5 Potential free agent wide receiver targets for the Seattle Seahawks

The new league year in the NFL begins next week. That means that free agency will begin as well for the Seattle Seahawks. Given their need, the Seahawks are likely to be connected to almost every free agent wide receiver that’s available.

The Seahawks almost certainly won’t be in on the top receivers available this season. As fun as it would be for them to acquire Randall Cobb or Jeremy Maclin, it simply isn’t going to happen because of the cost involved. That doesn’t mean that the Seahawks cannot strengthen their weakest position group in free agency.

I expect the Seahawks to sign a free agent receiver from the second tier of free agency. These are guys who can play, but aren’t stars and won’t require a massive contract to acquire. Here are five potential targets that fit that description.

Kenny Britt

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Britt has the physical attributes to be a legit number 1 receiver. Unfortunately, off-field issues have almost ruined his career. He has managed to stay out of trouble recently, but playing without a quarterback in St. Louis hasn’t help him re-establish himself as a guy who deserves a big contract.

Seattle would offer Britt a chance to come in a be “the guy” on a good team. A short-term deal would allow him a chance to build up his free agent value before hitting the market again. Britt is a prime candidate for a 1-2 year “prove it” deal.

Dwayne Bowe

Bowe falls into the Anquan Boldin class of receivers that are consistently productive despite poor measurable athleticism. He’s been well paid throughout his career, but he’ll be cut soon and likely won’t have many suiters due to his age.

Bowe would offer a great one-year bridge to give guys like Paul Richardson, Kevin Norwood and any rookies drafted this year a chance to develop.

Michael Crabtree

Yes, that Michael Crabtree. Mr. Mediocre isn’t the dynamic playmaker he used to be because of injuries. He is still a guy who can win early in routes and be a reliable target on third down. That is something he Seahawks currently lack.

Harry Douglas

Douglas never fully lived up to his potential in Atlanta, but he was still productive. He is a quick receiver who wins early in his routes. He is productive from the slot and isn’t afraid to work over the center the field. Physically, he is very similar to Seattle’s Doug Baldwin.

Julius Thomas

Thomas is technically a tight end, but no one will over confuse his blocking for Zach Miller. Thomas is mostly a big slot receiver who creates matchup problems because of his combinations of size and speed.

Thomas won’t come cheap. He’ll likely also cost the Seahawks Zach Miller to save on cap space. Ultimately though, he would provide a massive upgrade to the passing game.