The most impactful wide receiver signings in NFL history

This did not prove a long-term partnership, but the Broncos benefited in multiple ways. During Josh McDaniels' first year as HC/de facto GM, the Broncos signed Lloyd to a one-year deal worth less than $700,000. The former 49ers draftee barely played in 2009, but after re-signing, he unleashed one of the NFL's most randomly great receiver seasons. Known for a circus-catch penchant, Lloyd led the NFL with 1,448 yards in 2010. The Broncos went 4-12 and fired McDaniels during the season. After they promoted Tim Tebow in 2011, they traded Lloyd — a Tebow skeptic — to the Rams for a fifth-round pick. The team used the pick on Super Bowl starter Malik Jackson.

As the Chargers tried to salvage their Ryan Leaf pick, they added Conway, who had produced for the Bears. After some down years as Chicago struggled to fill its quarterback post in the late 1990s, Conway signed up to play with an all-time QB bust. Despite Leaf's brutal San Diego stretch, including nine starts during a 1-15 2000 season, Conway was productive in three Chargers years. He enjoyed the chance to play with a young Drew Brees, but Doug Flutie enabled the veteran receiver's best San Diego work. Conway finished with 1,125 yards in 2001 and served as the top target during Brees' first starter season a year later.

Amendola's stats do not measure up here, but the eventual 13-year veteran's impact boosted the second leg of the Patriot dynasty. Signed to a five-year, $28.5 million deal shortly after Wes Welker defected to the Broncos, Amendola never came close to matching Welker's numbers. The ex-Josh McDaniels Rams charge never topped 700 yards in a season as a Patriot. But he came through in the playoffs. When both the 2014 Ravens and 2017 Jaguars had the Pats on the ropes, Amendola scored go-ahead touchdowns and finished each game with two TDs. "Playoff Danny" closed his Pats run with a 152-yard showing in a Super Bowl LII shootout loss.

A low-cost receiver pillar during the Patriot dynasty's initial chapter, Patten collected three Super Bowl rings. He signed a one-year, $540,000 pact in 2001 and made vital contributions during the Pats' unlikely Super Bowl XXXVI push. The former Giants UDFA became the first player since Walter Payton in 1979 to catch, throw and rush for a touchdown in the same game — a win in Indianapolis — and he caught TD passes in the AFC title game and New England's Super Bowl upset over St. Louis. Patten re-signed in 2002 and stayed in Foxborough through 2004, amassing north of 800 receiving yards during the '02 and '04 slates.

One of many Peyton Manning-elevated wideouts, Garcon showed he could deliver consistent work independent of the QB icon. The ex-Colt signed a five-year, $42.5 million Washington deal, doing so despite the NFL hitting the team with a whopping $36M cap penalty due to actions during the 2010 uncapped year. Garcon became a weapon for both Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins, posting a career-high 1,346-yard season with the former (2013) and helping the latter set team single-season passing records in 2015 and '16. The midrange complement to DeSean Jackson parlayed a five-year run into another lucrative deal — with the 49ers — in 2017.

After starting for the Super Bowl XLVIII champion Seahawks, Tate received what he referred to as a lowball offer to stay. Mild interest from the Jaguars and Jets ensued, but the Lions brought him over on a five-year, $31 million deal to complement Calvin Johnson. Benefiting from the attention defenses paid Megatron, Tate led the 2014 Lions in receiving (1,331 yards) to propel the team to its best 21st-century season. Tate tacked on back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons from 2016-17, remaining in form to attract an accepted Eagles trade offer (2018) and collect some Giants money they saved from moving Odell Beckham Jr. (2019).

Jackson waited two extra years to reach free agency; 2010's uncapped year and a 2011 franchise tag delayed the Chargers draftee. Jackson responded to the uncapped year by stripping his unrestricted free agency by sitting out much of the season, reporting to keep his accrued year intact, and earning his third Pro Bowl nod in 2011. The Bucs paid up, giving the big-bodied target a five-year, $55 million contract. V-Jax stayed on course, ripping off three more 1,000-yard showings with the Bucs. Eventually forming one of the most physically imposing receiving duos in NFL history with Mike Evans, Jackson played out his Tampa Bay deal.

Despite the Bears' modest history at wide receiver, they have landed some quality veteran support in recent years. Three years after trading Brandon Marshall and a year after letting Alshon Jeffery walk, the Bears signed Robinson to a three-year, $42 million contract. The Jaguars considered franchise-tagging Robinson, despite his September 2017 ACL tear, but the Bears paid up for an aerial anchor to help Mitch Trubisky. Robinson operated as Chicago's WR1. While Trubisky did not pan out, Robinson helped the Bears to two playoff brackets and posted two 1,000-yard seasons. He showed decline signs during a woeful 2021 on the tag, however.

