Eric Williams
NFL Reporter
Playoff contenders searching for difference-makers so as to add juice to their offenses had higher act quick.
Sure, there’s nonetheless time earlier than the Nov. 5 commerce deadline, however groups chasing deep playoff runs have already made strikes to get their man, together with Davante Adams to the New York Jets, Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Payments and DeAndre Hopkins to the defending Tremendous Bowl champion Kansas Metropolis Chiefs.
Even with these massive names gone, there are nonetheless a handful of skilled playmakers on middling groups who might make sense for playoff contenders. And with skyrocketing receiver salaries, groups could search a short-term dedication on a productive pass-catcher with a manageable contract who nonetheless has fuel left within the tank as a substitute of investing massive cash on the high of the market.
We take a more in-depth take a look at 5 of these receivers right here, outlining groups that would make sense as potential suits.
Cooper Kupp, Rams
It is laborious to consider Sean McVay is keen to half methods with a foundational piece like Kupp, who helped propel the Rams to a Tremendous Bowl win after the 2021 common season. Kupp was a part of McVay’s first draft class in 2017. He is sort of a coach on the sphere, among the best run blockers within the NFL on the perimeter and places collectively train tape as a route-runner.
Nevertheless, the Rams have proven a willingness previously to maneuver on from massive names, like cornerback Jalen Ramsey. And at 2-4, the Rams face an uphill climb to achieve the postseason.
There are a number of experiences that L.A. is looking for a second-round choose for Kupp. He’s 31 years previous, will make $15 million in base wage this season and has solely $5 million in assured cash left on his contract past this yr. And he has struggled to remain wholesome the previous three seasons. A spot like Pittsburgh might make sense for Kupp, the place he might function a dependable slot receiver for Russell Wilson, who had Doug Baldwin in Seattle.
Most closely fits: Steelers, Buccaneers, Vikings
Will the Rams get the worth they look for Cooper Kupp?
DK Metcalf, Seahawks
It could take vital draft compensation to compel Seattle to deal its No. 1 receiver, however Metcalf has one yr remaining on his deal after this season and might be searching for a profitable extension this offseason. And Seahawks GM John Schneider may not be inquisitive about paying the Ole Miss product within the skyrocketing WR market.
So, should you’re the Seahawks, why not commerce Metcalf for a draft haul on the high of his worth? If Metcalf is certainly out there for the fitting value, the Chargers needs to be the primary staff at Schneider’s doorstep.
Quarterback Justin Herbert is within the prime of his profession, and the Chargers shouldn’t have a go-to receiver who can persistently win on the perimeter. In a late-game loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Herbert threw for 349 yards and no touchdowns. His high goal was tight finish Will Dissly.
Easing the transition for Metcalf can be Chargers receivers coach Sanjay Lal, who beforehand coached him in Seattle. The Chargers are also projected to have $90 million in cap area subsequent season, so buying and selling for Metcalf might give them a chance to see if the scenario works for them long-term.
Most closely fits: Chargers, Steelers, Vikings
Tee Higgins, Bengals
Cincinnati is not having the season most NFL observers anticipated, however the Bengals are nonetheless within the playoff dialog at 3-4. They’ve unsuccessfully tried to signal Higgins to a long-term deal over the previous two seasons. He is enjoying underneath the franchise tag on a one-year, $21.8 million deal.
Who would not desire a productive, 6-foot-4, 220-pound receiver who’s solely 25 years previous? Whereas groups across the league are definitely , the Bengals appear unlikely to maneuver on from Higgins this yr as they chase a playoff berth with Joe Burrow, realizing they will get a compensatory choose if Higgins leaves in free company subsequent offseason.
Most closely fits: Cowboys, Chargers, Commanders
Mike Williams, Jets
If the Chargers cannot pry Metcalf away from Seattle, Herbert & Co. would welcome Williams again with open arms. Sure, Williams had hassle staying on the sphere throughout his seven seasons with the Chargers, however he already has chemistry with Herbert and is without doubt one of the finest contested catchers within the NFL.
The Steelers additionally make sense for the 30-year-old Williams, who would add one other vertical menace for a precision deep-ball thrower in Wilson. Williams is on a one-year contract value $10 million this season, so he can be rental for the remainder of this season. He is a tough employee and good teammate, so a staff would get a veteran participant who can be a superb match within the locker room and tradition.
Most closely fits: Chargers, Steelers, Commanders
Did Aaron Rodgers cross the road calling out Mike Williams?
Diontae Johnson, Panthers
When Johnson was traded from the Steelers to the Panthers within the offseason, he definitely did not anticipate issues to deteriorate this badly. However Carolina continues to be a dumpster fireplace.
Johnson has 30 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns on 58 targets. However Bryce Younger and Andy Dalton have not been capable of get him the ball persistently down the sphere.
Nevertheless, the 28-year-old Johnson’s dynamic ability set remains to be there. And with one yr remaining on Johnson’s two-year, $36.7 million deal, somebody needs to be keen to take an opportunity on him if the Panthers are in promote mode.
Most closely fits: Cowboys, Buccaneers, Patriots
Eric D. Williams has reported on the NFL for greater than a decade, protecting the Los Angeles Rams for Sports activities Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN and the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma Information Tribune. Comply with him on Twitter at @eric_d_williams.
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