2011 NFL Free Agent WR Analysis

Here is a look at the top wide receivers who may find themselves on a new team when the 2011 NFL gets under way.  I believe the majority of the top tier receivers will be retained by their current team, but second tier guys like James Jones, and Steve Breaston will likely look to take the next step in their careers' by moving to a new team. 

1-Sidney Rice-Rice rebounded from a hip injury last season and put up solid numbers after he returned to the Vikings lineup.  Minnesota would be well served to resign Rice but I expect him to move onto to St. Louis and pair with Sam Bradford as a formidable fantasy duo. 

2-Vincent Jackson-The Chargers put up with V-Jax' holdout last year and after he returned he put up solid numbers.  The Chargers have said all the right things since the season and appear to be likely to give Jackson a hefty payday to remain the teams number one target for Phillip Rivers. 

3-Santonio Holmes-The Jets have some real questions at the receiver position and Holmes is clearly the most reliable target and top priority.  Holmes is a solid route runner, has good speed and great hands and is far too valuable to the Jets for them to let him land elsewhere. 

4-Braylon Edwards-I fully expect Edwards to spend the 2011 season somewhere other than NY, but it is difficult to pair him up with a specific team at this point.  Some suggest he may land in Carolina and while picking up a solid veteran offensive threat would go a long way to appease Steve Smith, a long standing feud with Panthers CB Chris Gamble and the team's need to develop Cam Newton without the drama and distraction a player like Edwards can provide will likely be enough to keep him from becoming a Panther. 

5-Mike Sims-Walker-Have a conversation about frustrating fantasy football wideouts and it is hard to not start with Sims-Walker.  He has the tools and body to be a solid receiver but has proven to be very inconsistent.  The Jags don't have much else and would like to keep him but I would not be surprised to see Sims-Walker land in KC and team up beside Dwayne Bowe.  The ability to play the role of the number two target would take a lot of pressure off of Sims-Walker and would likely temper fantasy football expectations for him.