With free agency around the corner and the 2025 NFL Draft coming up in April, Kevin Patra assesses the wide receiver situations of all 32 teams in the NFL. Teams are listed in alphabetical order along with the top wideouts under contract for 2025, as well as key players who are not under contract for next season. Those WRs are denoted as unrestricted free agents (UFA), restricted free agents (RFA) or exclusive rights free agents (ERFA); (void) indicates remaining years on a contract will be voided, enabling the player to become a free agent.
NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, cap figures come from Over The Cap.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Xavier Weaver
Key free agents: Greg Dortch (RFA), Zach Pascal (UFA), Zay Jones (UFA)
The biggest offseason need in Arizona is for the chemistry between Harrison and Kyler Murray to take a massive leap forward. It was teenage-dance awkward at times in 2024, with the duo so off the mark on some occasions that it's somewhat of a surprise the rookie went for 885 yards and eight TDs on 62 catches. If that connection improves, the Cards will be in a far better place. Wilson was a solid contributor, and I assume Dortch will be brought back as a restricted free agent. Add in tight end Trey McBride, and it's not barren in the desert, but I'd want to add another playmaker on the outside -- particularly someone who can take the top off and open the intermediate routes up for Harrison.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud, Casey Washington, Chris Blair
Key free agents: KhaDarel Hodge (UFA), Rondale Moore (UFA)
The Falcons only sent defensive personnel to the NFL Scouting Combine, which underscores what the club will prioritize this offseason. The offense is in a better spot as Michael Penix Jr. takes over under center. London set career highs with 100 catches, 1,271 yards and nine TDs in 2024. Two of his three 100-yard games came with Penix at quarterback. If they can pick up where they left off, London could be in for an even bigger breakout season in Year 4. Mooney flashed field-stretching playmaking worthy of his signing last season. And McCloud was surprisingly productive (686 yards on 62 catches) for a journeyman who'd never passed the 300-yard mark in the previous six seasons. Like almost every team, the Falcons would benefit from adding another weapon, particularly when it comes to supporting their younger QB. But ATL has more significant questions on defense to deal with.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Devontez Walker
Key free agents: Nelson Agholor (void), Diontae Johnson (UFA), Tylan Wallace (UFA), Steven Sims (UFA), Deonte Harty (UFA)
The Ravens' disappointing dalliance with Johnson underscored their desire to find a third wideout. They had no such luck. Agholor finished as the WR3 in Baltimore with a paltry 231 yards on 14 catches -- Derrick Henry (not exactly a scat back) caught more passes (19). The tight ends, Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, essentially functioned as the third aerial target. Flowers is a still-developing WR1. The club has shown unwavering faith in Bateman (more than probably anyone outside of his immediate family), signing him to an extension last April that will carry through 2026, and the 2021 first-rounder is coming off a career year, with 756 yards and nine TD grabs. The Ravens have more significant needs this offseason, particularly in the trenches on both sides of the ball. However, adding another wideout remains an annual tradition in Charm City. That task becomes even more pressing if Andrews becomes a cap casualty.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel
Key free agents: Amari Cooper (UFA), Mack Hollins (UFA)
The Bills locked down Shakir with a four-year extension in February, highlighting his importance to Josh Allen. Buffalo spread the ball around in 2024; though no player earned more than Shakir's 821 receiving yards, nine posted at least 250. The midseason trade for Cooper didn't work out as hoped, with the former Pro Bowler earning just 297 yards in eight games. The Bills must get more production out of Coleman (he finished his rookie year with 556 yards, 29 catches and four TDs) in 2025. Bringing back Hollins, who led the club with five touchdown catches, would be a start, but this crew could use another outside wideout, particularly one with the speed to stretch the field.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker
Key free agents: David Moore (UFA), Velus Jones (RFA), Deven Thompkins (RFA), Dan Chisena (RFA)
The Panthers' offense came to life down the stretch as Bryce Young revitalized his career in Carolina. It shouldn't be surprising that this period coincided with Thielen's return from injury. The 34-year-old vet still has gas left in the tank and is the type of savvy, reliable player the offense should want to keep around. Coker was a sensational find for the front office as an undrafted rookie who showed stellar rapport with Young. Is Coker's upside capped, or can he mimic Thielen's rise as a fellow undrafted player? Legette flashed ability but needs refining in Year 2 to make a leap. While Carolina should spend its offseason bulking up a woeful defense, adding another playmaker is on the wish list. The Panthers could be a sneaky club that takes a swing at trade for a proven veteran.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Tyler Scott
