Tracking the latest free agency rumors for Breshad Perriman

UPDATE, March 24: Perriman signed a one year contract worth up to $8 million with the New York Jets, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He joins them after they did not re-sign Robby Anderson.

We could be looking at one of the biggest free agency periods in recent memory if some of the notable names actually hit the open market. Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Derrick Henry are just a few of the big names set to hit unrestricted free agency when the new league year opens on March 18th. One or more stands a good chance of signing a contract with their current team before then, but there is a chance one or more is taking calls when the tampering period opens on March 16th.

2019 in review

There wasn’t much to write home about for Breshad Perriman for a majority of the season. And then, all of a sudden, there was a lot. If you played fantasy football at all last season, you know that the Bucs’ receiving corps was instrumental for the success of many fantasy teams. Tampa Bay ended the year with the most receiving yards in the league, largely at the hands of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Although, a good portion of that credit should be given to Jameis Winston, who will fearlessly (and often carelessly) throw the ball to anyone. Case and point: Breshad Perriman.

When Evans and Godwin suffered season-ending injuries in consecutive weeks, Perriman capitalized on his opportunity. In the final three games, he averaged 116.3 yards on 5.7 catches per game. Here’s another way to frame it, 54% of his total yards on the year came in those last three games. He also finished the season with six touchdowns, more than he recorded in all three of his prior seasons combined.

Possible destinations

After taking full advantage of his prime position in the tail end of the season, Perriman could make the jump from WR3 to WR2. But that would have to happen on another team, assuming the Bucs decide to stick with their elite WRs, which they should. There are teams in need of someone with Perriman’s size and speed. For example, the Arizona Cardinals may soon need a replacement for Larry Fitzgerald, who has to retire at some point, right? Or perhaps the Las Vegas Raiders would be interested in bringing Breshad to the new stadium, giving Derek Carr another passing threat next to Darren Waller and Tyrell Williams.

Other teams who may have interest: Eagles, Colts, Saints.

Do the Bucs want to keep him?

While they’re probably grateful for his contributions, it won’t be likely to see Breshad back in a Bucs jersey. The market will undoubtedly inflate his asking price to a number that Tampa just won’t be able to justify, especially since they’ll prefer to pay Godwin. The expectation is that we’ll be watching Perriman play for his fourth team in five seasons.

Fantasy implications

If the Buccaneers proceed as expected and let Perriman venture into the unrestricted unknown, his fantasy value should only go up. We’ve seen what he’s capable of when he has a quarterback who’s willing to throw the ball to him. But if he stays in Tampa Bay, he’ll slide back into the shadows of Evans and Godwin, and rightfully so. Depending on where he ends up, Breshad could be a sneaky mid-to-late draft pick in your fantasy league next season.

Rumored interest

There are no rumors circulating at this point.