NFL free agency for wide receivers in 2020 is like it usually is: A few intriguing big names, a few spiking younger guys and then mostly average subpackage options.
Before considering potential high-end trade candidates such as the Browns' Odell Beckham Jr. or the Vikings' Stefon Diggs, here's a look at the top 11 wideouts who for now are unsigned and headed to the open market when the new league year officially begins on March 18:
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1. Amari Cooper, Cowboys (age: 25)
The Cowboys have every intention to keep their trio of quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott and Cooper intact, but it was strange how they were forced into locking up the running back first. There's a chance Cooper might explore a richer payday in free agency with the potential franchise tag needed to go to Prescott first. But Dallas has plenty of money under the cap to invest in him because he's also tied to maximizing Prescott's return on investment.
2. A.J. Green, Bengals (age: 31)
Green would like to stick around after his season was completely lost to ankle injury — if the Bengals bring him back at the right final contract price. Cincinnati could use him to give Joe Burrow (assuming he's still going to them at No. 1 overall) a reliable veteran security blanket outside. Green is interested in ending his career with the franchise as its all-time leading receiver. If he goes, it would likely be to a Super Bowl contender such as the Patriots or 49ers.
3. Breshad Perriman, Buccaneers (age: 26)
Perriman, the No. 26 overall pick in the 2015 draft, was finally healthy enough to show off his speed in an offense built on stretching the field. It took late hamstring injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to show what he can do as a field-stretcher (36 catches, 645 yards, six touchdowns in 2019). His best fit is to remain with the Buccaneers to play off those guys outside in three-wide sets.
4. Robby Anderson, Jets (age: 26)
Anderson is much like Perriman, given his spike also came in December, but he's more of a pure field-stretcher coming off a 52-catch, 779-yard, five-touchdown season. The supply of wideout help is limited enough where demand can get him a generous deal, but likely out of New York.
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5. Emmanuel Sanders, 49ers (age: 32)
He's kind of like his old teammate — Broncos pending free-agent cornerback Chris Harris Jr. — only on the offensive side of this class, good for more like a one- or two-year deal. Between Denver and San Francisco, Sanders posted 66 catches for 869 yards and five touchdowns in the regular season, with only two big games with the latter team. He has slowed down a little but can still be a valuable, versatile receiver.
6. Rashard Higgins, Browns (age: 25)
HIggins is also one of those receivers who can line up everywhere and give a team flexibility in three- and four-wide sets. He was caught in a package and personnel numbers game with Freddie Kitchens and can be a useful good-hands route-runner elsewhere. Higgins would be a good fit on an offense, such as the Vikings, that likes to move guys around in 11 personnel.
7. Phillip Dorsett, Patriots (age: 27)
Dorsett was drafted in the first round by the Colts in 2015 to be a speedy deep threat with his track-meet feet. He can still be that kind of player, although he grew into a more of a possession type and red zone threat out of necessity for Tom Brady.
8. Randall Cobb, Cowboys (age: 29)
Cobb will be 30 when the 2020 season starts and has clearly slowed down quite a bit since his heyday with the Packers six years ago. But he got hot in the slot as Dallas' replacement for Cole Beasley down the stretch in 2019, and now has the benefit of former Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy taking over the team. He plays well off Cooper and MIchael Gallup to make him a much cheaper third on the Cowboys' re-sign list after Cooper and Prescott.
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9. Devin Funchess, Colts (age: 25)
The former productive Panther with the big catch radius (6-4, 225 pounds) saw his first season with Indianapolis washed out by a collarbone injury. Funchess' size and relative youth are appealing, but the limited speed and inconsistent hands limit him into more of a possession type, with going up and getting the ball in the red zone being his best asset.
10. Nelson Agholor, Eagles (age: 26)
Agholor had a particularly rough final season in Philadelphia, as he couldn't step up despite the team's many injuries at the position. He struggled more with drops and had only 39 receptions on 69 targets for 363 yards. Before then, however, he was pretty consistent and effective working the slot, his best spot, for two seasons. The Colts under Frank Reich, should have the most interest.