One of the best receivers not in the Hall of Fame, Ellard keyed a Washington transition. The Jets also pursued the longtime Rams speedster, but Washington — after meetings with younger UFAs Haywood Jeffires and Michael Timpson — ended up adding him to close the book on a storied receiver chapter. With Washington adding Ellard, the Jets signed Art Monk. Washington also, after 1993 extension talks, did not re-sign Ricky Sanders, disbanding "the Posse." Despite Ellard hitting his mid-30s in D.C., he produced three straight 1,000-yard seasons. Boosting a young Gus Frerotte's prospects, Ellard totaled at least 17.9 yards per catch from 1994-96, leading the NFL with 19.5 in '96. 

The 1985 No. 1 pick, Fryar, did not land with the Eagles during a particularly memorable time for the team. But while the Pro Bowl receiver is best known for his Patriots and Dolphins stays, his Philadelphia tenure produced his best statistical season. A Philly-area native, Fryar left Miami for the Eagles, doing so in the same offseason Randall Cunningham took a one-year sabbatical. Fryar joined the Eagles on a three-year deal and made the 1996 and '97 Pro Bowls, the latter coming after a career-high 1,316 yards — at 35. Fryar helped the '96 Eagles to the playoffs but was gone before Donovan McNabb arrived in 1999.

Saying Owens wore out his welcome with the Eagles is not strong enough, seeing as Andy Reid basically booted the future Hall of Famer off the team midway through a tumultuous 2005 season. The Eagles still tried to trade the volatile talent during the '06 offseason, and while the Broncos showed interest, the Cowboys ended up signing Owens after the Eagles cut him. The three-year, $25 million deal brought off-field fireworks, but Owens — as he did in San Francisco and Philly — brought it on the field. He earned his fifth first-team All-Pro nod in 2007, powering Dallas to the NFC's top seed, and totaled 38 TDs before being released in 2009.

Perhaps the weak link of the Chiefs' dominant set of offenses in the early 2000s, the wide receivers still held their own in a four-All-Pro attack. Kennison led the way but landed in Kansas City under strange circumstances. The ex-Rams draftee signed a two-year, $1.8 million Broncos deal in 2001 but informed Mike Shanahan in November he intended to retire due to family issues. However, the then-28-year-old wideout signed with the rival Chiefs in December. Kennison usurped Johnnie Morton as the team's top receiver and stayed in Kansas City until the 2007 season. He produced back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons from 2004-05.

A Los Angeles native who played his college ball at USC, Woods made a seminal decision during the 2017 free agency period. Stuck in a run-first Bills offense for multiple seasons on his rookie deal, Woods signed a five-year, $39 million pact with the Rams in Sean McVay's first offseason running the show. Woods turned out to be a pivotal part of the McVay-led Rams revival. He posted two 1,100-plus-yard seasons with the Rams, helping a Cooper Kupp-less team to Super Bowl LIII. The quality route runner suffered an ACL tear during the team's Super Bowl LVI-winning season but was a constant during McVay's early L.A. years.

Known in college as Rocket Ismail's similarly speedy younger brother, Qadry — as "The Missile" — shined at Syracuse and emerged as a second-round Vikings pick. By 1999, however, he had been traded after a three-month Packers stint and cut by the Saints. The Ravens took a flier on Ismail, signing him to a one-year, $400,000 deal. He ended up becoming the top wide receiver on Baltimore's Super Bowl XXXV-winning team a year later. Ismail rewarded the Ravens with two 1,000-yard seasons during a three-year stay, producing with three starting QBs (Tony Banks, Trent Dilfer, Elvis Grbac) as the franchise climbed to its highest peak.

While something of a nomad by his 30s, Jackson made his first relocation at 27. The then-Chip Kelly-led Eagles cut him in late March 2014. After interest emerged from the 49ers, Bills and Raiders, Jackson signed a three-year, $24 million deal with Washington. Kelly viewed D-Jax as a poor culture fit, but his Eagles teams missed the electric deep threat. Washington, meanwhile, saw the payment translate to two 1,000-yard seasons, two yards-per-catch titles and Kirk Cousins setting franchise records. Teaming with Pierre Garcon, Jackson totaled the final two 1,000-yard years of his lengthy career before leaving for Tampa in 2017.

The greatest receiver in NFL history became a free agent in June 2001. The 49ers anticipated the move, holding a "Jerry Rice Day" to commemorate his December 2000 Candlestick Park finale. Although Rice was entering his age-39 season, a few suitors turned up. The Seahawks, who had ex-49ers OC Mike Holmgren in charge, and Lions looked into the legendary wideout. But Rice preferred to stay in the Bay Area, joining the Raiders for four years and $5.4 million. Rice helped drive a veteran-laden team to a Super Bowl, posting two 1,000-yard seasons and making his 14th Pro Bowl in 2002 — his age-40 season. Rice circled back to Seattle via 2004 trade.

One of the craftiest receivers of his era, Engram did not often flash statistically. But he was a reliable chain-mover throughout the Matt Hasselbeck years, serving as the future ESPN staple's go-to guy on third downs. The Seahawks signed the ex-Bear to a one-year, $477,000 agreement; this would not be his last with Seattle. Engram lasted eight years in the Pacific Northwest. His 94-catch season in 2007 — at age 34 — set a franchise record, which has only since been eclipsed once. Although Engram tallied just one 1,000-yard year in Seattle, he remains in the top seven for both receptions and receiving yards in team history.

