Big Name Wide Receiver Power Rankings

There has been all kind of speculation about the Jets potentially bringing in a big name receiver to replace Braylon Edwards or Santonio Holmes should either depart in free agency. Under the jump is a list of my preferences in order of the big names rumors are flying about.

1. Chad Johnson: I think moving to New York and playing under Rex Ryan could revitalize him. The way the New York media would love his antics could bring him new life. He has been at his best on the field when he has been having fun. The Jets would put no restrictions on him.

2. Randy Moss: He's always at his best when he has something to prove. Say what you will about him in the locker room. In the two years he had the biggest chip on his shoulder, his teams posted a combined 31-1 regular season record, and Moss went for a combined 40 touchdowns. That kind of production might be a bit tough to match at 34, but Rex Ryan and the bitter rivals of the team that gave up on him could light a fire.

3. Terrell Owens: Like Moss, he has had one really good year and one bad year since 2009. He rates below Moss for a few reasons. First, I think people are making more of a leap of faith than they realize if they think he will repeat his 2010 production at age 37. It could happen, but there are no guarantees. More than that is Owens' history. I have always drawn a distinction between him and Moss. Most of Moss' problems have come because of immaturity. Owens, on the other hand, has known exactly what he was doing. He craves attention. The thought of him at the end of his career in New York with nothing to lose causing big problems because Mark Sanchez isn't getting him the ball enough scares me.

4. Steve Smith: Even though he's a (relatively) less risky personality than the guys above him, the fact he has two years left on his current contract while the others could be cheap one year rentals lowers his desirability.

5. Plaxico Burress: I don't really see any wisdom behind signing Burress. He isn't even as good of an option as Jerricho Cotchery, who is already on the team. At 34, he has to get back into football shape. Odds are sitting out the past two years haven't helped reverse the natural athletic decline his age would be bringing anyway. I wouldn't even want him as the fourth receiver. That spot gets mainly practice reps that could go better to trying to develop Jeremy Kerley or some young receiver for the future. I also don't see Plax contributing on special teams to the extent that would dictate a backup spot.

 

What this list tells me more than anything is I want the Jets to bring back both Holmes and Edwards. All of these guys are old, have personality risks, and have had unproductive years recently that might or might not be fixed with a change of scenery. Edwards and Holmes are safer commodities production wise.