Kenny Golladay has an extremely tough decision to make regarding his future in the NFL, what team will he play for in 2021 and beyond. After the Detroit Lions decided not to franchise tag him, the former Pro Bowler will become a free agent.
Although Golladay only played in five games last season due to injuries, he can still be considered the best wide receiver in this year’s free-agent class. As a result, he will likely receive plenty of calls from teams trying to sign him. He is expected to receive a five-year, $85 million deal, according to spotrac.com.
Some may forget just how elite Golladay can be. The former Northern Illinois star had a career year in 2019 where he racked up 1,190 yards and caught a league-leading 11 touchdowns. Coming in at 6-foot-4, 214 lbs, his size makes it extremely difficult for corners to guard him.
Therefore, Golladay can be seen as one of the best deep threat options in the league. In his short four-year career, he averages 16.8 yards per reception, which is the highest in the NFL during that span. Any team that acquires him will get an immediate deep threat receiver.
Many teams will be interested in the former Detroit Lion and if he can stay healthy through the season, he is likely a top 10 wide receiver in the league. Here are three free-agent destinations for Kenny Golladay.
1. Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are likely the best fit for Kenny Golladay. They are one of the best up-and-coming teams with an elite defense and a young quarterback. However, the one thing that they lack is in the wide receiver department. Their current receivers consist of Devante Parker, Preston Williams and Jakeem Grant. These pass-catchers simply won’t excel that Dolphins offense.
The Dolphins have expressed numerous times that they want to build around quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. If Miami was able to acquire Golladay, this would give Tua a top weapon to throw to. This move would likely make sense for both sides.
Golladay would finally play for a franchise that has a chance to make the postseason while the Dolphins have the cap space to spend on big-name players. Miami has an estimated $27.2 million in cap space, according to spotrac.com.
This move would likely boost Tua’s game and make Miami an even scarier team than they were last year.
2. New York Giants
The New York Giants are arguably one of the few teams in the NFL that don’t have a star wideout. Last season, the Giants ranked 28th in receiving yards (3,336). Additionally, they just released Golden Tate, so there is possibly an even bigger need with that position.
What better way to help quarterback Daniel Jones than to get the best wide receiver in free agency. Golladay’s size would help improve Jones’ game as well as make the Giants a better offensive team. The Giants were one of the two teams last season to not average over 17 offensive points per game, the other being the New York Jets.
Golladay would be a great fit for this team. Although the Giants are still over the cap space, having an estimated $-3.5 million, they will likely make necessary moves to clear that cap space. Acquiring an elite receiver should help the Giants.
3. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots could be Golladay’s best fit. However, with the uncertainty at the quarterback position, Golladay might choose to stay away from this team.
Last season, the Patriots really struggled with wide receivers. They ranked 29th in receiving yards (3,124 yards) and 32nd in receiving touchdowns (12). This was a unit that had problems creating separation while running routes.
As a result, New England might be actively calling Golladay trying to acquire a top-notch wide receiver. If the Patriots can figure out their quarterback position, this is likely where Golladay winds up. The Patriots also have plenty of cap space to spend. They currently have an estimated $66.2 million in cap space, according to spotrac.com.
The Patriots will likely make a realistic offer to Golladay. However, it comes down to if he wants to play for a team that has questions surround their quarterback.
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