While the majority of the top options in free agency have all signed, of course, there is still plenty of talent left on the market. We will be diving into the wide receiver position specifically.
One year ago, there were slight hopes that some of the best wide receivers in the NFL could possibly be in this class, headlined by Justin Jefferson, Tee Higgins, and CeeDee Lamb, but all three of them ended up signing extensions.
So, even heading into free agency, this was not known to be a great free agent class of wide receivers, but there are still names out there that can add value to an NFL team in 2025.
Top 5 Remaining Free Agent WRs
For a full analysis of who is left in free agency, check out the PFSN article going position by position, but here are the top five names left and who they played for in 2024:
- Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears
- Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks
- Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills
- Elijah Moore, Cleveland Browns
- Diontae Johnson, Baltimore Ravens
One note here is that the article includes four players who have recently signed: Stefon Diggs (New England Patriots), Brandin Cooks (New Orleans Saints), Rondale Moore (Minnesota Vikings), and Tim Patrick, who re-signed with the Detroit Lions, but the remaining five are still available.
Of the names on the list, there is a possibility that Cooper might be retiring this offseason, based on an ominous quote from NBC Sports’ Matthew Berry, detailed on social media.
Amari is done. That's not me talking. That's from an offensive coach of a former team of his I spoke to at the Combine
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR)
The name on that list that seems the most likely to actually help a team is Allen, despite his age.
“Despite being essentially two years older than the next receiver on this list, there is a level of plausible deniability that is at play in Keenan Allen’s profile that doesn’t exist for others,” said PFSN’s Stats and Insights team.
“Yes, he saw his yards per route run decline by a full yard in 2024 from 2023, but he was part of a brand new offense that was working in a rookie quarterback with talent all over the place in terms of the receiver position. He was also in a loaded division that put pressure on this offense to be more aggressive than they otherwise would have been.
“If Allen stays in Chicago, it’s hard to like his prospects of bouncing back (2024: 70-744-7) in a meaningful way. Rome Odunze showed signs of development as his rookie season wore on and is positioned to be used next to DJ Moore much more frequently as this team looks to build a future around Caleb Williams.
“He posted his lowest on-field target share since his rookie season, and him continually being phased out is likely in store. That said, he is a polished route runner who has scored at least six times in seven of eight seasons and ran downfield more in 2024 than any of the previous four seasons.
“Allen has spent over half of his snaps in the slot in five straight campaigns and, if signed into a very specific role, could make a positive impact entering his 13th season. He used to be a system-proof route winner — he can still make a difference, but not without the help of savvy scheming.”
It is certainly possible that the majority of these WRs will wait until after the NFL Draft to sign with a team, once teams know who they were able to pick up in this upcoming draft, so it might be a long wait until there is resolution with these big names still on the market.