5 WR targets for Washington in free agency 2021
Through seven weeks of play, the Washington Football Team is averaging just 192.6 passing yards per game, ranking them 29th in the NFL.
Needless to say, this team needs help in the passing game. They’ll likely receive it after grabbing a new quarterback this coming offseason, either through the draft or free agency. But, will that alone solve their problems?
Washington needs help at receiver
As of now, Terry McLaurin leads Washington’s receiving core with 577 yards on 43 receptions. After that, their next leading receiver is TE Logan Thomas with 208 yards, while current WR2 Dontrelle Inman has just 148 yards. That is quite some drop off.
If this offense is to have any success through the air, HC Ron Rivera and company need to seriously consider picking up a new pass catcher. The 2021 free-agent market is wide open, as it’s full of young, talented receivers for Washington to choose from.
The only caveat: how much are they willing to spend?
Allen Robinson (CHI) — 5,223 YDS / 35 TD / 13.2 YPC (Career)
There’s a reason Chicago Bears fans have been screaming “pay that man!” all 2020. That man is Allen Robinson: a highly-productive, 27-year-old receiver in the final year of his current deal.
Even when given average QB play, Robinson puts up elite numbers (see 2015, 2019). His most important feature by far is his versatility — he can line up out wide, in the slot, wherever. That’s a big plus to Washington, as they need help at nearly every receiver position.
Need him to be a volume receiver? No problem. What about using him as a deep threat? Sure thing. Can he compliment an already capable WR1? Absolutely.
Recently, DeAndre Hopkins set a new standard for WR contracts across the league; his yearly salary averages out at $27,250,000. Though Robinson isn’t quite on Hopkins’ level, he should expect a rather hefty deal this offseason. If Washington is willing to spend a little more of their cap space — which they have plenty of — Robinson might be worth the dent in their pockets.
Curtis Samuel (CAR) — 93 REC / 1,121 YDS / 11 TD (2018 & 2019)
Another versatile option for Washington is Curtis Samuel, who Ron Rivera drafted in 2017 when he was with the Carolina Panthers. Samuel has since been a solid third option in the passing game behind Christian McCaffrey and D.J. Moore.
Right now, Washington needs players who can stretch the field and Samuel can do just that — he ran a 4.31 40-yard-dash at the combine. Though he isn’t featured much downfield, he can certainly blaze past defenders when given the opportunity. And, he’s comfortable running the ball, whether on a jet pass or in the backfield.
Samuel hasn’t taken off like Moore has, but he’s proving himself to be a valuable target in Carolina this season. He’s caught 25 of his 29 targets thus far, adding 16 carries on the ground. Washington’s Scott Turner would certainly have a field day dialing up plays for Samuel if the chance was presented.
With his current resume, Samuel should be worth a bit less than what DeSean Jackson received in 2019, which Washington can easily afford. This would likely mean they give McLaurin a raise as well.
Kenny Golladay (DET) — 3,068 YDS / 21 TD / 16.8 YPC (Career)
If Kenny Golladay makes it to free agency, Washington should certainly consider dialing up his agent as soon as possible. Though he’s benefited from quality QB play (Matt Stafford), he’d make an immediate impact on any team.
In three-and-a-half seasons, Golladay has never dropped below 15 yards per reception. His ability to get vertical on defenders is up there with the best receivers in the league, and if paired next to McLaurin, Washington would have a lethal duo to throw to.
Golladay has also led the Lions in receiving yards in back-to-back seasons coming into 2020. That means he’ll be worth a big contract, probably along the lines of $10–12 million per season or more. However, that’s nothing to the Washington Football Team, who will have an estimated $50 million+ in cap space next year.
Will Fuller V (HOU) — 2,721 YDS / 21 TD / 14.6 YPC (Career)
It’s been reported the Houston Texans are open to shopping assets like Will Fuller, J.J. Watt and others. If none of that happens, we’ll more than likely see Fuller hit free agency, where Washington should be waiting for him.
Fuller’s impact is often overlooked because of the ‘DeAndre Hopkins Effect’ (Hopkins finished in the top 10 in receptions for three seasons straight). This put Fuller in a shadow, if you will, where he saw a much lesser volume of throws. However, he’s made the most of his targets with Hopkins out of the mix and become a steady option.
Washington, not-so-luckily, needs someone reliable like Fuller to man the WR2 spot. There, he should expect WR2 money similar to what Samuel would get this offseason; perhaps in the $6–8 million per season range. Chump change for the ol’ Ashburners.
Sammy Watkins (KC) — 4,466 YDS / 33 TD / 14.6 YPC (Career)
Though it’s possible Kansas City retains him this offseason, Sammy Watkins would be a great second option to McLaurin, just as he’s been to Tyreek Hill.
Watkins has been explosive for the Chiefs during is tenure there and that’s just what Washington is looking for. Too often, they’ve left unconverted plays on the field, but with Watkins in the mix, things could work more in their favor.
As previously stated, this one is more of a longshot than the others, as Watkins has said he wants to stay in Kansas City to continue their run. However, he’ll definitely hit the market at $8–10 million per season; Washington should at least consider him.
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