A look at NFL free-agent receiver class

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Dwayne Bowe, DeSean Jackson and Wes Welker were tagged as franchise players. And the Buffalo Bills came up with a contract extension for Stevie Johnson.The 49ers have two of their receivers scheduled for free agency: Joshua Morgan and Ted Ginn. The 49ers are keeping those communication lines open. Morgan and Ginn remain solid options to return in 2012.
But with the opening of free agency looming on March 13, here is a look at the free-agent market for receiver-needy teams, such as the 49ers:
UNRESTRICTEDVincent Jackson, San Diego
6-5, 230, Age 29
16 games, 60 receptions, 1,106 yards, 18.4 avg, 9 TDs
(He expects to command 10-12 million annually, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. But the market will determine his price.)

Marques Colston, New Orleans
6-4, 225, Age 29 in June
14 games, 80 receptions, 1,143 yards, 14.3 avg, 8 TDs
(Took advantage of prolific passing offense with Drew Brees as triggerman and has a lot of wear on the tires.)

Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis
6-0, 210, Age 26 in August
16 games, 70 receptions, 947 yards, 13.5 avg, 6 TDs
(Despite horrible play at QB position, still managed decent numbers. Colts will try pair him with Andrew Luck.)

Robert Meachem, New Orleans
6-2, 210, Age 28 in September
16 games, 40 receptions, 620 yards, 15.5 avg, 6 TDs
(This next group of Meachem, Manningham and Doucet could rate as complements to No. 1 wideout Michael Crabtree.)
Mario Manningham, New York Giants
6-0, 185, Age 26 in May
12 games, 39 receptions, 523 yards, 13.4 avg, 4 TDs

Early Doucet, Arizona
6-0, 212, Age 26
16 games, 54 receptions, 689 yards, 12.8 avg, 5 TDs

Brandon Lloyd, St. Louis
6-0, 188, Age 31 in July
15 games, 70 receptions, 966 yards, 13.8 avg, 5 TDs
(There was no interest when he was available in a trade during last season.)

Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis
6-0, 198, Age 33
16 games, 75 receptions, 960 yards, 12.8 avg, 4 TDs
(A much better fit for whichever team makes a run at Peyton Manning.)

Eddie Royal, Denver
5-10, 185, Age 26 in May
12 games, 19 receptions, 155 yards, 8.2 avg, 1 TDs.
(Receiver's worst nightmare: Trusting Tim Tebow to help him pad receiving numbers for salary drive; also, a good return man.)

Plaxico Burress, N.Y. Jets
6-5, 232, Age 35 in August
16 games, 45 receptions, 612 yards, 13.6 avg, 8 TDs
(The 49ers made a run at him last year and settled for Braylon Edwards, instead.)

Laurent Robinson, Dallas
6-2, 194, Auge 27 in May
14 games, 54 receptions, 858 yards, 15.9 avg, 11 TDs
(Fifth-year journeyman thrived with Tony Romo as his quarterback.)

Jerome Simpson, Cincinnati
6-2, 190, Age 26 in February
16 games, 50 receptions, 725 yards, 14.5 avg, 4 TDs
(Off-field concerns might not have teams doing flips over his services.)
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Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh
6-0, 199, Age 26 in August
16 games, 72 receptions, 1,193 yards, 16.6 avg, 8 TDs
(San Francisco set up well to make run with a first-round pick as compensation because of draft position at No. 30 overall.)FRANCHISED
Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City
6-2, 221, Age 28 in September
16 games, 81 receptions, 1,159 yards, 14.3 avg, 5 TDsDeSean Jackson, Philadelphia
5-10, 176, Age 25
15 games, 58 receptions, 961 yards, 16.6 avg, 4 TDs.Wes Welker, New England
5-9, 185, Age 31 in May
16 games, 122 receptions, 1,569 yards, 12.9 avg, 9 TDs

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