The Opening Drive 2/26: Looking at the Wide Receiver Free Agency Class
We examine the 2026 Wide Receiver Free Agent class and who could be right for the Browns.
Romeo Doubs stands out as one of the most cost-effective wide receiver options Cleveland could pursue because he offers starting-level reliability without commanding true No. 1 money. Doubs has developed into a dependable target with strong hands, route awareness, and red-zone effectiveness, traits that translate well into a complementary role alongside Jerry Jeudy and Harold Fannin Jr. in a Todd Monken offense. His age also aligns with Cleveland’s timeline, making him more than just a short-term bridge signing.
Players like Jauan Jennings and Rashid Shaheed fall into a similar value category for different reasons. Jennings brings physicality, blocking, and toughness that would fit a balanced offensive approach, while Shaheed provides explosive speed that could stretch defenses vertically and create space underneath for the Browns’ existing weapons.
Beyond that tier, several mid-market receivers could provide meaningful production without major financial commitment. Alec Pierce would bring vertical ability and familiarity with play-action concepts. Still, he may be headed back to Indianapolis, while Christian Kirk and Kendrick Bourne profile as experienced receivers capable of stepping into significant snap counts if needed.
Wan’Dale Robinson offers a different stylistic option as a quick-twitch slot weapon who could thrive in motion-heavy packages, and veteran options like Olamide Zaccheaus could provide depth, professionalism, and flexibility at a lower price point. Jailen Nailor is a younger upside option that teams believe could step into a bigger role in a different environment. The key for Cleveland will be balancing cost with role clarity, targeting receivers who complement Jeudy rather than duplicating his skill set, which is why the WR2/WR3 market may provide the best value for the roster.
Taking big swings in the free agency wide receiver market is not known for netting the best returns. The Browns are likely better off looking for true impact wide receivers to fill their number one role in the draft at pick 6 or 24 overall. There is not much on the existing roster they can depend on to contribute or account for as a factor moving into 2026, outside of Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, and hopefully Malachi Corley, who is a nice extension of the run game and brings some needed toughness to the group. As for Cedric Tillman and Jamari Thrash, expect them to be in camp, but we are past the point of hoping and wishing them into real roles on this team.
Here is a look at the wide receiver class in 2026 free agency, taking into account that Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said the team is “leaning” toward applying the franchise tag on Pro Bowl wide receiver Pickens, if they cannot come to a long-term deal first.
George Pickens — Age 25 — Dallas Cowboys
Pickens enters the market as the most talented receiver available, combining size, body control, and vertical playmaking ability. His ability to win contested catches and create explosive plays downfield gives him true No. 1 receiver upside for teams needing a centerpiece target.
2025 PFF: 86.4 | Tier: No. 1 Starter
Projection: 4 yrs, $108–124M ($27–31M AAV)
Mike Evans — Age 32 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Evans continues to produce at a high level with elite size, catch radius, and red-zone dominance. Even as he moves into his 30s, his consistency and physical traits make him a valuable starting receiver for teams needing proven production and leadership.
2025 PFF: 82.0 | Tier: Legit WR2/WR3 (High-End)
Projection: 2 yrs, $34–44M ($17–22M AAV)
Alec Pierce — Age 26 — Indianapolis Colts
Pierce has developed into a reliable vertical threat who can stretch defenses and create space for an offense. His combination of size and speed makes him particularly effective on play-action concepts
and deep boundary routes.
2025 PFF: 78.1 | Tier: Legit WR2/WR3
Projection: 4 yrs, $76–88M ($19–22M AAV)
Romeo Doubs — Age 26 — Green Bay Packers
Doubs offers dependable hands and strong route execution, especially in critical situations like third down and the red zone. While he may not be a dominant No. 1 option, he projects comfortably as a high-end complementary starter.
2025 PFF: 75.6 | Tier: Legit WR2/WR3
Projection: 3 yrs, $33–42M ($11–14M AAV)
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Rashid Shaheed — Age 28 — Seattle Seahawks
Shaheed is one of the fastest players available in the class and can change games with a single touch. His value extends beyond offense because of his return ability, giving teams multiple ways to utilize his speed.
2025 PFF: 74.2 | Tier: Legit WR2/WR3
Projection: 3 yrs, $36–48M ($12–16M AAV)
Jauan Jennings — Age 28 — San Francisco 49ers
Jennings brings physicality and toughness to the receiver position, excelling in contested situations and after the catch. He fits best in offenses that value blocking and possession reliability over pure speed.
2025 PFF: 72.9 | Tier: Legit WR2/WR3
Projection: 3 yrs, $27–36M ($9–12M AAV)
Christian Kirk — Age 29 — Houston Texans
Kirk remains a polished route runner who can separate quickly from defenders and operate effectively from the slot or outside. Injuries have impacted his production at times, but his experience and technical ability still make him a valuable starter.
2025 PFF: 73.5 | Tier: Legit WR2/WR3
Projection: 2 yrs, $16–22M ($8–11M AAV)
Wan’Dale Robinson — Age 25 — New York Giants
Robinson wins with quickness and agility, making him a strong fit as a slot receiver in timing-based offenses. His ability to create yards after the catch provides upside when used creatively.
2025 PFF: 71.4 | Tier: No. 1 Starter Upside
Projection: 3 yrs, $57–66M ($19–22M AAV)
Jalen Tolbert — Age 27 — Dallas Cowboys
Tolbert has shown steady development as an outside receiver with vertical capability and improving consistency. Teams may view him as a player whose best football is still ahead of him, with a larger
role.
2025 PFF: 70.8 | Tier: Legit WR2/WR3
Projection: 2 yrs, $7–11M ($3.5–5.5M AAV)
Dyami Brown — Age 27 — Jacksonville Jaguars
Brown offers legitimate deep speed and explosive-play potential that offenses continue to value, even though his production has been inconsistent. He projects as a rotational vertical receiver with upside if
given a larger role in the right system.
2025 PFF: 67.9 | Tier: Depth / Rotational
Projection: 2 yrs, $14–20M ($7–10M AAV)
Jalen Nailor — Age 27 — Minnesota Vikings
Nailor brings true vertical speed that can stress coverage and open space underneath for teammates. His market will likely be driven by upside and situational usage rather than consistent production.
2025 PFF: 66.5 | Tier: Depth / Rotational
Projection: 2 yrs, $8–12M ($4–6M AAV)
Kendrick Bourne — Age 31 — San Francisco 49ers
Bourne is a dependable veteran with strong awareness, reliable hands, and positional flexibility. He profiles best as a complementary receiver who can contribute immediately in multiple formations.
2025 PFF: 68.8 | Tier: Depth / Rotational
Projection: 2 yrs, $9–14M ($4.5–7M AAV)
Olamide Zaccheaus — Age 28 — Chicago Bears
Zaccheaus is a versatile depth receiver who provides flexibility across multiple alignments, particularly from the slot. He wins with quickness and route awareness and offers reliable complementary
production in pass-oriented offenses.
2025 PFF: 66.8 | Tier: Depth / Rotational
Projection: 2 yrs, $6–10M ($3–5M AAV)
Marquez Valdes-Scantling — Age 32 — Pittsburgh Steelers
Valdes-Scantling remains one of the league’s pure deep threats, capable of forcing defenses to respect vertical spacing. His production can fluctuate, but his speed alone changes defensive structure.
2025 PFF: 64.7 | Tier: Depth / Rotational
Projection: 1 yr, $1.8–3M
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