The NFL Free Agency period is always filled with eyebrow raising moments. Average players are being paid like premium stars. Lower-tier teams are more aggressive than ever to be at least competitive. Other teams are trying to find the perfect piece to assemble a playoff-caliber squad.
The wide receiver position had more star power than usual. With certain players getting older and offenses searching for an identity, three big names were available but they weren't available for very long. Here are three Wide Receivers that will be difference makers for their new respective teams.
Brandon Marshall
The Giants use three wide receiver sets on a consistent basis. Without a steady running game, stable offensive line, or pass-catching tight end, Ben McAdoo’s offense lives off their aerial attack. Signing a stud like Marshall will jolt a stagnant offense that solely depended on Odell Beckham to produce 60-yard plays. As talented as Sterling Shepard is, he became an afterthought in several games last season.
Eli Manning desperately needed another playmaker to relieve the pressure off Beckham. Marshall is a massive wide receiver that knows how to use his body. He brings a much-needed physical presence to an undersized receiver group. After being ranked 22nd in red zone scoring percentage, the Giants needed to make upgrades at every level.
The six-time Pro Bowler is going to be a matchup nightmare, particularly in the red zone. How will defenses game plan to stop Beckham, when Marshall still commands plenty of attention? This is a brilliant signing. Manning looks to be on the downside of the career, but it would take something remarkable to not succeed with the most prolific wide receiver duo in the league.
DeSean Jackson
To combine one of the most feared deep threats in NFL history with Mike Evans is a scary proposition. Tampa Bay put the pieces together to give Jameis Winston a dynamic duo. Dirk Koetter’s offense usually overachieved with limited options. For the first time since having Julio Jones and Roddy White in Atlanta, he is being supplied with unbelievable talent.
Jackson’s speed opens up so much space in the middle of the field. That will allow Evans to find more one-on-one opportunities. Defenses will be cautious about putting a safety over the top to shadow Evans, as Jackson is running a deep post or go route. The explosive wide receiver needs to be accounted for at all times.
Tampa Bay desperately needed another wide receiver to pair with Evans. They were the only team not to complete a pass over 50 yards last season. Jackson had four 50-yard plays, which is an impressive achievement considering Kirk Cousins’ poor deep ball accuracy. It validates his game-breaking ability. These are the types of moves that turns a promising team into a playoff team.
Alshon Jeffery
While the other two wide receivers are injecting excitement into one-dimensional offenses, Jeffery will look to create something in Philadelphia. Carson Wentz looked shaky in his rookie season. A poor supporting cast certainly didn't help him. It can't be ignored that he tends to overthrow his receivers and opposing safeties are usually on the receiving end of those passes.
Jeffery is one of the best pass catches in traffic. With terrific body control and size to bully opposing cornerbacks, he is the perfect receiver for Wentz. His excellent hands will be refreshing for a team that dropped 24 passes last season. His availability is a major concern. Missing nine games due to injury in 2015 and being suspended four games for PED usage damaged his market value.
As long as he stays on the field, Philadelphia should benefit from making this move. Playing on a one-year "prove it" deal makes this move even more intriguing. No team needed a wide receiver more than the Eagles. Jordan Matthews is essentially a slot receiver that drops far too many passes. Nelson Agholor has been a colossal disappointment. Signing Jeffery gives them a certified star, which the offense lacked last season.
