The Washington Football Team is set to enter free agency with a healthy salary cap and a need for quality players. One significant need is wide receivers.
As the NFL inches closer to free agency, the Washington Football Team is poised to make some very important additions to the roster. One of the primary team needs is obviously wide receiver and there are no shortages of excellent pass-catchers set to enter the 2021 free agent market. That is a win-win for Washington and it is a near foregone conclusion that the front office will acquire at least one receiver when free agency opens.
Don’t be surprised if Washington adds two receivers from the free agent pool, but such a move would require being savvy with the salary cap. That would all but eliminate the probability of trying to sign the top two or three elite receivers, but that is not necessarily a negative for the Burgundy and Gold.
Had Washington signed Cowboys receiver Amari Cooper at $22M last year (as was widely reported), it could’ve had negative implications for the cap this season. With a reduced salary ceiling for 2021, teams across the league will need to be stingy as compared to previous seasons. Cooper is an elite receiver and he would’ve been a great addition to the receiving corps, but it would’ve been at an unsavory price.
Welcome to the latest look at free agency with our offseason free agent series. The buzz generated by wide receivers at this time of year is only second to the attention that is generated by quarterbacks. Receivers have become a precious commodity over the last two decades, but our scrutiny today will be meticulous and forthright with this group of players. Once again, we will present you with the upper, middle, and lower tier players to target for the Washington Football Team. Let’s get right to it!
Upper Tier
Allen Robinson, Bears
Allen Robinson is the receiver that every fan wants on their favorite team, and Washington Football Team fans are no exception. Like Amari Cooper last year, Robinson will command a huge premium and that likely reduces the chance that Robinson will be finding a new home in Northern Virginia. His credentials are impressive, but the price is simply too much.
Chris Godwin, Buccaneers
Right behind Robinson is another ultra-elite receiver. Chris Godwin had his production limited in 2020 by injuries, but he still would’ve been the Washington Football Team’s leader in touchdown receptions. Tampa Bay is expected to tag Godwin and should be able to sign him to a long-term contract. If he did hit the open market, the cost to sign him would be astronomical.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, Steelers
JuJu Smith-Schuster is somewhat polarizing, but there is no honest reason to feel that way. Yes, he danced on a couple of opposing team’s logos and that problem was quickly solved. Then there are the digital games that he enjoys playing, but is that really a problem? Just look at his production. Smith-Schuster doesn’t turn 25 until late November. Let the man play his digital games and watch as he continues to be a great receiver in this league.
Prediction: Any one of these receivers would do wonders for the Washington Football Team. Any of these three could be franchised. If any of them hit the open market, Washington will simply need to pass – it would cost far too much.
Middle Tier
Kenny Golladay, Lions
There is a strong argument for putting Kenny Golladay with the upper tier, but injuries set him back in 2020 and it affected his production. Could similar issues surface again in 2021? The Lions are also likely to place the franchise tag on Golladay, and while he might be worth two first-round draft picks, the Washington Football Team would never try to make such a move.
Curtis Samuel, Panthers
Many rumors have linked Curtis Samuel to the Washington Football Team in recent months, but rumors are not guarantees. The link to head coach Ron Rivera is obvious, but Samuel has been a solid receiver since entering the league in 2017. He enjoyed a breakout year in 2020 and the former Buckeye should continue to elevate his game in the coming years.
Corey Davis, Titans
Very persistent rumors continue to suggest that Corey Davis is coming to Ashburn in the coming weeks. Davis hasn’t lived up to his lofty top-five draft position (fifth overall pick in 2017), but he is still one of the better receivers in the league. He will easily produce 65-70 receptions a year and be a consistent force in the passing offense.
Prediction: The Washington Football Team signs Curtis Samuel to a five-year, $50M contract with $25M guaranteed, and a $20M signing bonus. Washington signs Corey Davis to a four-year, $56M contract with $28M guaranteed, and a signing bonus of $24M.
Lower Tier
Will Fuller, Texans
Will Fuller is not a lower tier receiver, but compared to the previous six receivers on our list, this is where he ranks. With Fuller, it is all about potential and he certainly has plenty of it. His numbers since entering the league are solid, but not worthy of a receiver who is considered upper tier and elite.
T.Y. Hilton, Colts
T.Y. Hilton firmly believes he is one of the best receivers in the league, but there are several arguments against his claim. First, his overall production since entering the league in 2012 is above-average, but it is not elite. Second, he will turn 32 this year and any contract beyond one year is risky. Third, his size (5-10, 185) has never really been an issue, but you can’t teach height. The Washington Football Team simply doesn’t need another smallish receiver.
Marvin Jones, Lions
If you are looking for a receiver who is consistent each year, then Marvin Jones will make an excellent addition to your roster. However, he is turning 31 in just a few days, so it is reasonable to think that he may lose a step sometime soon. However, it is difficult to ignore the solid numbers that he produces each season. If the Washington Football Team can’t land the receivers they prefer, Jones would be a nice addition for a year or two.
Prediction: Washington could turn to Fuller if they are unable to land Samuel and/or Davis. Jones is a very good stopgap option and the Washington Football Team could turn to him if they are unable to sign some of the upper and middle tier talent.
Additional Thoughts
Outside of quarterback, the wide receiver position is regarded as one of the most difficult units to keep stocked with quality players. They cost a fortune. Receivers are a precious commodity in today’s NFL and the Washington Football Team could use an infusion of talented pass catchers for 2021. Will the better free agent receivers gravitate to Washington in the coming weeks, or will it still be a challenge to sign any of them?
There is one group of receivers that will garner very little attention in the coming days, but they are decent options at a very affordable price. They are young and could sign a one or two-year deal. Will Washington sign any of these receivers?
- Rashard Higgins, Browns
- Keelan Cole, Jaguars
- John Ross, Bengals
- Dede Westbrook, Jaguars
- Zay Jones, Raiders
- Josh Reynolds, Rams
- Sammy Watkins, Chiefs
- Willie Snead, Ravens
- Nelson Agholor, Raiders
- Breshad Perriman, Jets
There are also a few restricted free agent options.
- Isaiah Ford, Dolphins
- Zach Pascal, Colts
- Tim Patrick, Broncos
- Robert Foster, Washington Football Team
- Ray-Ray McCloud, Steelers
One more name to watch – Laquon Treadwell. His career could be over in the coming weeks. Would Washington give him a chance this offseason? The front office could give him a contract that is easily discarded with no cap hit if Washington cuts him later in the spring or summer.
The Washington Football Team is likely to add a solid receiver in the draft and a team weakness in 2020 could become a team strength over the next two months. The good news is that the Washington Football Team will have numerous opportunities to significantly upgrade the receiving corps over the next 60 days.
Two more free agent articles are coming next week as we wrap up our detailed analysis of each unit on offense and defense. The running backs and quarterbacks are front and center next week – you don’t want to miss it!