by Fargo Cowboys on
Feb 27, 2008 4:00 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I saw Berrian drop several TDs this year
I can't tell you the exact games, but he does not have good hands. He drops it like TO but doesn't make up for it like TO does. If he were going to be really cheap, that's one thing, but he won't be. Rumor is that he and the 49ers are hot for each other.
IF Glenn isn't able to return and play well (and that is a significant if), then I would like to add a guy like Johnson or (less likely) Javon Walker. But I think we'll probably be fine, if not old, with the WRs we have.
by grapejoos on
Feb 27, 2008 5:16 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Berrian would be the best option
The bears have made a run at him last week to try to keep him, but he might rather choose to test free agency instead.
Moss signing is nothing more than silly season talk.
Walker has serious knee issues and he's not an impact player anymore, he played in three of the last four games for Denver last year and he couldn't get seperation, had seven catches in four games and there is word that he needs micro-fracture surgery, Denver is going to cut him since he has a roster bonus coming next month.
Bryant Johnson had a chance to show what he had last year due to injuries and didn't pass the test.
Jerry Porter is interesting buy he's shown to be a malcontent too.
by Deke on
Feb 27, 2008 3:03 PM CST
reply
actions
0 recs
I don't think we can afford Berrian
some team, if not the Bears, will offer him a big contract we can't match.
by Terry on
Feb 27, 2008 3:10 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Read on PFT that Cleveland is interested in BB...
by kcbrett5 on
Feb 27, 2008 3:29 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I disagree about Johnson
He actually played well when he filled in for Boldin and Fitzy, and most receivers would get overshadowed playing behind those two studs.
by Terry on
Feb 27, 2008 3:16 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I'd like Bryant Johnson
He's young, former 1st round pick, has the size and speed. Cards fans don't want to lose him, that's a good gauge to rely on.
by APerfectStar on
Feb 27, 2008 3:09 PM CST
reply
actions
0 recs
just wondering...
...where have all the fans of Miles Austin and Sam Hurd gone? I don't mean to be confrontational here, but when TG went down in training camp a lot of posters here seemed to overvalue those two guys whenever anyone suggested we needed help at the position. Is there a consensus now that they will always be fringe NFL players and are not the up-and-comers that some thought?
by boysandbosox on
Feb 27, 2008 3:16 PM CST
reply
actions
0 recs
Miles Austin had his chance
Against Washington and was unable to take advantage of two sure fire long TD passes. He is a sloppy route runner and relies on his pure speed for separation, and his hands have become suspect as well. I think he has a good future but he needs more work.
Sam Hurd has great hands but underwhelming speed. We already have that in Crayton.
When Crayton was hurt against the Jets, both Hurd and Austin were unable to get open against the Jets' press coverage and that allowed the Jets to double team Owens and take him out of the game as well. For what its worth, Owens had a tough time against that coverage as well.
Stanback may take a bit longer to gauge what exactly he will turn into as a playmaker.
The Cowboys need that second guy, NOW. Jerry did allude to the fact that the Cowboys are pleased with their WR's from withing and the answer may be there.
by Brandon Worley on
Feb 27, 2008 3:25 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
i agree Brandon....Miles days here are #'ed
I predict he will not be on our '08 roster...nor have he proved he should be....we'll get a FA and draft another WR....no room for stone hands, with no moves..
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 27, 2008 3:34 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
in defense of Austin, 2007 was only his 2nd yr
in the league and he was a project if you can recall, just like Stanback. Austin made the team because he can play special teams and because his size to speed ratio is off the charts, like Stanbach.
The kid played at Monmoth which is a Div II school so its not like he came in polished from a top Div I-A program. I would give him one more season to prove himself before giving up on him.
by Terry on
Feb 27, 2008 3:48 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Oh I agree Terry
I would love to still have Austin here. His speed is enchanting and if he can continue working on his routes he could be a pretty good player. Keep him for his return ability alone.
The problem is he most likely will not make that leap in 2008. Now the Cowboys certainly did well enough without the "deep threat" and had a top ranked offense, but we saw what happened when it counted most and TO was unable to play at 100%.
by Brandon Worley on
Feb 27, 2008 3:59 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Echoing some of what Brandon said...
I believe that with Glenn out for most of the regular season, Wade/Jerry/Jason gave Hurd & Austin a chance to see what they could do over the course of a year, and that tandem failed to make enough plays when given the chance.
I wholeheartedly agree with Brandon on Austin and his blown opportunities on two well thrown passes that should've gone for big-play TDs.
by kcbrett5 on
Feb 27, 2008 3:34 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
good or not..he won't be here....
Take TG out of the mix...
1)TO
2)Crayton
3)Hurd
4)Stanback
5)'08 rookie WR
6)Austin ????????????
I do not think Jerry can look at that roster and feel comfortable..As many know...Randy Moss and Jevon Walker are more than just "rumored" additions..I'm thinking there is a very very good possibility that a trade or signing is impending.
I do not feel Jerry is going to give up on a 4th round prospect like Stanback without seeing what he has, and knowing it was going to take time to begin with..He is safe...
