NFL Off-Season Free Agency/Trade Positional Breakdown WR

[billsfan89]

The NFL off-season is starting just figured that I would post a breakout of the Bills top free agency options at WR. WR is a key need for the Bills, I will be mainly talking about the Bills critical need for a boundary WR opposite Keon and Shakir in the slot. I think Samuel is more of a WR4/gadget player. Hollins could be back and a draft pick. But this is more so about a front line WR .

 

Top Free Agents 

 

• Amari Cooper- The Bills could bring back Cooper. It's not a foregone conclusion the Bills won't bring back Cooper and draft a rookie behind him for depth/development. 

Pros: Knows the organization and the organization knows his fit and will not cost anything draft capital wise. 

Cons: Will be 31, was not the most productive last season, and might not add the speed that the Bills want. Cost could also be steep. 

 

• Tee Higgins- The big free agent on the market at WR.

Pros: Just turned 26, if Cincy doesn't franchise him he will not cost anything draft capital, and he's been consistently productive. Also doesn't hurt to take a weapon from Burrow. 

Cons: He's been a bit banged up and he's not exactly a burner either. He's a 4.59 40 time guy. He's also going to cost an insane amount cap wise. 

 

• Chris Godwin- A high end "young vet" another top WR on the market. 

Pros: While he's been around the league for awhile he's only going to be 29. He's been fairly consistent and won a Super Bowl. Also a free agent no draft capital cost. 

Cons: Coming off a banged up season, has had some slight durability issues, also he is more comfortable in the slot, might not be a good fit with Shakir. 

 

Top Trade Candidates 

 

• Devante Adams- A trade possibility. Of course the Jets trading to a division rival is unlikely but assuming the Jets are open to it this is a possibility. 

Pros: Consistently elite and durable WR, plays well on the boundary, draft capital cost would be moderate, and the Jets can absorb a good chunk of the contract. 

Cons: Will be 32/33 next season, will cost some draft capital, and not exactly a burner. Also not likely the Jets trade him in the division. 

 

• DK Metcalf- Been in trade rumors for awhile certainly one of the leagues "freak" WR's and the trade from NFC to AFC is possible. 

Pros: Will be 27/28 right in his prime, elite freak athlete burner type who plays well on the boundary, and a consistently productive player. 

Cons: Draft and cap capital cost would be very high. Likely seeking a new contract. 

 

• Jakobi Meyers- Not been in rumors but on the last year of his deal, Raiders could be looking to sell off some parts. 

Pros: Last year of his deal and a very manageable contract. Cap and Draft capital cost won't be too high. Will be 29 next season coming off a strong season. 

Cons: Not an elite athlete and elite producer. Might not have the strong impact desired. 

 

• Deebo Samuel- Officially on the trading block. Has had some very strong seasons and a very unique weapon when healthy. 

Pros: Will be 29/30 next season and he's been very productive when healthy. Draft capital cost could be reasonable. He also is a boundary WR.

Cons: He's played 15 games 3 out the last 4 seasons but he's been constantly battling nagging injuries. Cap capital cost is likely to be steep as Deebo is likely seeking a new contract. 

 

• Cooper Kupp- Been in trade rumors for awhile certainly an elite WR for a large chunk of his career but while his production has dipped he's been very good. 

Pros: Former Super Bowl MVP whose still very productive when healthy. 

Cons: Hasn't been very healthy in recent years, he will be 32 this upcoming season, and he might also be better suited for a slot WR role. Cap cost will also be fairly high. 

 

• Tyler Lockett- Vet WR who Seattle could get rid of for a fairly low cost. He's been in trade rumors for awhile now.

Pros: Should come fairly affordably draft and cap capital wise. He's a reliable vet whose been fairly productive and durable. 

Cons: More of a slot WR, He will be 33, and He's had a dip in production the past two seasons (although one could argue that's more so a product of Metcalf and Smith-Nijgba taking up a lot of targets). 

 

• Calvin Ridley- Titans could be a seller and a vet WR might not be in their plans. Much like Meyers not rumored to be on the block just yet but it adds up. 

Pros: Been a very productive WR eclipsed 1k years 3 out of the last 4 years he's played. Fills the boundary WR role. Draft capital cost could also be modest. 

