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With simply three video games remaining within the 2020 NFL season, it’s time to shift our fantasy focus to free brokers and groups trying to fill wants from a fantasy perspective. In the end just one group can win the Tremendous Bowl each season, however there will probably be 32 groups attempting to win this offseason to place themselves able to be seen as a competitor subsequent yr (hopefully with followers within the stands throughout the NFL). This yr’s crop of free brokers has a ton of depth throughout the board at ability positions, however particularly with broad receivers.
Over the course of the subsequent a number of articles, I will probably be looking on the prime free brokers on this class and determining excellent and sure matches for them in fantasy soccer. Due to the depth of the broad receiver place, this place group will probably be damaged up into two elements.
For in the present day, I will probably be specializing in arguably the highest three receivers on the point of hit free company and what their excellent or seemingly matches are from a fantasy perspective. Subsequent week will probably be a bit greater listing of broad receivers on the point of receives a commission and extra targeted on the optimum fantasy touchdown spot for every of them. With that being mentioned, let’s check out an in-depth breakdown of the highest three free-agent receivers heading into the 2021 offseason. AirYards knowledge from this text could be discovered on addmorefunds.com. Wage cap figures have been offered by Spotrac.com.
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Allen Robinson heads into free company for the second time in his profession with rather more momentum than the 2016-2017 season. Robinson hit free company the primary time at age 24 and was coming off an ACL tear in his remaining season with the Jaguars. He signed a three-year, $42 million deal his first go round and wound up on the Bears with Mitchell Trubisky on the helm. Regardless of how that has gone, Robinson has continued to be one of the spectacular broad receivers within the NFL.
In his final three years in Chicago, Robinson has amassed 399 targets, 255 receptions, 3,151 yards, and 17 touchdowns whereas hauling in passes from the celebrity quarterback trio of Trubisky, Nick Foles, and Chase Daniel. Since 2018, Robinson has averaged a 23.2% goal share in Chicago working because the de facto alpha receiver. Robinson has made it recognized that he’s wanting ahead to his impending free company in current days, stating in his finish of season interviews that “every thing is on the desk” with reference to his future. No matter group is keen to pay him goes to get top-of-the-line pass-catchers within the NFL in the present day.
Potential Free Agent Suits
New York Jets
The Jets discover themselves at a crossroads heading into the 2021 season. They’re looking for a brand new coach and want to determine if Sam Darnold is the reply within the Massive Apple. Armed with the second decide within the NFL draft, the Jets should resolve if he’s the long run or if they’d be higher off investing in Justin Fields or Zach Wilson going ahead. The Jets struggled to maneuver the ball in Adam Gase’s offense final season, totaling simply 3,115 passing yards and 16 touchdowns on the season. Greater than something, they lack a real WR1. Jamison Crowder led the group with 59 receptions for 699 yards and 6 touchdowns and Denzel Mims confirmed promise when wholesome throughout his rookie season.
The Jets have a stable offensive line in place and have round $70 million in accessible cap house to improve their offensive weapons and add defensive gamers. It stays to be seen if Robinson could be keen to gamble once more with a brand new head coach and a shaky quarterback scenario, however heading into probably his final likelihood at an enormous contract, cash might discuss greater than the rest.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals symbolize an attention-grabbing choice for Robinson if he’s trying to connect himself to an ascending quarterback in a pass-happy offensive scheme. The Bengals’ offense confirmed promise with Joe Burrow on the helm, scoring over 20 factors in six of his ten begins regardless of a patchwork offensive line and an damage to operating again Joe Mixon. Burrow accomplished 65% of his passes and threw for two,688 yards and 13 touchdowns in simply over 9 video games. A.J. Green struggled to bounce again after a number of seasons of accidents, catching simply 47 passes for 523 yards and two touchdowns. Regardless of that poor stat line, Inexperienced commanded 104 targets and averaged 11.1 yards per reception. The Bengals have Tyler Boyd working within the slot and had a robust season from rookie broad receiver Tee Higgins however might use a real primary receiver to open up their different weapons.
