Before free agency, DNA of Sports offers you its traditional Top 5 free agents who will be available at each position on March 13.
Few star receivers reach the market. Generally, the best players at these positions are treasured by franchises or traded for high draft picks. From time to time all the same, a rare pearl becomes free agent. This is no longer the case for Mike Evans who has just extended with the Buccaneers for 3 years and 52 million dollars. Tee Higgins and Michael Pittman were retained with the franchise tag. Dalton Schultz received a contract extension.
So these are the reduced possibilities even before the start of the transfer window.
There are some good deals available this season at receiver. Among tight ends, however, it is much poorer. Only one or two players can claim starting positions, for the rest, it is much more undecided.
1 – Calvin Ridley (WR) – 29 years old
2023 stats: 17 games, 76 receptions, 1,016 yards and 8 TDs + 9 carries and 23 yards.
This may be the biggest gamble this offseason at the receiver position. Calvin Ridley has undeniable talent, but his NFL career is far from linear so far. Following his explosion in 2020 (1,374 yards and 9 touchdowns), the receiver was injured in 2021 before being suspended in 2022. After almost two seasons without playing, the former Falcon returned to the high level in Jacksonville. A beneficial change to boost your career.
For only the second time in his career, the receiver played an entire season. Above all, he performed well with 1,016 yards and 8 touchdowns. Not sure, however, that he has what it takes to be a number 1 receiver. The problem is that he will certainly want to be paid like one.
The ideal destination: Chicago Bears
There is a lot of discussion surrounding the future Bears quarterback. Whether it's Justin Fields or a rookie, the pitcher will need to be surrounded. Chicago has the opportunity to strengthen its offensive line with the draft, but must also think about skill playersparticularly with the free agency by Darnell Mooney. The franchise has a lot of money to spend (around 80 million) and can pull out the checkbook to attract the receiver. Calvin Ridley would be in an ideal position in Chicago behind DJ Moore, the number 1 receiver on this roster. The two men would complement each other and would certainly form one of the most dangerous pairings in the league.
2 – Marquise Brown (WR) – 27 years old
2023 stats: 14 games, 51 receptions, 574 yards and 4 TDs + 2 carries and 23 yards.
Behind the top trio and the only tight end in this ranking, there were several who could claim the last place in this Top 5. Our choice fell on the one who certainly has the most talent: Marquise Brown. The Cardinals receiver is one of the most dangerous deep players in the league. Unfortunately, injuries have slowed him down a lot in recent seasons. His best performances date back to 2021, during his last year with Baltimore (91 receptions, 1,008 yards and 6 touchdowns).
Still, he's a player who should be in demand in this league. Franchises looking for a weapon to stretch defenses will be numerous in a few days. Not sure that the contract amount will become exorbitant, but in a good situation Marquise Brown can do damage.
The ideal destination: Tennessee Titans
If they really want to give Will Levis a chance, the Titans must not skimp on the resources made available to the quarterback. With DeAndre Hopkins and Treylon Burks, the pitcher already has pillars to lean on, but adding Marquise Brown could take this offense to the next level. Brian Callahan, the new coach of Tennessee would in any case have something to have fun with a player like that.
3. Gabriel Davis (WR) – 24 years old
2023 stats: 17 games, 45 receptions, 746 yards, 7 TDs
Invisible in some games, huge on a few occasions, Davis never managed to be a consistent number two for Josh Allen and the Bills. In 2023, he finished four games with zero yards. But he also exceeded 100 lengths three times and scored 7 touchdowns in total. Probably the most frustrating receiver in the league for fantasy football fans and players.
What is certain is that Davis is explosive. He averages 16.7 yards per reception over his four-year career. All or nothing, once again. A bet but not an insurance.
The ideal destination: New England Patriots
On Instagram, Gabriel Davis has already posted a long retrospective video of his time in Buffalo. A goodbye ? Given that he was inactive for his team's two playoff games after a very complicated end to the season, it's very likely. In the video, he doesn't fail to highlight all his best statistics, CV style.
The best revenge? Go help the New England Patriots, division rival, lacking receivers and surely ready to overpay a little for a player who is still young and with a little potential. Overall, Davis should have the choice between projects far from the title but ready to write him a larger check, or suitors who would surely only bet one year on him.
4. Curtis Samuel (WR) – 27 years old
2023 stats: 16 games, 62 receptions, 613 yards, 4 TDs + 7 carries, 39 yards, 1 TD
The poor man's Deebo Samuel? A Deebo Samuel with the wrong coaches? In an NFL that increasingly likes to blur the lines in attack, Curtis Samuel remains an interesting profile. Capable of catching the ball as well as running, he found a cruising speed of between 600 and 700 yards per season on a Washington team that cycled through quarterbacks ranging from mediocre to dismal. In 2020, he also produced 851 yards for a Panthers attack led by Teddy Bridgewater.
Curtis Samuel's ceiling is perhaps not monumental, but it seems to be able to provide solidity in all circumstances.
The ideal destination: Kansas City Chiefs
After seven seasons split between Carolina and Washington, it may finally be time to play for a win. A title contender with quality offensive coaches and a dire need for receivers? It's hard to do better than the Chiefs. You would probably have to accept a small contract, but Andy Reid would surely enjoy having such a complete receiver in his system. This wouldn't solve the lack of a number one receiver, but Samuel would be a terrific complement player.
Along the same lines of contenders, the Bills or Ravens could be possibilities.
5. Darnell Mooney (WR) – 26 years old
2023 stats: 15 games, 31 receptions, 414 yards, 1 TD
Fifth place in this ranking could have gone to Odell Beckham, for experience. Or KJ Osborn, who is still only 26 years old and has some consistency. But in this uncertain crop of receivers, we might as well go for a bet, which could also be a good deal.
Author of a season with 81 receptions and 1,055 yards in 2021, Darnell Mooney has slowed down over the last two years. It wasn't helped by the injuries. And even less by an aerial attack from the Bears which is generally poor. But he is capable of catching deep balls and getting out of the way. So, with the right teammates?
The ideal destination: New York Jets
Mooney's declining production over the past two seasons could lower his value and provide a bargain for an ambitious team. The Jets need additional targets for Aaron Rodgers, which fills the box of finally playing with a good quarterback.
Other interesting names: Odell Beckham, Hunter Henry, Darnell Mooney, KJ Osborn, Noah Fant, Tyler Boyd, Michael Thomas…
