Wide Receiver Free Agency Preview

The Washington Redskins receiving core was one of the best in the NFL in 2016. From the reliable and versatile chain mover Pierre Garcon, to arguably the best deep threat in NFL history in Desean Jackson, to one of the best slot receivers in the league in Jamison Crowder, this group was nothing short of elite. With free agency approaching, the Redskins will allow both Pierre and Desean to test the market, and odds are they find a team willing to pay them at or above their market value, which leaves Washington in the market for a receiver or two this offseason. On the very big assumption that these free agents will be coming here to play with Kirk as their quarterback, here are a list of a few receivers that can work with Washington. All calculated market values provided by spotrac.com.

Potential Fits at Wide Receiver for Washington

Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver, Kenny Stills, 25 years old. Estimated annual value of $6.4 million. When it comes to Stills, it must first be noted that there are already reports he may earn more at least $12 million on the market this offseason. So this estimated salary may be off. The reason Stills is a top rated receiver is because of his wheels. Speed is valuable in the NFL, and he has cashed out after his 2016 season in Miami. The 4 year pro produced a career high in yards per reception at 17.3 and in touchdowns at 9. He also is a healthy guy. His hands were an issue for him in his past but he had very few drops this year.

Los Angeles Rams Wide Receiver, Kenny Britt, 28 years old. Estimated annual value of $6.7 million. Kenny is that big body receiver the Redskins have struggled to find since, well, Rod Gardner. The Redskins have potential in both second year players Maurice Harris and Josh Doctson; however, Britt is established and will help ease the roster turnover by adding an immediate weapon in the redzone and a reliable 50/50 jump ball receiver.

Tennessee Titans Wide Receiver, Kendall Wright, 27 years old. Estimated annual value of $7.1 million. Kendall is not the premier replacement you would think of to replace Garcon and Jackson; however, he may provide some stability to an already stable core. Signing Wright would mean – and I prefer things this way – an increased role for Maurice Harris and Jamison Crowder which would leave Kendall Wright opportunities to win in the slot. Wright’s issue throughout his career has been availability, however, missing at least 2 games the last two seasons and only playing a full 16 once.

Buffalo Bills Wider Receiver, Robert Woods, 24 years old. Estimated annual value of $8.0 million. Woods started off his career strong in Buffalo, and gradually slowed down in production after his 2nd season. He has struggled to reach the end zone throughout his entire career with his high being 5 touchdowns in 2014. The good thing with his drop in production is that his estimated value is pretty accurate, which would be pretty cheap with what will happen to the bigger named receivers. Woods, like Wright, would help solidify a young receiving core and can contribute right away.

New England Patriots Wide Receiver, Michael Floyd, 27 years old. Estimated annual value of $8.6 million. Yes, Floyd has had his drop issues, but at the end of the day Floyd is a guy who has shown flashes of being a playmaker, and has been good at attacking the football, like Britt. 2016 was a terrible season for Floyd (yet ended up winning a Super Bowl with the Patriots), but he will be an asset for whoever he signs with. He can help Washington in the playmaking category, and like Woods his asking price may be accurate.

Cleveland Browns Wide Receiver, Terrelle Pryor, 27 years old. Estimated annual value of $8.9 million. Pryor is the rising star of his position in this years free agency crop. In his first full season as a starting receiver in the NFL, he posted 77 catches for over 1000 yards. His ability to win in all areas of the field as well as make the tough catches will make his value to the Redskins great. Just play this game with me really quick and imagine a healthy Doctson, Pryor, Crowder, and Reed as the Redskins receiving core. It would be another potentially exciting season on the offensive side of the football.

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