Christian Kirk JAC 4Y/72,000,000
Zach’s Grade:C+
Thoughts: The Jaguars made splashes early in free agency, but that does not mean they were good splashes. Kirk is a good receiver with upside, and could have been a sneaky good signing heading into free agency. However, with what the Jags signed him to, he needs to be an elite number one. I do not know that he has it in him, and the Jags further reset the whole market by paying him this much. This was not the only head scratching signing they made, but it was the biggest. There is some hope that Kirk continues to grow and pairs well with the other receivers in Jacksonville, but he needs to produce like one of the better receivers in the league to be worth what they are paying him.
Jack’s Grade: C
Thoughts: I like the Kirk signing as a player, but the problem is he isn’t proven. Kirk has definitely shown flashes of the potential he has but there’s been no consistency in his production. I would assume based on play that Kirk would step in as the WR2, but he’s being paid WR1 money, so I don’t know. I don’t know what the Jags saw that they were like Kirk has to be made a top paid receiver in the league. This signing is probably an A/B for the right price, but the contract is why it’s a C grade. I heard it was a bidding war for Kirk, but it seems like the Jags just kept bidding and bidding just so that they could say they won something.
Allen Robinson LAR 3Y/46,500,000
Zach’s Grade:A
Thoughts: The Rams continued their trend of saying forget them picks and building through trades and free agency this offseason. They traded away Robert Woods for pennies, and while the trade was not the best, replacing Woods and OBJ with Robinson may just be an upgrade. Robinson (before this final season of Nagy’s reign) produced as one of the better players at the position, with some of the worst quarterbacks out there. Now he gets the best one he will ever have caught passes from, and he joins another elite receiver in Kupp so Robinson will not be the sole focus of the defense. A big win all around.
Jack’s Grade: A
Thoughts: Stafford now has a 1A/1B situation at WR, which makes this one of the best receiving duos in football and keeps the Rams offense scary, and Robinson gets the type of QB play and money he’s been looking for since coming into the league. Overall, great signing for both sides.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling KC 3Y/30,000,000
Zach’s Grade:B-
Thoughts: The Chiefs traded away Hill in a shocking move. Time will only tell what was the right call there, but they are trying to replace his production with a few different signings. The first being MVS. He has upside, good size and speed, and can be the deep threat alongside Hardman. It is more money than I thought MVS would get, but it is hardly the worst signing at WR in this free agency.
Jack’s Grade: C+
Thoughts: MVS is certainly a solid deep threat in the league, but has also dealt with drop issues over the years. This isn’t a bad sign, but he has some stuff to clean up, and let’s be honest, is he really worth $10 million a year? This seems more like a panic move as he was signed the same day they traded Tyreek.
Russell Gage TB 3Y/30,000,000
Zach’s Grade:B
Thoughts: The fact that Russell Gage put up the numbers he did being the only wide receiver in the room for most of the season speaks either to his upside, or to Matt Ryan’s ability at his age. I will guess that it is a little of both. The Bucs really suffered after Godwin went down, with the third receiver and beyond acting like their hands were made of stone (looking at you Tyler Johnson). Now, they have a very good number three in Gage, who can be the number two until Godwin is ready to return from his injury. A lot of money for a player that is not exactly proven, but you cannot bash that when you see teams like the Jags doing what they are doing.
Jack’s Grade: A-/B+
Thoughts: Gage showed a lot of promise last season as a WR2 behind Ridley, and as a WR1 when Ridley stepped away. The Bucs find a solid WR2 while they wait for Godwin to get healthy and a solid WR3 when everyone is healthy. They may have overpaid a bit, but Brady went out and recruited Gage himself, so that’s got to mean something. Gage has production and is more proven than other pieces the Bucs have in the room.
