The offseason has been eventful for wide receivers in the NFL. Many of them, such as Michael Pittman Jr. Nico Collins, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle Amon Ra St. Brown, A.J. Brown and Justin Jefferson, have received lucrative contracts, which has set a new standard for the position. And with more receivers still seeking new deals it seems that the market is far from settled. Additionally, the 2021 draft saw a deep pool of talented receivers with seven of them being selected in the first round and three in the top 10. This has elevated the status of receivers in the league. While it has long been known that the quarterback is the most crucial position in sports this offseason has seen the recognition of the importance of receivers rise as well. With this in mind, lets take a closer look at the new QB WR pairings that have emerged in the NFL. This evaluation will be divided into two categories: veteran duos and rookie veteran combos. Given the significance of the 2021 rookie class of quarterbacks and receivers it is essential to examine their potential impact in the 2024 season.
During the 2023 season C.J. stroud had an exceptional debut as a quarterback leading houston to a division title and a decisive playoff victory. His performance earned him the offensive rookie of the year award. As the season progressed stroud displayed an impressive ability to make crucial throws and avoid costly turnovers showcasing a level of maturity typically seen in veteran players. Whats even more impressive is that Stroud achieved all of this despite facing challenges in his teams environment. the offensive line underwent numerous changes but Stroud still managed to handle pressure effectively. the running game didnt offer consistent support until later in the season and Stroud also had to play without key receivers such as Nico collins Tank dell and dalton Schultz for multiple games. despite these obstacles, Strouds talent shone through, elevating an otherwise average team from the bottom of the AFC South to a first place finish.
Stefon Diggs enters the scene after completing his sixth consecutive season with over 1,000 receiving yards. It speaks volumes about Diggs that he was able to produce 1,183 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, despite it being considered a subpar year. Some may say that the 30 year old has lost some of his speed or focus, but the Texans took a relatively low risk in trading for him to see if he can continue his streak of being selected for the Pro Bowl for the fifth year in a row. Diggs has exceptional route-running skills that can outmatch any cornerback and he is a threat at every level with reliable hands. With Diggs on their team the Texans now have a strong complement to Collins and Dell and a dependable veteran option for key moments. Even if some may see this as a risky move for Houston, especially with the reported tension towards the end of Diggs time in Buffalo, the potential downside is minimal while the potential upside is significant.
According to reports, Kirk Cousins’ recovery from his 2023 injury to his Achilles tendon is going well, but there will still be concerns about how the 36-year-old quarterback will bounce back. What we do know is that prior to the tendon rupture in October, Cousins was playing his best football in the NFL and was on track to achieve career-highs in yards and touchdowns. He achieved this in a quarterback-friendly Vikings offense with the support of a strong offensive line and talented weapons. In Atlanta, Cousins will have similar support. The Falcons have one of the top five offensive lines in the league. While we can only make predictions about the new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s system, if it is similar to Sean McVay’s, it should be comparable to the one Cousins played in under former McVay assistant Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota. Although the weapons may not be as strong as last year, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson are still exceptional players.
Over the last two seasons, London has consistently performed well despite playing with less than stellar quarterbacks. Whether it was Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder or Taylor Heinicke throwing him the ball London managed to lead the Falcons with over 850 receiving yards in each season. Although falling short of the 1,000 yard mark may not be impressive in todays NFL, its worth noting that London was catching passes from backup quarterbacks who were not up to par. However with a legitimate quarterback like Cousins, Londons production is expected to increase significantly. Cousins and London complement each others strengths perfectly, as the quarterback prefers to work the middle of the field where the 6 foot 4 receiver excels. London should thrive on routes such as crossers and deep digs, which are commonly used in McVay style offenses and are also favored by Cousins. Additionally, with upgrades like field-stretcher Darnell Mooney and speedster Rondale Moore, who can threaten other areas of the field, London should have more room to maneuver compared to his previous offense in Atlanta.
After much consideration, I deliberated between showcasing this duo or Patrick Mahomes/Xavier Worthy. However for this task, I opted for the veteran combination, although I believe Mahomes/Worthy have the potential to perform at a similar level as Mahomes and Marquise Brown. In the previous season, mahomes led a makeshift receiving group to yet another super Bowl victory, with help from tight end Travis Kelce and the Chiefs dominant defense. Just imagine what he could achieve with actual weapons. Brown may have his flaws, as he has only surpassed the 1,000 yard mark in one season and recorded a career low of 574 yards in 14 games with Arizona last year. He spent his first three years in the run-oriented offense of Greg Roman, playing alongside Lamar Jackson in Baltimore. Then, after being traded to the Cardinals, he only had 10 full games with Kyler Murray over two seasons. These situations were far from ideal for maximizing his production.
