Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
With all the attention DeMarco Murray and Tony Romo got for the Cowboys capturing the division title, Dez Bryant may have been the real MVP for the team. He is also the teams’ passionate leader and isn’t shy to move the emotional needle on occasion. Jerry Jones has already hinted at pinning the franchise tag on Dez, adding an even larger chip to Bryant’s broad shoulders.
Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos
Behind Peyton, it’s hard to imagine a more essential cog to the Denver offense than Demaryius Thomas. Potent on his own merit, his skills are accentuated by Manning’s play recognition skills and ball placement. Even if Manning's days are numbered in the league, expect Denver will make a point to secure Thomas for years to come.
Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers
An impact player from the moment he stepped on the field for the Packers, Cobb has evolved into a nearly indispensable asset for the Packers' offense. For a team that values continuity, it would be shocking to see Cobb get the opportunity to explore the open market. Although Packers GM Ted Thompson is unlikely to use the franchise tag, it may be in play considering Cobb will be the target of a number of teams vying for his services.
Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles
Coming off a season ending injury in 2013, Maclin entered his contract year with something to prove. Consider his point made as he posted double-digit touchdowns and over 1,300 yards receiving. With his role within the offense cemented, Chip Kelly and staff would be wise to secure him, long-term.
Michael Crabtree, Cleveland Browns
Michael Crabtree has had an up and down NFL career thus far. A long rookie hold out and injuries have made it tough for Crabtree to live up to the expectations a two-time Biletnikoff award winner brings. Still, he has showed promise, even if he’s not quite the can’t miss number one player some thought he was. Cleveland is in need of a capable receiver to line up opposite Josh Gordon, or, perhaps in place of.
Torrey Smith, New York Jets
Bred and born in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia), it’s tough to imagine Smith wearing anything else but the Maryland crest. While he had a down year statistically, Smith’s game-to-game impact was undeniable—being tops in defensive pass interference calls drawn. Still, the Ravens may view Smith as a someone that can easily be replaced by a number of players in this upcoming draft. The Jets are in the midst of retooling their offense, and Torrey Smith would be a great step in bolstering their receiving corps.
*Vincent Jackson, Buffalo Bills
Doing just enough to squeak in his 4th straight 1,000 yard season, it may be hard to imagine Jackson finding his way out of Tampa next season. Much of that has to do with an unfriendly cap number and declining production. A team like Buffalo, who narrowly missed the playoffs are without a first round draft pick in 2015, may want to make a splash and acquire the big-time receiver.
*Larry Fitzgerald, Minnesota Vikings
It will be hard for many to imagine the long-time Cardinal and face of the franchise, Larry Fitzgerald, play for another team, but the writing is on the wall for his departure. Despite overtures from ownership declaring mutual interest, the team will again have to wrestle paying Fitzgerald top-dollar and receiving sub-par production, and Fitzgerald is unlikely to agree to yet another restructure. Minnesota makes sense in more ways than just his ties to the area. The Vikings have a promising young quarterback they shouldn’t be shy to invest in.
*Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
At the beginning of the 2014 season, many suggested Andre Johnson would be wearing a different uniform by week one. The Texans competed well in 2014, and they should be better heading into next season. There is a positive team outlook in Houston and the late season signing of Case Keenum, with his radar-lock on Andre, may have quelled Johnson’s concerns for the immediate future.
*Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts
There is some irony when considering Wayne’s situation this offseason. In 2012, many thought he’d bolt for Denver with Peyton Manning. Now, the narrative has reversed and some would be shocked to see Indy take him back. There is more than just sentimentality that would lead Wayne back, and a lot of that has to do with the value Pagano and his staff put on veteran presence and leadership. A farewell tour would be fitting for Wayne, who would also have another realistic shot to make a Super Bowl in 2015.
*Mike Wallace, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Perhaps we all saw his coming from a mile away, but Mike Wallace hasn’t come close to living up to his generous contract. Looking into 2015, Miami can't be happy with his attitude and production, but also his cap hit totaling over $12 million. Disgruntled receivers are tough to turn around, especially one that isn’t meeting expectations. Wallace would fit the fast paced offense projected to be implemented by coordinator Dirk Koetter.
*Percy Harvin, Oakland Raiders
It wouldn’t surprise anyone that one of new Jets G.M. Mike Maccagnan’s first order of business is to right the wrongs of the previous regime. One of the biggest wrongs was trading for Percy Harvin. Not that Harvin wouldn’t be a valuable asset, but not at his projected salary of over $11 million. Oakland, who recently acquired former Vikings offensive coordinator, Bill Musgrave, would be an attractive destination for Harvin. He saw his best years under Musgrave, who understands how to utilize him as an offensive weapon.