Zay Jones JAC 3Y/24,000,000
Zach’s Grade:D
Thoughts: does he have some upside, I guess so. He flashed with the Raiders late, but what are the Jaguars doing. The signing of Kirk is whatever you can argue for it, but why this? They have a crowded room already, and I do not see Jones ascending to the top of it. There is also no way he was going to bring this from another team so it has to be a massive overpay by the Jags. This was perhaps the worst free agent signing at the position, and while I am sure the intentions are good with surrounding Lawrence with talent, there are wide receivers still unsigned that would have been better singings than this.
Jack’s Grade: D/F
Thoughts: Why? This is another Jags overpay, except this one wasn’t necessary. I would’ve been okay with the Jags WR room if it was Jones, Kirk, and Shenault with Treadwell as the 4. Now your starters are now Jones, Kirk, Shenault with Jones as your 4, Treadwell as your 5. I mean it brings more depth in yes, but NO ONE PAYS THEIR NUMBER 4 RECEIVER $8 MILLION/YEAR! This is the same conundrum as Kirk. Jones is getting paid like a low end WR2/high end 3, but he is not that. He carved himself a nice role in Vegas, but role players don’t make $8 million, sorry not sorry. If they do want Jones to be the WR3, he’s going to have to fight for it because I would rather take a younger, higher upside Shenault over Jones.
Cedrick Wilson MIA 3Y/22,050,000
Zach’s Grade:B+
Thoughts: This is the move the Jags should have made when they signed Zay Jones. The Dolphins traded for Hill, have Waddle, and now Wilson slides in as the number three. He flashed a lot in Dallas when he had to step up, and fits in perfectly with what the Dolphins are trying to do. The fit, and especially the contract, are amazing for the Dolphins as they do what the Jags appear to be trying to do (surrounding their young QB with talent), but doing a much better job at it.
Jack’s Grade: A-/B+
Thoughts: I really like the Wilson signing. I think that Wilson is one of the more underrated receivers in the league. He wasn’t a full time starter in Dallas as he was the WR4, but when he got in you had to know where he was on the field because this guy is a playmaker. Dallas used him in a gadgety way, and I’m sure McDaniel is going to love that versatility, but my big question is can he produce at the same level as a full time starter WR3 in Miami. I assume he’s going to be the WR3, but he will have to beat out Preston Williams which I don’t see being an issue. I think this has the potential to be one of the best receiver signings this offseason, but Wilson needs to prove himself first.
Jakeem Grant CLE 3Y/10,000,000
Zach’s Grade:D
Thoughts: I had this as a C initially, until Jack reminded me they have Anthony Schwartz. Even with the Watson move, what does Grant add that is not on the roster. This is a little more money than just a depth move, and while Celevland does need another receiver or two, Grant is just an odd addition to Cooper, DPJ, and Schwartz.
Jack’s Grade: D
Thoughts: Cleveland what are you doing? You already have a returner and deep threat in Schwartz who is also much younger than Grant. Don’t get me wrong, Grant has established himself as one of the best returners in the league, but why? You went all in on Watson, and this is the move you make to improve the team? Very questionable. At least they didn’t overpay, but I just don’t know why this was a necessary move.
DJ Chark 1Y/10,000,000
Zach’s Grade:A
Thoughts: It is hard not to like what Detroit is doing. Chark comes in with number one potential, but at the cost of just a one year deal. If he stays healthy and has a good season, Detroit has first rights to resign and or extend him. If he does not and continues his trend, they do not have him for more than one season. It is a massive upside and low risk deal for a Detroit team that finally seems to be climbing out of the basement.
Jack’s Grade: A
Thoughts: I understand that there are a lot of questions around Chark’s ability to stay healthy, but this has the potential to be the steal of maybe the whole offseason. Chark is a young star receiver with a great combo of size and speed. Chark steps in on day one to be WR1 for Jared Goff or whoever their QB is, and it allows the Lions to use St. Brown all over the field like they did last year. Chark gets a year to prove himself for a potentially huge pay day next year, and the Lions get a clear WR1 for pretty much half the price of some of the league’s best.
