Packers free agency: Ranking the best wide receivers available
A week away from free agency, who are the best available wide receivers?
The Green Bay Packers have a need at wide receiver. Although the draft class at the position is among the best in recent memory, the Packers will also have options in free agency, should GM Brian Gutekunst prefer to sign a veteran.
One possibility is for the Packers to sign a free agent and also draft a wide receiver, bringing in experience as well as taking advantage of a deep rookie class.
With a week to go, let’s take a look at the best available free-agent receivers. Note: A.J. Green isn’t included following ESPN’s report that the Bengals will use the franchise tag to keep him. If the Bengals decide not to use the tag, Green would rank second.
1. Amari Cooper
Far and away the best free-agent wide receiver and one of the best in the game, Amari Cooper would be a dream signing for the Packers. An unlikely one, however.
It’s not often a player like Cooper hits free agency, but there’s a good chance he now will. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is also a free agent and if they decide to use the franchise tag on Prescott, Cooper could become a free agent.
While a wide receiver tandem of Cooper and Davante Adams would be better than any other in the NFL, it’s unlikely to happen. Spotrac estimates Cooper will make $19.7 million per year which, nope, the Packers aren’t paying.
2. Robby Anderson
In need of more speed at the wide receiver position, Robby Anderson would be a good addition to the Packers offense. Averaging 14.8 yards per reception in his NFL career, Anderson would give the Packers the deep threat they desperately need.
Again, Anderson’s price tag could be the issue. Spotrac’s estimate for his market value is $12 million a year. As talented as Anderson is, that’s a lot to pay considering the talent at WR in this year’s draft.
3. Emmanuel Sanders
A potential midseason trade target in 2019 is now available as a free agent. At 32 years old, Emmanuel Sanders proved he can still play, finishing with a combined 869 yards and five touchdowns with the Broncos and 49ers. Interestingly, he played 17 games and didn’t get a bye week.
The concern with signing Sanders to a multi-year deal is that he turns 33 later this month, and it’s possible his production declines in the coming seasons. But if the price is right and it’s a short-term deal, Sanders would be a valuable player for the Packers.
4. Breshad Perriman
Was Breshad Perriman‘s end to the 2019 season a sign of what’s to come? That’s the risk one team will choose to take. A former first-round pick by the Ravens, Perriman struggled during his two seasons in Baltimore and also failed to make much of an impact with the Browns.
But he set a career-best in receiving yards and touchdowns in his first season with the Buccaneers. Given an increased role following injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin late in the year, Perriman stepped up with three-straight 100-yard performances while also catching five touchdowns in the final four games of the season.
Perriman would be a risky addition, but he showed how good he can be late in the season.
5. Randall Cobb
A connection with Aaron Rodgers is important. Randall Cobb has that. Even as the third receiver in Dallas, Cobb put up his best receiving numbers since 2015, a sign that he’s still a good player. We never got to see Cobb in Matt LaFleur’s offense, but he could be a reliable target in the slot.
It wouldn’t take long for the experienced receiver to get on the same page as Rodgers given they spent eight years playing together. On a short-term deal, Cobb could be worth bringing back.
6. Taylor Gabriel
Taylor Gabriel might not be a likely candidate to lead the team in receptions by season’s end, but the catches he does make are often important ones. Gabriel’s speed makes him tough to cover deep down the field.
LaFleur understands just how talented he is after working with him in Atlanta in 2016. That season, Gabriel averaged 16.5 yards per reception and finished with a career-best six touchdowns to go with 579 yards.
Gabriel would be a great addition as the Packers’ third or fourth receiver and he has the ability to make game-changing plays at any moment.
Other notable free agents: Devin Funchess, Travis Benjamin, Paul Richardson, Phillip Dorsett