Short of signing a marquee quarterback, few free-agent additions are as exciting as a respected wide receiver.
During the 2023 offseason, that feeling must be balanced against a reasonably thin group of free-agent wideouts. In some order, Jakobi Meyers, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Odell Beckham Jr. are the best of the bunch.
As the March 15 start of free agency nears, we're thinking about the most ideal locations—not necessarily the most likely teams—for them to land.
While the preferred fits are subjective, they account for a wideout's perceived strengths and potential role, along with each team's current depth chart and financial flexibility.
Odell Beckham Jr.
1. Dallas Cowboys
2. New York Giants
3. Minnesota Vikings
Although Odell Beckham Jr. missed the entire 2022 season while recovering from a knee injury that he suffered during Super Bowl LVI, he figures to be relatively high on several teams' wish lists.
The Dallas Cowboys figure to be among Beckham's primary suitors given team owner Jerry Jones' public flirtation with him late in the 2022 season. Although they never reached a deal, the Cowboys are desperate for a receiver to complement CeeDee Lamb, especially if Noah Brown leaves in free agency.
But if Dallas again whiffs on OBJ, could a reunion be in play?
Beckham's time with the New York Giants ended unceremoniously, but the previous regime is gone. He reportedly had interest in returning to the Giants last year, and Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports noted OBJ recently met with general manager Joe Schoen. If the Giants aren't the NFL's most receiver-needy team, they sure are close.
The final choice may be a slight surprise, given that the Minnesota Vikings' financial outlook is tight. However, they might wind up releasing a handful of big-name players for cap reasons, including veteran wideout Adam Thielen. Minnesota could pair OBJ with friend and fellow LSU product Justin Jefferson.
Parris Campbell
1. Carolina Panthers
2. Indianapolis Colts
3. Buffalo Bills
Selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft, Parris Campbell had an injury-plagued start to his career. He managed 34 receptions through three seasons while appearing in only 15 of 49 possible games.
This past season, Campbell played in all 17 games and hauled in a career-high 63 catches for 623 yards and three touchdowns. The Ohio State product logged 980 snaps—surpassing his previous total of 436—and had 40-plus receiving yards in nine games after topping that mark four times in his first three seasons.
Despite Campbell's career year, the Indianapolis Colts were a disaster last season, which resulted in the midseason firing of head coach Frank Reich. He's now the head coach of the Panthers, who have a few decent receivers but could use someone with familiarity in Reich's system.
If Campbell doesn't join Reich in Carolina, he has plenty of reason to stay in Indianapolis. He could form a productive trio with Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce under new head coach Shane Steichen, and the Colts will have plenty of cap space if/when they release veteran quarterback Matt Ryan.
Lastly, the Buffalo Bills need a jolt alongside Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Campbell could sign a one-year deal, build his resume on a Super Bowl contender and then try to land a sizable contract next offseason. While gambling on yourself, there are worse quarterbacks to throw you passes than Josh Allen.