While eight teams are still alive after the first round of the playoffs, fighting for the right to be called Super Bowl champions, the other 24 NFL teams have turned their attention to the offseason. The NFL Draft is the highlight of the offseason every year. However, free agency plays a critical role in building Super Bowl contenders.
Let’s break down the top five upcoming free agent wide receivers and an early look at how fantasy players should view them for 2025 redraft leagues and dynasty leagues. Don’t miss the top five running back free agents.
2025 NFL Free Agent Wide Receivers
While Ja’Marr Chase is the Bengals’ unquestioned No. 1 wide receiver, Tee Higgins had a career year. He finished as the WR4 on a points-per-game (PPG) basis, averaging 15.5 half-PPR fantasy points per contest. Despite missing five games because of injuries, the superstar had over 900 receiving yards for the fourth time in his career.
Furthermore, Higgins set a career-high with 10 receiving touchdowns this season. Hopefully, he remains in Cincinnati with Joe Burrow and Chase. However, Higgins is a top-12 wide receiver in 2025, regardless of where he signs.
- Early Redraft Outlook: Mid-range WR1 with top-five upside in Cincinnati while top-12 regardless of landing spot.
- Offseason Dynasty Outlook: High-end WR2 with upside, especially if back with the Bengals.
Unfortunately, Chris Godwin suffered a season-ending dislocated ankle late in the team’s Week 7 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The former Penn State star was having an outstanding year before getting hurt. He ended the season as the WR2 in PPG, averaging 16.1 fantasy points per contest.
Tampa Bay should re-sign Godwin in the offseason, even if they have to use the franchise tag to keep him in the building. However, the emergence of Jalen McMillan late in the regular season could lead to Godwin playing elsewhere in 2025.
- Early Redraft Outlook: Mid-range WR2 in Tampa Bay, anywhere from a low-end WR1 to a high-end WR3, depending on where he signs in free agency.
- Offseason Dynasty Outlook: Low-end WR2 rebuilding teams should explore trading away before the start of the offseason.
Many doubted Stefon Diggs this season. While he didn’t replace Nico Collins as the No. 1 wide receiver, the veteran was the clear-cut second option ahead of Tank Dell. Diggs was the WR10 over the first eight weeks, averaging eight targets and 12.3 half-PPR fantasy points per game.
Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL in Week 8, ending his season. While Diggs played well over the first half of the year, teams and fantasy players should have concerns about a 31-year-old wide receiver coming off a significant injury.
- Early Redraft Outlook: The landing spot could make him a low-end WR2 or a high-end WR4. His likelihood of playing in Week 1 is a factor, too.
- Offseason Dynasty Outlook: A sell candidate for rebuilding teams before the start of free agency.
The Bears’ passing attack failed to live up to the offseason hype. Yet, Keenan Allen had a year, ending the season as the WR35, averaging 10 half-PPR fantasy points per game. The veteran played better after the change at offensive coordinator, averaging 10.8 targets and 17.4 fantasy points per game from Week 12 through Week 16.
While Chicago could re-sign Allen, the veteran likely will play elsewhere in 2025, with Rome Odunze needing more snaps next season. The landing spot will play a significant role in Allen’s fantasy value.
- Early Redraft Outlook: Likely a WR3 with limited upside, especially if he returns to Chicago.
- Offseason Dynasty Outlook: While his sell-high window is closed, fantasy players should explore the best trade offer at some point this offseason.
Amari Cooper started the season with the Cleveland Browns, averaging 8.8 targets and 8.2 half-PPR fantasy points per game. He had only one contest with more than eight fantasy points.
While the veteran had some positive moments with the Buffalo Bills, Cooper failed to become a consistent option for fantasy players. He is only a year removed from having 1,250 receiving yards. The veteran’s days as a top-20 wide receiver are over. However, Cooper has enough gas left in the tank to be a solid Flex option.
- Early Redraft Outlook: Flex option with low-end WR2 upside if he lands somewhere as the clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver.
- Offseason Dynasty Outlook: A potentially sneaky buy low trade target for contending teams that need more Flex options on their bench.
Honorable Mentions
Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