Key free agents: Keenan Allen (UFA), DeAndre Carter (UFA), Collin Johnson (UFA), Nsimba Webster (UFA)
Last year's plan to surround Caleb Williams with playmakers didn't translate to success. Bulking up the O-line is obviously the priority under new coach Ben Johnson this go-around. A WR group headlined by Moore and Odunze is plenty to get the motor running in Chicago. Moore should thrive in Johnson's offense and could see an uptick in slot snaps in an Amon-Ra St. Brown-type role -- especially if Chicago doesn't add a true slot wideout. Odunze is an X-receiver with big-play ability who improved immensely as the season progressed. He could be a big-time threat in Year 2. Depth is still needed in Chicago, even if that need isn't at the top of the list. A WR3 who can block in the run game, a la Josh Reynolds or Tim Patrick, would be an ideal addition.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Jermaine Burton, Charlie Jones, Isaiah Williams
Key free agents: None
The Bengals applied the franchise tag on Higgins for the second straight year, with the intent of working "toward a long-term deal" to keep him in Cincinnati. In addition, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said during the NFL Scouting Combine that he wants to extend Chase, who is heading into the final year of his rookie pact. A tag-and-trade doesn't seem to be out of the realm of possibility if things devolve with Higgins, although it'd be unusual for the Bengals. With Higgins on the roster in 2025, the depth chart is in an excellent position for Joe Burrow. Iosivas proved to be an underrated WR3 who gets to the right spots and has upside. Burton is a wild card. The 2024 third-round pick has talent but has already started to wear out his welcome. Tobin said in Indy that Burton still has a chance to become a productive player, but a lot needs to change. If he does turn it around, this corps will be scary good.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, David Bell, Mike Woods, Jamari Thrash, Kaden Davis
Key free agents: Elijah Moore (UFA), James Proche (UFA)
Who will be throwing the ball to this crew? That's the bigger offseason question. Still, the group doesn't currently offer much behind Jeudy. Amari Cooper ended the year ranked No. 6 on the Browns in receiving in 2024 (250 yards) -- and he played just six games in Cleveland. Moore is talented, but the 2021 second-round pick by the Jets has been hampered by injuries and inconsistency. Another new start elsewhere (he was traded to the Browns in 2023) could be beneficial. Jeudy finally had that breakout campaign we'd been waiting for since the Broncos drafted him 15th overall in 2020. Cleveland signed him to a three-year extension after trading for him last March, and he showed he can be a Pro Bowl target. The Browns must surround him with more than wild cards in 2025.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy
Key free agents: Brandin Cooks (UFA), KaVontae Turpin (RFA)
All Lamb does is produce. The star wideout collected his fourth consecutive 1,100-plus yard season, even with Dak Prescott missing half of 2024. Lamb's willingness to play through injury in a lost campaign underscored the mentality and leadership he brings to the table. However, the fall-off is steep after Lamb in Dallas. Neither of the Jalens took the strides forward that were hoped for last season. Tolbert currently sits as the No. 2 after a 610-yard Year 3. The Cowboys took a flyer on Mingo, who earned just five catches for 46 yards in eight games after being acquired from Carolina. Perhaps he can become productive in Dallas with more time, but as it stands, that swap is on the path to being another trade flop. Dallas has more pressing priorities, but this wideout corps leaves much to be desired behind Lamb.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin
Key free agents: Lil'Jordan Humphrey (UFA)
Sutton's name will likely continue to come up in trade rumors until the Broncos address his contract, which has one season remaining and was restructured last year to address his desire for a pay raise. Sean Payton dismissed the chatter at the combine, saying Sutton is "important to what we're doing." The veteran provides a go-to target for Bo Nix and is coming off his first 1,000-plus-yard campaign since 2019. Pluck him out of the lineup, and it's an uber-young crew. Denver likes the upside of Vele and Franklin, and Payton has spoken glowingly of Mims' growth. During Super Bowl week, the coach dismissed the idea of adding another veteran receiver to the mix, noting he'd rather bring in a "Joker" type of tight end or running back. So long as the Sutton contract situation sorts itself out, I believe Patyon is comfortable with this group.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, Antoine Green
