3 free-agent wide receivers the Commanders could sign (and 3 to avoid)

Commanders should avoid Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s target efficiency is just a tick behind Terry McLaurin’s, at 8.5. Normally, that's pretty good. But the Washington Commanders would be wise not to go down this route.

Why? Throughout his career, he has caught just 50 percent of his targets. That is atrocious in today’s NFL. Valdes-Scantling is simply not a reliable receiver. He will make the occasional splash play, but then he will break your heart by dropping a perfectly thrown sure touchdown.

Mike Williams barely makes it to the 60 percent standard, but that 10% difference in their catch percentage means that every few games, he is going to make a huge play that Valdes-Scantling will not. The Commanders should seek alternative options.

Commanders could sign Hunter Renfrow

Hunter Renfrow has an absurdly high catch percentage. Throughout his career, the quick slot receiver has caught almost 75 percent of the passes thrown his way. He does not make the big plays that some of the others do, but as a complementary player, he could be extremely valuable.

Something happened to Renfrow over the last two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, He was sensational in 2021, then virtually disappeared. That coincides with a very dysfunctional period in recent franchise history, so his drop-off had more to do with organizational chaos than his failings.

Imagine the Commanders facing a key third-and-five this coming season. Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Zach Ertz are on the field. Austin Ekeler is in the backfield. With that lineup, Renfrow is going to get open for the first down. And he’s going to catch the pass.