Accidents are an unlucky byproduct of training camp, and the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams, and Denver Broncos are all coping with well being issues at extensive receiver. Fortunately, the free agent WR market is decently sturdy — a minimum of, for early August. Which cross catchers are nonetheless out there, and will the Cowboys, Rams, or Broncos pursue them?
Free agent extensive receivers for the Cowboys, Rams, and Broncos
The Cowboys will probably be without James Washington for 6-10 weeks after he suffered a Jones fracture at Monday’s follow, and Dallas might sick afford to lose any extra extensive receiving depth. Jerry Jones and Co. already traded Amari Cooper to the Browns over the offseason, and fellow wideout Michael Gallup received’t be prepared for Week 1 after tearing his ACL on the finish of the 2021 marketing campaign. At current, third-round rookie Jalen Tolbert appears to be like poised to begin reverse CeeDee Lamb.
The state of affairs isn’t almost as dire in Los Angeles, however the Rams nonetheless have issues. Head coach Sean McVay introduced Monday that Van Jefferson will require knee surgery and is unsure to be out there for Week 1. LA nonetheless has two alphas in Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson, however Ben Skowronek and Tutu Atwell could possibly be requested to tackle bigger roles.
In the meantime, Broncos WR Tim Patrick suffered a torn ACL after coming down with a leaping seize in follow right now, in keeping with Mike Klis of 9News. In Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and KJ Hamler, Denver has probably the most WR depth of those three groups. But, they could nonetheless be all in favour of including one other piece with Patrick sidelined.
Which free brokers might attraction to the Cowboys, Rams, and Cowboys?
Odell Beckham Jr.
The Rams have been regularly linked with an Odell Beckham Jr. reunion, and McVay particularly talked about OBJ when discussing how LA will transfer ahead with out Jefferson in the meanwhile. Beckham isn’t anticipated to be out there till a minimum of November after tearing his ACL final season, although, so Jefferson will seemingly beat him again to the sphere.
Los Angeles has by no means been shy about making midseason acquisitions, and Beckham has familiarity with the membership after posting a 27-305-5 line in eight regular-season video games with the Rams final yr. At this level, it could be stunning if OBJ finally ends up with any crew in addition to LA, though he won’t land a contract till his well being standing clears up.
Will Fuller
Will Fuller lives! After months of radio silence on the 28-year-old receiver, PFN’s Aaron Wilson reported Monday that Fuller is “being monitored by a number of NFL groups” however is prone to wait till later within the preseason to affix a brand new crew.
Fuller’s harm points are apparent. He’s by no means accomplished a full season, and he’s solely performed in 31 of a doable 65 video games since 2018.
However his upside can be tantalizing. Fuller was on tempo for a profession season as lately as 2020 (53-879-8 by 11 video games) earlier than getting popped for a PED suspension. Fuller’s greater than only a deep menace, however it’s his pace that can get him one other job.
T.Y. Hilton
Colts basic supervisor Chris Ballard stated final week that Indy continues to be “within the combine” to re-sign T.Y. Hilton, who has spent his whole decade-long profession in blue and white. Nevertheless, as of Could, Hilton had reportedly had conversations with at least two other teams, so there’s curiosity from across the NFL.
A neck harm restricted Hilton to simply 10 video games a season in the past, and he posted the worst statistical efficiency of his profession. At 32 years previous, Hilton’s now not a game-changer, however he can nonetheless be a crew’s WR3, and even higher, WR4.
Cole Beasley
Cole Beasley was extremely productive for Buffalo over the previous three seasons, however he’s on the lookout for a brand new residence after being launched in March. He’s a slot-only receiver, which might theoretically restrict his attraction, however Beasley ought to be capable to discover a position — a minimum of, primarily based purely on his on-field efficiency.
Beasley is proudly unvaccinated towards COVID-19, which might increase issues about his constant availability. After spending the primary six years of his profession in Dallas, Beasley ought to make sense as an possibility for the Cowboys. Nevertheless, it’s price noting that Jerry Jones seemed to be irritated by the unvaxxed Amari Cooper’s absence in 2021. Thus, Dallas won’t go down this street.
Emmanuel Sanders
Emmanuel Sanders stated in February that he was contemplating retirement, and on condition that there’s been no subsequent information on the veteran wideout, he could very effectively grasp up his cleats. However regardless that he’s 35 years previous, Beasley’s former teammate continues to be able to delivering outcomes.
Sanders has put up a minimum of 550 yards receiving in each season since 2012. At stops in Pittsburgh, Denver, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Buffalo, he’s confirmed able to rapidly assimilating into a brand new offense. Veteran expertise could be overrated, however Sanders might be a part of a crew within the preseason and be on top of things by Week 1.
