fantasy football wide receivers preview

We’re shortly approaching NFL free company, probably the most thrilling occasions of the 12 months. As veterans proceed to be traded and launched within the weeks forward, nothing is official till March 17 at 4 p.m. EDT. That gained’t cease us from getting energized about any information, nor will it forestall a glance forward at attainable eventualities.

Listed here are the positional breakdowns of recognized unrestricted free-agent huge receivers who might current fantasy soccer utility in 2021. Every participant’s 2020 staff is in parentheses, and we’ll focus solely on related fantasy soccer commodities.

Quarterbacks | Running backs | Tight ends

2021 fantasy soccer free brokers to observe

Extensive receivers

Allen Robinson (Chicago Bears): Chicago sits $1.8 million over the cap at this second. Robinson has expressed curiosity in sticking round within the Windy Metropolis, but the shortage of a contract extension ought to say every thing avid gamers have to know. The 27-year-old has returned to type after tearing an ACL a number of years in the past, so make sure he’ll search for high greenback. The Bears can not present it, and a franchise tagging may flip ugly in a rush.

Expectation: Robinson will hit free company and find yourself in a distinct metropolis. The murky QB scenario in Chicago is unattractive, and tagging him will lead to a bigger cap hit than a team-friendly extension, in all chance. Probably the most possible touchdown spots, in no specific order: New York Giants, New York Jets, Inexperienced Bay, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Miami, Baltimore, Indianapolis and Washington.

Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Coming off a down 12 months, resulting from a number of accidents, Godwin hits his first likelihood at free company in his prime. He’s a real WR1 coming from a staff with its personal in Mike Evans, however Godwin additionally realizes the worth of renewing his take care of the Bucs.

Expectation: The plausibility of Tampa letting him stroll is nearly zero. This staff has loads of cap area and will place a tag on Godwin if an settlement can’t be reached. With the cap poised to extend in 2022, and Tom Brady probably retiring then, too, Godwin is unlikely to reject taking part in on a tag.

Kenny Golladay (Detroit Lions): Golladay is trying to bounce again from an injury-ravaged season, and if it’s in Detroit, he’ll have to take action with Jared Goff beginning at quarterback.

Expectation: There’s discuss the Lions will use the franchise tag to retain Golladay, which is a win-win for either side. Detroit will get to see if he has success with Goff earlier than investing long run, and the wideout can present groups he’s wholesome and productive once more forward of a 2022 free-agent interval that can give groups extra cap flexibility.

JuJu Smith-Schuster (Pittsburgh Steelers): Following a few unspectacular seasons after Antonio Brown left, JuJu seems to have worn out his welcome within the Metal Metropolis. Pittsburgh watched 2020 rookie Chase Claypool emerge in a serious manner, and Diontae Johnson additionally stepped up his sport,  making the veteran expendable.

Expectation: Smith-Schuster will need extra money that Pittsburgh pays him anyway, and this roster has extra urgent wants to deal with for a playoff return to be a secure guess. JJSS may have suitors, together with Philadelphia (supplied the cap area is cleared) and Las Vegas doubtless being close to the highest of the checklist.

Curtis Samuel (Carolina Panthers): Nonetheless solely 24 years outdated coming into his first alternative at free company, Samuel is coming off of his finest fantasy season but, powered on the energy of 77 receptions for 851 yards — each private bests. Samuel does a bunch of issues effectively, however he has but to supply that “wow issue” in anyone side of his sport.

Expectation: It is going to be attention-grabbing to see if a distinct teaching employees can get one thing extra explosive from him within the aerial sport, though a number of playcallers in Carolina over his profession haven’t been in a position to attract it out of him. Reuniting with City Meyer in Jacksonville makes some sense, and heading to Washington for an additional teaching reunion is a viable choice. There may very well be curiosity from a number of groups if the asking worth is inside purpose. Think about New England and the New York Giants to be larger than most on the quick checklist.

T.Y. Hilton (Indianapolis Colts): Hilton lastly returned to type within the second half of final season. He enters his first alternative to hit free company and has stated he’s 100% targeted on it. Hilton additionally famous he’s not in opposition to returning to Indy, although studying between the strains suggests the compensation might want to match up along with his desired wage.