The 27year old receiver is concerned about his health after suffering another season ending injury. However, with the help of Mahomes, he has the potential to achieve new heights. Brown is known for his ability to stretch the field but he also excels in the 10-19 yard range. According to next gen stats, he has a 61.1 reception EPA on intermediate passes making him a valuable asset for Mahomes. Fortunately, Mahomes is most effective on intermediate throws, which could complement Browns skills. This could create a dynamic offensive setup for the chiefs, with Brown as the deep threat and Worthy dominating the intermediate level. As a result the Chiefs can consistently challenge defenses at all levels.
Although in an ideal scenario this duo would be considered top tier. One is a four time MVP known for his pinpoint accuracy when throwing footballs to a receiver who excels at making difficult catches. It sounds like a perfect combination, but the reality is that football is not played in a vacuum. Both players are recovering from significant injuries which not only affects their individual futures but also their ability to develop chemistry together. Mike Williams is optimistic about being ready for the first week of the season but missing out on offseason training could put him at a disadvantage compared to other players. at 30 years old he has a history of struggling with injuries including a torn ACL that limited him to just three games in 2023. However when healthy Williams is a valuable deep threat and a reliable target in the red zone. Paired with standout receiver garrett wilson he should have plenty of opportunities for favorable matchups on the field.
Similarly, Aaron Rodgers is recovering from an achilles injury that is well known for causing him to miss almost the entire season of 2023, with only four snaps played. However his involvement in offseason activities indicates that he is fully prepared for training camp. Yet, predicting the performance of a 40 year old quarterback who is returning from a major injury is a risky task. Rodgers has the determination to prove his critics wrong, but the inevitable effects of aging cannot be overlooked. even before his injury, there were signs of decline in Rodgers ability to throw deep passes. In his final season with the Packers in 2022, he had a success rate of 28.6% on passes of 20 or more air yards, and a 1.4 total EPA on such passes. It is uncertain whether this decline was due to the lack of star receiver davante Adams or if rodgers skills have diminished.
In Western Pennsylvania, there is currently not a significant quarterback competition. According to reports from Pittsburgh, it appears that Russell Wilson is expected to be the starter with Justin Fields also in the running for the QB1 position in 2023. These two players would be an improvement over Kenny Pickett, making them the focus of this exercise. Wilson proved his ability to make plays and avoid turnovers during his time with Denver last season. As long as he can maintain the offense and add some big plays, he should be able to hold off any challenge from Fields. However, the question remains, for how long? Will Mike Tomlin turn to the younger and more dynamic Fields if the offense struggles at the beginning of the season?
The QB question does nothing to dampen the optimism surrounding the upside of George Pickens as WR1.
The dominant player in the wide receiver group is a third year professional, while Van Jefferson and Roman Wilson a third round pick in 2024 are the next in line. Despite having less than ideal quarterback performance and a low number of targets pickens managed to gain 1,140 yards in the previous season. Pickens is a high risk high reward player with five games of over 100 yards (four of which were over 125) and five games with 25 yards or less. If he can improve his consistency, his production will undoubtedly increase. In 2023, Pickens led the NFL with an average of 18.1 yards per catch, showcasing his ability to excel in deep passes. Known for his strong grip and ability to catch contested balls, Pickens can make difficult throws look easy. Additionally, his talent for back-shoulder catches pairs well with Wilson’s skills.
Last season, Pickens received criticism for his behavior and attitude on the sidelines. However, the Steelers have confidence that these concerns will not persist for the 23-year-old after they traded away Diontae Johnson and established Pickens as their top wide receiver. It is evident that Arthur Smith’s offensive strategy favors targeting one main receiver, as seen with Drake London, so it is likely that the Steelers will heavily rely on Pickens, especially in the beginning of the season, until their receiving rotation stabilizes.
Sometimes, we tend to overlook Kyler Murrays dynamic abilities when he is healthy and has a top receiver to play with. In 2021, Murray showed his talent by delivering 41 impressive throws in just 14 games ranking second in the league after Tom Brady. However injuries have hindered his performance since then, especially with the lack of strong weapons around him when he returned to the field in 2023. Fortunately, the recent draft brought in Marvin Harrison Jr a highly skilled player with a strong NFL background and a determined mindset. With his potential, Harrison has a good chance of being selected for the Pro Bowl in his rookie year, a remarkable achievement in a league filled with talented wide receivers. I anticipate Murray to heavily target Harrison, just like he did with DeAndre Hopkins at the beginning of his career.
Caleb Williams was an obvious selection for this compilation. He joins the NFL with impressive skills and potential for big plays. He possesses the ability to identify explosive opportunities and utilize his agility to create game changing moments. His combination of inventiveness and precision makes him well suited for the current era of professional football. As with any young signal caller there will be challenges to overcome. Williams must quickly adapt to reading opposing defenses and making quick decisions. He has already faced difficulties in offseason practices but these experiences will ultimately benefit him. The potential upside for a team with a track record of producing top tier quarterbacks is certainly worth enduring any obstacles. The more challenging decision is which receiver to pair him with: DJ Moore Keenan Allen or fellow rookie Rome Odunze? Each brings a unique element to the offense that complements the others perfectly on paper.
