Free agent WR grades this offseason
By: Jake Rajala
There has been a lot of action regarding the wide receivers that recently signed with new teams in free agency. Without further ado, I’m going to lay out grades for the notable WR free agent signings.
Mike Evans: A-
The future Hall of Famer Mike Evans is the best wideout that the San Francisco 49ers have had in a long time. He is better than Michael Crabtree and the versatile Deebo Samuel. I (obviously) wouldn’t quite put him in the same conversation as Jerry Rice. Evans has unleashed a 1k yard season in every season except last season. The only reason I gave them an A- and not an A is that he is 32 years old, which is honestly old. Hopefully, Brock Purdy can stay healthy to properly utilize Evans.
Alec Pierce: A
The Indianapolis Colts needed to retain Alec Pierce, especially if they want Daniel Jones to stay as sharp as he’s been over the last year. Pierce is one of the best deep threats in the game, as he unleashed 21.3 YPC last season and 22.3 YPC in 2024. He had a modest PFF grade of 79.3, which placed him at the 19th best WR (among 81 WRs).The Colts have their QB, RB in Jonathan Taylor, WR in Michael Pittman Jr, and another wideout in Pierce! The days of Philip Rivers also needs to be over.
Romeo Doubs: B
Romeo Doubs signed a contract with the New England Patriots worth $80 million over four years. I believe Romeo Doubs will be a 700-800 receiving yard figure. He had a PFF grade of 71 last season. That placed him at 35th among 81 WRs. I don’t believe he will be as productive as Stefon Diggs was last season. Diggs notched 1,013 receiving yards. Doubs can excel from the slot or out-wide. He has that going for him. Furthermore, he is 25 years old, so he still has a lot left in the tank.
Rashid Shaheed: B-
The Seattle Seahawks weapon Rashid Shaheed is an All-Pro return specialist. That doesn’t mean he is “the next Tyreek Hill”. He hasn’t eclipsed 719 receiving yards in a season so far. He can be a home run threat, but he’s not going to be a target machine. He only has a PFF grade of 66.1. This ranked him as the 55th best WR (out of 81 WRs). The Hawks also lost Klint Kubiak. Kubiak was Shaheed’s OC in Seattle and in New Orleans. Shaheed signed a contract worth $51 million dollars over three years.
Wan’Dale Robinson: B+
The former WR for the GMEN, Wan’Dale Robinson, is blossoming into a quality WR. He had a season best 1,014 receiving yards last season. He had 92 grabs a season ago, and 93 catches in 2024. Robinson went to the Tennessee Titans. He inked a contract worth $70 million dollars over four years. He will be their sure-fire WR1. The second starting WR is none other than Elic Ayomanor. He only managed to have 515 yards and four touchdowns last season. I don’t believe Wan’Dale is worthy of being a Pro Bowl-quality WR, so I’m not giving them an A.
Jalen Nailor: C+
I’m not in love with the Raiders signing of the former Minnesota Vikings WR Jalen Nailor. They still need an adequate WR2 or WR1. Nailor recorded 444 yards and four touchdowns last season with the Minnesota Vikings. He signed a three year deal worth $35 million dollars. He was overpaid, to say the least. If they want to help their new and potentially young, QB, they need a top notch WR (to join Brock Bowers).
Kendrick Bourne: B-
Kendrick Bourne brought fine depth to the 49ers last season. They didn’t have Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall only played in nine games. The 49ers will need to find a new WR3, who can also play many spots. Bourne signed a two year contract with his former rival, Arizona Cardinals. It’s a two year deal worth $10 million dollars.
Kalif Raymond: B
Kalif Raymond is a superb return specialist. He can take it to the house. He also brings modest depth to the WR room. He’s not a WR2 or even a WR3. He recorded 289 yards and a touchdown for the Detroit Lions last season. He is 31 years old, so youth isn’t on his side. The Cardinals could use a spark on special teams if they want to have a real chance at beating the 49ers, Seahawks, and Rams, who all made the playoffs last season.
There has been a lot of WRs that joined new teams early in free agency. Furthermore, there are still a lot of WRs that are left without a home. The WR Tyreek Hill isn’t one of the best WRs in free agency. He is one of the “best players” available. Deebo Samuel, Christian Kirk, Darnell Mooney, and Jauan Jennings are still options, too.
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