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We are already into the thick of the NFL offseason and that means free agency. Teams can’t contact free agents until March 15th, but news of the top players will circulate as we close in on that starting point. Dak Prescott, Allen Robinson, and Chris Godwin are just a few of the big names set to hit unrestricted free agency when the new league year opens on March 17th. One or more stands a good chance of signing a contract with their current team or being franchise tagged before then, but there is a chance one or more is taking calls when the tampering period opens on March 15th.
Below we will take a look at Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay, who is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
2020 in review
Golladay was coming off back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons in 2020, but injuries derailed his season, as he ended up just playing in five games, catching 20 passes for 338 yards and two touchdowns. Golladay’s size and contested catch ability make him a red zone weapon, but he might not match up with the best in the league at separation.
Possible destinations
We’ll see many of the same teams likely in the market for free agent wide receivers, including, but not isolated to the New York Jets, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Washington Football Team, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals to name a few.
Do the Lions want to keep him?
The Lions need receivers with Golladay and Marvin Jones both free agents. Golladay is still young and the team would like to have him back, but they aren’t likely to pay top market value. They have a new coach and quarterback and aren’t on the verge of a Super Bowl run, so they probably don’t want to wrap a lot of cash into Golladay if they can help it. Going after a wide receiver in the draft may be their top option.
Fantasy implications
Moving from the Lions to a team with better talent all around would likely help Golladay’s fantasy upside. But we don’t often see established teams spend big in free agency. Of the teams looking for wide receivers this offseason, none are going to be big upgrades for the 27-year old. Golladay doesn’t look like a great dynasty investment at the moment.
Rumored interest
The Giants were interested in Golladay at the trade deadline last season and would likely be in the market if Golladay ends up moving on from Detroit, per Ralph Vacchiano.