John Sigler
May 31, 2024 8:57 pm CT
ESPN ranked the New Orleans Saints’ wide receiver corps low among the NFL’s 32 teams. They have room for one more after moving on from Michael Thomas and most of the players who competed for roster spots last summer — whether that means a proven veteran like Hunter Renfrow or another free agent, they should look for another experienced player to add to the rotation.
Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are entering Year 3. A.T. Perry has a great opportunity after flashing during his rookie year. After that, it’s a mix of unproven (and, for the most part, undrafted) rookies and journeymen free agents. It would be easy to understand the Saints bringing someone else in to compete at training camp.
Here’s where ESPN’s Mike Clay ranked the Saints and every other team’s receiving corps in his 2024 projections:
32. New England Patriots
Oct 29, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, Ja’Lynn Polk, JuJu Smith-Schuster, K.J. Osborn
31. Los Angeles Chargers
Dec 30, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Ladd McConkey (84) makes a catch and runs for touchdown against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half in the 2023 Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Ladd McConkey, Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston, DJ Chark, Derius Davis
30. Buffalo Bills
WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 28: Caelen Carson #1 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons attempts to tackle Keon Coleman #4 of the Florida State Seminoles during the second half of their game at Truist Field on October 28, 2023 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Florida State won 41-16. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mack Hollins
29. Pittsburgh Steelers
Nov 13, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) celebrates a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Quez Watkins
28. New Orleans Saints
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 12: Chris Olave #12 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Bub Means, Cedrick Wilson, A.T. Perry
27. Denver Broncos
Sep 19, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) reacts after a catch during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, Tim Patrick, Josh Reynolds, Troy Franklin
26. Arizona Cardinals
Apr 15, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) points a finger to the sky after a successful catch during the first quarter of the Ohio State Buckeyes spring game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday morning. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch
Joseph Scheller/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Marvin Harrison Jr., Zay Jones, Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, Zach Pascal
25. Baltimore Ravens
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 15: Zay Flowers #4 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a 10 yard touchdown in the second quarter during the 2023 NFL London Games match between Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 15, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, Devontez Walker, Deonte Harty
24. Atlanta Falcons
Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) on the field prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Rondale Moore, KhaDarel Hodge, Ray-Ray McCloud
23. New York Giants
Jan 2, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) rushes with the ball for a touchdown during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Allen Robinson
22. Washington Commanders
Sep 16, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) reacts during the first half against the New York Giants at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Luke McCaffrey, Jamison Crowder, Dyami Brown
21. Green Bay Packers
Aug 19, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter againstÊthe New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton
20. Detroit Lions
Nov 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell (left) congratulates wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) after a Lions touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Antoine Green
19. Cleveland Browns
Nov 5, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) celebrates after scoring during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman, David Bell
18. Las Vegas Raiders
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 30: Davante Adams #17 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on October 30, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, Michael Gallup, Tre Tucker, Jalen Guyton
17. Indianapolis Colts
Oct 22, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) runs with the ball after a catch while Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) defends in the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Pittman Jr., Adonai Mitchell, Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, Anthony Gould
16. Carolina Panthers
Aug 25, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) celebrates with quarterback Bryce Young (9) after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo, David Moore
15. Jacksonville Jaguars
Oct 21, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) celebrates his touchdown catch against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Kirk, Brian Thomas Jr., Gabriel Davis, Devin Duvernay, Parker Washington
14. Kansas City Chiefs
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) celebrates a play in the fourth quarter of the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semi-finals at the Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jan. 1, 2024. The Huskies won the game 37-31. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK
Rashee Rice, Marquise Brown, Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, Skyy Moore
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nov 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) reacts after an incomplete pass on fourth down against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamash*ta-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Trey Palmer, Jalen McMillan, Deven Thompkins
12. New York Jets
Dec 18, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Malachi Corley (11) runs the ball against Old Dominion Monarchs linebacker Koa Naotala (47) during the first quarter at Charlotte 49ers’ Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, Malachi Corley, Xavier Gipson, Jason Brownlee
11. Dallas Cowboys
Dec 2, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) catches a pass against New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert, Kavontae Turpin, Ryan Flournoy
10. Los Angeles Rams
Dec 3, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) celebrates with wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (15) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) against the Cleveland Browns in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, Tyler Johnson
9. Minnesota Vikings
Oct 8, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Brandon Powell, Trent Sherfield, Jalen Nailor
8. Tennessee Titans
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 10: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Tennessee Titans catches a pass during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd, Treylon Burks, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
7. Philadelphia Eagles
Jan 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) makes a catch past New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Parris Campbell, Ainias Smith, Johnny Wilson
6. Chicago Bears
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 19: Rome Odunze #1 of the Washington Huskies looks on during the first quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Husky Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, Tyler Scott, Velus Jones Jr.
5. Miami Dolphins
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 29: Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Miami Dolphins and Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins celebrate after Waddle’s receiving touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Odell Beckham Jr., Malik Washington, Braxton Berrios
4. Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrates with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) after they connect for Chase’s career-first touchdown in the second quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Minnesota Vikings at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021. The Bengals led 14-7 at halftime.
Minnesota Vikings At Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Jermaine Burton, Andrei Iosivas, Trenton Irwin
3. Seattle Seahawks
Jan 2, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jake Bobo, Laviska Shenault Jr.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Sep 12, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) leads his team to the field before the start of an NFL game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Danny Gray
1. Houston Texans
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – AUGUST 27: Nico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans catches a pass for a touchdown during the preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on August 27, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Noah Brown, John Metchie III
More 2024 season
