Pass Catchers in New Places

By: Matteo Ametrano

Every off season in the NFL moves are made that change the face of the league. Stars are traded, or sign big deals elsewhere. With the league leaning more and more towards the offensive side of the ball, some of the bigger moves, or contract extensions in recent off seasons have revolved around wide receivers, with aims of improving the teams offense, or quarterback play and development.

In recent seasons we have seen Stefon Diggs traded to the Bills and improvement came for Josh Allens accuracy, and the bills offense, and team as a whole. The same thing with Deandre Hopkins and the effects he has had on the growth and overall offense of the Cardinals, and Kyler Murray specifically. This off season has again brought big name pass catchers to new places, with hopes of seeing improvements to offenses, or individual quarterback play.

Devante Adams: Las Vegas Raiders

Following the massive payday Aaron Rodgers received in Green Bay coming off his fifth MVP award last season, it was all but inevitable that Adams would soon be on the move. And he was, as Devante ditched back to back MVP Aaron Rodgers to team up with college teammate, quarterback, Derrick Carr as he was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Derrick Carr now has some very good weapons in this new look offense in Las Vegas that includes slot receiver Hunter Renfrow, coming off his 100 reception break out pro bowl season, an explosive play making tight end in Darren Waller, led by new Head coach and long time New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, and of course Devante Adams. The Raiders seem to be getting the message that the NFL is more of an offensive centric league, as building around Derrick Carr and surrounding him with these talented offensive tools, the Raiders seem to be set for success. In a loaded division with a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball, Adams sure makes the Raiders a more dangerous competitor in the AFC West.

A game breaking, true number 1 receiver like Devante makes any offense more dangerous. His abilities to beat defenders anywhere he is lined up allows for endless options for what the offense can do with him as well as with other players. Although Renfrow was a great reliable option last season, most of his success was found in the slot. With Adams’ ability to win all over the field, more space will be created in the middle of the field for Renfrow and Waller to then be even more effective.

As a true number one guy, Devante demands a lot of targets, leading the league in target share over the last four seasons. And this number goes up in the red zone, an area in which the Raiders have struggled over the past couple seasons. Throughout the past four seasons, Adams leads the NFL with 30% of the Packers red zone targets, and the next best player is not close in this category. The Raiders had a hard time scoring points when they were in the red zone as they ranked 29th in red zone scoring percentage. Having Adams as this dangerous red zone, and full field threat, will most certainly help the Raiders offense run more smoothly, and put up more points when in scoring position. It will certainly be interesting to see how Devante will be able to continue his all-pro level play without the league's MVP as his quarterback.

Tyreek Hill: Miami Dolphins

Tyreek was sent to the Dolphins for a bundle of draft capital that included a 2022 first, second, and fourth, as well as another fourth and a sixth in 2023. The Dolphins invested a great deal of their draft, and financial future into Tyreek as upon arriving in Miami, he signed a 4 year 120 million dollar contract, with 75 of it guaranteed. Tyreek is widely regarded as the fastest player in the league, and the six time pro bowler's talent is undeniable, so it will be very interesting to see how he adapts in this new role in this new offense in Miami. The intrigue is massive with Tyreek being paired up with Jaylen Waddle, and new head coach Mike McDnaiel, coming over from San Francisco. McDaniel was Shannahans offensive coordinator and played a role in the play calling behind the success of Deebo Samuel. Tyreek has a unique similar skill set to Deebo, perhaps we will see Tyreek and Tua connect behind the line of scrimmage, or in jet sweeps, or other types of run schemes. No matter, McDaniel will definitely be able to keep opposing defenses on their toes with the many different ways Tyreek Hill can be utilized.

Tyreek has been making headlines this off season for his comments about his new quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, mixed with throwing some shade on his former team mate, former MVP, Patrick Mahomes. Nonetheless, Tyreek is in for quite a change going from a match made in Heaven that saw one of the fastest men on cleats paired up with the gunslinger in Mahomes, to Tua, who has a lot to prove entering his third season in the NFL.

A.J Brown: Philadelphia Eagles

A draft day deal saw the Tennessee Titans send A.J Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for the number 18 overall pick and a third round pick in this year's draft. Brown was in search of a new contract extension, which the Eagles gave him. The newest Eagle earned himself a 4 year 100 million dollar contract with 57 million worth in guarantees upon signing. With already two 1,000 yard seasons under his belt, Brown will look to grow in this new offense through his familiarity with Jalen Hurts Eagles second year starter Jalen Hurts has previously wanted to team up with Brown going back to their college days as A.J told reporters upon arriving in Philly that Hurts tried to recruit him to Alabama when he was at Ole Miss. Brown will certainly help the passing and accuracy growth of Jalen Hurts who will look to improve on his 61.3 completion percentage of last season. His ability to beat defenders both in the slot and out wide fills a need that the Eagles were lacking last season.

A.J Brown, alongside second year receiver Devonta Smith now make up a talented receiver core with Jalen Raegor, another first round draft pick, and tight end Dallas Goedert who showed a true connection last year with Hurts, especially after the departure of Ertz.

The size of Brown will not only help Hurts, but he will be great for Devontas development as well. The 6’ 2, 225 pound receiver will make it impossible for the opposition to double team Smith and he will be able to flourish with his speed and route running ability. This coming season is significant for the development of these young key pieces in the Eagles offense, and A.J Brown will certainly aid in this growth.

A.J Brown certainly adds needed depth to the Eagles receivers room, and he will look to bring the pass game to the next level to make this an elite offense. The NFC East is interesting and it is certainly possible with the addition of Brown, that the Eagles can find themselves with the best offense in the division.