NFL training camps are underway, and preseason games will be starting soon. Yet, there are still several notable veteran wide receivers who remain unsigned.
The two most surprising players at the WR position not to be with a team at training camp right now are Michael Thomas and Hunter Renfrow. Both players are not far removed from being very productive NFL wide receivers, especially Renfrow, who is just three seasons removed from being named to the Pro Bowl.
In addition to Thomas and Renfrow, however, who are the other top free agent wide receivers available, and could any of these players sign with a team before the season begins? With the NFL’s new kickoff rules, could any free agent wide receivers be signed to fill a team’s need for a kick returner?
Best NFL Free Agents Available | Wide Receiver
1) Michael Thomas
2) Hunter Renfrow
3) Corey Davis
4) Julio Jones
5) Richie James
6) Jamal Agnew
7) Alex Erickson
8) Jakeem Grant
9) Jarvis Landry
10) Robbie Chosen
Thomas was dominant as the New Orleans Saints’ WR1 at the end of the 2010s, setting an NFL record with 149 catches in 2019. However, injuries destroyed the better part of four seasons for Thomas, and the 31-year-old missed the final seven games of the 2023 campaign with a knee injury.
Two years removed from a 103-1,038-9 line, Renfrow played just 35% of the Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive snaps in 2023. Still, the Raiders couldn’t find a taker for Renfrow at last year’s trade deadline, and he’s generated no known interest on the free agent market. Nevertheless, he should be among the first calls for NFL teams with WR injuries this summer.
Davis stepped away from football in 2023 but applied for reinstatement in March. The former first-round pick is still only 29 and could have suitors once his NFL status is cleared up.
Agnew and Grant are former All-Pro return men, while James, Erickson, and Pringle also have experience handling kickoffs and punts.