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There are receivers of all kinds available in free agency this offseason.
There are some young up-and-coming big-play threats, and some old reliable veterans who can help a contender in need on a short-term deal. Teams might not find a true No. 1 available in free agency, but there are options to help a passing game.
Here are the top five receivers available in free agency:
1. George Pickens
Pickens got the franchise tag from the Cowboys, which wasn’t a surprise, but it was the non-exclusive tag. That allows other teams to negotiate with him, though the Cowboys have the right to match or receive draft pick compensation. It’s rare for a franchise tagged player to sign an offer sheet elsewhere, and Pickens probably won’t be an exception. But he is a hugely talented 24-year-old coming off a 1,429-yard season.
2. Alec Pierce
There aren’t many receivers in the NFL better at making big plays. Pierce has led the NFL in yards per catch each of the past two seasons, averaging 22.3 two seasons ago and 21.3 last season. He has 13 touchdowns the last two seasons and is coming off his first 1,000-yard season. He’s an ascending talent at 25 years old, and his age is a reason he will be coveted if the Colts can’t secure him before free agency.
3. Rashid Shaheed
If all Shaheed did was play offense, he wouldn’t be third on this list. But he is an exceptional kickoff and punt returner as well. After the Seahawks traded for him last season, a punt return touchdown in the regular season against the Rams and a kickoff return touchdown to begin a divisional round playoff game against the 49ers were two of the biggest plays of Seattle’s championship season. Shaheed is also a great deep threat on offense.
4. Mike Evans
If this was prime Evans, he’d be one of the most coveted free agents in years. Last season was a tough one though, with injuries limiting him to eight games and 368 yards, breaking a streak of 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career. Was that the sign of a big decline coming for Evans, who will be 33 years old next season? He should still be productive on a short deal, as long as expectations aren’t unrealistic. Evans has spent his entire career with the Buccaneers, and returning to Tampa Bay is an option.
5. Tyreek Hill
Hill will be perhaps the most interesting gamble in free agency. He is a Hall of Fame talent who had back-to-back 1,700-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023. But in 2024 his numbers dipped and then in 2025 he suffered a terrible knee injury. Hill just turned 32 years old, and there should be questions if his elite speed will be what it once was. Hill has a long history of off-field issues as well. But if he recovers and looks like he has for most of his career, he’s a true difference maker.