Ranking Best Fits for Top WRs in 2023 NFL Free Agency Class
Short of signing a marquee quarterback, few free-agent additions are as exciting as a respected wide receiver.
During the 2023 offseason, that feeling must be balanced against a reasonably thin group of free-agent wideouts. In some order, Jakobi Meyers, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Odell Beckham Jr. are the best of the bunch.
As the March 15 start of free agency nears, we're thinking about the most ideal locations—not necessarily the most likely teams—for them to land.
While the preferred fits are subjective, they account for a wideout's perceived strengths and potential role, along with each team's current depth chart and financial flexibility.
Odell Beckham Jr.
1 of 7
1. Dallas Cowboys
2. New York Giants
3. Minnesota Vikings
Although Odell Beckham Jr. missed the entire 2022 season while recovering from a knee injury that he suffered during Super Bowl LVI, he figures to be relatively high on several teams' wish lists.
The Dallas Cowboys figure to be among Beckham's primary suitors given team owner Jerry Jones' public flirtation with him late in the 2022 season. Although they never reached a deal, the Cowboys are desperate for a receiver to complement CeeDee Lamb, especially if Noah Brown leaves in free agency.
But if Dallas again whiffs on OBJ, could a reunion be in play?
Beckham's time with the New York Giants ended unceremoniously, but the previous regime is gone. He reportedly had interest in returning to the Giants last year, and Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports noted OBJ recently met with general manager Joe Schoen. If the Giants aren't the NFL's most receiver-needy team, they sure are close.
The final choice may be a slight surprise, given that the Minnesota Vikings' financial outlook is tight. However, they might wind up releasing a handful of big-name players for cap reasons, including veteran wideout Adam Thielen. Minnesota could pair OBJ with friend and fellow LSU product Justin Jefferson.
Parris Campbell
2 of 7
1. Carolina Panthers
2. Indianapolis Colts
3. Buffalo Bills
Selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft, Parris Campbell had an injury-plagued start to his career. He managed 34 receptions through three seasons while appearing in only 15 of 49 possible games.
This past season, Campbell played in all 17 games and hauled in a career-high 63 catches for 623 yards and three touchdowns. The Ohio State product logged 980 snaps—surpassing his previous total of 436—and had 40-plus receiving yards in nine games after topping that mark four times in his first three seasons.
Despite Campbell's career year, the Indianapolis Colts were a disaster last season, which resulted in the midseason firing of head coach Frank Reich. He's now the head coach of the Panthers, who have a few decent receivers but could use someone with familiarity in Reich's system.
If Campbell doesn't join Reich in Carolina, he has plenty of reason to stay in Indianapolis. He could form a productive trio with Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce under new head coach Shane Steichen, and the Colts will have plenty of cap space if/when they release veteran quarterback Matt Ryan.
Lastly, the Buffalo Bills need a jolt alongside Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Campbell could sign a one-year deal, build his resume on a Super Bowl contender and then try to land a sizable contract next offseason. While gambling on yourself, there are worse quarterbacks to throw you passes than Josh Allen.
DJ Chark
3 of 7
1. Baltimore Ravens
2. Minnesota Vikings
3. Houston Texans
DJ Chark has played in only 54 of 82 possible regular-season games because of injuries across his five-year NFL career, including just 15 over the last two seasons. Approaching his age-27 season, however, Chark has legitimate upside with a likely manageable price tag.
If they can get Lamar Jackson to agree to an extension, the Baltimore Ravens must bolster their receiving corps. Demarcus Robinson led all Ravens wide receivers in both catches (48) and receiving yards (458) last season. While injuries have hampered their receiving corps in recent years, Chark would be worth taking a flier on.
Finances will be the biggest obstacle for Minnesota. Still, the Vikings have to upgrade at receiver if they release Adam Thielen since talent elevates Kirk Cousins, not the opposite.
Meanwhile, the Houston Texans seem likely to trade veteran wideout Brandin Cooks this offseason, which would create a need for a top receiver. Houston could provide Chark a mix of opportunity and money, although it'd require some trust. Chark would likely sign before the Texans have their quarterback situation squared away for 2023 and beyond.
.jpg?w=256 "NFL Draft Football")
.jpg?w=256 "NFL Combine Football")
Allen Lazard
4 of 7
1. Green Bay Packers
2. Tennessee Titans
3. Baltimore Ravens
Does your team prefer to run the ball? If so, it should be keeping an eye on Allen Lazard.
