NFL Position Series: Wide Receivers

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertJanuary 22, 2022
© USA TODAY Sports

Our NFL offseason series continues with a look at the wide receiver position for each team heading into 2022, making note of potential WR1/WR2/WR3 possibilities, notable extension candidates, players heading to free agency, restructure candidates, and plenty more.

Spotrac's Offseason Position Pieces

Arizona Cardinals

WR1: 3 yrs, $52M | WR2: UFA | WR3: UFA
While DeAndre Hopkins is locked in for 3 more years ($6.65M fully guaranteed now), his colleagues A.J. Green & Christian Kirk are both pending free agents. An $18.5M tag is likely too rich for either, so Arizona will have decisions to make on how to fill out this arsenal going forward. With Rondale Moore likely able to step in for a bigger role in 2022, bringing back Kirk seems the more likely scenario. The 25 year old holds a 4 year, $50M valuation.


Atlanta Falcons

WR1: 1 yr, $11M | WR2: UFA | WR3: UFA
Calvin Ridley’s time away from the team has been unfortunate for the Falcons’ offense, but it’ll have real financial implications if it carries into 2022, as his salary jumps from $1.9M to $11.1M (fully guaranteed). His cap hit remains on the books with an injury designation. Behind him, Russell Gage & Tajae Sharpe are pending UFAs, Olamide Zaccheaus & Christian Blake are pending RFAs. It’s not unreasonable to say there might be a completely new WR core in 2022. 


Baltimore Ravens

WR1: 1 yr, $2.1M + option | WR2: 3 yrs, $5.3M + option | WR3: UFA
Marquise Brown becomes extension eligible after 2021, with a $17M valuation under his belt right now. He & Rashod Bateman should be the cornerstones of this arsenal, with room for a legit free agent option to replace Sammy Watkins’s expiring contract. Devin Duvernay’s 2 years remaining also provides strong value for the Ravens.


Buffalo Bills

WR1: 2 yrs, $26M | WR2: UFA | WR3 | 1 yr, $6.1M
Stefon Diggs has done enough in his two seasons with the Bills to warrant a top of the market contract extension this winter. There’s a $23M valuation attached to the 28-year-old, who projects to a 4 year, $91M extension currently. Behind him, Emmanuel Sanders will likely walk back into free agency, & Cole Beasley is almost certain to be released out of his expiring contract ($6.1M saved), providing a bigger role for Gabriel Davis (2 yrs, $1.9M) in 2022. Buffalo will be in the free agent/draft market for another legitimate WR again this spring.

 

Carolina Panthers

WR1: 1 yr, $11M | WR2: 2 yrs, $25M | WR3: 3 yrs, $3.4M
D.J. Moore is entering a contract year in 2021, with just his $11M fully guaranteed option remaining. The 24 year old has raised his valuation up to $17M with a strong 2021 campaign, projecting to a 4 year, $67M extension. Behind him, Robby Anderson has already been extended through 2023, with $8M of his 2022 compensation already fully guaranteed. The WR3 role appears up for grabs as youngster Terrace Marshall has seen his playing time diminish of late.


Chicago Bears

WR1: UFA | WR2: 2 yrs, $1.9M | WR3: UFA
Justin Fields needs both an offensive line, and a new set of wide receivers in 2022. A second franchise tag for Allen Robinson will cost $20.1M, likely too steep for the Bears to carry. Robinson entered 2021 with a valuation north of $20M, but time missed and a lack of opportunity & production has seen that drop into the $16M range. There’s likely still an $18M+ free agent contract in his future. Behind him Darnell Mooney provides incredible value on his 5th round rookie contract, but the WR core is extremely thin thereafter.


Cincinnati Bengals

WR1: 3 yrs, $10M + option | WR2: 2 yrs, $3M | WR3: 2 yrs, $17.6M
The Bengals boast one of the best 1-2-3 punches in the NFL with Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, & Tyler Boyd all under contract through 2023. Boyd’s cap figure jumps north of $10M in 2022, so a restructured extension could be on the table to better control that figure while keeping this band together. 


Cleveland Browns

WR1: 1 yr, $15M | WR2: 2 yrs, $1.9M | WR3: UFA
Jarvis Landry has seen his production decline quite a bit over the past few seasons, and with $15M to be cleared in moving on, he’s a roster bubble candidate right now. Behind him, Donovan Peoples-Jones has been giving more power in 2021, and he’s done well with it. With Rashard Higgins headed back to the free agent market, there’s room for 3rd round pick Anthony Schwartz to slide up.