Key free agents: Tim Patrick (UFA), Allen Robinson (UFA)
St. Brown should remain a star even after Ben Johnson's defection. Few can get open as regularly -- or are as sure-handed -- as ARSB. Williams is coming off a breakout 1,001-yard season. He improved across the board in 2024 and negated most of the negative plays, including a drop rate that fell from 7.1% to 2.2%, per Next Gen Stats. And the good news for the Lions is there remains plenty of room for continued growth for the 2022 first-rounder. Williams' speed is world class, but he can still improve his route-running, which would make him a more significant threat next to St. Brown. Bringing back Patrick, who fit the offense's profile perfectly, should be an option, unless someone throws a multi-year deal his way on the open market -- this would be similar to the way the Lions lost Josh Reynolds a year ago. Detroit eschewed the receiver position in the 2024 NFL Draft, but it is not outside the realm of possibility that the Lions would use a mid-round pick at the position this year after bolstering the trenches early on.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Dontayvion Wicks, Malik Heath
Key free agents: Bo Melton (ERFA)
Is it time for Green Bay to bring in an alpha? The Packers have gone with the collective approach recently, gathering talented targets who each have their own unique skill set. It's a good group on paper, with Reed excelling from the slot, Doubs serving as a possession asset and Watson profiling as the speedster. Injuries have been part of the issue; the top three targets were out of commission for all or part of the playoff loss to Philly. Watson has been unable to stay healthy, most recently suffering a late-season ACL tear that will keep him out into the 2025 campaign. Brian Gutekunst wants to continue building up the young corps and has other priorities on defense, but bringing in a top-flight WR1 would take the offense to the next level.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Xavier Hutchinson, John Metchie III, Jared Wayne
Key free agents: Stefon Diggs (UFA), Robert Woods (UFA)
General manager Nick Caserio didn't dismiss the idea of bringing back Diggs, but there is one complicating factor: his Feb. 17 void date passed, locking the team into a $16.644 million dead-money hit for Diggs in 2025. With the uncertainty around Dell following a gruesome late-season injury, adding another playmaker for C.J. Stroud becomes a priority. Collins continues to shine as the go-to target, earning his second straight 1,000-yard season in 2024 despite missing five games. However, none of the other young options have grown into consistent playmakers. With new OC Nick Caley coming from the Rams, Cooper Kupp could be a name to watch to meet the WR2 need exacerbated by Dell's injury, which stings.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, Adonai Mitchell, Alec Pierce, Anthony Gould
Key free agents: Ashton Dulin (UFA), Juwann Winfree (UFA)
Questions about the Colts' roster abound, but GM Chris Ballard has built a solid receiver corps featuring a productive, underrated veteran in Pittman and young players who are still developing. When healthy, Downs has shown massive upside as a playmaker who can get open and make defenders miss in space. Pierce and Mitchell bring field-stretching ability that complements Pittman and Downs. Mitchell is the wild card; he has talent to spare but was inconsistent when he had opportunities as a rookie. If he makes a Year 2 leap, this group could be highly entertaining. Of course, none of that will matter if scattershot QB Anthony Richardson can't get his receivers the ball.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Brian Thomas Jr., Gabe Davis, Christian Kirk, Josh Reynolds, Parker Washington, Devin Duvernay, David White Jr., Louis Rees-Zammit
Key free agents: Tim Jones (RFA)
Of one thing, I'm certain: Thomas is a stud. Despite the poor circumstances in Jacksonville, the LSU product produced as a rookie. New coach Liam Coen's WR-friendly offense should only aid the Pro Bowler, who generated 1,282 yards on 87 catches with 10 TDs last season. Despite the presence of some names and big contracts, the rest of the group is wanting. Thomas earned 892 more yards than any other wideout on the roster last season -- Washington finished second with 390 yards. Kirk hasn't stayed healthy or productive the past two seasons. Davis didn't live up to the contract (20 catches, 239 yards, two TDs in 10 games) he signed last offseason. Kirk and Reynolds could be cut candidates. The Jags have bigger needs on defense and the offensive line this offseason, but they must secure WR production from someone not named Brian Thomas in 2025.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, Skyy Moore, Nikko Remigio
Key free agents: DeAndre Hopkins (UFA), JuJu Smith-Schuster (UFA), Justin Watson (UFA), Marquise Brown (UFA), Mecole Hardman (UFA)
