There’s still a lot of the NFL season left, but there’s enough data on the stat sheet for general managers to start thinking about what comes next. The receivers on this list still have time to help build their case to stay, but some might need a miracle. Others have to entertain the possibility due to financial reasons of their teams and their contracts.
The hard part is that no receiver truly knows what their general manager is thinking. Some might have already set their opinion in stone, while others might be able to be persuaded one way or another based on how well the player plays.
Thanks for the submission!
Either way, the wide receiver market is due for a shakeup in 2027. Here’s an early look at some of the players who could be on the way out, including George Pickens, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Puka Nacua.
•
George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
George Pickens came into 2026 with a desperate need to impress Jerry Jones after the owner decided against handing him a new deal. With Pickens underperforming compared to his 2025 outing already (including less than 50 yards in two of his games), Jones might decide the receiver isn’t worth a franchise tag, which would send him to the free market.
Pickens tallied 1,429 yards last season, which will be enough to land him a new job elsewhere almost no matter how 2026 goes.
Stefon Diggs, Washington Commanders
Stefon Diggs hasn’t stayed in the same place for too long after his fallout with the Buffalo Bills. Diggs found a place with the Washington Commanders at the last moment and isn’t guaranteed anything beyond 2026, according to Spotrac.
The receiver has earned at least 1,000 yards in seven of his last eight seasons, which will give him a runway in the NFL if the Commanders decide to go with a more youthful option in the NFL draft in 2027.
Keenan Allen, Indianapolis Colts
Keenan Allen still has at least another season in him, but it is unclear if it will be with the Indianapolis Colts. The Chargers legend earned at least 700 yards in each of his last two seasons, which could set him up as a quality depth option in a new situation next year after his one-year deal expires.
Could a reunion with the Chargers happen one more time after Los Angeles’ disastrous 0-4 start? Possibly. He will have to make the decision.
Jauan Jennings, Minnesota Vikings
Jauan Jennings has caught two passes in three games with the Minnesota Vikings heading into Week 5. Whether it is because of the quarterback situation, a loaded wide receiver room or Jennings struggling to adapt to the Vikings’ offense, something is not working for the receiver. As such, he might be on the move as soon as he arrives.
The Vikings signed Odell Beckham Jr., which hints at a desire to round out the part of the depth chart Jennings finds himself in. Jennings has shown the ability to pop with the 49ers many times, so he is likely to get another chance somewhere else if things continue as they are.
Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers
Deebo Samuel is enjoying a notable return with the 49ers, but while the vibes are good now (164 yards combined against the Broncos and Cardinals in Weeks 3 and 4), money tells all. If Samuel asks for too much in the offseason, he could be gone after one reunion season. Right now, he is playing on a $4 million deal and is on pace for double-digit touchdowns this season.
Heading into an age 31 season, the 49ers may look at Samuel’s potential differently, which could be a recipe for another separation.
Read More: 10 NFL teams with the most Hall of Famers
Read More: 10 colleges with most active NFL players ft. Alabama, Ohio State, and more
Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr.’s future will hinge on whether he believes in Carson Beck. The 1-3 Cardinals are on the cusp of letting the season’s prospects dry out before starting the rookie. If Harrison, heading into a contract year in 2027, wants to take his chances elsewhere, he could ask for a trade.
Thus far, it hasn’t worked, and watching wide receiver Michael Wilson secure a $75 million deal first might be all he needed to see.
Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders
Tre Tucker hasn’t had it easy with Las Vegas Raiders quarterbacks, and the receiver is on deck to be given yet another quarterback with Fernando Mendoza at some point. If the Raiders try to use Tucker’s production against him, it could result in the receiver choosing to enter free agency.
Tucker is entering the final year of his deal, and with Klint Kubiak possibly wanting his own Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the offseason, it might be time for his exit.
Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens
Rashod Bateman has had great moments with the Baltimore Ravens, but he has had some disappointing years, with three seasons under 375 receiving yards. The receiver has been an asset at times, including 756 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024, but the Ravens might look to move him and start fresh with a new receiver in the offseason.
Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
Puka Nacua is in the final year of his deal, and things have not gone well. Injuries, off-field controversies, and Davante Adams showing out in Nacua’s stead might push the Los Angeles Rams to rethink Nacua’s future. If the Rams want to continue the offensive rebuild after adding Ty Simpson in the NFL Draft last year, the team could get a lot for Nacua in a tag-and-trade scenario.
Nacua recorded 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025, which could give the Rams a long list of suitors. However, considering his production, Los Angeles is strongly incentivized to consider sending him to the AFC and its separate playoff picture.
Mack Hollins, New England Patriots
Mack Hollins has been the receiver who has stepped up for Drake Maye in the moments when his conventional targets have not. As such, he might be clutch, but his production doesn’t call for a big deal when Hollins’ contract ends after the 2026 season (Spotrac). As such, the receiver might need to win over a new team in the next step of a career that has seen him produce for six different teams.
Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein
