Free agent receiver Hakeem Nicks has shot down a report that he would consider a short-term deal, perhaps in the one- to two-year range, in an attempt to rehabilitate his value. Rather, he tells ESPN’s Josina Anderson that he wants a long-term contract:
“I want to go to a team where I’m the missing link. There are a number of teams that I have my eye on once I hit the market. I know if I went to a place like Indianapolis I would be dangerous with a quarterback like Andrew Luck. I can see myself catching passes from Cam Newton or even Philip Rivers. Players have already started to reach out to me from other teams saying they would love for me to come join them. I just want to make it clear that I want a long-term deal and I want to be happy. I’m excited about talking to teams and making it work.”
While Nicks may desire a long-term pact, he may not get it. After Nicks sent a letter to all 32 teams claiming he is injury-free, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported that organizations are more concerned with the receiver’s mental state than his physical struggles. Florio writes that teams wonder if Nicks still has the passion to play football, and these worries might cause reluctancy towards a long-term deal.
Nicks has been ineffective the past two seasons while dealing with injuries. However, between 2010-2011, he averaged 78 receptions for 1,122 yards and nine touchdowns. PFR’s Luke Adams ranked Nicks among the first-tier of free agent receivers, and Rob DiRe also profiled the pass-catcher.