Before the free agency, DNA of Sports offers you its traditional Top 5 free agents which will be available at each position on March 13. After the quarterbacks and running backs, place for the receivers and tight ends.
In a league increasingly focused on aerial play, players capable of catching leather are increasingly important and the depth of a group of targets for the quarterback has become a real focus for franchises.
1 – Jakobi Meyers (WR) – 26 years old
2022 stats: 67 receptions, 804 yards, 6 touchdowns
Jakobi Meyers is coming off a successful but frustrating season at New England. Not often highlighted by uninspired offensive coordinators, he nevertheless has one of the lowest percentage of ball losses. He should have big offers as a potential No. 1 receiver, similar to what Christian Kirk landed in 2022 with the Jaguars.
The ideal destination: Baltimore Ravens
Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown gone, Rashod Bateman often injured, the Ravens need a reliable No. 1 receiver (other than Mark Andrews). With cash on hand and some restructuring, the Ravens can afford to give him the contract he needs.
2 – JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR) – 26 years old
2022 stats: 78 receptions, 933 yards, 3 touchdowns
Winner of the Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs last season, the receiver managed to revive his career after a 2021 season ended by a big injury. The former Steelers should have courtiers within the teams lacking a number 1 receiver (or 1 bis). The opportunity for him to get a contract over several years.
The ideal destination: Kansas City Chiefs
We do not see how the player could leave the team led by Patrick Mahomes. With Mecole Hardman going to test free agency, that frees up a spot for an additional contract at receiver. But, he may not be a priority for the Chiefs who already have 3 receivers under contract in 2023 (Valdez-Scantling, Moore and Toney).
3 – Dalton Schultz (TE) – 27
2022 stats: 57 receptions, 577 yards, 5 touchdowns
Playing under the franchise tag last year, the tight end has the possibility of being again this year, but it seems unlikely. He should therefore leave Texas. Despite a less impressive statistical season than in 2021, Dalton Schultz can become a good pickaxe for a team lacking a safety valve.
The ideal destination: Indianapolis Colts
With probably a new quarterback and a coach who had a productive tight end last year in Philadelphia, Dalton Schultz could flourish in a team where the position is not quality (despite the young Jelani Woods).
4 – Mike Gesicki (TE) – 27 years old
2022 stats: 32 receptions, 362 yards, 5 touchdowns
Caught between the arrival of Tyreek Hill, the hatching of Jayden Waddle and problems at quarterback, Mike Gesicki had his worst season since 2019. He should leave Miami, a franchise that does not have a big enough financial flexibility to offer him a long-term contract.
The ideal destination: Cincinnati Bengals
This is perhaps the player who may be missing in the red zone for Joe Burrow. Admittedly, Hayden Hurst had a good season, but he is at best only a tight end number 2. With Mike Gesicki, the Bengals could (finally) have a successor to CJ Uzomah.
5 – Allen Lazard (WR) – 27
2022 stats: 60 receptions, 788 yards, 6 touchdowns
With receivers Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson, Allen Lazard no longer represents the future of the Green Bay side. He should therefore leave Wisconsin and could seek a nice contract after 4 seasons to catch up with passes and suffer the remarks of Aaron Rodgers.
The ideal destination: Detroit Lions
Aside from Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit doesn’t really have a second receiver capable of moving the team forward. With Allen Lazard, Dan Campbell would have a complete group of receivers which would allow the Lions to pass the course of the playoffs.
Other interesting names: DJ Chark, Evan Engram, Mecole Hardman, Austin Hooper, Jarvis Landry, Parris Campbell, Odell Beckham Jr.
