Ripple effect of Jennings' new deal

Tuesday night, the Green Bay Packers and WR Greg Jennings came to terms on a new deal — a deal that not only locks Jennings up for the foreseeable future but also makes him the second-highest-paid receiver in the NFL behind Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald.

But what about the ripple effect this deal will have on the rest of the league? Because we all know that there are plenty of receivers who will see it, pick up the phone and call their agents. They’ll complain that they aren’t being paid market value because they believe -- well, that they’re better receivers than Jennings.

APNow that Jennings has gotten paid, who's next?

To be honest, that’s what players do in the NFL.

They always think they’re underpaid, and they always wait for that one example — a player they think can’t compare to them on the field — to use as leverage.

Jennings will become that guy for wide receivers throughout the league. He will become the new guy to emulate when it comes to negotiations and contract demands.

Jennings, who is only 25 years old, had solid numbers in 2008 (80 receptions, 1,292 yards, nine TDs), but how do they match up with the rest of the guys looking for paydays?

Let’s check them out and consider the players who are sure to make some noise with their teams and their agents today.

Anquan Boldin, Arizona (89-1,013-11 TDs)

APBoldin is still looking for his new contract.

Boldin has been a hot name in the media all offseason with his contract and trade demands. He’s explosive, he plays the game like a strong safety at receiver and he’s a game changer. But he’s also 29 years old and is still under contract; Fitzgerald will always be the No. 1 guy in ‘Zona, and Boldin has had injury issues. Might be too late in his career to cash out — in ‘Zona. I’m sure we’ll revisit this story next offseason if Boldin has another monster year.

Brandon Marshall, Denver (104-1,265-6 TDs)

This could make things in Denver even cloudier this summer. Marshall has already demanded a trade, and he has the numbers and the talent to back it up. He’s big, he can separate from defenders and he’s fun to watch in the open field. But Marshall has disciplinary issues, has already been suspended by the league and carries the risk of losing time on the field again. Like Boldin, he’s also still under contract. We can’t deny his talent, but we worry about his future off the field. Teams might be afraid to trade away valuable picks and pay up at the same time.

Roddy White, Atlanta (88-1,382-7 TDs)

APWhite is entering the final year of his contract. Is he next?

I believe White is the next big thing at the wide receiver position in the NFL. He’s young, talented, has the ability to excel in both the intermediate and vertical passing games and has a future franchise quarterback to work with in Matt Ryan. White is in the final year of his rookie contract, and it’s time for the Falcons to start thinking about his future in Atlanta — and what it will cost them. He will be worth every dollar spent.

Antonio Bryant, Tampa (83-1,248-7 TDs)

The Bucs placed the franchise tag on Bryant this offseason after he had a breakout year in ’08, despite his complaints for a long-term deal. Bryant publicly lobbied to the media, but the Bucs must want to see him do it again — for a second year in a row — before they hand out big money. Bryant has a history of off-the-field issues and was even out of the NFL for a period of time. If he puts up big numbers again and avoids trouble, Tampa will have to give him a new deal.

Braylon Edwards, Cleveland (55-873-3 TDs)

Edwards is a wild card because he’s in the last year of his rookie contract, but he didn’t produce in ’08. He was among the league leaders in dropped passes, and his overall game declined. But if he can replicate his numbers from 2007 (80-1,289-16TDs), Edwards should be up for an extension somewhere that would make him one of the league’s highest-paid receivers. Easy to say, tough to do. He’s fighting an uphill battle to the bank, but it can be done.

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