Zac Taylor is probably going heading into 2021 on the recent seat, however he runs an offense that isn’t afraid to sling the ball round in any scenario. In his final two seasons because the offensive play-caller, the Bengals have averaged 598.5 passing makes an attempt regardless of rolling out choices like Brandon Allen, Ryan Finley, and Andy Dalton as their starter for 26 of the final 32 video games. The Bengals have $42 million in cap house and are dropping A.J. Inexperienced, John Ross, and Alex Erickson coming off the books. The Bengals have to make a critical funding of their offensive line and will simply look to improve by means of the draft, however Robinson could be a critical improve to their receiver corp to assist Joe Burrow take his recreation to the subsequent degree.
Houston Texans
That is extra of a dream state of affairs than something, however man would this be a enjoyable pairing. Deshaun Watson is presently feuding with the Houston entrance workplace and possession, however getting him a real WR1 would definitely go a good distance to enhance his spirits. Regardless of dropping DeAndre Hopkins within the final offseason, Watson accomplished 70% of his passes for 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions in 2020. The 25-year-old quarterback was capable of accomplish that with 15 video games of Brandin Cooks, 11 video games of Will Fuller V, and tight finish Jordan Akins functioning as his third-leading receiver when it comes to goal share.
It will take loads of work to get Robinson to Houston. The Texans are nonetheless looking for a head coach and are presently sitting at -$17 million in cap house. Houston must transfer round and restructure some offers to make a transfer to get a participant that’s the caliber of Robinson’s expertise. Nevertheless, the Texans might need to transfer on from Will Fuller after injury-plagued seasons and a PED suspension. Robinson would give Watson a go-to cross catcher and the WR could be taking part in with a quarterback that’s lightyears forward of anyone who has ever thrown him the ball earlier than.
Chicago Bears
We will’t ignore the potential for Allen Robinson returning to the Bears on a one-year deal by way of the franchise tag. The tag is projected to value $15.3 million for broad receivers in 2021, making the entire cheap given previous seasons. Robinson has been one of the productive receivers within the Bears’ historical past and it might make little sense for the group to only let him stroll with out receiving any compensation in any respect. Count on a holdout if Chicago places the tag on Robinson, however in the end there’s a sturdy likelihood the Bears will take the chance and use that as a chance to lock him up for the lengthy haul.
When it comes to fantasy, the Bears’ beginning quarterback for the 2021 season is in flux and Matt Nagy will probably be returning as head coach whereas additionally probably having play-calling duties. That hasn’t capped Robinson’s affect within the passing recreation but, but it surely might gasoline his need to sluggish play exhibiting as much as camp in the beginning of subsequent yr.
Chris Godwin got here into 2020 with large expectations given his main function because the slot receiver in Tom Brady’s offense. Sadly, accidents restricted him to only 12 video games this season however Godwin was nonetheless capable of end second on the Buccaneers in targets, receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns on his solution to a WR31 end in PPR leagues. There was a gradual flooring for the WR since Bruce Arians took over the top teaching job in Tampa Bay (his final two seasons) that he can use to his benefit as he hits free company at age 24.
Because the starting of the 2019 season, Godwin has performed in 26 of 32 attainable video games and put collectively 151 receptions on 205 targets (73% catch charge) for two,173 yards and 16 touchdowns. Regardless of lacking six video games in that point, Godwin has averaged a 19.8% goal share as the large slot receiver ranks second solely behind Mike Evans the final two years, which is smart contemplating Evans has performed in three extra video games throughout that point. Godwin ought to be extremely coveted by groups in search of a younger receiver that may generate mismatches in the midst of the sphere.
Potential Free Agent Suits
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Essentially the most logical touchdown level for Godwin could be proper again the place he began in Tampa Bay on both a long-term deal or the franchise tag. Bruce Arians loves using the large slot place and Tom Brady loves throwing to fit receivers, making this a superb pairing. With Tampa working in win-now mode, it is smart for them to maintain their main weapons intact contemplating there isn’t any signal of Tom Brady retiring like his fellow historic quarterback contemporaries Drew Brees and Philip Rivers. Antonio Brown can be set to hit free company in Tampa Bay this offseason, however his function within the offense might simply get replaced with Scotty Miller or rookie Tyler Johnson in comparison with Godwin’s. A return to Tampa simply makes essentially the most sense for the first-time free agent.