Accompanied by Moore, I ventured forward. Over the last five seasons, the top returning target has accumulated over 1,000 yards and recorded an impressive 1,364 yards in last year’s Chicago offense. With the potential to achieve similar success, he is expected to thrive in the 2024 season. Moore’s consistency and ability to excel in all three levels of the game make him a formidable player. With Allen and Odunze now on the team, the 27-year-old receiver will likely have more opportunities to face one-on-one matchups. Unlike in the past, Moore has not had the luxury of playing alongside other receivers who demand attention. In his most productive season in 2020, his partner in crime was Robbie Chosen, formerly known as Robby Anderson. While it is possible that having two other targets could impact his chances and production, I believe that this new dynamic will actually allow Moore to showcase his explosiveness even more.
The Buffalo Bills are expecting Josh Allen to take on a greater role with fewer resources, much like what the Kansas City Chiefs had asked of Patrick Mahomes in recent years. With the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, the Bills receiving corps is now uncertain. However, second round pick, Coleman is expected to become a primary target. Among the group of veterans with potential concerns, Khalil Shakir is the most experienced returner. The competition for playing time will be intense among Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes Scantling, Chase Claypool, Mack Hollins, and KJ Hamler. Despite the decline of his top target, Allen proved in the latter part of last season that he can lead an offense. The Bills will rely on him to do so once again.
It is expected that Coleman and Allen will have good chemistry as a duo. The newcomer has a talent for making catches in tight situations, which is beneficial because Allen is known for attempting difficult passes. Coleman’s main weakness is his inability to create a lot of space between himself and the defender. However, with his ability to make contested catches, the need for a wide opening may not be as crucial when playing with Allen compared to other quarterbacks. This pairing is ranked higher because Coleman is projected to be the top receiver for Buffalo this season. While the Bills plan to distribute the ball more evenly Coleman is likely to be Allens primary target.
The combination of Kevin O’Connell potentially starting the season alongside Sam Darnold has prevented this duo from being higher on the list. In my personal opinion, if I had just purchased a new and expensive boat, I wouldn’t keep it docked for the first few weeks of sailing season while using my old dingy. However, I am neither a boat owner nor a football coach. Once McCarthy takes over as quarterback, he will have a better setup compared to other rookie quarterbacks. He will have the opportunity to play with the top receiver in the NFL, Jordan Addison who was also a first-round pick, and a Pro Bowl tight end, T.J. Hockenson, upon his return from injury. McCarthy will also have the advantage of playing behind a strong offensive line, including Christian Darrisaw, who is proving to be one of the best left tackles in the league. Furthermore he will have the benefit of playing in an OConnell scheme that has a track record of being very friendly towards quarterbacks.
Jefferson has demonstrated his resilience as a quarterback. Last season, he played in four games without Cousins and managed to achieve impressive numbers, with three games where he gained at least 84 yards, including two games where he gained 141 and 192 yards respectively with Nick Mullens as his main passer. Despite facing double teams, Jeffersons exceptional route-running skills enable him to find openings against any type of coverage. He is a formidable force that will undoubtedly make life much easier for the rookie. I considered highlighting other quarterback receiver pairings such as Jayden Daniels-Terry McLaurin, Daniel Jones Malik Nabers, and Trevor Lawrence Brian Thomas Jr. However, I ultimately chose the Commanders’ duo because I am confident in McLaurin’s abilities as a Pro Bowl receiver and Daniels’ potential. The Heisman Trophy winner brings an electrifying skillset, which will be crucial behind an uncertain offensive line. When most rookies encounter difficulties, they tend to rely on their experienced veteran.
Over the course of his career McLaurin has consistently demonstrated his ability to find open spaces and make plays regardless of who his quarterback is. Since joining the NFL in 2019, the wide receiver has played with 10 different starting quarterbacks, including Keenum, Haskins, McCoy, Smith, Allen, Heinicke, Gilbert Fitzpatrick, Wentz and Howell. Despite this ever-changing list, McLaurin has only failed to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in his rookie season (when he had 919 yards). It is exciting to think about the potential for McLaurin to thrive with a talented quarterback like Daniels. As the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Daniels brings a wealth of experience to the league, having started 55 games over five college seasons. While there may be some challenges for the 23 year old as a first year starter he has a deeper understanding of the game than most rookies.
With the lack of reliable offensive options McLaurin is expected to be heavily targeted by opposing defenses a trend that has persisted throughout his time in the NFL. In all five of his professional seasons, McLaurin has been the top receiver for the Commanders in terms of receiving yards. The smallest margin between him and the second best receiver was in 2023 with Curtis Samuel falling 389 yards short. On average there has been a significant difference of 513.8 yards between McLaurin and the second best pass catcher on Washingtons team.