Cons: Will be 30/31 next season and his contract could be hard to absorb cap wise. 

 

As the trade market opens up there certainly could be more options to look at. Personally I would love to see Metcalf but if the cost on pick/cap is too high to make sense then it I think Ridley or Meyers could be nicer "stop gap" options that could be cheaper. 

 

Who do you think would make the most sense for the Bills to go after either in free agency or the trade market at WR? Or is this just an avenue where the Bills can sink a high pick into and call it a day? 

[Low Positive]

Cooper: I have no idea

 

Higgins: He'll be tagged and will cost picks. He's going to NE for a third. 

 

Godwin: He'll go back to Tampa. Nobody leaves there

 

Adams: He'll end up where Rodgers goes

 

Metcalf: Won't be traded

 

The rest: Who cares? All bad moves. 

[BobbyC81]

We don’t know what happened with Amari Cooper after the trade but he had a career year in receiving yardage in 2023, playing with mediocre QBs.   I don’t think he faded that much in one season.

 

Sometimes coaches make things too complicated, increasing the difficulty for a player to pick things up when joining a team in mid season.  It can also be that players are just slow to pick things up.

 

The main thing I like about Cooper is that he’s not a bigmouthed diva.  He’s quiet and nothing was heard about him not getting playing time and targets.

I think, with Brady staying and a full offseason adapting to the system, Cooper could be a good weapon for this team.

 

[LABILLBACKER]

Personally my #1 trade target would be DK.  His age, speed & size is exactly what Josh & Joe need. Cooper and Adams are on the wrong side of 30.  Higgins will be way to expensive. 

[ghostwriter]

Tee Higgins at the right price would be awesome, but it all comes down to the bottom line.

 

I do like the combination of Amari Cooper and Marquise Brown working together if any deal with Tee Higgins falls through.

 

I think Adams or Hopkins on a one year deal should be our last ditch effort if we can’t sign Higgins, Cooper or Brown.

[Motorin']

I could see targeting Josh Palmer. He's mostly had wr #3 stats. But in his best season he had 72 catches for 769 yards. 

 

I think he'd be an improvement over Amari Cooper (at this point in Coop's career). 

 

He's got a high 60% catch percentage. And has some size outside. 

 

He won't break the bank, and could have some upside in terms of having better production playing with Allen.

 

 

 

 

[Doc Brown]

Bring back Diggs because I want to see the world burn.

[Pete]

Godwin is the WR I like for Buffalo, but we have too many needs and cap restraints.  Draft at least one stud WR

[GrimboG]

Adams has a non GTD base salary of 35.6m this season. He'll inevitably be cut by the Jets rather than traded. Will be interesting to see where he lands 

[NewEra]

1 hour ago, Pete said:

Godwin is the WR I like for Buffalo, but we have too many needs and cap restraints.  Draft at least one stud WR

He’s not really an outside guy though.  He’s played some, but his best football has been played in the slot.  
 

 

5 hours ago, LABILLBACKER said:

Personally my #1 trade target would be DK.  His age, speed & size is exactly what Josh & Joe need. Cooper and Adams are on the wrong side of 30.  Higgins will be way to expensive. 

Would you rather have Myles Garrett or Metcalf?  That might be the trade off 

6 hours ago, billsfan89 said:

The NFL off-season is starting just figured that I would post a breakout of the Bills top free agency options at WR. WR is a key need for the Bills, I will be mainly talking about the Bills critical need for a boundary WR opposite Keon and Shakir in the slot. I think Samuel is more of a WR4/gadget player. Hollins could be back and a draft pick. But this is more so about a front line WR .

 

Top Free Agents 

 

• Amari Cooper- The Bills could bring back Cooper. It's not a foregone conclusion the Bills won't bring back Cooper and draft a rookie behind him for depth/development. 

Pros: Knows the organization and the organization knows his fit and will not cost anything draft capital wise. 

Cons: Will be 31, was not the most productive last season, and might not add the speed that the Bills want. Cost could also be steep. 

 

• Tee Higgins- The big free agent on the market at WR.

Pros: Just turned 26, if Cincy doesn't franchise him he will not cost anything draft capital, and he's been consistently productive. Also doesn't hurt to take a weapon from Burrow. 