Expectation: Buying QB Carson Wentz was the primary domino to fall in a sequence of things that wanted to align to make the Colts extra engaging to Hilton. Indy’s cap scenario is among the many finest in soccer, so now it ought to come right down to compensation. There’s nonetheless a greater than first rate likelihood Hilton will take a look at his value on the open market at age 32

Corey Davis (Tennessee Titans): Timing is every thing in life, and the Titans might discover out the laborious manner they need to have picked up Davis’ fifth-year choice previous to final season. In equity, he was trending towards epic bust territory earlier than rising in 2020 alongside A.J. Brown.

Expectation: It comes right down to how a lot Tennessee values Davis and whether or not the 2 can set up widespread floor relating to {dollars} vs. expectations. Sitting simply barely above the cap, it’s unlikely the Titans can spend sufficient to retain him. If Davis needs to have a shot a profitable over being overpaid, he may discover a inventive contract for the quick time period. Probably, a staff with deeper pockets will win his providers.

Marvin Jones (Detroit Lions): Jones turns 31 days earlier than the opening of free company in March, and he has been remarkably constant over the previous 4 years on a per-game foundation. The previous Bengal and Lion is the consummate No. 2 receiver. However given his age and lack of postseason success, Jones may have a slender checklist of desired touchdown spots. He needs to be paid what he feels he’s value and play for a contender. Say goodbye, Detroit.

Expectation: Groups that match the mould of what Jones has in thoughts, so as of most cap area: Indianapolis, Baltimore, Tampa Bay, Cleveland, San Francisco, Seattle, Tennessee, Inexperienced Bay and Kansas Metropolis. Indy, Baltimore and Tennessee are in all probability essentially the most smart choices.

Antonio Brown (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Frequent sense places AB again in pewter this fall, however contemplate the person in query right here. Tom Brady will likely be on his aspect, and the Buccaneers have ample cash to spend.

Expectation: A razor-thin margin for error will scare off a number of groups, if not most. Brown is also getting lengthy within the tooth. Search for him to signal one other one-year pact with Tampa Bay as essentially the most possible plan of action.

Will Fuller (Houston Texans): An damage historical past 4 miles lengthy and dealing with a one-game suspension to start the 12 months, Fuller has restricted leverage. He nonetheless has his wheels and is simply 27 as soon as the season begins. He’s not a WR1 and shouldn’t be requested to deal with such a task.

Expectation: Fuller could also be on the quick checklist for Inexperienced Bay, Indianapolis, New England, Washington and Cleveland. All of these groups desperately have to get sooner. Inexperienced Bay has some velocity, however the inconsistent play behind Davante Adams is in want of an improve. There may very well be a wild card out of Baltimore, Tennessee and Las Vegas.

Nelson Agholor (Las Vegas Raiders): This one will likely be attention-grabbing. The previous first-round decide saved his profession, due to his downfield chemistry with quarterback Derek Carr. The Raiders will transfer on from Tyrell Williams, and there’s an apparent want for as a lot assist on the place because the Raiders can assemble. A report late final 12 months stated Agholor lashed out at his teammates for a dysfunctional collapse, but it surely was instantly disputed by precise Las Vegas gamers.

Expectation: Flip a coin on whether or not he returns to the staff. A profitable contract provide may assist ail any woes, and having teammates step up in his protection is telling. A bunch of groups want a vertical menace at receiver, and the Raiders confirmed the best way to correctly use him. Agholor may have a number of groups no less than kicking tires within the authorized tampering interval.

A.J. Inexperienced (Cincinnati Bengals): The previous star receiver will hit the marketplace for the primary time in his profession. An age-33 season forward — made scarier by his damage historical past — will restrict Inexperienced’s suitors. In the fitting function, equivalent to a scoring menace within the crimson zone, Inexperienced may do some injury for fantasy functions. Nevertheless, predicting when to play him in that state of affairs can be irritating. To Inexperienced’s credit score, he didn’t miss a sport in 2020. To actuality’s credit score, Inexperienced regarded washed up after lacking all of 2019.

