It’s that time of year again. The time when Franchise Tag deadlines have passed and NFL rookie fever is in full effect. Before we get to the 2024 NFL Draft and see which high-profile rookies are going to which team, let’s take a look at which veteran free agents are the best at their position. Here are the Top 10 Wide Receiver Free Agents for 2024. For our complete list of 2024 rankings, check out our Rankings Page. Our list will include the average annual value of the player’s contract for 2023 (AAV) as well as their projected free agent market value as per www.spotrac.com.
10. Noah Brown, HOU (Re-Signed with HOU)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $2,600,000
2024 Market Value: 3 years/$16,865,589
Transitioning into his professional career in 2017, Noah Brown, an NFL wide receiver, began as a seventh-round pick for the Dallas Cowboys. Despite encountering limited opportunities, Brown promptly showcased his versatility and reliability, excelling both as a receiver and a special teams contributor. His physicality and adept blocking skills have positioned him as a valuable asset in various offensive schemes, particularly those emphasizing run-heavy formations. Nonetheless, within the realm of fantasy football, Brown’s production has demonstrated inconsistency, primarily attributed to his role as a depth receiver, making him a speculative choice for fantasy owners, albeit occasionally exhibiting flashes of potential. Notably, Brown has exhibited glimpses of elite skill during his tenures with both Dallas and the Houston Texans, particularly flourishing when granted opportunities to shine.
Transitioning towards free agency, the future valuation of Brown heavily relies on securing a role that aligns with his skill set. A team in search of a reliable blocker and red-zone target could amplify Brown’s fantasy relevance. Nevertheless, his worth may remain closely intertwined with his real-world contributions rather than consistent fantasy output. Despite not being a prominent figure in fantasy circles, Brown’s capacity to carve out a specialized role within the right system implies that astute fantasy managers should closely monitor his destination during the offseason.
9. DJ Chark, CAR
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $5,000,000
2024 Market Value: 1 year/$10,957,465
DJ Chark entered the NFL in 2018 as a second-round pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars, quickly establishing himself as a dynamic playmaker at wide receiver. His combination of size, speed, and route-running ability made him a favorite target for quarterbacks. Chark’s fantasy football production peaked in 2019 when he recorded over 1,000 receiving yards and eight touchdowns earning him recognition as a viable fantasy starter.
After a trade to the Detroit Lions in 2022 and a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers, Chark’s fantasy value fluctuated due to inconsistent quarterback play and varying offensive schemes. As he hits free agency, Chark’s ideal role on a new team would be as a primary deep threat and red-zone target, utilizing his speed and leaping ability to stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities. A team with a strong-armed quarterback and a pass-heavy offensive approach could unlock Chark’s full potential and re-establish him as a fantasy football asset worth targeting.
8. Kendrick Bourne, NE
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $5,000,000
2024 Market Value: 3 years/$14,657,498
Kendrick Bourne commenced his NFL journey with the San Francisco 49ers, showcasing his reliability as a possession receiver. His move to the New England Patriots in 2020 bolstered his fantasy football relevance. Particularly in PPR leagues, where his consistent target share elevated his value. Bourne’s versatility as a route runner and red-zone threat has made him a valuable asset in fantasy lineups. With him often delivering consistent production despite fluctuating quarterback situations.
As Bourne enters free agency, his fantasy value could soar in a role that emphasizes his strengths as a dependable intermediate target. Landing with a team featuring a quarterback who excels in short to intermediate passing could optimize Bourne’s fantasy output. Moreover, joining an offense that prioritizes spreading the ball around, providing him with ample opportunities, could further enhance his fantasy relevance. A landing spot that offers Bourne a combination of volume and scoring opportunities could solidify his status as a viable fantasy option in the upcoming seasons.
7. Curtis Samuel, WSH
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $11,500,000
2024 Market Value: 3 years/$34,610,820
Curtis Samuel‘s NFL journey encompasses stints with the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders. Throughout his career, Samuel has exhibited versatility, contributing as a receiver, rusher, and return specialist. His fantasy football production has fluctuated, influenced by factors such as injuries and inconsistent quarterback play, but his ability to generate yardage in various ways has made him an intriguing option in fantasy leagues, particularly in formats that reward all-around contributions.
Heading into free agency, Samuel’s fantasy football value could hinge on the situation he lands in. A move to a team with a dynamic offense that utilizes him effectively, whether as a slot receiver, deep threat, or gadget player, could significantly boost his fantasy output. Conversely, joining a team with uncertain quarterback play or limited offensive creativity might suppress his fantasy relevance. Thus, Samuel’s optimal scenario would likely involve a team that prioritizes his unique skill set and provides him with ample opportunities to contribute across different facets of the game, thereby solidifying his status as a valuable fantasy asset.
6. Tyler Boyd, CIN
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $10,750,000
2024 Market Value: 3 years/$26,148,336
Tyler Boyd has carved out a notable NFL career primarily with the Cincinnati Bengals. Displaying consistent production despite competing with a crowded wide receiver corps. His versatility as a reliable slot receiver has made him a valuable asset in fantasy football. Particularly in PPR leagues, where his high reception totals provide a steady floor. However, Boyd’s fantasy upside has occasionally been limited by the presence of other talented receivers on his team. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have led to fluctuating performances.