I do feel Jerry has to to like Hurd for depth and reliability..He has proven to be better than Austin.
So....with the addition of a rookie pick & a FA signing...that would put us at 6 wide outs, and that's with discounting TG even being here......I do not believe we will carry more than 6 receivers......
odd man out : Miles Austin...that is all i'm saying about it...I'm not saying Austin has no future..maybe he does....just not here...
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 27, 2008 4:18 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
DMN Blog reporting that Moss
reached terms on a contract extension with the Pats.
by Terry on
Feb 27, 2008 4:23 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
How?
He can't resign with them until he becomes a free agent, wouldn't this be against the rules?
by ChrisRichey on
Feb 27, 2008 4:28 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
He's not a free agent until tomorrow night
Receiver Randy Moss is expected to sign a multi-year deal to remain with the New England Patriots, according to two league sources,
http://sports.aol.com/voices/jensen/...
by Deke on
Feb 27, 2008 4:29 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
thats not true Chris
a team can re-sign their own players anytime they want.
by Terry on
Feb 27, 2008 4:32 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
we'll find out friday morning....
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 27, 2008 4:35 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Not with Moss
If you remember he restructured his contract when he went to NE last year, and players are not allowed to restructure their deal for more money more than once a year. I'm positive that he can't resign before he becomes a FA, though I'm not sure if it's ok if they reach an agreement before then.
by ChrisRichey on
Feb 27, 2008 5:55 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Against the rules
Has anything against the rules ever stopped Belichick??
by Mullin on
Feb 27, 2008 5:07 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Also...
If you read that article, which was written yesterday, the writer states that two unnamed sources say Moss is expected to resign with NE. It's all speculation, just like the Moss to Dallas rumors.
DMN has gotten really bad, they barely qualify as journalists.
by ChrisRichey on
Feb 27, 2008 7:30 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
No to Berrian!!
My god, as if we need another receiver who likes to drop critical catches. T.O. is an exception because he's an amazing player who brings so much to the table. Last thing we need is a guy that has unreliable hands to push us further into the playoffs. No freaking thanks! That role is more than filled thanks to Crayton and T.O.
On the list if I have to pick one I'd go for Bryant Johnson. He's young, large, has good hands, and he has a sub 4.4 forty time. That's as good or better a time than most of the receivers coming out of this years draft not to mention about the same speed you'd get from Berrian, maybe even a little better. I think he can be had for a fairly decent price too.
by sublimezg on
Feb 27, 2008 5:05 PM CST
reply
actions
0 recs
Porter is the guy
The guy I really like on that list is Jerry Porter. He is a very talented wideout that has languished for the past three or so years in the pit of complete ineptitude known as the Raiders offense. Everyone thought Moss was finished at the end of his Raiders stint, and I think that Porter will fly under the radar in the same way. If he is healthy, motivated and in an offense like Dallas’, he could put up 1,200 yards and 10 td’s. Just as important, I don’t think it will break the bank to sign him.
I also like Bryant Johnson but I think he will garner far more attention and money than Porter because he is three years younger and has a reputation of being held back by Boldin/Fitzgerald.
by Cowboy Louie on
Feb 27, 2008 5:25 PM CST
reply
actions
0 recs
Totally agree
Porter would be amazing for us, and would probably be cheaper than Berrian. If we can't get Porter, and aren't planning on drafting a WR on the first day, then I would love to get Johnson.
by ChrisRichey on
Feb 27, 2008 5:56 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
PORTer is an idiot
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_P...
Entering the 2006 season, Porter publicly voiced his dissatisfaction with newly hired head coach Art Shell, and during training camp, demanded to be traded. Porter's conflict with Shell occurred very early in training camp, when Shell announced that champagne would no longer be allowed at the training facility. In addition to his public complaints, he reportedly
parked in owner Al Davis's personal parking spot
.[1] As a result of his attitude, Coach Shell deactivated him "until further notice".[2]
During his suspension, Porter was reportedly seen "laughing and pumping his fist" on the sidelines when teammate Aaron Brooks was sacked
for the 7th time by the San Diego Chargers. [3] He later denied these allegations, saying that he
wasn't paying attention to the game
and was interacting with fans in the seats.
NO thanks I'll Pass.....
by TrueBlue24 on
Feb 27, 2008 5:59 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
You gotta love it...LOL...
parked in owner Al Davis's personal parking spot
dude..that is funny....ya think Jerry would freak ???...lol
He was SICK and TIRED of OAKLAND...they are the poster for how NOT to run a franchise...He isn't a troublemaker...Art Shell does suck...and I would've demanded a trade out of there myself...They should of won the Super Bowl less than 5 years ago...now look at them..pathetic..Al Davis should be commited...he's a complete loooney...
Would you take Chad Johnson ???
He is in the same exact boat as Porter was...but nobody would refuse to have him on the team..............
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 27, 2008 6:12 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Jerry Porter
isn't half the receiver Chad Johnson is, not even comparable.
by Dave Halprin (Grizz) on
Feb 27, 2008 7:11 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I'd say he's probably 75% ;)
Porter has his issues, just like Moss did, but would be the #1 WR on half of the teams in the NFL. Jerry loves to give these types of guys second chances, I think it's a real possibility.
by ChrisRichey on
Feb 27, 2008 7:32 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Not sure what the fasciantion with Porter is...
