The legal tampering period is almost a week old, and the free agent market has not been friendly to the wide receiver position. In a class saturated with talented veterans, guys like DeAndre Hopkins and Mike Williams have settled for cheap one-year deals while players like Keenan Allen remain available. However, that could change following Cooper Kupp’s massive contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
Released by the Los Angeles Rams earlier in the week, Kupp signed a three-year, $45 million contract with Seattle to become the second option in the passing attack. While he’s not the player he once was, Kupp is still a reliable player and this contract likely sets the market for the remaining free agent wide receivers. Like Kupp, players like Keenan Allen, Stefon Diggs, and Amari Cooper are in the back nine of their careers but still have some juice left in their tanks. In the coming days, these players should find homes with the following teams.
Why the Free Agent Wide Receiver Market Could Heat Up Following the Cooper Kupp Signing
Stefon Diggs – Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys attempted to sign Cooper Kupp, but they couldn’t outbid the Seattle Seahawks for his services. Now, it’s time for them to turn their attention to the next best free agent wide receiver in Stefon Diggs. The former All-Pro is coming off a season-ending knee injury, so he must pass a physical before drawing any serious interest. However, assuming he’ll make a full recovery, Diggs could be the perfect WR2 opposite CeeDee Lamb. Dak Prescott is at his best when he has two reliable receivers, and Lamb and Diggs could be the best Cowboys receiving duo since Lamb and Amari Cooper.
Keenan Allen – Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers already reunited with Mike Williams, but that shouldn’t stop them from bringing in Keenan Allen. Following a solid season with the Chicago Bears, Justin Herbert and company could use a reliable receiver who can still win his routes with regularity. Second-round pick Ladd McConkey is the future of this passing attack, but Los Angeles should invest in a proven commodity like Allen after Williams struggled last year and former first-round pick Quentin Johnston couldn’t establish himself as a legitimate starter.
Amari Cooper – New England Patriots
Amari Cooper had a disappointing season last year and may be at the end of the road. However, he’s only one year removed from a 1,200-yard season, so perhaps his wrist injury deserves most of the blame for his disappointing 2024. Drake Maye needs a reliable receiver, and New England surprisingly didn’t land any of the top options on the market despite their abundance of cap space. Cooper could be the best remaining fit for this team, as he has the potential to be great but proved that he won’t be a locker room cancer if he becomes an afterthought in the offense.
Tyler Lockett – New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are pushing off the rebuild once again and seeing what quarterback Derek Carr can do under first-year head coach Kellen Moore. This means they should be in the market for another receiver, as Chris Olave’s extensive injury history makes him a major red flag for the 2025 season. Even if Olave stays healthy, this team could use a third receiver. That’s all Lockett is at this point in his career, but the free agent wide receiver could be a great fit as a slot receiver in this offense. 0
Diontae Johnson – Kansas City Chiefs
Diontae Johnson is coming off one of the worst contract years in recent memory. After forcing his way out of Pittsburgh, the former third-round pick wore out his welcome in Carolina, Baltimore, and Houston all in the course of a season. While he may be an off-field nuisance, his time in Carolina proved he can still play when properly motivated. The Chiefs know how to deal with egos at the wide receiver position, and the uncertain status of Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy make the wide receiver an interesting buy-low option as a free agent.
Main Photo: Brian Fluharty – Imagn Images
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