While he's a decent pass-catcher, the Iowa State product is also a standout blocker. That has helped him play 73-plus percent of snaps for the Green Bay Packers in each of the last three seasons.
Lazard might prefer to stay in Green Bay this offseason regardless of what veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers decides to do. If not, the run-oriented Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens should be interested in adding him.
Tennessee just released veteran wideout Robert Woods, so it might prefer to land a shifty and/or slot receiver. Considering how heavily the Titans lean on All-Pro running back Derrick Henry, though, Lazard would be a great system fit next to promising second-year wideout Treylon Burks.
Baltimore has a similar outlook with the arrival of new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, whose balanced approach at powerhouse Georgia would mesh well with Lazard's strengths.
Jakobi Meyers
5 of 7
1. Chicago Bears
2. New England Patriots
3. Atlanta Falcons
Money might not be Jakobi Meyers' top priority in free agency, but the Chicago Bears—who currently have a league-high $98.0 million of cap space—can make it rain this offseason.
Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool could be a solid duo, but adding Meyers would basically ensure that the Bears have at least two quality receivers for Justin Fields. If Chicago is committed to Fields, not stacking the receiving corps while he's playing on his rookie deal would be a failure. They could do so without destroying their long-term flexibility, too.
Meyers spent the last four seasons on the New England Patriots, who also need more receiving talent. The fit is obvious, but it's unclear whether the cost-conscious Pats will want to pony up for Meyers.
Drake London and Kyle Pitts—the latter of whom is more of a slot receiver than a tight end—give the Atlanta Falcons an appealing offensive foundation. Meyers could add some valuable experience to the unit. The Falcons also boast $66.8 million in cap space, trailing only the Bears.
Darius Slayton
6 of 7
1. New York Giants
2. Cleveland Browns
3. Green Bay Packers
After his head-scratching lack of usage to begin the 2022 season, Darius Slayton emerged as the New York Giants' top receiver. He finished the campaign with 46 catches for a team-high 724 yards and two touchdowns.
If Slayton leaves this offseason, the Giants would be turning to a bunch of speculative options. Will they re-sign Richie James? Will Isaiah Hodgins build on his late-season breakout? And will Wan'Dale Robinson make a consistent impact when he returns from a torn right ACL?
Slayton should also consider the Cleveland Browns and the Green Bay Packers, two offenses that need a solid second option. Cleveland can rely on Amari Cooper, but Donovan Peoples-Jones is miscast as the next-best receiver.
Green Bay is a wild card, especially since the futures of both Aaron Rodgers and Allen Lazard are uncertain. No matter those outcomes, the Packers could use a low-cost, big-play option other than Christian Watson. Slayton averaged 10.2 yards per target last season, which was tied for third in the NFL among all qualifying players.
JuJu Smith-Schuster
7 of 7
1. Kansas City Chiefs
2. Chicago Bears
3. Atlanta Falcons
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs reignited the career of JuJu Smith-Schuster. He reeled in 78 passes with a stellar 77.2 percent catch rate, tallying 933 yards and three touchdowns for the Super Bowl champions.
The reasons to stay in Kansas City seemingly outweigh the list to leave. But if money talks the loudest, the Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears could make Smith-Schuster listen.
The Bears are currently sitting on a league-high $98 million of cap space, while the Falcons are second leaguewide with $66.8 million. Both teams have two capable pass-catchers, but neither one has proven depth behind their respective duos.
Chicago would be slightly more appealing if Smith-Schuster covets a leading role. Drake London may develop into a stellar receiver for the Falcons, who landed him with the No. 8 pick of the 2022 NFL draft. Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool of the Bears likely don't have that kind of upside.
Either way, Smith-Schuster would be a well-paid addition for a franchise looking to better support a young quarterback.
.jpg?w=480 "NFL Draft Football")
.jpg?w=480 "NFL Combine Football")
.jpg?w=480 "Texans Giants Football")
.JPEG?w=480 "Super Bowl Football")
.jpg?w=600 "Todd McShay Praises Raiders, Jets, Browns")
.jpg?w=600 "Mel Kiper's Lowest Draft Grades ❌")
.jpg?w=600 "NFL Draft's Biggest Gambles 🎲")