 

Dallas Cowboys

WR1: 3 yrs, $60M | WR2: 2 yrs, $4.3M + option | WR3: UFA
Amari Cooper’s contract becomes pay-as-you-go from here out, and has yet to be restructured through two seasons, and there’s $15.1M of cap space to be saved with a full base salary conversation. CeeDee Lamb remains incredible value with two years plus the 5th year option left on his rookie contract. Michael Gallup actually took the most snaps among Cowboys’ receivers, but it always seemed likely he would seek a larger role/payday elsewhere after 2021. His injury is unfortunate, but shouldn’t stop him from cashing in. A cap-adjusted version of Allen Robinson’s free agent contract with the Bears in a similar situation should be the target ($16M+ per year).


Denver Broncos

WR1: 4 yrs, $54M | WR2: 3 yrs, $27M | WR3: 2 yrs, $4.5M + option
The Broncos arguably have the best WR in football, both from a potential production, and contract stability standpoint. This is a drop-in-a-veteran-QB-ready offense. K.J. Hamler, Kendall Hinton, & Daesean Hamilton are also under contract for 2022 and could become trade pieces.

 

Detroit Lions

WR1: 3 yrs, $2.8M | WR2: 2 yrs, $1.9M | WR3: UFA
Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the better stories of the year, and should easily become the focal point of this offense going forward. Behind him it’s pretty cloudy, with Kalif Raymond, Khadarel Hodge, & Josh Reynolds headed for free agency, 5th rounder Quintez Cephus with two years left.


Green Bay Packers

WR1: UFA | WR2: RFA | WR3: UFA
If that doesn’t scream COME BACK AARON I don’t know what will. Randall Cobb remains on a 1 year, $8.1M contract ($9.5M cap hit),  but his status seems directly attached to that of Aaron Rodgers’. Davante Adams is destined for a $20.1M franchise tag, Allen Lazard is likely headed for a $3.9M restricted tender, while Equanimeous St. Brown & Marquez Valdes-Scantling appear headed for the open market. Keeping Adams around long term will require at least $25M per year.


Houston Texans

WR1: 1 yr, $13.7M | WR2: 3 yrs, $2.4M | WR3: UFA
Brandin Cooks outperformed all expectations in a difficult season, and built up decent rapport with Davis Mills (the likely QB1 in 2022). It stands to reason that Cooks may ask for greener grass in the form of a trade this offseason, but he’s an extension candidate regardless. 2021 3rd round pick Nico Collins should stick around, but there are 2-4 roster spots to be filled out here over the next few months. Cooks holds an $18M+ valuation currently.

 

Indianapolis Colts

WR1: 2 yrs, $3M | WR2: UFA | WR3: 1 yr, $1.1M
Michael Pittman Jr. has a chance to be a real player if he can stay on the field (and the Colts can find a better option to toss him the ball). T.Y. Hilton probably doesn’t return this time around, vaulting Parris Campbell into a WR2 role for the time being. There’s a player to be added here in some capacity. 

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

WR1: 1 yr, $6M | WR2: UFA | WR3: 2 yrs, $3M
Marvin Jones was Marvin Jones yet again in 2021 and should remain in the fold for 2022. DJ Chark missed the majority of his expiring season with a broken ankle, and could be a candidate to return on the cheap in a “showcase” deal. Slot man Laviska Shenault seemed under-utilized in Urban Meyer’s system, but could benefit greatly from a new regime.

 

Kansas City Chiefs

WR1: 1 yr, $18M | WR2: UFA | WR3: 1 yr, $1.1M
While Travis Kelce is locked in comfortably, the rest of the receiving core needs quite a bit of attention. Tyreek Hill entering a contract year in 2022 puts him squarely in extension mode, currently projecting to a 4 year $85M deal.  Mecole Hardman is also entering the final year of his contract, and could be in line for Tim Patrick’s recent deal in Denver (3 yrs, $34M). The rest of the unit is headed for free agency.


Las Vegas Raiders

WR1: 1 yr, $965k | WR2: UFA | WR3: 2 yrs, $2.2M 
It’s hard to imagine Hunter Renfrow entering the 2022 season on a 1 year $965k minimum salary after his breakout season (103 grabs, 1,038 yards, 9 TDs). His role as a slot receiver somewhat limits his financial valuation mathematically ($17M), but it stands to reason that Keenan Allen’s $20M+ contract in LA is well within reach. Bryan Edwards should find a depth role with 2 years left on his rookie contract, while Zay Jones shouldn’t cost much more than league minimum on the open market. This is a major draft/free agent WR landing spot.