Expectation: This looks like a Patriots signing … Invoice Belichick has a monitor file of signing former star gamers on a budget, particularly at receiver, hoping to get one thing from them. If WR-needy playoff groups, like Indy, Washington, Cleveland, Tennessee or Inexperienced Bay, have an interest, Inexperienced may have a robust likelihood to rebound. Ought to he be relegated to inking with any outdated staff, like Detroit, the Jets, Philly, amongst others, Inexperienced will likely be uncovered as soon as once more. Wild playing cards embrace the Chiefs, Bears, Steelers and Seahawks.

Josh Reynolds (Los Angeles Rams): Los Angeles invested a 2020 second-round decide on huge receiver Van Jefferson. Reynolds is coming off a season by which he posted private bests for yardage (618) and catches (52). He gained’t appeal to an enormous contract, though the Texas A&M product may show to be a discount.

Expectation: Reynolds, 26, will nearly definitely be taking part in in a brand new metropolis subsequent 12 months, and one spot that makes appreciable sense is Cincinnati. The Bengals have loads of money to spend, A.J. Inexperienced is an impending free agent, and head coach Zac Taylor coached for the Rams throughout Reynolds first couple of seasons within the league.

Demarcus Robinson (Kansas Metropolis Chiefs): Robinson re-signed with KC final 12 months on a one-year pact that resulted in him posting profession figures for receptions (45) and yardage (466).

Expectation: There’s sufficient purpose to suppose he may defect if a staff is prepared to spend up after Robinson tallied 11 whole receiving scores previously three seasons. If Sammy Watkins doesn’t renew with the Chiefs, Robinson may get a name from KC basic supervisor Brett Veach.

Sammy Watkins (Kansas Metropolis Chiefs): It looks like Watkins is in his mid-30s by now, however he’s coming into free company at solely 27. Kansas Metropolis has expressed curiosity in re-signing him, and the oft-injured wideout has mutual emotions. He famous his want to win is larger than for racking up stats, which narrows issues down a terrific deal.

Expectation: A one-year contract with both incentives or usually lessened wage ramifications makes a ton of sense for each KC and Watkins. He’s a veteran presence who is aware of the Chiefs’ system, and the aforementioned Robinson is free agent, too, which will increase the worth of Watkins re-upping in KC.

Keelan Cole (Jacksonville Jaguars): Cole returned to the minds of fantasy avid gamers in 2020 on a career-high 55 catches and 5 scores. He gained’t have an enormous market, and Cole most probably will likely be signed to play a complementary function. Nevertheless, there’s an opportunity a staff may see sufficient in his sport and provide Cole a shot at being a WR2.

Expectation: Groups with restricted cash and a necessity for a task participant: Detroit, Chicago, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Inexperienced Bay, Tennessee and Las Vegas.

David Moore (Seattle Seahawks): Can Moore translate a six-touchdown marketing campaign right into a outstanding function with a contemporary staff? Maybe, however his total physique of labor is reasonably restricted and uninspiring. Moore battled inconsistency final 12 months and primarily discovered success by means of the eye paid to the 2 receivers forward of him.

Expectation: He may very well be a sufferer of a deep free-agent pool, and a return to Seattle shouldn’t be dominated out. Reuniting with Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell is a definite risk.

Breshad Perriman (New York Jets): Perriman is a well-traveled veteran at this level, and his newest cease did his 2021 leverage no favors. The deep menace may discover a function with a staff available in the market for a limited-action vertical weapon, however the cash will mirror it.

Expectation: Not that it makes a terrific distinction in fantasy leagues, since Perriman is a bit participant who’s reliant on matchups, however he may very well be an intriguing choice in the fitting scenario. The same old suspects on this checklist are affordable choices, merely due to his velocity. Indy, Tennessee, Washington, Miami, Arizona, San Fran, Seattle, Carolina and the Patriots are all inside purpose based mostly on want.

DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles): D-Jax, 34, hits free company after his launch. The market will likely be extraordinarily restricted due to his age and big damage historical past. There may very well be a staff or two prepared to pay sufficient to carry him in on a one-year deal simply to make the most of his still-impressive velocity.

Expectation: Kansas Metropolis makes ample sense, given the relative information Jackson has of Andy Reid’s system, and the Chiefs have a necessity for a veteran function participant with the approaching free company of Demarcus Robinson and Sammy Watkins. New England, Baltimore, Indianapolis, the Jets and Cleveland make sense, too.

