The NFL offseason brings a different kind of excitement as teams have the chance to modify their rosters through free agency and the draft. The spotlight in this article shines on the wide receiver position, increasingly seen as essential on every team. A closer look is offered into some of the best options currently set to join the free agent market in March 2024, their contract market values, and the best-suited teams.
According to Garrett Podell, of CBS News, even the Kansas City Chiefs, called the ‘back-to-back Super Bowl champion’ and previously seemingly insulated from the wide receiver need courtesy of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, will be in the market for upgrades. This is largely due to its 2023 receiver group leading the NFL in drops (28) and drop rate (12%).
For detailed analysis purposes, ten top wide receivers have been listed, from those gaining honorable mention to the top pick. These are Kendrick Bourne (New England Patriots), Josh Reynolds (Detroit Lions), Noah Brown (Houston Texans), K.J. Osborn (Minnesota Vikings), D.J. Chark (Carolina Panthers), Curtis Samuel (Washington Commanders), Odell Beckham Jr. (Baltimore Ravens), Tyler Boyd (Cincinnati Bengals), Darnell Mooney (Chicago Bears), Gabe Davis (Buffalo Bills), Marquise Brown (Arizona Cardinals), Calvin Ridley (Jacksonville Jaguars), and Michael Pittman Jr. (Indianapolis Colts).
It is crucial to note that Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals) and Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) are notable exceptions. Higgins has received the franchise tag and will be getting a $21.8 million, fully guaranteed one-year contract if he enters the 2024 season on the tag. Meanwhile, Evans decided to extend his 10-year home stay with a two-year, $52 million deal with $35 million guaranteed.
INFORMATION BOX
– Top WR Free Agents 2024:
1. Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts
2. Calvin Ridley, Jacksonville Jaguars
3. Marquise Brown, Arizona Cardinals
4. Gabe Davis, Buffalo Bills
5. Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears
6. Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals
7. Odell Beckham Jr., Baltimore Ravens
8. Curtis Samuel, Washington Commanders
9. D.J. Chark, Carolina Panthers
10. K.J. Osborn, Minnesota Vikings
– Notable Exception: Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals (received the franchise tag). Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (re-signed with his home).
– Key teams in this market: Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders, Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears.
– Other key figures in the NFL Free Agency 2024: Jaylon Johnson (Chicago Bears), Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Justin Madubuike (Baltimore Ravens), Danielle Hunter (Minnesota Vikings), and Chase Young (San Francisco 49ers).
Contracts, team suitability, and potential to uplevel their games are dissected for each of the listed players. Free agency and draft periods represent strategic opportunities for all 32 teams to change their game by optimizing their roster. Seeing how these plans pan out will determine the course of the NFL 2024 season.
REFERENCE SOURCES
– Reference 1: CBS News [Garrett Podell, 11 hrs ago]
– Reference 2: ESPN [Bill Barnwell, ESPN Staff Writer, Mar 4, 2024, 09:20 AM ET]
– Reference 3: NFL.Com [Adam Rank ]