Washington Soccer Staff
If Godwin does hit the open market, the Washington Soccer Staff makes a ton of sense as a touchdown spot. For starters, Washington presently has simply over $43 million to make the most of to improve their offense, which ought to be a precedence for them given how nicely their protection carried out of their first yr below head coach Ron Rivera. Because it stands, Washington has a legit WR1 in Terry McLaurin, however little else to guard him from getting targeted on by opposing defensive coordinators. Working again J.D. McKissic and tight finish Logan Thomas have been the second and third-leading receivers in Washington and don’t provide a lot in the best way of field-stretching. Cam Sims got here on sturdy to shut the season, however he’s an undrafted free agent. Godwin would supply an instantaneous complement to McLaurin in Washington D.C. and would in the end assist the WFT quarterback scenario no matter who they put below heart in 2021.
Inexperienced Bay Packers
All people has been clamoring for the Packers so as to add a receiving weapon to their offense to assist Aaron Rodgers despite the fact that the Packers discover themselves only one recreation away from the Tremendous Bowl. A variety of the large names like Allen Robinson have been tied to the Packers, however Godwin might make extra sense if he hits the free-agent market. Davante Adams is established as one of many prime receivers within the NFL in the present day, however he operates totally on the skin (simply 22% of his snaps got here out of the slot in 2020), which might give Godwin free reign to tackle his function because the slot receiver in Inexperienced Bay. The Packers might additionally decide to carry again Allen Lazard or use Marquez Valdes-Scantling as their different exterior receiver to place opposing secondaries in a bind. An Adams/Godwin pairing with MVS as a discipline stretcher for Aaron Rodgers could be a nightmare for NFC groups for the foreseeable future. Inexperienced Bay must do some work with their cap scenario (presently $22 million over the cap), however that isn’t something a couple of cuts and restructures might remedy.
Miami Dolphins
Miami is a younger group on the rise, however they lack star energy on the offensive facet of the ball. Miami has a younger quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa however is missing any weapons to make him comfy within the passing recreation. DeVante Parker was capable of present that his 2019 breakout (1,202 yards and 9 touchdowns) wasn’t an entire fluke, however he solely performed in 14 video games and did not eclipse 1,000 receiving yards this yr. Their second-leading receiver was Mike Gesicki, a good finish that performed in 15 video games and compiled simply 703 yards and 6 touchdowns. No different Dolphin broke 400 yards receiving on the season. Second-year receiver Preston Williams confirmed loads of promise, however his second yr within the league ended after eight video games attributable to a foot damage and he has solely performed in 16 of a attainable 32 video games up to now in his profession. Godwin would instantly present Miami with a legit receiving risk that would function within the slot and permit Parker and a hopefully wholesome Williams to get pleasure from single protection exterior the numbers. With Mike Gesicki operating out of the tight finish (or reverse slot), it might be tough to key in on anyone receiving risk and would give Tua loads of choices to throw to on any given play.
It looks as if simply yesterday that JuJu Smith-Schuster erupted onto the listing of prime broad receivers in his second season throughout from Antonio Brown. Smith-Schuster completed his age-22 season with 111 receptions on 166 targets for 1,426 yards and 7 touchdowns in 16 video games, totals that launched him into the dialog as one of many prime younger receivers within the league. JuJu has struggled to match that manufacturing since that vast season, combining for 139 receptions on 198 targets for 1,383 yards and 12 touchdowns in his final two seasons with Pittsburgh.
Whereas a few of that may be attributed to Pittsburgh including Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and Eric Ebron in current seasons to their pass-catching corp, loads of it may be seen because the decline in quarterback play for the Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger missed most of 2019 with an elbow damage, so JuJu was catching passes from the underwhelming duo of Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges. This season, Roethlisberger made his return, however he was coming off a significant elbow damage in his age-38 season, inflicting him to common 6.4 yards per try, the twenty ninth highest mark within the NFL this season. JuJu will seemingly enter free company heading into his prime due to a group of receiving weapons in Pittsburgh and a questionable cap scenario (destructive $21 million on the books), which ought to give him loads of choices.