Cons: He's been a bit banged up and he's not exactly a burner either. He's a 4.59 40 time guy. He's also going to cost an insane amount cap wise. 

 

• Chris Godwin- A high end "young vet" another top WR on the market. 

Pros: While he's been around the league for awhile he's only going to be 29. He's been fairly consistent and won a Super Bowl. Also a free agent no draft capital cost. 

Cons: Coming off a banged up season, has had some slight durability issues, also he is more comfortable in the slot, might not be a good fit with Shakir. 

 

Top Trade Candidates 

 

• Devante Adams- A trade possibility. Of course the Jets trading to a division rival is unlikely but assuming the Jets are open to it this is a possibility. 

Pros: Consistently elite and durable WR, plays well on the boundary, draft capital cost would be moderate, and the Jets can absorb a good chunk of the contract. 

Cons: Will be 32/33 next season, will cost some draft capital, and not exactly a burner. Also not likely the Jets trade him in the division. 

 

• DK Metcalf- Been in trade rumors for awhile certainly one of the leagues "freak" WR's and the trade from NFC to AFC is possible. 

Pros: Will be 27/28 right in his prime, elite freak athlete burner type who plays well on the boundary, and a consistently productive player. 

Cons: Draft and cap capital cost would be very high. Likely seeking a new contract. 

 

• Jakobi Meyers- Not been in rumors but on the last year of his deal, Raiders could be looking to sell off some parts. 

Pros: Last year of his deal and a very manageable contract. Cap and Draft capital cost won't be too high. Will be 29 next season coming off a strong season. 

Cons: Not an elite athlete and elite producer. Might not have the strong impact desired. 

 

• Deebo Samuel- Officially on the trading block. Has had some very strong seasons and a very unique weapon when healthy. 

Pros: Will be 29/30 next season and he's been very productive when healthy. Draft capital cost could be reasonable. He also is a boundary WR.

Cons: He's played 15 games 3 out the last 4 seasons but he's been constantly battling nagging injuries. Cap capital cost is likely to be steep as Deebo is likely seeking a new contract. 

 

• Cooper Kupp- Been in trade rumors for awhile certainly an elite WR for a large chunk of his career but while his production has dipped he's been very good. 

Pros: Former Super Bowl MVP whose still very productive when healthy. 

Cons: Hasn't been very healthy in recent years, he will be 32 this upcoming season, and he might also be better suited for a slot WR role. Cap cost will also be fairly high. 

 

• Tyler Lockett- Vet WR who Seattle could get rid of for a fairly low cost. He's been in trade rumors for awhile now.

Pros: Should come fairly affordably draft and cap capital wise. He's a reliable vet whose been fairly productive and durable. 

Cons: More of a slot WR, He will be 33, and He's had a dip in production the past two seasons (although one could argue that's more so a product of Metcalf and Smith-Nijgba taking up a lot of targets). 

 

• Calvin Ridley- Titans could be a seller and a vet WR might not be in their plans. Much like Meyers not rumored to be on the block just yet but it adds up. 

Pros: Been a very productive WR eclipsed 1k years 3 out of the last 4 years he's played. Fills the boundary WR role. Draft capital cost could also be modest. 

Cons: Will be 30/31 next season and his contract could be hard to absorb cap wise. 

 

As the trade market opens up there certainly could be more options to look at. Personally I would love to see Metcalf but if the cost on pick/cap is too high to make sense then it I think Ridley or Meyers could be nicer "stop gap" options that could be cheaper. 

 

Who do you think would make the most sense for the Bills to go after either in free agency or the trade market at WR? Or is this just an avenue where the Bills can sink a high pick into and call it a day? 

Add Darius Slayton to the list imo.

 

he’s a burner and has some size.  
 

Sadly, I think he’s going to get paid somewhere around 15-18m aav but doesn’t have the production to back that.  He’s a great fit though. 
 

Hollywood Brown could be nice-  if he can stay healthy 

3 hours ago, ghostwriter said:

Tee Higgins at the right price would be awesome, but it all comes down to the bottom line.

 

I do like the combination of Amari Cooper and Marquise Brown working together if any deal with Tee Higgins falls through.