Few receivers have fared better after 30 than Mason. Following an extended run as the Titans' WR1, Mason became a cap casualty in 2005. Mason did not have to take much of a pay cut, signing a five-year deal worth $20 million. The Ravens had considered Randy Moss and Laverneaus Coles via trade, and Mason was on the Jaguars' radar. This was a mutually beneficial partnership. Mason submitted four more 1,000-yard seasons, teamed with ex-Tennessee QB Steve McNair during a 13-3 2006 season and remained productive through Joe Flacco's early years. The last of Mason's 1,000-yard slates came in 2009 at age 35. 

Burress navigated a complex free agency, complete with a competitive Steelers offer, a Vikings visit and then-Giants GM Ernie Accorsi indicating the team was moving in another direction. Burress declined a four-year, $24 million Giants offer, leading to Accorsi's statement, and the Giants were prepared to pursue cheaper options opposite Amani Toomer. But Burress' new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, brought Big Blue back to the table. A six-year, $25M deal emerged. Burress played a central role in Eli Manning's rise, posting two 1,000-yard seasons and 33 TDs during his three-plus seasons with the Giants. This included a Super Bowl-winning score. Though, Burress' gun mishap sank the 2008 team. 

Thirteen years after Kennison's about-face, the Broncos exacted a belated revenge measure on their top rivals. Sanders backed out of a Chiefs pledge to join the Broncos and reigning MVP Peyton Manning on a three-year, $15 million deal. That low-cost accord — in what Sanders then called "wide receiver heaven" — led to him and Demaryius Thomas becoming just the third receiving pair to combine for 3,000 yards. With Manning in a steep decline by 2015, Sanders helped the aging legend with a second 1,000-yard season and became Denver's top target during the postseason path to Super Bowl 50. Given an extension, Sanders played five-plus seasons with the Broncos.

Mike Shanahan brought McCaffrey with him from San Francisco to Denver in 1994, signing the 6-foot-5 wideout to a three-year, $1.5 million deal. The Broncos ended up keeping the possession target for nine seasons. McCaffrey teamed with Rod Smith to form one of the era's top-receiving duos, one that helped John Elway ride off after two Super Bowl titles. A Giants draftee who had been a backup in New York and San Francisco, McCaffrey peaked in his early 30s — with three straight 1,000-yard seasons from 1998-2000, the last two after Elway's exit — and proved a critical run-game piece during Terrell Davis' heyday. The McCaffrey-Shanahan relationship laid a foundation for the next generation.

McCardell's 2002 Buccaneers agreement also deserves mention, but he etched his name in WR2 lore with the Jaguars. The Jags signed the Bill Belichick-era Browns role player in their second year of existence and watched him immediately elevate the team's passing attack. Mark Brunell enjoyed six years of the McCardell-Jimmy Smith tandem, and McCardell — during a 17-year career — tallied four 1,000-yard seasons and aided the Jags to four straight playoff brackets. McCardell resided as one of his era's most consistent pass catchers, playing a crucial role in the best Jaguars period to date.

The Falcons made one of the most successful bets in free agency history, giving a fifth-year receiver that had never previously topped 400 yards in a season a three-year deal. A Rob Moore sidekick with the Jets, Mathis soared as the Falcons' WR1 from the jump. The former sixth-round pick aided Jeff George and Chris Chandler in Atlanta, posting four 1,000-yard seasons and totaling 57 touchdowns during an eight-year Falcons run. Mathis also caught a game-tying touchdown to force overtime in the 1998 NFC championship game, leading to the Falcons upending the 15-1 Vikings and booking their first Super Bowl trip. 

The Saints bet on an ascending player, but one that had little to show for his first four NFL years. Horn went on to become one of the best parts of the Saints' pre-Drew Brees era. Despite Horn starting just two games as a Chief, the small-school product secured a four-year deal worth $9.9 million. That pact led to Horn breaking Saints receiving records. Horn played seven seasons in New Orleans, galloping to four Pro Bowls as Aaron Brooks' premier weapon. While Horn and Brees only overlapped for one season, the former's Saints legacy — which, yes, involves that flip-phone moment — was plenty secure by that point.

After Smith flamed out as a Cowboys second-round pick, this amounted to a flier. The Cowboys cut Smith, ending a messy divorce that involved Jerry Jones losing a grievance after refusing to pay an ill Smith his full 1993 salary. Smith did not play in 1994, but the Jaguars' low-risk investment hit immediately. The Jackson State alum held his own in a strong receiver era — both in terms of apex and longevity. Smith lasted 11 seasons with the Jags, running up nine 1,000-yard seasons and making five Pro Bowls. The A-side of the duo with McCardell, Smith has the best claim to top career — even considering Hall of Famer Tony Boselli's abbreviated excellence — in Jags history.