With the Super Bowl now in the rearview mirror, the NFL offseason is officially upon us. Along with everything that goes into the pre-draft process, teams and fantasy gamers turn their attention to the upcoming free-agency period. During this time, the potential movers and shakers therein could pay massive dividends in fantasy, while others may have their value tank dramatically.
This week, we take a look at the top free agent wide receivers of the 2026 offseason. Several big names could be on the move; some lesser-known guys who could emerge if they find the right situation are also in play. And then there’s Alec Pierce, who broke out this year after unexpectedly acquiring an expanded role in Indy. Let’s take a look and see how they stack up.
PlayerProfiler is home to award-winning dynasty rankings and tools. Our Dynasty Deluxe package includes complete Dynasty Rankings, Rookie Rankings, Trade Analyzer, Draft Planner, Mock Drafts, and more. Check it out.
2026 Free Agent Wide Receiver Rankings
1. George Pickens
George Pickens had a career year in his first season with the Dallas Cowboys. With personal bests in receptions (93), yards (1,429), and touchdowns (nine), he finally approached the potential many saw in him when he entered the league in 2022. In addition to sheer production, Pickens’ efficiency was top-shelf. He boasted an EPA of +112.1 and a Juke Rate of 21.5%, respectively third and second among wide receivers in 2025. In addition, his 29.6% Dominator Rating and QB Rating per Target of 114.9 help cement him as the top dog among this year’s free agent wide receivers.
George Pickens‘ Explosive Rating
The general sense seems to be that the Cowboys will use the franchise tag on Pickens to keep him in Dallas. But nothing is official yet, so we need to acknowledge the possibility that he could be on the move. Besides, we all know the unexpected happens frequently in the NFL. I have to say, however, that I’m not so sure that Dallas isn’t the best place for Pickens’ fantasy value. The Cowboys’ offensive pace, chock-full of passing volume, along with their objectively terrible defense, makes for an environment that can produce two fantasy WR1s.
2. Mike Evans
It’s difficult to imagine Mike Evans donning another team’s jersey after 12 years in Tampa Bay. But this is the NFL, and Tampa has a pretty loaded receiver room; this thing could surely go either way. This year, Evans saw his impressive streak of 1,000-yard seasons come to an end. He tallied 30 receptions on 62 targets in the eight games he played, totaling just 368 yards. Injuries, obviously, hampered his availability and production in 2025.
Even though the former Aggie will be 33 at the start of his 13th season, he is still a top-level talent. Upon returning from a broken collarbone, Evans was targeted at a high rate, even though his snaps were limited to 55% in Week 15, 66.7% the next week, and then nearly 75% for the last two games. Over those weeks, he earned 12, nine, seven, and two targets, respectively. The last game was on a rainy night against the Panthers when Tampa Bay really relied on its run game, with Baker Mayfield dropping back just 22 times.
Evans’ ADOT, Dominator Rating, and Target Rate all point to a player who is still capable of putting up quality fantasy production. Furthermore, Evans, who is still 6’5″ and listed at 231 lbs, will be a premier red zone target until he retires.
3. Alec Pierce
Alec Pierce‘s Athletic Profile
Not unlike Pickens, Alec Pierce also made new high-water marks in the 2025 season. The Colts’ 2022 second-round selection saw an increase in all facets of his game. From targets, routes, and positional alignments to the obvious stats evident in box scores, Pierce emerged as a top option in Indianapolis. While he finished fourth on his team in targets (84), Pierce set the pace in receiving yards, racking up 1,003. Tyler Warren, the star rookie tight end, finished second in that stat (and first in targets, incidentally) with 817 yards.
With injuries scattered across the wide receiver position and quarterback Daniel Jones going down early in December, Pierce stepped up. Given that his previous role was mainly as a vertical deep threat, his 98 slot snaps (12.1% rate) hint at his versatility. However, Pierce still does his best work downfield, as many of these Opportunity Metrics bear out.
Alec Pierce‘s Opportunity Metrics
Undoubtedly, Pierce’s development into a more all-around receiver in 2025 is going to catch the attention of teams wanting to add to their wide receiver corps. I believe ultimately that he will remain in Indianapolis. Depending on what other moves the team makes (perhaps Michael Pittman Jr. is traded or cut), he could see an increase in value if he stays. It is certainly worth monitoring, however. Las Vegas and Pittsburgh, among others, could be suitors for Pierce. Signing with one of these teams would generate a fair amount of buzz in the fantasy community.
