2023 NFL free agency: Ranking the top 10 wide receivers
Teams that need wide receivers ahead of 2023 NFL free agency should perhaps temper their expectations. Maybe don’t jump in on the first wave of free agents at this position group. The best receivers in the 2023 NFL offseason — just like we saw in 2022 — could very well be available via trade, but unlike in 2022, we’re probably not going to see the best receivers in the league on the move (Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, AJ Brown, etc.).
In 2023, it’s going to be all about finding bargains and perhaps even getting to the “reclamation project” level of investments. Some names that have been thrown out there on the trade market? Well, we’ll get to those. For now, let’s take a look at some of the top players that will be available in 2023 NFL free agency.
Top 10 wide receivers in 2023 NFL free agency
10. A number of guys that could get cut or traded…
There are plenty of players who have been rumored to be on the cusp of being cut or traded. Let’s take a look at some of those bigger names.
Michael Thomas, Saints
Here’s where you start to talk about potential “reclamation project” types of guys. Michael Thomas once looked like one of the best overall receivers in the NFL but has missed a ton of time over the last couple of seasons. He’s played just 10 games since 2019.
I still think, if he hits the open market, there would be few receivers on this market that would be more worthwhile investments than Thomas. He just turned 30 on March 3, so he could give you a couple of strong years even if he doesn’t play all 17 games.
DeAndre Hopkins, Cardinals
Bill O’Brien was still foolish for trading Hopkins when he did and for what he acquired, but he may have been onto something regarding Hopkins’ effectiveness. After a string of dominance with the Texans, Hopkins was traded to Arizona and had one 1,000-yard campaign before missing 15 games between 2021-22.
Still, Hopkins is a big-name player who should be considered a great pickup for at least this one season. He will be 31 in June.
Brandin Cooks, Texans
Brandin Cooks has been the most traded NFL player ever. It’s kind of insane when you consider his effectiveness through the years. He has racked up 1,000 yards receiving at all of his different stops in the league: New Orleans, New England, Los Angeles, Houston. He will be 30 in September and I think he’ll be one of the top acquisitions any team makes at receiver in the 2023 offseason. It sounds like his time with the Texans is done.