With one week left until NFL free agency begins, the list shrank even further as another wide receiver was cut on Monday.
Mike Evans, a veteran, and the Buccaneers reached a reported deal on Monday worth $52 million, which will prevent him from hitting the free agency market.
He may not be the final wide receiver removed off the list; he is the most recent.
In the event that a long-term agreement cannot be reached, the Colts are anticipated to apply the franchise tag to Michael Pittman Jr. before Tuesday’s deadline, following the Bengals’ use of it on Tee Higgins.
With the free-agent negotiation window beginning at noon on Monday, where does this leave the Jets?
For a squad searching for a capable backup to youthful sensation Garrett Wilson, the circumstances are not ideal.
Assuming Pittman is tagged, as predicted, Calvin Ridley would be the top receiver set to become a free agent.
It is not anticipated that the Jaguars would re-sign Ridley prior to the start of free agency, since doing so would turn the third-round selection they owe the Falcons from their trade into a second-round pick.
Even if it gives clubs like the Jets more opportunities, it makes sense for Jacksonville to hold off.
The Jets’ dilemma is how high to bid on Ridley, who finished the previous season with 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns.
He is a talented wide receiver who was suspended for the 2022 season due to gambling-related offenses. On the receiver market, however, prices are skyrocketing.
The news on Monday that Evans was paid $26 million a season caught everyone off guard. If Pittman and the Colts reach an agreement, he should receive more than $20 million annually.
Is it prudent for the Jets to spend so much money on the top players available, or would it make more sense for them to allocate that cash to the offensive line, sign a wide receiver for less money, or choose one in the third round?
There is a decline in the market after Ridley. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Gabe Davis, Darnell Mooney, Tyler Boyd, and Odell Beckham Jr. are the next generation of receivers.
The $10 million to $15 million annual salary range for these players may be more affordable for the Jets.
When Joe Douglas overpaid for Allen Lazard last season, he got burned in the wide receiver market.
After giving Lazard a four-year, $44 million contract, he only caught 23 receptions for touchdowns and missed three games towards the end of the season.
You have to wonder if Douglas would consider that before delving too far into the wide receiver market.
If you’re searching for ties, Brown was a wide receiver for the new Jets coach Shawn Jefferson when he was a member of the Cardinals in 2022. The Jets’ approach to Brown should be heavily influenced by Jefferson’s perception of him.
At Aaron Rodgers’ suggestion, the Jets went after Beckham in April of last year.
Before the Ravens surprised the Jets with a $16 million offer, they believed they were going to sign him. Could they go back to Beckham?
It’s unlikely that Rodgers feels any different about Beckham. However, Beckham’s season with the Ravens wasn’t great. Three touchdowns and 565 yards were gained by him on 35 receptions.
Douglas may decide to try to choose a No. 2 wide receiver in the draft after adding a less expensive alternative in free agency. Draft analysts believe that this year’s receiver class is deep.
With their first-round selection, the Jets are predicted to target a lineman. They do not presently have a second-round pick, but they may select a receiver in the third round.
Another possibility is that a surprise trade occurs.
Despite prior rumors that he will be dealt, Davante Adams is not anticipated to be moved by the Raiders. But it might be difficult to forecast the wide receiver market. When Tyreek Hill was traded by the Chiefs two years ago, nobody saw it coming.
Douglas will have a fascinating time navigating the wide receiver road in the upcoming weeks, and there will undoubtedly be many more turns and bends.