As Boyd enters free agency, potential landing spots that could optimize his fantasy football value include teams in need of a reliable possession receiver in the slot. Joining an offense with an established quarterback who frequently targets slot receivers could elevate Boyd’s fantasy relevance. Additionally, landing in a system that emphasizes short to intermediate passing routes, allowing Boyd to capitalize on his route-running prowess and sure hands, could further enhance his fantasy production. Ultimately, finding a role in an offense that values his skill set and offers him consistent opportunities to contribute could unlock Boyd’s full potential as a fantasy football asset.
5. Odell Beckham Jr, BAL
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $15,000,000
2024 Market Value: 1 year/$11,910,910
Odell Beckham Jr. has crafted a remarkable NFL career marked by breathtaking highlight reel catches and electrifying playmaking ability. From his iconic one-handed grabs to his knack for turning short receptions into long gains, Beckham has consistently captivated fans and fantasy football enthusiasts alike. Despite his penchant for highlight moments, injuries have frequently plagued Beckham, disrupting his on-field contributions and tempering his fantasy football production.
As Beckham enters free agency, potential landing spots that could rejuvenate his fantasy football value include teams with established quarterbacks who excel in delivering accurate passes downfield. Joining an offense with a creative play-caller who incorporates Beckham’s unique skill set into the game plan could unlock his full potential as a fantasy asset. Additionally, finding a situation where Beckham can thrive as a primary or secondary receiving option, while also receiving sufficient targets to showcase his playmaking ability, could elevate his fantasy relevance and solidify his status as a sought-after fantasy commodity.
4. Gabe Davis, BUF (Signed with JAC)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $2,740,000
2024 Market Value: 4 years/$54,488,548
Gabe Davis has made waves in the NFL with his explosive playmaking ability, highlighted by a memorable four-touchdown performance in the playoffs. His knack for deep touchdowns has been a cornerstone of his fantasy football production, often providing fantasy owners with high-upside performances.
As Davis approaches free agency, potential scenarios that could bolster his fantasy value include landing with a team that features a quarterback known for stretching the field with deep passes. Joining an offense that prioritizes utilizing his skills as a vertical threat and red-zone target could elevate Davis’s fantasy relevance. Moreover, finding a situation where he can carve out a consistent role in the offense, rather than experiencing fluctuations in usage, could further solidify his status as a valuable fantasy asset.
3. Darnell Mooney, CHI (Signed with ATL)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $2,993,000
2024 Market Value: 4 years/$41,980,908
Darnell Mooney‘s NFL career with the Chicago Bears has been characterized by flashes of brilliance amidst inconsistency. Despite his up-and-down performance, Mooney has shown glimpses of fantasy football potential, particularly as a deep threat capable of explosive plays.
As Mooney heads into free agency, a situation that could elevate his fantasy football value involves joining a team with a stable quarterback situation and an offensive scheme that emphasizes downfield passing. Finding himself in an offense that prioritizes utilizing his speed and route-running ability to stretch defenses could unlock Mooney’s full potential as a fantasy asset. Additionally, landing in a situation where he can secure a significant role in the passing game, providing him with consistent targets and opportunities to showcase his playmaking ability, could further solidify his status as a valuable fantasy option.
2. Calvin Ridley, JAC (Signed with TEN)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $2,725,178
2024 Market Value: 4 years/$68,206,792
Calvin Ridley‘s NFL career flourished with the Atlanta Falcons, particularly during breakout seasons where he emerged as a premier wide receiver. His fantasy football production soared as he became a reliable target for quarterbacks, posting impressive numbers and garnering attention from fantasy owners.
Despite a setback due to a gambling suspension, Ridley revitalized his career after being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he found chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Their connection on the field reignited Ridley’s fantasy football value, demonstrating his ability to thrive in the right situation. As he enters free agency, potential landing spots that could further optimize his fantasy value include teams with promising young quarterbacks and offensive systems that feature Ridley as a primary or secondary receiving option. Joining an offense that prioritizes utilizing his route-running prowess and playmaking ability could solidify Ridley’s status as a fantasy football asset worth targeting.
1. Marquise Brown, MIN (Signed with KC)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $2,946,835
2024 Market Value: 4 years/$59,530,956
Marquise Brown‘s NFL career has been marked by his dynamic playmaking ability, showcasing his speed and agility on the field. During his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals, Brown displayed flashes of brilliance, but his fantasy football production fluctuated due to inconsistent quarterback play and offensive schemes.
As Brown enters free agency, an ideal landing spot to boost his fantasy football value could be with a team featuring a strong-armed quarterback and a pass-heavy offensive approach. Joining an offense that prioritizes utilizing his speed and deep-threat capabilities could elevate Brown’s fantasy relevance. Moreover, finding a situation where he can establish himself as a primary target in the passing game, receiving consistent targets and opportunities to make big plays, could further solidify his status as a valuable fantasy asset.