 

Los Angeles Chargers

WR1: 3 yrs, $58M | WR2: UFA | WR3: RFA
Keenan Allen’s early guarantees finish after 2022 ($16.5M locked in currently), so LAC has plenty of financial flexibility at this position. Is an multi-year extension (projected $16M) or $18.5M franchise tag coming for Mike Williams? Is a 2nd round $3.9M tender coming for Jalen Guyton, or will Josh Palmer be thrust into a bigger role going forward? It feels like running this group back makes sense.


Los Angeles Rams

WR1: 2 yrs, $28.75M | WR2: 4 yrs, $60.5M | UFA
Fresh off his historic season, will Cooper Kupp be asked to live with his current remaining contract, or will the Rams further invest in their underpaid weapon? Kupp carries a $23.5M valuation into the offseason. Behind him Robert Woods’ $13.5M is practically guaranteed through 2022, but there are outs each year following. Odell Beckham, Jr.’s offseason will be one to watch, as he has found immediate chemistry in this offseason - but may not find the targets or payday in LA that another franchise can offer. If he bolts, Van Jefferson will enter his third year as a breakout candidate.


Miami Dolphins

WR1: 3 yrs, $9.3M + option | WR2: 2 yrs, $12.3M | WR3: UFA
Jaylen Waddle is the real deal, and doesn’t become extension eligible until after the 2023 season, providing mega value for Miami at the WR1 slot. Behind him, DeVante Parker can be a productive option for the price ($6M per), but he struggled to stay on the field again. Albert Wilson & Will Fuller are headed for the open market, placing the Dolphins in need of at least 2 viable WR options this offseason.


Minnesota Vikings

WR1: 2 yrs, $4.1M + option | WR2: 3 yrs, $40M | WR3: 2 yrs, $2M
Justin Jefferson raised his own already high ceiling in 2021, catching 108 balls for 1,616 yards and 10 TDs. Luckily for the Vikings, he doesn’t become extension-eligible until after the 2022 season. His 92 yards per game on just 6 catches puts him in elite territory at a position that is currently paying its elite $25M+ per year. Behind him, Adam Thielen is a lowkey trade candidate with a non-guaranteed 3 years remaining on his contract, while K.J. Osborn should be thrust into an even bigger role going forward with an excellent year 2.


New England Patriots

WR1: 1 yr, $9.8M | WR2: RFA | WR3: 2 yrs, $9.7M
Though Kendrick Bourne’s contract was less than half of Nelson Agholor’s on a per year basis, Bourne finished 2021 with the stronger production, and should be a lock for a role in 2022. With $5M of Agholor’s 2022 salary already fully guaranteed, he likely remains in the fold as well, but look for New England to seek out a true WR1 this offseason. Youngster Jakobi Meyers is a low restricted tender candidate, while N'Keal Harry is almost certain to be moved on from.

 

New Orleans Saints

WR1: 3 yrs, $52M | WR2: 1 yr, $895k | WR3: UFA
The Saints aren’t poor with storylines, and Michael Thomas is certainly one of the bigger ones heading toward March. The 29-year-old hasn’t played since the middle of 2020, and the injury guarantee on his $15.3M 2022 salary becomes fully guaranteed on March 18th. With $22M of total dead cap on his deal right now, a Post June 1st release seems likely at this point ($15.8M savings). Behind him, Marquez Callaway holds a minimum salary before restricted free agency, Tre'quan Smith is pending free agency, and Deonte Harris is awaiting his restricted tender (likely $3.9M).


New York Giants

WR1: 3 yrs, $53M | WR2: 3 yrs, $5.6M + option | WR3: 2 yrs, $18M
This is a deep receiving core when healthy, but it’s never been healthy. Kenny Golladay was underwhelming in his first NY season, but a new regime (and potentially new QB) could quickly change that. $10M of his 2022 compensation is already fully guaranteed. Behind him Kadarius Toney has star potential and is under team control for 4 more seasons, Sterling Shepard’s guarantees expired last season making him a bubble candidate, & Darius Slayton holds a minimum $965k salary in his expiring season, but still could find himself looking for work.

