Three star NFL receivers to skip on-field offseason programs, pushing for new deals

The wide receiver market has been drastically changed across the NFL this offseason. With a couple of major trades and some big-time contracts and extensions handed out during free agency, there are a few extension-eligible wideouts that are looking for new deals. With offseason programs set to begin shortly, a trio of NFL receivers will not be on the field with their respective teams.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that San Francisco 49ers wideout Deebo Samuel, Titans receiver A.J. Brown, and Commanders star Terry McLaurin will all be sitting out of on-field offseason program work as they shoot for new contracts. Samuel, Brown, and McLaurin, three of the top young receivers in the NFL, all have one year remaining on their deals after being selected in the second and third rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft.

The Titans and Commanders begin their offseason programs on Monday, and the 49ers begin on Tuesday.

Over the course of the offseason, a few massive deals have been given to wide receivers across the NFL. Tyreek Hill signed a four-year, $120 million deal after being traded to the Dolphins, and Davante Adams signed a five-year, $142.5 million deal after being dealt to the Raiders. Now, Samuel, Brown, and McLaurin are looking for their paydays with a year left before they can hit free agency.

Samuel, Brown and McLaurin are three of the NFL’s best wide receivers

Samuel was a second round pick in 2019, and he is coming off of a career-best 2021 season. This past year, he totaled 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns, adding 365 rushing yards with eight scores on the ground. He was named an All-Pro and a Pro Bowler for the first time in his career.

Brown put in back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons to begin his NFL career, hauling in 19 touchdowns over his first two years. This past season he was limited to 13 games and dealt with injuries, but still had 63 receptions for 869 yards and five touchdowns.

McLaurin has been steady in his production throughout his NFL career, even without an even above average quarterback throwing him the ball. McLaurin had 919 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie, and he has since turned in two straight 1,000-yard seasons, bringing in nine touchdowns over the past two years. Schefter also reports that McLaurin intends to show up to the Commanders’ offseason program, even though he won’t be participating on the field.