The Green Bay Packers went bargain shopping to start free agency, signing veterans Christian Kirksey and Rick Wagner to help patch holes at inside linebacker and right tackle, respectively. Now, as the new league year opens on Wednesday, the Packers might want to sort through the second wave of free agency for a pass-catcher, either at receiver or tight end.
While the draft class is strong at receiver, it’s notably weak at tight end, and the Packers probably need to add at least one capable player at both positions using come combination of free agency and the draft.
Here’s a list of the top pass-catchers still available in free agency (list will update):
WR Robby Anderson: Legitimate vertical threat who has averaged over 15.0 yards per catch each of the last two seasons. According to PFF, he has 11th most deep receiving yards over the last four years. Could be a big upgrade on Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
TE Eric Ebron: Former first-round pick of the Lions who emerged as a touchdown machine (13 scores) with Andrew Luck in 2018. Injured for much of 2019. Isn’t much of a blocker but there are few questions about the 26-year-old’s ability in the passing game. Jared Cook 2.0?
WR Emmanuel Sanders: Two-time Pro Bowler is a crafty route-runner with sticky hands. Just turned 33 but could be an ideal complementary option in the passing game. Probably the best pure player on this list.
WR Breshad Perriman: First-round bust for the Ravens who has finally shown some signs of life the last two years. Great size and speed combo. Still only 26. His arrow could be pointing straight up.
TE Delanie Walker: Veteran tight end with years and years of experience blocking and catching the football at a high level. Only briefly played under Matt LaFleur in Tennessee before going down with an injury. He’s 35 and a big injury risk now.
WR Tajae Sharpe: Not a game-breaker but a young, dependable target who knows the system. Played for LaFleur in 2018. Made big plays down the stretch for Ryan Tannehill.
WR Taylor Gabriel: The former Bear was once a big-time weapon for Matt Ryan and the Falcons while LaFleur was the quarterbacks coach. Can the 29-year-old still run? He played only nine games last season.
TE Tyler Eifert: Injured for most of his career but finally played all 16 games in 2019. Didn’t have a strong year statistically but the Bengals were a mess. Red-zone threat.
WR Phillip Dorsett: Former first-rounder has plenty of speed. Still struggled to produce consistent numbers despite playing with Andrew Luck and Tom Brady.
TE Nick Vannett: Tough and capable as a blocker, but can he do anything else? The 27-year-old has 61 career catches in 55 games.
WR Paul Richardson: Landed a big deal in Washington after a productive final season in Seattle. He can really run, but can he stay healthy? Has only one year of real impact.
TE MyCole Pruitt: Former Viking played in 15 games for LaFleur in 2018. Productive catching the football despite limited opportunities.
TE Charles Clay: The 31-year-old was once a mismatch in the passing game. Caught just 39 total passes over the last two seasons.
WR Nelson Agholor: Had a horrific 2019 season but was productive in both 2017 and 2018. Former first-rounder is still only 26. Could be a cheap, high-variance option.
TE Luke Stocker: Almost strictly a blocker at this point in his career. The 31-year-old started 11 games with the Titans in 2018.