 

New York Jets

WR1: 2 yrs, $23M | WR2: UFA | WR3: UFA
The combination of Corey Davis, Braxton Berrios, & Jamison Crowder provided a few positive moments throughout 2021. Davis is fully guaranteed through 2022, but the latter two are set to hit the open market. Berrios showed more versatility, so an extension in the Kendrick Bourne 3/$15M range could be inline. Behind them, Elijah Moore & Denzel Mims are on cheap rookie contracts with value potential.

 

Philadelphia Eagles

WR1: 3 yrs, $7.4M + option | WR2: 2 yrs, $4.2M + option | WR3: 2 yrs, $1.9M
The Eagles have been getting younger and cheaper at this position for 2 consecutive years & if DeVonta Smith & Jalen Reagor can grow into true top options, there’s a ton of value in Philly’s future. Greg Ward headed to restricted free agency is the only real question mark here.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

WR1: UFA | WR2: 1 yr, $1M | WR3: 2 yrs, $2.7M
JuJu Smith-Schuster’s return was short-lived, and it’s hard to imagine he doesn’t head for clearer waters this time around. Diontae Johnson has true elite WR potential from the slot, but his expiring contract in 2022 probably needs to be addressed this offseason. Johnson’s $15.5M valuation easily surpasses a recent deal for Tim Patrick in Denver. Behind him, Chase Claypool has two years remaining on his rookie contract and will be seeking a bounce back season in 2022. James Washington & Ray-Ray McCloud headed to free agency likely means there’s a notable spot to fill.

 

San Francisco 49ers

WR1: 2 yrs, $4M + option | WR2: 1 yr, $2M | WR3: UFA
Brandon Aiyuk’s 2021 finished up with almost identical production to his body of work in 2020. Trey Lance will be looking for more from the former #25 overall pick, who won’t become extension eligible until after 2022. That’s not the case for the versatile Deebo Samuel, who is now extension eligible for the first time, and should be a priority signing for the 49ers this offseason. The unicorn is hard to evaluate mathematically speaking, but it’s safe to say his contract floor is $18M, with $22M-$24M completely realistic based on the type of usage he’s expected to see. There’s a glaring hole in San Francisco with wide receivers 3 - 5. 


Seattle Seahawks

WR1: 4 yrs, $59M | WR2: 1 yr, $1.1M | WR3: 3 yrs, $3.5M
Tyler Lockett is practically guaranteed for the next 2 years, $26M with 4 years total remaining on his current contract. D.K. Metcalf didn’t quite match his breakout 2020 campaign, but managed to find the endzone 12 times in 2021. He’s extension eligible, valuing toward a $20M per year contract currently. Behind them D'Wayne Eskridge enters year 2 of his rookie contract (the final guarantee year), while Freddie Swain holds two years left on his entry level deal. It’s an attractive unit should Seattle be seeking a new QB this offseason.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers

WR1: 2 yrs, $28M | WR2: UFA | WR3: 2 yrs, $1.9M
Mike Evans becomes the lone veteran option for the Bucs heading into 2022, with 2 yrs, $28.5M left on his deal, none of it fully guaranteed. He’s an extension candidate this offseason, but doesn’t quite have the resume to value up with the elite WR contracts. Tyler Lockett’s $17.25M deal in Seattle becomes a floor for Evans. Chris Godwin’s knee injury likely takes him out of early extension AND second franchise tag conversations with Tampa, sending him to the open market. Behind them, Tyler Johnson has two non-guaranteed years remaining on his rookie contract, & Scotty Miller will be entering a contract year (maybe).

 

Tennessee Titans

WR1: 1 yr, $1.2M | WR2: 2 yrs, $23M | WR3: UFA
A.J. Brown will be entering the final year of his rookie deal this offseason, but a bit of a down 2021 campaign could have Tennessee looking to wait before extending him. Despite a $16M calculated valuation, there’s likely a $20M+ deal in his future. Julio Jones didn’t exactly make his mark in 2021, but tenable $11.5M salaries each of the next two years (only $2M fully guaranteed), shouldn’t give the Titans much pause. Current slot WR Chester Rogers is slated for free agency.


Washington Football Team

WR1: 1 yr, $965k | WR2: UFA | WR3: UFA
Outside of Terry McLaurin, there’s a lack of identity with this receiving core - especially going forward. McLaurin’s a $20M starting point extension candidate this offseason, and Curtis Samuel’s $8.5M salary for 2022 is fully guaranteed, but with Adam Humphries & Cam Sims slated for free agency, & Dyami Brown targeted just 25 times in 2021, there are plenty of holes to fill here.


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