Worthy developed into a playmaker down the stretch, going for 79-plus yards in four of his final five appearances, including the playoffs. If he continues to refine his game as more than just a deep threat, the Chiefs will have a sensational 1-2 punch when Rice, who missed most of the season with a knee injury, is fully healthy. However, it's been a mixed bag otherwise in K.C. The Hopkins trade turned hollow. Yes, the offense opened up when Brown returned to the lineup from a shoulder injury in December, but he could be on the move, as well. The Chiefs have tried to add veterans for the last few years but wound up back in the Smith-Schuster business. It makes sense to retain a serviceable depth player like Watson while adding another low-cost option to the mix. A one-year pact with a ring-chasing veteran like Keenan Allen, coming off a down year, would make sense for both parties if he does not receive bigger offers.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, Keyton Ramel, Jeff Foreman
Key free agents: Terrace Marshall Jr. (UFA), DJ Turner (RFA)
Meyers remains an underrated player -- you can understand why Patriots fans remain irate that Bill Belichick didn't retain him. Coming off his first 1,000-yard season, Meyers offers versatility and playmaking ability. He's a good starting point for Chip Kelly's offense. Tucker is a field stretcher who flashed upside with more opportunity in Year 2. The Akron native could be in for another leap in Year 3. With All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, Meyers and Tucker, there are the bones of a solid pass-catching corps. The wideout crew lacks an alpha (lost in the Davante Adams trade). Adding another playmaker and depth would aid whoever is under center for Mark Davis' club in 2025.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Derius Davis, Brenden Rice
Key free agents: Josh Palmer (UFA), Jalen Reagor (UFA), DJ Chark (UFA), Simi Fehoko (UFA)
McConkey is a legit stud who can beat DBs like a drum over and over and over again. He can't do it alone. The Chargers need to add a veteran playmaker at receiver while delving into a deep tight end draft for another pass catcher. Johnston improved from a disastrous rookie campaign, yet he was still too inconsistent for L.A. not to address the position this offseason. Year 1 under Jim Harbaugh was about building a base. They have that in McConkey. Additions must be made to take Justin Herbert's passing offense to the next level.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Puka Nacua, Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith, Cooper Kupp
Key free agents: Demarcus Robinson (UFA), Tutu Atwell (UFA), Tyler Johnson (UFA)
Kupp's place on the roster would seem to be temporary, as the Rams are expected to move on from the former Triple Crown winner in one form or another. Nacua is a true WR1, but his play style also brings health risks; he spent five games on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury in 2024. Whittington showed flashes while Nacua was out, and he can be productive, but the Rams need depth. Robinson was solid in Sean McVay's offense and should be brought back. However, with Kupp exiting, there is a definite need for a WR2 in L.A., whether one is acquired through the draft or free agency.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, Erik Ezukanma, Tahj Washington
Key free agents: Braxton Berrios (UFA), River Cracraft (UFA), Dee Eskridge (UFA), Anthony Schwartz (RFA)
Hill walked back a desire to leave following a disappointing season, breaking a four-year streak of 1,000-yard campaigns. There was a stark lack of big plays from the speedster in 2024. Was that simply a product of the struggling offense or a 30-year-old starting to show wear? Like most of Miami's offense, Waddle also had a disappointing showing after getting his payday. The Dolphins desperately need their top two playmakers to return to form. Malik Washington, a sixth-rounder, showed some flashes down the stretch as he got more reps. He could be an intriguing WR3 in Mike McDaniel's offense. Depth is warranted, but Miami has bigger fish to fry with little cap space to do it.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor
Key free agents: Brandon Powell (UFA), Trent Sherfield (UFA)
The current highest-paid wideout in football will remain a stud regardless of who is under center for Minnesota; Jefferson's ability to win makes him a quarterback's dream. Addison continues to develop, giving the Vikes a dangerous 1-2 punch. Nailor is an intriguing player from the slot who showed he can be a key contributor to Kevin O'Connell's offense moving forward. Adding depth, potentially by bringing Powell back, is important to cushion against injury, but when everyone is on the field, this is a dangerous crew.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, Ja'Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, JaQuae Jackson
Key free agents: None