 

I think Adams or Hopkins on a one year deal should be our last ditch effort if we can’t sign Higgins, Cooper or Brown.

You want to sign Hollywood AND Amari?  Can’t see anyway that happens

[SoonerBillsFan]

6 hours ago, Low Positive said:

Cooper: I have no idea

 

Higgins: He'll be tagged and will cost picks. He's going to NE for a third. 

 

Godwin: He'll go back to Tampa. Nobody leaves there

Tampa = Hotel Califonia lol

 

Adams: He'll end up where Rodgers goes

 

Metcalf: Won't be traded

 

The rest: Who cares? All bad moves. 

 

[Magox]

The budget for a WR should be under $8/$9M AAV

 

The defense is where the vast majority of where resources should be allocated.

[chongli]

4 hours ago, ghostwriter said:

Tee Higgins at the right price would be awesome, but it all comes down to the bottom line.

 

I do like the combination of Amari Cooper and Marquise Brown working together if any deal with Tee Higgins falls through.

 

I think Adams or Hopkins on a one year deal should be our last ditch effort if we can’t sign Higgins, Cooper or Brown.

 

Higgins is going to be tagged if the Bengals can't work out a long-term agreement with him. Too expensive for us to trade for and pay him.

[SoCal Deek]

I had no idea that Cooper Kupp’s four years OLDER than DK Metcalf. I’d have actually bet it was the other way around. Go figure! 

[RichRiderBills]

I don't feel Amari Cooper will be expensive. 

 

Keep Cooper resign Hollins and draft a new burner. 

 

Curtis Samuel contract is a huge bummer. Not sure how to approach it. 

Edited yesterday at 01:00 PM by RichRiderBills

[SoCal Deek]

1 minute ago, RichRiderBills said:

I don't feel Cooper will be expensive. 

 

Keep Cooper resign Hollins and draft a new burner. 

I agree. The fact that Cooper didn’t do all that much for us in 2024 actually works in the Bills favor. I assume it lowered his free agency value to other teams, and he’s reported as liking it in Buffalo. I’d go around again with him and Hollins in 2025 and spend the majority of the draft on the defensive side. 

[LABILLBACKER]

3 hours ago, NewEra said:

He’s not really an outside guy though.  He’s played some, but his best football has been played in the slot.  
 

 

Would you rather have Myles Garrett or Metcalf?  That might be the trade off 

Add Darius Slayton to the list imo.

 

he’s a burner and has some size.  
 

Sadly, I think he’s going to get paid somewhere around 15-18m aav but doesn’t have the production to back that.  He’s a great fit though. 
 

Hollywood Brown could be nice-  if he can stay healthy 

You want to sign Hollywood AND Amari?  Can’t see anyway that happens

I think dollar wise there's a path to pay both Garrett & Metcalf. Crosby would be slightly less costly.  It would require us to say goodbye to contracts of Von, Oliver, AJE, Milano, Knox & Jones.  These guys can be replaced thru the draft/ ufa.

[Einstein's Dog]

13 minutes ago, LABILLBACKER said:

I think dollar wise there's a path to pay both Garrett & Metcalf. Crosby would be slightly less costly.  It would require us to say goodbye to contracts of Von, Oliver, AJE, Milano, Knox & Jones.  These guys can be replaced thru the draft/ ufa.

I think the path might be trade + pay a DE (Garrett/Crosby) and add D Adams.  Then the Bills have put money in the traditional premium spots - QB/LT/WR1/DE and still have draft picks to draft/develop the rest of the team.

 

I would keep Milano, Knox, and Jones.  Von probably wouldn't make it.  AJE and J Cook might be able to be used in trading for a Garrett/Crosby.

[MikePJ76]

Mike Catalana said something interesting on the podcast with sal and matt today, He thinks Howie roseman is going to search around and see what the market is for AJ Brown.

[JP51]

3 hours ago, RichRiderBills said:

I don't feel Amari Cooper will be expensive. 

 

Keep Cooper resign Hollins and draft a new burner. 

 

Curtis Samuel contract is a huge bummer. Not sure how to approach it. 

so regarding Cooper... I actually think he tests the market and may find that the prices are not to his liking and actually come back to resign if indeed we want him... but I do not think we go all in on an offer to retain him... thus I think he will test the market...