Potential Free Agent Suits
New England Patriots
New England’s offense was a multitude in 2020 and loads of it may be tied to the ineffectiveness of their passing assault. The Patriots tried 440 passing makes an attempt, the second-fewest within the NFL after the Baltimore Ravens. Their 2,890 yards by means of the air ranked them because the thirtieth group within the NFL and their 12 whole passing touchdowns have been tied for the worst mark with the New York Giants. Cam Newton, their beginning quarterback for 15 video games, had eight passing touchdowns to 10 interceptions on the complete season. As straightforward as it might be accountable Cam Newton, loads of this falls on the Patriots’ weapons on the perimeter. New England’s main receiver was Jakobi Meyers, an undrafted free agent in 2019. Their second-leading receiver was Damiere Byrd, a former undrafted free agent that the Patriots signed within the offseason. Julian Edelman is 34 and N’Keal Harry is seemingly a bust, so New England might use an inflow of expertise. With $58 million in cap house, JuJu would add a legit broad receiver that assaults the intermediate elements of the sphere and assist whoever is below heart for the Pats in 2021.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have had some sizable points on offense pop up because the finish of the 2020 season due to the retirements of left sort out Anthony Castonzo and quarterback Philip Rivers. Nevertheless, the Colts enter the 2021 offseason with a great quantity of cap house ($56 million) and set at many key positions alongside the offensive line and on protection. On the broad receiver place, T.Y. Hilton had a stable season in Indianapolis, however he has seemingly misplaced a step and is getting into free company. Michael Pittman Jr. confirmed flashes his rookie season, however it could be too quickly to ask him to step into the WR1 function. JuJu would assist the Colts in some ways, giving them a flexible receiver to suit alongside Pittman, Parris Campbell, and Zach Pascal whereas becoming the age window they presently have. Smith-Schuster is only one yr older than Pittman and Campbell regardless of being within the league for 4 seasons. His affect within the passing recreation would permit head coach Frank Reich to maintain transferring his gamers round formations whereas giving whoever the subsequent quarterback in Indianapolis a proficient goal.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders flashed a reasonably sturdy passing assault in 2020 regardless of the dearth of a real WR1. Darren Waller led the Raiders in targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns from the tight finish place. Nelson Agholor would up as their main receiver as a free agent reclamation undertaking, catching 48 of his 82 targets for 896 yards and eight touchdowns. The Raiders invested closely in broad receivers the final draft, taking Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards within the NFL draft, though neither participant made a big affect within the passing assault their first season. Agholor will seemingly head again into free company after his one sturdy season, opening up almost 100 targets within the passing recreation. JuJu would slot in nice for the Raiders, pulling protection to him and liberating up Jon Gruden to make the most of mismatches to get the ball to Waller, Ruggs, Hunter Renfrow, and Edwards. Las Vegas is simply $7 million over the cap, so it wouldn’t take a lot to get the cash to carry a star receiver like JuJu to Vegas. Given his love of social media and skill to work together with followers, JuJu would additionally present a superb face to the franchise because the Raiders set up their model in Sin Metropolis, which might be a bonus.
New York Jets
As soon as once more, the Jets discover themselves on this listing due to a scarcity of expertise and a surplus of the wage cap (over $70 million). JuJu would give the Jets a WR1 that might be capable to function on the skin or transfer to the slot and liberate Jamison Crowder. Denzel Mims would be capable to function as the sphere stretcher and wouldn’t be pressured with being the de facto WR1 after a rookie season that was marred by inaccurate passes and accidents. Plus, with Mike LaFleur taking on the offensive coordinator job for the Jets, JuJu would have an opportunity to play within the Shanahan offensive scheme that’s recognized for getting gamers open and benefiting from opposing secondaries. The WR could be a terrific match with Sam Darnold (or whoever the Jets select to draft) and would match the age-window New York is presently working below to try to work in the direction of competitiveness. Between Breshad Perriman and Jeff Smith, the Jets are vacating 97 targets, greater than sufficient for JuJu to have an effect with out taking touches from anyone else.
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