Hey, no free agents, at least! Drake Maye played his rookie season with a smorgasbord of average at the receiver position. Douglas led the Pats WR corps with 621 yards while netting a single game over 70 yards. Bourne was injured and ineffective. Polk, a second-round pick, was so disappointing management admitted his development was stunted. There wasn't a single standout in the crew. While beefing up the offensive line is priority No. 1, so that Maye doesn't get blasted into smithereens again, adding at least one playmaker for the young quarterback is necessary. This offense is U-G-L-Y, ugly on paper.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Kevin Austin Jr., Bub Means, Cedrick Wilson, Mason Tipton
Key free agents: Marquez Valdes-Scantling (UFA), Dante Pettis (UFA)
A disastrous 2024 season in New Orleans was highlighted by a decimated and unproductive receiver corps. Olave led all Saints wideouts with 400 receiving yards while playing in only eight games -- and he ranked fourth in receiving yards on the club. An offense won't have much success when tight end Juwan Johnson is the team's leader in receiving yards with 548. When healthy, Olave and Shaheed are a fun combo, possessing speed and route-running ability. However, New Orleans must find secondary options for Kellen Moore's attack to thrive in 2025. Neither Olave nor Shaheed have played a full slate of games in three seasons; the Saints must add insurance and playmaking to the position this offseason. They can't risk going another year with zero 500-yard wide receivers.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Malik Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Bryce Ford-Wheaton
Key free agents: Darius Slayton (UFA), Gunner Olszewski (UFA), Ihmir Smith-Marsette (UFA)
Nabers proved he's a star in Year 1, generating 1,204 yards on 109 catches with seven TDs in only 15 games. Imagine if he played all 17. Imagine if he had an actual functioning quarterback! Robinson is a solid slot option who would produce more in an efficient offense. With Nabers assuming a significant role, Hyatt took a big step back in his second pro season, generating just 62 yards on eight catches in 16 games. He could get back on track if he's given more to do in 2025. Slayton profiles as someone who will find a better deal elsewhere than if he were to return as the field-stretcher in Brian Daboll's attack. Big Blue has sunk a lot of assets into the receiver position in recent seasons. Nabers -- drafted sixth overall last year -- is finally the home run they've been chasing. Now, they must bolster the rest of the roster.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Malachi Corley, Xavier Gipson, Marcus Riley
Key free agents: Davante Adams (UFA), Malik Taylor (UFA)
As expected, the Jets are releasing Adams, who carried a $38.25 million cap figure. And Lazard should continue the exodus of Aaron Rodgers' crew from New York. Wilson is a star, and it would be wise for Gang Green to lock him up long-term as soon as possible. The price will only go up. We didn't see enough from Corley to judge whether he's inadequate or simply ill-used by the last regime. I'm willing to give him a mulligan for a three-catch rookie season and see what he can become under head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. It might not be a top priority in New York -- i.e. QB -- but adding another weapon alongside Wilson is key.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson, Ainias Smith
Key free agents: Parris Campbell (UFA), Britain Covey (RFA)
The Brown-DeVonta Smith combo is devastating, as the Eagles Super Bowl run proved. The duo's route acumen is so pristine they're rarely slowed, let alone curtailed by opponents. When they don't put up big numbers, it's more so because the team doesn't need a high-flying pass offense in that moment, rather than because of any lack of ability. Dotson came to Philly via a low-cost trade and stepped up when needed. He remains relatively inexpensive in the final year of his rookie deal, so he should stick around. Howie Roseman can bring in WR3 competition through the draft, but this isn't what the Eagles' 2025 offseason will focus on.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson
Key free agents: Mike Williams (UFA), Van Jefferson (UFA), Ben Skowronek (UFA)
It doesn't sound like GM Omar Khan has an appetite to trade Pickens, and frankly, the Steelers' offense would be in rough shape without him. Pickens' tracking ability and ball skills are insanely good. However, his route-running remains an issue, and he's become a headache. They need him to grow into a legit do-it-all WR1 for the offense to make it to the next level. Wilson, a third-round pick in 2024, played exactly five plays in one game as a rookie due to injuries. Consider it a redshirt year for the Michigan product. The Steelers need to add multiple wideouts this offseason, both in free agency and the draft. The question is whether Khan can find that Kevin Colbert magic, unearthing WR diamonds in the rough.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing
Key free agents: Chris Conley (UFA)
