The Bengals’ Move and Its Impact on the Free-Agent Market
The Cincinnati Bengals’ decision to franchise-tag Tee Higgins for a second consecutive offseason has significantly altered the landscape for free-agent wide receivers in 2025. Teams hoping to land the top available wideout now need to look elsewhere, as Higgins will remain with the Bengals unless a blockbuster trade materializes. This move has pushed some of the best unsigned veterans to the sidelines, many of whom are past their prime. Here’s a closer look at the top 11 free-agent wide receivers for the upcoming year.
Chris Godwin: A Versatile Slot Option
Chris Godwin, 29, currently a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is the top free-agent wide receiver available. Despite not receiving the franchise tag, the Buccaneers still have intentions to re-sign him to complement Mike Evans and the rising Jalen McMillan. If Godwin decides to test the market, he is likely to attract interest from several teams, including the New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Godwin’s value has increased with Higgins off the market, especially as teams are confident he has fully recovered from his ankle injury. His versatile slot capabilities make him a highly coveted asset.
Stefon Diggs: Coming Off an Injury
Stefon Diggs, 31, who spent the last year with the Houston Texans, is another high-profile free agent. Despite his age and a recent torn ACL, Diggs is expected to generate significant interest. The Raiders and Patriots are likely to be in the mix, as are division rivals like the Tennessee Titans. The Los Angeles Rams might also show interest in the NFC, as could the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, where he previously played under their former Buffalo Bills offensive coordinators, Ken Dorsey and Brian Daboll. Diggs’s ability to make big plays and his experience will be valuable to any team looking to bolster their receiving corps.
Davante Adams: A Potential Reunion
Davante Adams, 32, had a brief stint with the New York Jets before the team decided to move on from Aaron Rodgers. This move could open the door for Adams to follow Rodgers to other teams, such as the Giants. Other interested parties might include the Patriots, Broncos, and Texans. However, the best bet for Adams could be a return to California, either with the Los Angeles Rams or San Diego Chargers. His proven track record and big-play ability make him a top target for any team seeking a reliable receiver.
Amari Cooper: A Questionable Future
Amari Cooper, 30, was traded to the Buffalo Bills midseason, but his future with the team is uncertain. The Bills are on the fence about keeping him, which opens the door for other teams to pursue him. Potential suitors in the NFC include the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams. Cooper’s experience and ability to stretch the field make him an attractive option for teams looking to enhance their receiving options.
DeAndre Hopkins: A Savvy Veteran
DeAndre Hopkins, 32, joined the Kansas City Chiefs last season and showed enough promise to suggest he can be a valuable contributor alongside young stars Rashee Rice and Xaiver Worthy. If Hopkins does not return to the Chiefs, his skills and experience will likely attract interest from division rivals like the Raiders, Chargers, and Broncos. Hopkins’s savvy play and ability to make big catches in critical situations make him a desirable free agent.
Hollywood Brown: Speed and Depth
Hollywood Brown, 27, is a speedster who may be less of a priority for a return to Kansas City after the emergence of Xaiver Worthy. However, teams like the Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys could benefit from his deep-ball threat capabilities, especially with their big-armed quarterbacks. Brown’s speed and versatility make him an attractive option for any team looking to add explosive plays to their offense.
Keenan Allen: Slot Expert and Veteran
Keenan Allen, 32, may not fit into the new offensive scheme under Ben Johnson for the Chicago Bears, particularly in the slot role. This could open the door for other teams to pursue him, with the Los Angeles Rams being a potential landing spot to replace Cooper Kupp. Allen’s experience and reliability in the slot make him a valuable asset for any team seeking to strengthen their offensive attack.
Darius Slayton: Field-Stretching Potential
Darius Slayton, 28, is known for his ability to stretch the field and could pique the interest of teams like the Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys. The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers are also likely to show interest. Slayton’s potential to excel when given a more regular role on a contender makes him a solid option for teams looking to add depth and versatility to their receiving corps.
Tyler Lockett: A Familiar Face for the Cowboys
Tyler Lockett, 32, has been a long-time star for the Seattle Seahawks, but his performance has waned in recent years. The Dallas Cowboys, now coached by former Seahawks offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, might be the most interested in bringing him aboard. Lockett’s experience and familiarity with Schottenheimer’s system could make him a valuable addition to the Cowboys’ offense.
Mike Williams: Big-Play Potential
Mike Williams, 30, is a big-play threat when healthy, and his red-zone ability is highly sought after. The Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and Las Vegas Raiders are all teams that could benefit from his services. There are also rumors of the Baltimore Ravens showing interest due to his size and potential. Williams’s big-play ability makes him a risky but rewarding option for any team looking to add a dynamic threat to their offense.
Diontae Johnson: A Talented but Mercurial Option
Diontae Johnson, 28, was traded multiple times last season, including stints with the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans, before finding a temporary home with the Baltimore Ravens. Once a budding all-around star in Pittsburgh, Johnson’s career revival may be difficult. He is talented but unpredictable, making it a challenging decision for teams. If he does not stay with the Ravens, his future could be uncertain. Despite his mercurial nature, Johnson’s talent makes him an intriguing option for any team willing to take a chance on him.
