Free Agency has been a wild ride. It feels like nearly half the league has changed teams in the last week. That has led to plenty of shifting value. So, for the next few pieces, I’ll be looking at some winners and losers from free agency by position. Today, it’s wide receivers.
Stock Up
Michael Pittman, Indianapolis Colts
About: Pittman has been a solid contributor since being drafted. He’s increased his targets and receptions each season. He’s a true WR1 for the Colts, earning the Franchise Tag. Getting a long-term deal validates his value for the next few seasons. He was WR13 in 2023 but likely would have been in the Top 12 if he’d had more than four touchdowns. He’s a WR1 for me moving forward and could be a great weapon paired with Anthony Richardson.
Drake London, Atlanta Falcons
About: London has shown flashes of his top-end receiving ability. Now, he finally gets a big-time passing quarterback in Kirk Cousins. With Cousins, we’ve seen Justin Jefferson thrive at the top of the wide receiver heap. Is London as talented as Jefferson? Perhaps not, but he’s got a great opportunity to take his game to the next level. He was only WR37 in 2023, but the situation has greatly improved. I think he’s easily a WR2 in Dynasty and in 2024, with WR1 upside. It’s been a good off-season for London and tight end Kyle Pitts.
Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers
About: Johnston’s rookie season didn’t go according to plan. He was taken No. 21 overall in the draft and many expected big things, especially with Justin Herbert at quarterback. With Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, and Josh Palmer all missing significant time, it should have been his time to shine. Instead, he saw just 67 targets, catching just 38 passes for 431 yards and two touchdowns. But, with Allen in Chicago and Williams in New York, Johnston remains at the top of the heap talent-wise in the Chargers’ receiving room. Could they be in line to draft another receiver? Sure, it seems likely. But, still, this is a big opportunity for Johnston to take a step forward in 2024. And if you want to hedge your bets, it could be a good time to sell high.
George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers
About: We got a taste of what Pickens can do as a featured receiver in 2023. He finished as WR29, with Diontae Johnson missing time in 2023. Johnson is now in Carolina, leaving Pickens as the clear WR1 for the Steelers. Yes, he inherits Arthur Smith as Offensive Coordinator, but both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields have been known to sling it down the field, which is a positive sign for Pickens. I like him as a WR2 with upside.
Stock Down
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
About: Let’s not get crazy. Jefferson is still an incredible receiver. He’s still easily a WR1 and should be rostered. But in the past, he’s been THE WR1. With Cousins in Atlanta and his own quarterback situation murky at best—Sam Darnold’s reclamation tour or possibly J.J. McCarthy—it’s fair to downgrade him a bit. He’s still great, but the ceiling might not be quite as high.
Gabe Davis, Jacksonville Jaguars
About: Davis got paid, which is great for him. But the biggest struggle while he was in Buffalo is that he seemed like the ultimate boom-bust receiver. You never felt great sticking him in your lineup. In Jacksonville, he takes the spot vacated by Calvin Ridley, who also struggled with consistency in the Jaguars’ offense. So, from one boom-bust situation to another. And I don’t think Davis is as talented as Ridley. In the Jaguars’ offense, I’m betting on Evan Engram and Christian Kirk. That leaves Davis as a WR4 for me.
Treylon Burks, Tennessee Titans
About: Since being taken in the First Round as an A.J. Brown replacement, hopes have been high for Burks in Tennessee. Production hasn’t come close to matching. This off-season, he got a solid, offensive-minded coach in Brian Callahan. That’s good. But the team also signed Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley in free agency, to go along with DeAndre Hopkins and tight end Chig Okonkwo, who are still on the roster. To me, that leaves Burks as a fourth or fifth option at best. That’s not great. He’s fading fast in my dynasty rankings.
Mike Williams, New York Jets
About: Williams is another receiver with talent and promise that flashed at times in Los Angeles playing with Herbert. But he’s coming off a lost season in 2023 and now signs a one-year prove-it deal with the New York Jets. The Jets are all in on 2024, hoping a returning Aaron Rodgers can get them to the playoffs. That’s good for Williams. But the team has Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall already, and probably will take another pass catcher in the draft. Williams has some upside, but I think he’ll be another boom-bust kind of player. That, combined with a lack of long-term security, leaves him in the WR4 range for me. If I can find a true believer, I’m moving him this off-season.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
