One of the biggest dominoes that NFL teams are waiting to fall this offseason is the wide receiver market in free agency. Many teams are bidding on Colts star WR Alec Pierce, while others are lurking in trade discussions for Eagles WR A.J. Brown and Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.
However, there are some notable names involved in trade talks that teams may target to avoid paying the high prices for the bigger names.
ESPN's NFL insider Jeremy Fowler named a trio of receivers drawing interest on the trade block that might be getting overlooked before free agency opens up.
"(A.J.) Brown isn’t the only receiver potentially available," Fowler wrote. "Baltimore’s Rashod Bateman, Los Angeles’ Quentin Johnston and Green Bay’s Dontayvion Wicks have come up in my talks."
The Baltimore Ravens have already been active in the trade market by acquiring Raiders DE Maxx Crosby in a deal that sent two first-round picks back to Las Vegas. Without a premier pick in the upcoming draft, the Ravens could swing another trade to recoup more draft capital.
Bateman inked a three-year, $36.7 million contract extension last summer, but wound up making just 19 catches in 13 games last season. His poor performance might fetch a third or fourth-round pick if the Ravens want to move on. In 2024, had a breakout with 45 catches for 756 yards and nine touchdowns, so Baltimore could opt to give him another chance.
The Green Bay Packers could trade Wicks in a move to clear a path for 2025 first-round pick Matthew Golden to have more playing time. Wicks was a fifth-round pick in 2023, and with the number of young receivers the Packers have drafted in recent years, it's unlikely that Wicks would return beyond the 2026 season.
Fowler also mentioned teams have shown interest in Packers WR Jayden Reed, but he doesn't believe the Packers will entertain trading him right now.
Lastly, the Los Angeles Chargers have seen a breakout from Johnston the past two seasons, but with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel leading the way, the Chargers could move on from the former first-round pick this offseason.
Johnston made 51 catches for 735 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games last season. Of this trio, Johnston is clearly the best of the bunch. He has had some issues with drops early in his career, but his combination of size and speed could make him an ideal trade target.
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