Tre’Quan Smith NO 2Y/6,000,000
Zach’s Grade:B
Thoughts: The Saints somehow are finding money to bring the band back together. Smith has shown hints of being a number three or even two in the offense, but has never put it all together. Only paying him three million a year minimizes the risk, but maximizes the potential steal should he prove useful in the offense.
Jack’s Grade: B
Thoughts: Smith seems to have faded out of the offense, but this is still a good deal for a good WR3/4 who already knows the playbook and has familiarity with Winston. Smith may not have a lot of stats, but he can make plays from time to time.
Byron Pringle CHI 1Y/4,125,000
Zach’s Grade:C-
Thoughts: On the surface this is not a bad signing. Pringle is a special teams ace and a nice number four. The issue is that Chicago is desperate for weapons, and this is all they end up with. Do not expect Pringle to be a good number two, and it is unsure if Mooney can even be a number one. It is still early and the draft still has to happen, but if all Chicago does is replace Robinson with Pringle, this will be disastrous for the new regime.
Jack’s Grade: A-/B+
Thoughts: I really like this signing by Chicago. I understand that a lot of people are questioning this move because A-Rob just went to LA and this is one of two WRs they signed(the other being E. St. Brown), but Pringle showed the ability to be a playmaker on offense in Kansas City, and people forget, but he is a special teams ace. Can Pringle handle WR2 duties? Probably not, but if Chicago can go get another receiver I think Pringle can be a solid WR3/4 who also plays specials. Not a terrible deal, and if he doesn’t work out like you think it’s only one year. It is interesting to note that new GM Poles was part of the front office who brought Pringle into KC.
JuJu Smith-Schuster KC 1Y/3,250,000
Zach’s Grade: A+
Thoughts: Even if you do not like him, JuJu has a lot of upside. It is unknown what kind of receiver you are getting as his production was all over the place during his tenure with the Steelers. For all we know, that could have been Ben’s fault. Regardless, you are paying a good wr three million for one year. Even if he missed the whole season, you barely notice from a money standpoint. From a skill standpoint, you could argue the Chiefs were missing a good slot receiver like JuJu even before they traded away Hill. He can be a dependable target for Mahomes as they try to figure out life after Tyreek Hill.
Jack’s Grade: A+ for Jackson Mahomes, B for Patrick Mahomes
Thoughts: I’m not a JuJu fan in all honesty, and it’s because he’s more known for his tik toks and off the field stuff than his play on the field. He’s also not a WR1 and he showed that in Pittsburgh. JuJu had a lot of potential coming out of college; unfortunately, his mentor was AB lol. JuJu has yet to unlock his full potential, and it’s hard to see him doing it in KC where he’s most likely expected to be WR1. JuJu needs to realize that unlike Pittsburgh, KC is a legit contender with an elite QB. He needs to focus up and not mess up this opportunity. JuJu has also dealt with injury issues over the last few seasons, hopefully he can stay healthy this year.
Jamison Crowder BUF 1Y/2,000,000
Zach’s Grade:A
Thoughts: Crowder is one of the more underrated receivers in football. He is hurt a lot of the time, but when healthy, he is a very good slot receiver. The Bills will save money by replacing Beasley with Crowder (and maybe Mackenzie), and there will not be a big drop off production wise. And, again, even if he gets hurt, it is not a big contract to worry about.
Jack’s Grade: A
Thoughts: Crowder slowly saw his targets decrease through his time in NY, but I guess that doesn’t matter to him as he went to Buffalo with an elite WR1, and young up-and-coming WR2 in Diggs and Davis. Crowder should step in and be WR3, and most likely take over Beasley’s spot in the slot. I’d probably say that going from Beasley to Crowder is a lateral move, but for $2 million, that’s a bargain. Just another weapon for this high powered Bills offense.
James Washington DAL 1Y/1,187,500
Zach’s Grade:A
Thoughts: Washington never became what the Steelers thought he would, but his production dipping may have again been mainly due to Ben insisting on playing way beyond when he should have. Dallas replaces Cedrick Wilson with James Washington as their number three (or four depending on the draft) and are paying him almost nothing. Not a bad trade off for Dallas.