He's never had a 1,000-yard season, never had double-digit TD's, can't seem to hold on to a starter's role, has had years where he absolutely disappears, and that qualifies him as a #1 on half the NFL teams? Sorry, can't go with that one.
by Dave Halprin (Grizz) on
Feb 27, 2008 7:42 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Come on
He had 998 in 04 and 942 in 05. Look at Randy's numbers last year, when he was in the exact same situation as Porter. I'm not saying Porter is as good as Moss, and he has handled the situation in Oakland very poorly, but the talent is there. His 16ypc avg in 07 is pretty impressive, and he's only 29.
by ChrisRichey on
Feb 27, 2008 8:15 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I'd be more convinced...
..if he could even be a #1 for Oakland. He hasn't been able to do that. That said, I think he could be decent on a better team, but I wouldn't count on his attitude improving much.
by grapejoos on
Feb 27, 2008 8:25 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
True that grapejoos
by Dave Halprin (Grizz) on
Feb 27, 2008 8:47 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
i agree Chris...
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 27, 2008 9:22 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
True grizz....very true
Jerry Porter
isn't half the receiver Chad Johnson is, not even comparable.
plus Porter has always been a me first guy!
First he was jealous of jerry rice,
then he was jealous of randy moss.....
and you guys want to team him with TO????
parked in owner Al Davis's personal parking spot
I agree Boyz...That was pretty funny
I can just imagine the look on al davis's face
as he told the tow truck driver
"JUST TOW BABY...JUST TOW"
HaHaHa!
by TrueBlue24 on
Feb 27, 2008 7:37 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
true.....
yet i was talking of the situation..of both of them being on miserable teams, with miserable owners, and no end in site......not comparing the talent...Chad Johnson would bring a whole lot more of a circus attitude with him though.....
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 27, 2008 9:21 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I am 100% behind Jerry Porter
He just wants out of that joke of a franchise.....would be great to see him come here and have the same effect that Moss had in NE....It was only 3 years ago Porter was mentioned as a top 5 receiver...well...give him to Romo, and he just might strive here for a winner..He is the best WR out there behind Moss...without a doubt..and will actually come cheaper than most of them i'd think....due to age, lack of numbers to demand big dollars..etc...He is my choice if we're going FA WR route. We need an older vet, that still has talent, yet would rather play here to win , than pack his pockets...Porter fits that bill.
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 27, 2008 6:05 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
you really love those bad asses, huh boyz?
by Terry on
Feb 27, 2008 9:12 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I like talented guys on the cheap..Pacman ne1
I am sorry...but i thought we were looking for a cheap FA with skills to be a #2 receiver....If Jerry Porter isn't a number 2 and better than Crayton ever will be....sorry...I was just in agreement with Cowboy Louie, who i hold his opinion in high regards...and agreed with his assessment....
He is a very talented wideout that has languished for the past three or so years in the pit of complete ineptitude known as the Raiders offense. Everyone thought Moss was finished at the end of his Raiders stint, and I think that Porter will fly under the radar in the same way. If he is healthy, motivated and in an offense like Dallas’, he could put up 1,200 yards and 10 td’s. Just as important, I don’t think it will break the bank to sign him.
, Cowboy Louie
If you think we can afford anyone on the above board that would actually be an improvement over Crayton....enlighten me...i'm all ears..
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 27, 2008 9:33 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
how bout Johnson or Davis?
by Terry on
Feb 27, 2008 9:44 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I like Bryant Johnson
I wouldn't mind making a run at him. DJ Hackett is another guy I think could help us.
by Dave Halprin (Grizz) on
Feb 27, 2008 9:53 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Hackett has skills
but his 4.53 forty at the combine is pretty weak. I really think we need a faster guy than that.. sub 4.4 should do.. Enter Bryant Johnson who is...
by sublimezg on
Feb 27, 2008 10:48 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I think Hackett is another good one...
who also may get more money than warranted...I say we address speed receiver in the draft.....then make a run at a top FA next year, or select a first rounder like Robiske from OSU.
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 27, 2008 11:25 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Yeah Kanye! & yup, Bryant J is stronger, faster..
by kcbrett5 on
Feb 28, 2008 4:42 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
ok.....Johnson would be my first choice
IF we had the MONEY....which we don't, and he''ll command in upwards of 5 million per....
Davis is a thought....but not a #2 receiver...
I would not even sign a receiver if he wasn't worthy of being a #2...and Davis isn't a #2...
Eddie Royal(3rd-4th) is better than Davis...and cheaper...
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 27, 2008 11:24 PM CST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Porter is a cancer
For all the flack that T.O. and Moss catch for their attitudes Porter is worse. He is a huge crybaby, with inconsistent hands who is only a star in his own mind.
by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on
Feb 27, 2008 6:08 PM CST
reply
actions
0 recs