It didn't take long for the 49ers to move on from Deebo Samuel, who was shipped to Washington for a fifth-round pick. Getting that contract off the books was a priority for general manager John Lynch. Pressing forward with a top trio of Aiyuk, Jennings and Pearsall would seem like a solid approach for Kyle Shanahan's offense. However, the tinkering might not be done. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport recently reported that the Niners are open to trading Aiyuk. Jettisoning their top two targets in one offseason would certainly be an eyebrow-raising choice. It'd also underscore the faith the club has in Jennings and Pearsall. Pearsall's play down the stretch showed a burgeoning talent. He can line up inside or outside and win with stellar route-running. Moving Samuel ensures Pearsall's path to more play time isn't blocked. An additional trade of Aiyuk would make the second-year player's importance in the offense even greater.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Tyler Lockett, Jake Bobo, Dareke Young, John Rhys Plumlee
Key free agents: Jaelon Darden (RFA), Cody White (ERFA)
The trade chatter surrounding Metcalf never seems to cease despite Mike Macdonald's insistence that the club wants to make the wideout a focal point of the new offense and reporting that suggests a trade isn't close. Is it a smoke/fire situation or simply wishcasting by fans? Personally, I see little reason for the Seahawks to move on from Metcalf from a football perspective. Yes, JSN can step in as a go-to target, but the entire corps would be weakened. Every team is trying to acquire big-play receivers; parting with one would certainly be a different path. Unless there's a contract impasse that can't be bridged, I'm not finding a logical reason for the Seahawks to trade their top wideout. Maybe if they're blown away by an offer? Lockett is a cut candidate due to his $30.9 million cap hit and age.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan, Ryan Miller, Rakim Jarrett, Trey Palmer, Kameron Johnson
Key free agents: Chris Godwin (void), Sterling Shepard (UFA)
The Bucs are trying to lock down Godwin before he hits the market, where he's likely the top option for most clubs (with Cincinnati applying the franchise tag on Tee Higgins). Before his season-ending injury, Godwin was on a scorching pace. If Tampa keeps him, it'll boast a premium trio. Evans refuses to slow down, netting his 11th straight season with 1K yards despite missing three games in 2024. McMillan shined down the stretch while playing in Godwin's place. The third-round pick is one I'd bet on having a big Year 2 leap, regardless of whether Godwin returns. His production was not a mirage. If the Bucs can't bring back Godwin, another wideout would be needed, but Evans and McMillan comprise a nice base for Baker Mayfield, who has to break in yet another new play-caller in 2025.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Calvin Ridley, Treylon Burks, Bryce Oliver, Mason Kinsey, Tay Martin, Colton Dowell, Jah'Quan Jackson
Key free agents: Tyler Boyd (UFA), Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (UFA)
It wasn't the smoothest year for Ridley in the move to Tennessee, but given the struggles under center, putting up 1,017 yards on 64 catches feels about right. If the Titans can get improved quarterback play, Ridley's numbers could take another step forward in Brian Callahan's offense. Ridley is the cornerstone that Callahan and the new front office can build around. It feels like the end of the line for Burks, who played in just five games with four catches for 34 yards in 2024. Cutting him ahead of the fourth year of his rookie contract wouldn't save any money on the cap, but a fresh start could be beneficial for all parties. Westbrook-Ikhine has earned a multi-year WR3 pay bump after leading the Titans with nine TDs. It's a corps that is begging for another playmaker opposite Ridley.
Top WRs under contract for 2025: Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, Luke McCaffrey
Key free agents: Olamide Zaccheaus (UFA), Dyami Brown (UFA), Noah Brown (UFA), K.J. Osborn (UFA), Jamison Crowder (UFA)
General manager Adam Peters took the first big swing of the offseason, importing Deebo Samuel in a trade with the 49ers. The fifth-round price underscores the cost of taking on a big contract (he's due $21.7 million in 2025) and Samuel coming off a down year. Even if age is catching up, Samuel's skill set should be a nice mesh in Kliff Kingsbury's offense. The 29-year-old remains a YAC demon who can churn up yards in space. With Kingsbury's love for WR screens, Samuel should have plenty of opportunities to get back on track. The veteran pairs nicely with McLaurin, a do-it-all star who can win on the intermediate level and deep. With a host of other free agents, Washington isn't done rebuilding this crew. Adding a primary slot is the next step. If Christian Kirk is cut loose from Jacksonville, a reunion with Kingsbury almost makes too much sense for all parties.
