With only one preseason game remaining, some teams are already feeling the pressure regarding their wide receiver situations. Injuries and underwhelming performances have set off alarms for a few franchises, prompting them to explore their options in the coming weeks.
The Vikings are one team in dire need of wide receiver assistance. Typically a strong position for Minnesota, they now seem uncertain about their roster. Following a three-game suspension for Jordan Addison, injuries to Rondale Moore, and Justin Jefferson’s recent issues, the situation looks pretty grim.
Next on the list is the New York Jets. This speaks volumes on its own—beyond Garrett Wilson, the receiving corps is a mess. Josh Reynolds hasn’t been productive, and Allen Lazard isn’t quite cutting it as a WR3. They need to figure something out quickly.
The 49ers, surprisingly, are also looking at the wide receiver market. Brandon Aiyuk could return soon, but his integration back into the game remains uncertain. Jauan Jennings is dealing with a hamstring issue, and second-year player Ricky Pearsall now stands as their most consistent option. Not too long ago, the Niners felt confident in their receiving group, but recent events are making them rethink that.
One major challenge for these teams is the current market. Securing a reliable wide receiver via trade may require offering more than what’s customary, and options among veteran cuts are quite limited. Here are a few names that could be on the block.
Adam Thielen – Carolina Panthers
Thielen stands out as a noteworthy receiver. His availability may not be as clear-cut as one might hope. Reports suggest the Panthers are open to hearing trade offers but have received lowball proposals. The team places significant value on Thielen’s experience and skills, viewing him as a vital asset for the development of rookie quarterback Bryce Young and younger receivers like Tezino McMillan and Xavier Legette.
This means that any interested team may need to pay a premium to snag him. While experienced wide receivers around 34 usually demand only mid-round picks, a higher price might be necessary here, and one must wonder if it’s truly worth it in the long run.
Elijah Moore – Buffalo Bills
The Bills brought Moore on board this offseason to bolster their receiver depth, but things have gotten crowded. He’s now being considered as a possible cut, which could open the door for a trade.
A low-cost veteran option that teams might often acquire for a seventh-round pick. However, in today’s environment, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him fetch a fifth-round selection.
Romeo Doubs – Green Bay Packers
This may come as a surprise since Doubs is still quite young. At 25, he has decent athletic ability, but his inconsistency with catching passes doesn’t mesh well with the precision needed in Matt LaFleur’s offense. This inconsistency has led the Packers to consider him as a potential cut, as they seem satisfied with their starting trio of Jaden Reed, Matthew Golden, and Christian Watson.
Doubs may represent a risk-reward scenario for trades. If he hits free agency, there could be a buying frenzy from teams hoping to unlock his potential.
David Moore – Carolina Panthers
Moore is another veteran that might be readily available. Given the crowded WR roster in Carolina, he’s a prime candidate for a cut. He filled in as a starter for five games in 2024 due to injuries, finishing with a modest 318 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
He may not be the flashiest choice, but he can provide a steady presence while others recover. The nice thing is he likely wouldn’t upset the bank in a trade.
Amari Cooper – Free Agent
Is Amari Cooper done? It certainly appears that way based on last season. Once seen as one of the top receivers in the league, he struggled with the Browns and didn’t make much of an impact when signed by the Bills.
There’s a reason he remains unsigned. NFL teams seem to doubt his ability to contribute at a high level anymore, but in a situation where teams are desperate, someone might take a chance on him.
Gabe Davis – Free Agent
Davis is another name to monitor. Once a promising name in Buffalo, he recently signed a lucrative deal with the Jaguars that quickly fell apart. His impact was minimal, and injuries hampered his potential. The team suspected he wouldn’t recover fully from a torn meniscus, leading to his release.
Davis had been in talks with the Steelers, but as of now, that situation seems uncertain for a team in need of wide receiver talent.
Tyler Boyd – Free Agent
Once one of the top third receivers in the league, Boyd’s move to Tennessee didn’t go well for him. Now, at 30 years old, he’s looking for a new opportunity.
Boyd remains intriguing; his track record shows he can thrive with a solid quarterback, which the Titans lacked last season. That might be enough to pique someone’s interest.
Nelson Agholor – Free Agent
The available free agent pool is dwindling, and Agholor is nearing the end of that list. While he could serve as a solid return specialist, his trajectory is much like that of Allen Robinson’s—fading fast. He had limited opportunities with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, and overall, it didn’t pan out well for him.
Agholor’s career has seen ups and downs, and currently, it appears as though he’s struggling to make an impact. Even if he’s a stopgap option, expectations for his performance remain uncertain.