4. Jauan Jennings
Over the last two seasons, Jauan Jennings has gone from a role-playing, blocking receiver to a key cog in the San Francisco offense. In 2024, he led the team in targets (113), and this past year, he was second only to Christian McCaffrey with 90 targets. Along with the dramatic uptick in targets and receptions, Jennings has emerged as a premier red-zone threat. His 19 red-zone targets were good for fifth among WRs, resulting in nine touchdowns, ranking him sixth.
Although he is not the fastest or most fluid wideout in the league, the former Volunteer has great hands and knows how to get open. In addition to his general savviness, he does all the little things coaches love, the things that keep players on the field: things like blocking his ass off, knowing his assignments, situational awareness, and playing with discipline.
In any event, it will be interesting to see how it plays out with Jennings. Brandon Aiyuk, it seems, is destined to part from the 49ers this offseason. Ricky Pearsall, for all his talent, hasn’t been able to stay on the field. Given these factors, there is ample incentive for John Lynch and co. to want to keep Jennings in San Fran. Wherever he ends up, Jauan Jennings could be a valuable WR3 asset. And he has the upside to finish as a WR2 in any given week.
5. Romeo Doubs
The former fourth-round pick for the Green Bay Packers seems to always be in the right place. Romeo Doubs was the one constant in an otherwise constantly fluctuating wide receiver corps. Time and time again, in high-leverage situations, quarterback Jordan Love would look to Doubs to move the chains. His ADOT over the last two years has been just over 12 yards. Over his time in the league, Doubs has developed into a solid route-runner and wins on intermediate routes at a decent rate.
In 2025, the soon-to-be 26-year-old set a career-high in yards, racking up 724. Considering that Doubs was never really thought of as “the guy” on this offense, it’s an impressive total, especially with how Green Bay spreads the ball around. He also earned 85 targets, his most since his second year in 2023, when he earned 96. Jordan Love looked to him frequently, and for good reason, as Doubs had a QB Rating Per Target of 110.1.
The Packers ranked 19th in pace of play (29.7 sec/play) and 27th in total passing attempts (489). As an unrestricted free agent this offseason, Romeo Doubs could find himself on a team with an offense that passes the ball at a higher rate and plays at a faster pace. He’s also likely to have less competition if he finds a new home. If this were to happen, I could easily see him being a solid WR3 for us in fantasy.
6. Rashid Shaheed
Rashid Shaheed found himself in Seattle at the trade deadline this season. He ended up starting only four games on offense. Because he was behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, he primarily came in as a third receiver, operating as a downfield threat. Nonetheless, he made an impact immediately on special teams as a returner. Shaheed scored two touchdowns on special teams in the regular season, one punt return and one kickoff return. He added another in the divisional round against the 49ers on the opening kickoff.
Despite his lack of high-end production on offense, Shaheed is a polished receiver. For instance, he earned 66 targets in his nine games as a Saint to start the year under first-year head coach Kellen Moore. That’s a pace of well over 100 targets over 17 games. He’s an excellent separator, having honed his route-running chops over the years, with great hands (one drop on the year) and elite speed.
Wherever the former UDFA ends up, he will be an impactful part of the team.
Other Notable 2026 Free Agent Wide Receivers: Wan’Dale Robinson, Christian Kirk, Jalen Nailor, Tyquan Thornton.
Wrapping Up
We may have some answers sooner rather than later regarding where some of these free-agent wide receivers will be suiting up this season. The franchise tag window runs from February 17 through March 3rd at 4 p.m. (ET). Free Agency opens on March 11th, and we will be monitoring closely. So be on the lookout for more content from our talented staff at PlayerProfiler!
Feel free to reach out to me on X, Instagram, or Bluesky to let me know what you think or where you disagree! Who are your top free-agent wide receivers?
Many Successes,
Kyle
For more articles from PlayerProfiler, check out the fantasy home page – NFL Fantasy | PlayerProfiler – Fantasy Football News & Media
