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Offseason Shopping - Looking at the UFA Receivers
Subtlety has never been a strong point for the Redskins. Under Daniel Snyder, the Redskins philosophy has been to declare to their intentions and then they go make it happen. This brashness has ticked off other teams and the media, but has rarely prevented the Skins from getting done what they want to do. As Joe Gibbs took over, the bold ways have toned down a bit, but the Redskins still usually get what they want.

So when everyone knows the Redskins want to add a wide receiver, teams take notice. Bill Polian, GM of the Colts, went as far to say that Reggie Wayne ‘won’t be a Redskin’. Telling Snyder what he can’t have may not be a smartest move, but the Colts will place the franchise tag on Wayne and prevent him from signing with other teams.

Assuming Wayne is off the market, who does that leave for the Redskins to sign? Here’s a closer look at the top 5 unrestricted free agent receivers (in alphabetical order):

Antonio Bryant
69 catches, 1009 yards, 14.6 ypc, 4 TD, 56% catch percentage

Bryant finally began to achieve his vast potential in his 2nd season with the Browns. There is always question marks about guys who have career years just as they are about to hit free agency, but Bryant has always had considerable upside. His numbers look even better when you consider the below average quarterbacks he had throwing him the ball this year.

On the downside, the 56% catch percentage (percentage of completions on balls thrown intended for a receiver) is low for a starting wide out. Bryant is also reputed to have an attitude issue, having already worn his welcome out with the Cowboys. Of course signing ex-Cowboys is always a concern, but on the plus side he'd be very motivated to shove it in Bill Parcells face again.

David Givens
59 catches, 738 yards, 12.5 ypc, 2 TDs, 62% catch percentage

From the land that brought you David Patten, here comes former teammate Givens. Despite coming from the same system, Givens is much more of a possession guy than Patten. Givens has played 4 years in the league, and has had two consecutive strong seasons. Givens has also produced well in the playoffs, which the staff should look fondly on. That catch percentage is a good number for a possession receiver.

There really isn’t a lot of downside to Givens. He is what he is. If the Skins want to add an elite receiver, Givens isn’t that player. He is an above average player, who’ll give you 50-60 catches per year. Givens does come with some injury concerns, as he’s missed a few games every season since joining the league.

Joe Jurevicius
55 catches, 694 yards, 12.6 ypc, 10 TDs, 65% catch percentage

If you were to draw up the perfect compliment to Moss and David Patten, Jurevicius would be your guy. He’s tall, fairly physical and has good hands. Jurevicius also proved to be a good red zone target this year with 10 touchdowns, more than any receiver on Washington. Jurevicius would also be a good security blanket for Jason Campbell if he does see action in 2006.

On the negative side, Jurevicius hasn’t exactly proven to be an iron man. He’s been injured and missed significant time in 2 of the past 3 seasons. Jurevicius is the definition of a possession receiver, that 12.6 yards per catch rate is his highest since leaving the Giants in 2001. It wouldn’t surprise anyone in the slightest if Jurevicius is pulling on a Redskins jersey come training camp.

Keenan McCardell
70 catches, 917 yards, 13.1 ypc, 9 TDs, 65% catch percentage

Another player who fits the bill for what the Redskins may want in a new receiver. McCardell has had a great career, with over 800 catches to date. He’s played with and had tremendous success with Mark Brunell back in Jacksonville. With Brunell he was one of the better receivers in the NFL, surpassing 80 catches and 1000 yards in 4 of the 6 seasons they spent together. McCardell would be an interesting signing as he was cut by the Redskins way back in Gibbs’ 1st tenure.

Obviously the big downside to McCardell is age. He’s 36 years old, and has played 14 years in the NFL. Older receivers tend to break down quickly and if McCardell falls off that cliff, it would leave the Redskins without that reliable number 2 that they so desperately need. Money may be an issue with McCardell as well, as evidenced by his hold out in Tampa Bay.

Antwaan Randle-El
35 catches, 558 yards, 15.9 ypc, 1 TD, 50% catch percentage

Randle-El is an interesting prospect. Being that he played mainly as a quarterback in college, there is still potential for him to improve. He’s very quick and would solidify two weaknesses when you add his punt return abilities to the mix. As witnessed in the Super Bowl, Randle-El also brings his ability to throw and would add an element of surprise to the offense.

On the other hand, Randle-El is very similar to Santana Moss. Would the Redskins want two such comparable players? That 50% catch percentage is also pretty pathetic for a receiver, and Randle-El's career high is only 47 catches which isn't very impressive. Randle-El has also been a fumble prone over the years. Another concern is that Randle-El will probably end up being over paid off his visibility in the playoffs.


While the Redskins could go in another direction (restricted free agents, waiting for cuts), it is likely that one of these five players will be a Redskin next year. After sizing up the candidates, Givens is the best fit. He has good hands and is relatively young. After Givens, the other candidates are either older or don’t fit the Redskins’ needs.

So Redskin fans the question is this – who would you sign?

Skinsfan55 wrote:My pick is Antonio Bryant if the price is right...

Physical, good possession guy, can go over the middle, can make things happen with the ball....

Only thing he lacks is great deep speed, but a good jump will counter that.

I'm all for it!

I want to give him the chance to crush the Tuna!

skinsfanpsu wrote:Speaking of character issues, Boldin has many more character problems than robinson, or anyone else on this list. Just wondering, what were robinsons character issues?

Chris Luva Luva wrote:I think Im going to hop off the Randle train for a moment.

Im still on the Koren train and Im catching a hitch on the Bryant train. I think Bryant would blossom here if he isn't going to be a character issue.

Snout wrote:None of these guys is the complete package. Either it's character issues, or injuries, or age, or too many dropped passes.

We've already got a playmaker in Santana Moss. I say we pick up the guy we can get for the least money. And if the guy has some upside, even better.

We don't need a star. We need a solid contributor who will help open up the rest of the offense.

Snout wrote:None of these guys is the complete package. Either it's character issues, or injuries, or age, or too many dropped passes.

We've already got a playmaker in Santana Moss. I say we pick up the guy we can get for the least money. And if the guy has some upside, even better.

We don't need a star. We need a solid contributor who will help open up the rest of the offense.

crazyhorse1 wrote:

Chris Luva Luva wrote:I think Im going to hop off the Randle train for a moment.

Im still on the Koren train and Im catching a hitch on the Bryant train. I think Bryant would blossom here if he isn't going to be a character issue.

Let's go for Bryant. He has the greatest upside...and Gibbs seems the guy to go to on character issues. Randal El's apparent talent has frequently amazed me, but why the bad numbers? Something seems to be missing. Probably can't sign him anyway.
JJ's now a journeyman, Mc too old, Givens a product of a system, not a talent. Focus on Bryant and cross your fingers.

patjam77 wrote:
Where are you going to find a "solid contributor" for the least amount of money?