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The NFL is nearing the end of the regular season, and franchise general managers are already thinking about improving their sides. The NFL off-season starts once a team is eliminated from NFL Super Bowl contention, so any team without a ring can start negotiating with capable free agents. The NFL is a superstar-powered league, and the presence of a star can lead to a lot of good luck.
However, it is essential to note that the NFL 2023 wide receiver free agency class is less stacked than in previous years. Hence, teams looking for a world-beating wideout might need to take the trade route.
Let's look at the best free-agent wide receivers catching touchdowns from your favorite quarterbacks in 2023.
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#10. Mecole Hardman, Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City pass catcher has racked up over 500 receiving yards in his first three seasons. He has the privilege of catching passes from Patrick Mahomes and has helped ease the load on Travis Kelce. However, the Chiefs might be looking to go a different route in the off-season, leaving Hardman to explore new opportunities. Hardman is fast and could be an asset to a rebuilding franchise or contender.
#9. Marvin Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars
While Marvin Jones will be 33 years old when free agency opens in March, he has still been one of the most durable players in his position. Missing a mere one contest in the last three years and going over 750 yards in six out of the previous seven seasons is no easy feat.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are in rebuild mode, and their franchise looks like they'd love to cut down their average age. If not, we are confident Jones will be an asset for Trevor Lawrence.
#8. DJ Chark, Detroit Lions
Chark bet on himself at the beginning of the 2022 NFL season, turning down multi-year offers to sign with the Detroit Lions of the NFL on a one-year, $10 million prove-it deal this past offseason. It suffices to say that the plan isn't going according to his desires, as he has been injured for most of the season. Chark might wish he had taken the option of long-term security, but now is not the time to wallow in self-pity.
The painful thing is that DJ Chark is a brilliant wide receiver, earning Pro Bowl honors a few years back in 2019. So who knows, an NFL franchise will take the chance and put him in a position to succeed.
#7. Darius Slayton, New York Giants
Playing in New York is an extreme sport at this stage, as you have to explain why NFL players find it so hard to conquer the city. Darius Slayton's time with the Giants has been an entertaining case study. The 25-year-old wide receiver was to be cut by the Giants before the season started, but he asked to remain on the side. The Lions agreed, but he was forced to take a $1.57 million pay cut to stay around.
Slayton did as asked, and now no thanks to injury, he's the Giants' number one wide receiver on their depth chart. The injuries to the Giants' receivers have given Slayton an almost uninterrupted at WR1. He has racked up a stat line worth every penny he asks for, and if the Giants can't pay, then he'd be jumping ship.
#6. Jarvis Landry, New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints still have an Identity crisis, as they need help understanding which side of the ball to prioritize. Jarvis Landry will have less patience, and he honestly shouldn't. The former Cleveland Browns hero started his NFL career with seven straight seasons of at least 70 receptions, 750 receiving yards, and a 70.0-plus receiving grade. He might be a couple of years from that incredible last season, but it's clear that Landry desires one more go for the big one.
Landry will be a solid wide receiver to get on your team, as he still looks capable of going off every then and now. He has had a few massive games this season and will be looking for a handful more.
#5. Allen Lazard, Green Bay Packers
The rise of Christian Watson has made the Green Bay Packers' losses of Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling more bearable, and it looks like something other than Adam Lazard's services will be needed next season. Lazard started the season as Green Bay's top veteran option and has done an okay job with the role. However, the 2023 NFL Draft will have some undiscovered gems at the wide receiver position, and Watson will only improve. As such, Lazard might have a new home by this time next season, as the veteran will be looking to explore free agency.
#4. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kansas City Chiefs
JuJu Smith-Schuster took the risk of leaving the only team he knew, the Pittsburgh Steelers, to test the waters in Kansas City. Despite the Chiefs' loss of Tyreek Hill, most analysts knew that JuJu might have to take a backseat to Travis Kelce regarding targets. That's what has happened so far, as JuJu Smith-Schuster rides on the coattails of the Chiefs' great offense to a comfy postseason appearance.
It is unlikely that JuJu's contract will be renewed at the end of the 2022 NFL season. As such, the veteran wide receiver can sign a long-term contract with a profitable franchise.
#3 & #2. Julio Jones and AJ Green
Jones and Green are veteran wide receivers on the wrong side of thirty, and both are currently playing on underperforming franchises.
Julio Jones is catching touchdown passes from the NFL GOAT, Tom Brady, and the twelve-year veteran has seen better times. During his prime, Jones was one of the most feared players at his position, but now he's more of a competent third-string relief option at wide receiver. Jones can still go off in the odd game or two, and he could be an exciting option in the 2023 free agency.
On the other hand, AJ Green is a third-string wide receiver that catches touchdown passes from the frustratingly talented Kyler Murray. Like Brown, Green is past his prime but still has some juice left in him. Just take a look at the games as the number one target. Green will be hoping for one last significant contract in the 2023 NFL off-season as he looks to close out a top-notch career as a pass catcher.
#1. Odell Beckham Jr.
If Odell Beckham Jr. does not sign a contract before the end of the 2022 NFL season, the former New York Giants superstar would be the prize of the wife receiver room. OBJ needs no introduction, and guess what? He has a Super Bowl ring. You can be sure that Odell Beckham Jr. will sign the biggest contract at the wide receiver position in the off-season. If and only if he is still a free agent once the 2022 NFL season ends.
