It's hard to see the Jets investing in NIcks as a No. 1, because at this point, he should be paid more like a No. 2 receiver. Nicks, despite his 1,000-yard seasons and combined 18 touchdowns in 2010-'11, slowed down with average-at-best numbers in 2012-'13. Racking up 109 receptions for 1,588 yards and 3 touchdowns doesn't look close to top end over the past two seasons.
MORE: Free agent risks, better buys | Top 50 free agents | Shields signs
It would be a mistake for the Jets or his hometown Carolina Panthers to pay him too much and dub him their go-to guy. He's better served complementing a dynamic player such as soon to be former Giants teammate Victor Cruz. The Baltimore Ravens have Torrey Smith to stretch the field as their speedster, and Nicks also can be revived playing off Tom Brady's other targets with the New England Patriots.
MORE: Cromartie, Jets part ways
NIcks is bound to be disappointed with the offers, that won't come close to the $9 or $10 million he thinks he's worth annually. The good news is, that market wake-up call would put him more in the range of a contender taking a much less expensive chance on him.