Last to Receive

With the second wave of free agency crashing down, most of the top talent has been thoroughly picked over. There is one position, though, that still features an abundance of available veteran talent: wide receiver.

The two biggest names available are Michael Crabtree and Greg Jennings. Crabtree, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, is coming off a season in which he battled a foot injury and fell out of San Francisco’s rotation. But he is a rare talent when healthy, and at 27 years old, should have a few more strong seasons ahead of him.

Jennings, 31, is likely entering the twilight of his career. But he is not at the Reggie Wayne level just yet (meaning someone who would be signed mainly as a mentor). Jennings averaged over 63 catches per season over the last two years in Minnesota, which is not bad considering he played with four different quarterbacks in that stretch, three of whom were pretty terrible.

With recent movement on the receiver market — Stevie Johnson joining the Chargers, Dwayne Bowe signing with the Chiefs — it should only be a matter of time until Crabtree and Jennings see offers come their way. Crabtree will likely be the first off the market, as he recently visited Miami and could find himself with a Dolphins team that is reshaping its entire receiving corps.

There are two factors working against this accomplished duo. Firstly, there are several other veteran receivers on the market who will come with a lower price tag. In addition to Wayne, pass catchers like Nate Washington, Hakeem Nicks, Brandon Lloyd, Miles Austin and Denarius Moore are still available.

Secondly, this figures to be the second straight draft loaded with talented receivers. With more high schools and colleges running spread offenses, receivers are coming into the NFL far more polished than in the past, which helps explain why so many pass catchers are making immediate contributions. That figures to be the case again this year, with as many as 13 rookie receivers capable of stepping in as Day One starters.

Explained Chargers GM Tom Telesco: “It may be the advent that so many teams run spread offenses and throw the ball so much, we’re seeing more receivers at this level much more polished. Most of these kids through high school, seven-on-seven camps and college, these receivers have been running a lot of routes for a long time. It’s a repetition game and maybe we’re starting to see some of that on this level.”

While rookies are appealing because of their youth and affordability, there is something to be said for experienced receivers who know how to get open and have proven they can do it against the best cornerbacks in the game. That fact will result in Crabtree and Jennings getting signed before long; until then, they will take a break from catching passes and focus on simply catching on.

Smith Says Sayonara

Tennessee’s rebuilding project has now expanded to the front office. Tommy Smith, the 64-year-old team president and CEO, announced on Friday he is retiring. Former executive Steve Underwood, who retired in 2011, will rejoin the Titans on an interim basis to assist in the selection of the next team president.

Smith, the son-in-law of former team owner Bud Adams (who passed away in October 2013), is also the president and chairman of Houston based Adams Resources & Energy.

“While I dearly love the Titans and am proud of my active role with the franchise over many decades, I can’t serve two big roles as effectively as I had hoped,” Smith said. “My family, my long-term personal health and the ability to make sound daily decisions for two fine companies all came into play.”

It will be interesting to see if Smith’s resignation affects the team’s plans for the NFL Draft. Smith was a big proponent of trying to win immediately, insisting the Titans would compete for the playoffs in 2015. Perhaps the team can now enact a more long-term rebuild, starting with picking Oregon QB Marcus Mariota with the No. 2 overall pick. Mariota, because of his experience in Oregon’s gimmicky offense, will likely need to spend at least a season learning the ropes before he is ready to step up as a franchise quarterback.

Regardless of what happens on draft day, Smith’s retirement continues the organizational shakeup in Tennessee. The Titans, who brought in a whole new coaching staff last season, will now replace another rung on the ladder in tabbing Smith’s successor. Of course, until the roster is properly retooled, nothing else will much matter.

Delmas Dives Back In

Safety Louis Delmas, one of the most talented players left on the market, has opted to return to the Dolphins on a one-year, $3.5 million deal. His contract was a tricky one to negotiate, as he is coming off an ACL injury that will prevent him from being ready for the start of training camp. He hopes to be ready in time for Week 1, but there is a chance he will begin the season on the PUP list.

Delmas is still just 27 years old, but he has been slowed by injuries throughout his career. When healthy, he has the speed, physicality and ball skills of an elite safety. Through his first six seasons in the league (five of them with the Lions) he has racked up 394 tackles, 27 pass breakups and seven interceptions.

Delmas wasn’t alone in re-upping with Miami on Friday, as the Dolphins also brought back backup QB Matt Moore. one a one-year contract.

“I am happy that we have been able to reach agreements with Louis and Matt to keep them as members of the Miami Dolphins,” said Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey. “Louis was a quality addition to Miami last season who added energy and playmaking ability from the safety position. Matt has provided stability and leadership for the Dolphins in his time here, and we’re excited to have both of them back.”

The Dolphins are not done shopping, either (see the mention of Crabtree’s visit above), as they compete with the Eagles for the title of the offseason’s most active ream.

Want to talk more about these or other headlines? Join Michael Lombardo for his weekly NFL Chat on Friday at 2pm EST. But you don’t have to wait until then … you can ask your question now!