Top five receivers for Redskins to target in 2020 NFL free agency
Devin Funchess. 5. player. 46. . Wide Receiver. Indianapolis Colts
Of the options on this list, Devin Funchess represents the cost-effective one. He may be a bit of a forgotten name at the moment, but he could be a solid reclamation project and is a former member of the Carolina Panthers.
Funchess was a second-round draft pick by the Panthers and served as a big possession-type receiver for the team. He doesn’t gain a ton of separation, but his strength and 6-foot-4 frame afford him the opportunity to win jump balls and serve as a red zone threat.
Funchess’ best season came in 2017 when he caught 63 passes for 840 yards and was able to reel in eight touchdowns. He was among Cam Newton‘s favorite targets that season but in 2018, his performance dipped. He wasn’t as strong in jump ball situations and endured some drops, so the Panthers benched him toward the end of the season (or at least made him the No. 4 receiver).
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In the 2019 offseason, Funchess was seen as a potential-packed candidate to serve as a No. 2 receiver because of his size and strength. He was well-thought of enough to the point that the Indianapolis Colts gave him a one-year, $10 million “prove it” deal. Unfortunately, Funchess was injured in the season opener and didn’t play again for the squad.
Now, Funchess will be looking for another opportunity. And one could present itself in Washington. If the team wants to go the cost-effective route in free agency, they could try to ink the soon-to-be 26-year-old Funchess on another prove it deal. And if he fails, they can let him go.
That said, Funchess has better size than the Redskins proven receivers and could easily become a red zone weapon if he can still jump well enough. He would provide solid competition for Harmon and could be a decent mentor, as Harmon is a larger receiver (6-foot-2) who has to win jump balls as well because of his lack of separation skills.
A one-year, $4-$5 million deal would be a sensible price for Funchess. He’s the type of bargain-bin pickup that could pan out. Of course, Rivera may not actually want Funchess because of his poor performance to close out his Panthers tenure but at the right price, the 26-year-old still has upside.