Jack’s Grade: A
Thoughts: Washington had some drop issues early in his career and then got buried on the depth chart behind JuJu, Claypool, and Johnson. Watching Johnson get second chance after second chance makes you feel bad for Washington because he didn’t get a second chance, and didn’t get a chance to develop. Washington gets a fresh start in Dallas where he will most likely step in as WR3. I’m sure Washington has improved since he came into the league, and if he’s still disappointing at least you didn’t pay much for him. This is pocket change for a receiver like Washington. Low risk, high reward signing here.
Zach Pascal PHI 1Y/1,500,00
Zach’s Grade:F
Thoughts: Why, just why. Philly needs multiple receivers added to their room, and they come away with Pascal, who is one of the only receivers to be rated worse than Jalen Reagor according to PFF. You see your rivals sign James Washington for a super similar deal, and you decide to go with Pascal? Even if you as the Eagles convince yourselves that Hurts is the guy, he needs a ton of help, and Pascal is not even a good four let alone two or three. There are just countless other players they could have added to the room that were and are better than Pascal.
Jack’s Grade: F
Thoughts: The Eagles receiving room is a joke. I love Devonta and Quez. Devonta is an untraditional WR1 which is fine, but Quez is probably a good WR3/4 playing WR2. I’m not even going to speak on Reagor and JJAW because I’ll type all day, but that is basically your Eagles receiving room. The Eagles were rumored to be interested in A-Rob, Chark, JuJu, Kirk…. And you walked out of FA with Zach Pascal. Congrats Philly you fumbled the bag again. Y’all can’t do anything right. I DO NOT CARE THAT PASCAL AND SIRIANNI WORKED TOGETHER IN INDY! You guys are friends? Then go get a beer at the bar together. I know not many people like PFF grades, but Pascal was ranked 94/94 of eligible WRs last season. Pascal is a low-end WR3 or WR4. Congrats you got your running QB another WR3. Pascal is not going to bail out Hurts on a bad throw. You are still missing a WR1B or WR2. I love how the Eagles think they can win games with a bunch of depth pieces. A-Rob did not get top notch WR1 money, Chark was the steal of the offseason, JuJu did not get a big contract by any means, and well I don’t blame them for leaving the Kirk sweepstakes. That’s just FA. Amari Cooper got traded for a bag of peanuts. Don’t tell me you don’t have trade assets. You have a moveable piece like Andre Dillard and have 3 first round picks. This team has needed WR help for years and the front office time and time again ignores it like it’s some kind of joke. Devonta needs someone to take the pressure off. Quez will produce at a much higher rate when he can be a WR3/4. Wentz got blamed for losing when the truth is he had no weapons, his best target was TE Zach Ertz. I do not like Hurts, I think he is highly overrated, but he is going to find himself in the same situation as Wentz because the Eagles front office doesn’t care. This is a joke of an organization owned by a retirement home escapee, and run/built by Mickey Mouse. This has got to be the worst receiver room in football… what a joke. The only thing keeping this receiver room a float is Devonta and he can’t even produce at an elite level because his QB is average at best. If Devonta wasn’t in this room, I would rank them 33rd in the 32 team NFL because quite honestly I could pull 5 people off the street of Philadelphia and I can assure you they would be better than Pascal/Watkins/Reagor/JJAW. CONGRATS PHILLY YOU PLAYED YOURSELF AND ARE LETTING YOUR FANS DOWN. AND TO MAKE IT WORSE YOU JUST SIGNED MICKEY TO A 3 YEAR EXTENSION. EAGLES FANS JUST FLUSH YOUR SUPER BOWL HOPES DOWN THE TOILET NOW!!!!! The saddest part of it all is that you are in a very winnable division and conference. The NFC is not the war that the AFC is, and right now in my head I have the Eagles finishing 4th in their own division. The Eagles once again remain the team of absolute mediocrity.