With the 2020 NFL season limping to the finish line, it’s never too early to look at the best available players on the market, as their movement could signify big changes in the fantasy football world. Last year, it was mostly about the quarterbacks. This year there are some big-name Wide Receivers looking for new contracts and new homes. Let’s take a closer look and see if we can pin down where these prized pass catchers will call home in 2021 and beyond.
Allen Robinson
Robinson has been one of the few bright spots for the Bears since his arrival in Chicago. The talented receiver has amassed 253 receptions for 3,114 yards and 17 touchdowns in his three seasons on the Midway. Impressive numbers considering the quarterback company that he’s kept.
Earlier this year, it was rumored that Robinson was going to demand a trade from Chicago. Though no such demands were ever made, he did “like” a series of tweets from fans telling him to get out of the Windy City while he could. The veteran should have a number of suitors this spring, but with the uncertainty of the salary cap and the overall strength of the class, it might be in his best interests to smooth things over with the Bears. Especially if they topple the Packers Sunday and squeak their way into the playoffs.
Juju Smith-Schuster
The emergence of Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool paired with the Steelers’ success at drafting wide receivers make it extremely unlikely WR JuJu Smith-Schuster returns to the Steel City. A free agent at just 24 years old, Smith-Schuster could have not one, but two 100+ reception seasons under his belt. One potential destination for the talented youngster is Las Vegas. There will be a gaping hole in their WR corps left by ManBearPig, (Nelson Agholor) and JuJu’s skills would fit right into the big slot role John Gruden covets. It would also get him back on the left coast, where he played his college ball.
Chris Godwin
Godwin broke out last year, notching 86 receptions for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns. All career highs, and after the Bucs signed Tom Brady, those numbers were expected to explode. Nagging injuries to his finger and hamstring along with a debilitating concussion caused him to miss several games. While his numbers took a hit, his talent did not.
There is growing interest on both sides to keep Godwin in Tampa. With Tom Brady on borrowed time, that might be enough to facilitate a new deal. They’re going to want to maximize their two years with Tom Terrific. If form follows function, the second year of Bruce Arians will be better than the first. Just another reason to keep Godwin around.
Kenny Golladay
Golladay has quickly become the forgotten man. A consensus top 10 WR on nearly every preseason list, his 2020 was beset by a hip injury that remains as mysterious as the real D.B. Cooper. His future could not be more murky. Did the Lions front office see enough of “Babytron” to extend the kind of offer it will take to keep him in Detroit? And if they did, would they even extend that offer? Chris Spielman is looking for a new head coach, and there are rumors that quarterback Matthew Stafford doesn’t want to go through another rebuild in the Motor City.
It would be a bitter pill for Lions fans to swallow, but Golladay would fit perfectly in a Green Bay offense devoid of downfield playmakers. Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams have done a lot of the heavy lifting at receiver, and with both set to leave town, that leaves a hole in the Packers aerial assault. Aaron Rodgers loves to take shots downfield, and they throw a lot inside the red zone. Both are areas that Golladay excels in.
Others
There are other pass catchers who could make an impact with new surroundings in 2021 and beyond. Corey Davis, Will Fuller, and Curtis Samuel are all talented young players who enjoyed the best of their careers in 2020. Samuel is a particularly intriguing option. He’s a tough kid who saw his touches increase as the season wore along. The Panthers lined him up everywhere, including the backfield.
Don’t forget veterans Sammy Watkins, T.Y. Hilton, and A.J. Green. Though they may have to wait their turn, they will all command attention. With so many options out there it makes this a true buyers market. That’s exceedingly true because this year’s wide receiver class looks stacked again.
