While multiple teams are still in the fight for the right to be called Super Bowl champions, several teams have turned their attention to the offseason and planning for the future. The 2024 NFL Draft is the highlight of the offseason. However, free agency plays a critical role in building Super Bowl contenders.
Let’s break down the top 10 upcoming free agent wide receivers and take an early look at how fantasy players should view them for 2024 redraft and dynasty leagues. And here are our top 10 free agent running backs.
2024 NFL Free Agent Wide Receivers
Many thought Evans would struggle after Tom Brady retired in the offseason. Instead, the former Texas A&M star averaged 14.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game in 2023, his highest average since Jameis Winston‘s final year in Tampa Bay (2019). Evans showed no signs of slowing down, posing his tenth consecutive season with over 1,000 receiving yards. Furthermore, he had 13 or more receiving touchdowns for the third time in the past four years. Evans likely will receive the franchise tag and be back with the Buccaneers in 2024.
While multiple teams are still in the fight for the right to be called Super Bowl champions, several teams have turned their attention to the offseason and planning for the future. The 2024 NFL Draft is the highlight of the offseason. However, free agency plays a critical role in building Super Bowl contenders.
Let’s break down the top 10 upcoming free agent wide receivers and take an early look at how fantasy players should view them for 2024 redraft and dynasty leagues. And here are our top 10 free agent running backs.
2024 NFL Free Agent Wide Receivers
Many thought Evans would struggle after Tom Brady retired in the offseason. Instead, the former Texas A&M star averaged 14.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game in 2023, his highest average since Jameis Winston‘s final year in Tampa Bay (2019). Evans showed no signs of slowing down, posing his tenth consecutive season with over 1,000 receiving yards. Furthermore, he had 13 or more receiving touchdowns for the third time in the past four years. Evans likely will receive the franchise tag and be back with the Buccaneers in 2024.
- Early Redraft Outlook: High-end WR2 if Baker Mayfield returns.
- Offseason Dynasty Outlook: A sell-high candidate for rebuilding teams but a hold for those contending next season.
In hindsight, everyone had Pittman ranked too low. While many were worried he would struggle with Anthony Richardson under center, the former USC star had 16 receptions on 23 targets and 29.3 half-point PPR fantasy points in the rookie’s first two starts. Per Fantasy Points Data, he ranked 16th in yards per route run (2.19) among 63 wide receivers with at least 360 routes this season, a higher average than Davante Adams and Stefon Diggs. Expect Pittman to be back with the Colts via the franchise tag or a long-term contract.
- Early Redraft Outlook: Mid-to-low WR2 with upside.
- Offseason Dynasty Outlook: A buy-high target for contending and rebuilding teams.
Ridley ended the 2023 season as the WR17, averaging 11.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The star receiver finished first in end zone targets (24) and fourth in green zone targets (14) this year, per Fantasy Points Data. Yet, he left several scoring opportunities behind, ranking fifth in end zone touchdowns with seven and eighth in green zone touchdowns with four. The Atlanta Falcons will get a second-round pick from the Jaguars if the team re-signs Ridley, putting his future in Jacksonville up in the air.
- Early Redraft Outlook: High-end WR3, with boom-or-bust upside/risk.
- Offseason Dynasty Outlook: A risky buy or sell, making him a hold-and-see candidate.
Unfortunately, Higgins didn’t have the contract year he wanted. The Bengals’ offense never really got going because of Joe Burrow‘s injuries. Furthermore, the star receiver dealt with his own injuries, missing five games. Despite almost everything going wrong in Cincinnati this season, he averaged a career-high 6.6% touchdown rate. The Bengals should keep Higgins around for at least one more year and extend their Super Bowl window. However, we could see the star receiver playing elsewhere next season.
- Early Redraft Outlook: Low-end WR2 if he returns to Cincinnati. Anywhere from a low-end WR1 to a flex option depending on where he lands in free agency.
- Offseason Dynasty Outlook: Mid-to-low end WR2 with a potential increase in fantasy value if he signs with a good offense as the No. 1 pass catcher.
The former Oklahoma star was productive in 2022 despite playing alongside DeAndre Hopkins. More importantly, Brown averaged 10.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game without Kyler Murray this season. By comparison, he averaged only 3.5 fantasy points per game with the franchise quarterback, scoring 3.3 points or fewer in all but one contest. Brown battled through a heel injury in the second half of the year. Yet, fantasy players should wonder if he will be back with the team in 2024 and if Marvin Harrison Jr. will join him.
- Early Redraft Outlook: Boom-or-bust WR3 with upside if he is back with the Cardinals.
- Offseason Dynasty Outlook: A buy candidate if he signs a long-term deal with Arizona and they don’t draft a first-round wide receiver.
Honorable Mentions:
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
