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NFL Free Agency: Four Wide Receivers Still Looking for a Home

By Hunter Haas

Feb 13, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) makes a catch for a touchdown against Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) in the first quarter in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) makes a catch for a touchdown against Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) in the first quarter in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones (2) pulls fun a catch over Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Dee Eskridge (1) during the first half at Lumen Field Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021 in Seattle, Wash.Nas Titans Seahawks 016
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones (2) pulls fun a catch over Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Dee Eskridge (1) during the first half at Lumen Field Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021 in Seattle, Wash.Nas Titans Seahawks 016 /

Julio Jones (Age: 33)

Julio Jones has an argument for placement on the Mt. Rushmore of NFL wide receivers. So, why is the legendary pass catcher still on the unemployment line? There are a few different reasons behind this, the first being that Jones has battled injuries the past two years. After missing seven games in his final season with the Atlanta Falcons, he went on to miss seven more in his first and only season with the Tennessee Titans. The games that Jones did play in 2022, he looked to be a shell of himself for the most part.

The next reason is the general transitioning from older wideouts to the youngsters, primarily in the draft. Rookie contracts are considerably cheaper than veteran contracts, especially at the wide receiver spot. When looking at the recent, instant impact that wide receivers have had early in their careers, it makes investing in a guy whose best days are behind him a tough proposition.

The third and final reason is on the part of Julio Jones himself. He is likely playing the long game now. Every offseason, a handful of elite players are injured during training camp. Rather than taking the best offer on the table right now, Jones can wait until later in the offseason to see if anything opens up on a contending team. For example, let’s say that a top receiver on the Rams or Bengals goes down, this would immediately reignite Julio’s interest on the market.

Teams that make sense: Colts, Ravens, Packers, Chiefs, Raiders, 49ers

My pick: Las Vegas Raiders

New head coach Josh McDaniels is known for his brilliant offensive mind. The Raiders are already equipped with weapons, led by the recent acquisition of arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL — Davante Adams. Superstar tight end Darren Waller is poised for a bounce back campaign in 2022. Throw in the fact that Hunter Renfrow caught 103 passes and it’s easy to see the potential of this unit. Now, imagine adding one of the most talented wide receivers in NFL history to that group. Julio is no longer what he used to be, but if he’s taken care of, he might be what tips the scale in the Raiders favor in the AFC West.

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