Instant Analysis: Wide Receiver Signings

Santonio Holmes, Steve Breaston and Santana Moss were three of the biggest names at the wide receiver position going into free agency.  Two decided to stay and one decided to leave.  We break down the moves and all the players whose values have changed in the latest installment of “Instant Analysis.”

Santonio Holmes, WR NYJ
Holmes reportedly passed up an offer from the Redskins and another mystery team to re-sign with the New York Jets. His signing was really a must for the Jets who badly need offensive skill position players.  With Holmes back in the fold, the Jets won’t be losing both their free agent wideouts.  You can use Holmes as a useful WR2 with the expectation he’ll put up around 1,100 yards and 7-9 touchdowns.  He could have found a better home fantasy-wise, but at least we know what to expect.

Braylon Edwards, WR FA
Edwards likely won’t be back in New York and could find himself in St. Louis or Washington at this time tomorrow.  The Jets are focusing all their attention on Nnamdi Asomugha and seem willing to let Edwards walk.

Randy Moss, WR FA
Rumors are swirling that Randy Moss may be in the crosshairs of the Jets.  Holmes re-signing doesn’t help his cause much, but Edwards officially leaving may do just that.

Mark Sanchez, QB NYJ
Sanchez had to have Holmes back to help his development.  Having to carry the offense with unproven players would have been a very tough proposition, reminiscent of Trent Dilfer leading the Ravens when they had a dominant defense years ago.  Sanchez needs more seasoning to be effective and having Holmes is a huge relief for him and his dynasty owners.  He’s still a QB3, but he has future promise.

Steve Breaston, WR KC
The Cardinals really didn’t even try to keep Breaston.  That says a lot for their confidence in their young receivers, but also says a lot about Breaston.  He’s familiar with the offense in Kansas City and that should help.  However, the Chiefs offense is built around Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe.  It’s tough to see Breaston really having much value in dynasty leagues at this point.  He’ll be no better than the third or fourth option in a less than dynamic offense.

Jon Baldwin, WR KC
Many had Baldwin penciled in as a starter this season.  The addition of Breaston is going to cloud his future a bit. He’s still a great prospect, but you may just have to wait a year or two before seeing him really flourish.  The chances of him having an immediate prominent role isn’t guaranteed any longer.

Andre Roberts, WR ARI
We told you.

Santana Moss, WR WAS
Moss decided to re-sign with the Redskins after it was apparent they were going to miss out on Holmes.  Moss had a great season last year with 93 catches, 1,115 yards and six scores.  Those numbers are going to be awfully hard to match with the likes of John Beck throwing the football.  If you can get some value for Moss, it’s likely a good idea.  Expecting another 1,000 yard season is tough to do with the lack of talent surrounding him.

Leonard Hankerson, WR WAS
Hankerson had a slim chance of being the number one receiver in Washington as a rookie.  With the re-signing of Moss, that’s out the window.  The Redskins also added Jabar Gaffney to the mix, leaving Hankerson battling for significant time. Don’t worry too much, though.  Hankerson should develop into a nice receiver in time.