Rashard Higgins (Cleveland Browns): Higgins has flashed a time or two in his NFL profession. The function has principally been as a backup, and whereas there may very well be a possibility for Higgins to see a beginning function, it’s laborious to think about it is going to be in a dependable setting.

Expectation: There’s a major want for a receiver from so many groups that it’s a complete crapshoot to guess as to the place Higgins will signal. Cleveland completely remains to be within the combine, and re-signing is sensible for either side. He has a relationship with Baker Mayfield, is aware of the offense, and may very well be requested to do extra if OBJ is sluggish to get better.

Kendrick Bourne (San Francisco 49ers): Can a change of surroundings enhance Bourne’s fantasy prospects after a number of years of flirting with being greater than a spot starter? There’s a pair of proficient receivers on roster in San Fran in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. After George Kittle, Bourne actually gained’t see sufficient passes with frequency to persistently matter in fantasy, ought to he return.

Expectation: The Jets are the most probably touchdown spot. They’ve an apparent want for receivers, giving Bourne a possibility to compete for a beginning gig. It additionally would reunite him with New York’s new offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur.

Willie Snead (Baltimore Ravens): Snead has been a security blanket of kinds for Lamar Jackson in clutch conditions, though his choices in fantasy are that of an occasional matchup play.

Expectation: His market will likely be restricted, so a attainable return to Baltimore isn’t unrealistic. The Ravens are in good cap form (eleventh most), suggesting it would come right down to Snead’s desire and whether or not the mind belief needs to maneuver on to youthful choices, equivalent to Miles Boykin and/or Devin Duvernay.

Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals): It’s inconceivable Fitz returns for his 18th professional season if it isn’t in Arizona. He endured his worst statistical season as a professional in 2020 and should return as not more than a mentor.

Expectation: Assuming he returns for another crack at a Tremendous Bowl, Fitzgerald’s age-38 season presents no fantasy soccer worth of word.

Potential free brokers to observe

On account of a possible shrinking wage cap, some groups will likely be in a bind greater than anticipated when these contracts have been signed.

Odell Beckham Jr. (Cleveland Browns): There’s chatter Beckham may very well be traded or launched as he works his manner again from knee reconstruction. The one-time celebrity has fallen on robust occasions lately, and whereas Cleveland definitely can hold him on roster at his present value, the fitting compensation package deal may instigate a commerce. OBJ’s deal has three seasons remaining however provides a penalty-free out after the 2021 marketing campaign. Slicing or buying and selling him now would save just below $3 million.

Brandin Cooks (Houston Texans): The cap hit is $12 million this 12 months, and Cooks’ deal carries no useless cash over the subsequent three years. Relying on what occurs with Deshaun Watson, and the approaching free-agent standing of WR Will Fuller, it may depart the Texans in place to restructure Cooks and even hold him at his present worth.

Tyrell Williams (Las Vegas Raiders): Williams is anticipated to be launched to avoid wasting Las Vegas $23 million over the subsequent two seasons. The previous Charger missed all the 2020 season with a shoulder damage and should have a slim market awaiting his providers.

Emmanuel Sanders (New Orleans Saints): Sanders carries a $10.5 million cost in opposition to the cap for a staff that’s in dire straits, so there’s loads of incentive to get youthful and cheaper. Sanders’ launch will include $4 million in useless cap expenses, accelerating $2 million from the 2022 cap to this 12 months’s.

Golden Tate (New York Giants): Final 12 months’s tumultuous relationship between Tate and the group may assist contribute to the underperforming veteran to be proven the door. The cap financial savings can be roughly $6.1 million.

Mike Williams (Los Angeles Chargers): The Bolts picked up his fifth-year choice for 2021, which pays Williams $15.68 million. The Chargers are in fine condition cap-wise and don’t have to launch him, however it’s a bunch of cash to pay for what Williams has produced of late. No useless cap hit makes him expendable by way of launch or commerce.

Adam Humphries (Tennessee Titans): A number of concussions may power the previous Buccaneer to ponder retirement, however ought to he decide to return to the sphere, it’s unlikely with the Titans. Tennessee will save greater than $4.4 million in opposition to the cap by releasing him.

Alshon Jeffery (Philadelphia Eagles): Jeffery will likely be launched as soon as the brand new league 12 months formally opens. At 31, after a number of years of significant damage points, his days of fantasy relevance are doubtless over.