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Which NFL wide receivers should retire after the 2024 season? Dave Ventresca looks at five NFL players who could hang it up in the upcoming 2024-25 offseason.
Retirement is a tough decision for any professional athlete. Many chase the classic John Elway ending and want to go out at the top of their game.
Unfortunately, that is not the case for most players. Wide receivers are no exception. Whether it's due to injury or bad play, there comes a time when all wide receivers need to consider calling it quits.
Make sure you're following RotoBaller on X, and check out RotoBaller.com for all your fantasy football and NFL needs. Here are five wide receivers who should consider retirement following the 2024 NFL season.
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DeAndre Hopkins - Kansas City Chiefs
Hopkins had one of his worst statistical seasons in 2024, averaging a career-worst 10.9 yards per reception. He was also traded from the Tennessee Titans to the Kansas City Chiefs midseason. While there was some initial optimism about his outlook after the trade, he has recorded more than 37 receiving yards just three times since the Chiefs acquired him.
The 12th-year pro has lost a step, but he can still win contested catch situations. However, he isn't nearly the player he was with Houston and Arizona in his prime. Hopkins is set to hit free agency once the offseason begins, and it's unclear what kind of interest he will draw on the open market. Either way, it looks like Hopkins is on the back nine of his career.
Tyler Lockett - Seattle Seahawks
Lockett signed an extension with the Seahawks last offseason, but after his 2024 campaign, Seattle might regret that move. The 10-year veteran had his worst season as a pro since 2017 and took a backseat in the offense behind DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
2 TDs
180 yards
Clutch catches@jaxon_smith1's breakout game was a work of art. @Seahawks @NFLAfrica pic.twitter.com/uh2mpNuOcM— NFL (@NFL) November 4, 2024
Seattle has an out in Lockett's contract this offseason, but it would incur nearly a $14 million dead cap hit if it releases him. More than likely, he will be on Seattle's roster in 2025 unless the two sides reach an agreement. Lockett's contract expires after the 2025 season, and he will turn 33 this year. He may not choose to retire this offseason, but the end is near.
Tyler Boyd - Tennessee Titans
Boyd posted a 39-390-0 line this year in Tennessee. It was one of the worst seasons of his professional career. Tennessee's quarterback duo of Mason Rudolph and Will Levis are partially responsible for Boyd's struggles, but the fact is he didn't look like the same player he was with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The nine-year veteran enters his age-31 season in 2025. His contract with the Titans expires this offseason, so he will be looking for a new home. Teams are always looking for slot receivers, and it's possible Boyd signs somewhere else with another one-year deal. However, given his play this past season, he might fetch little interest in free agency and could be faced with a tough decision regarding his future.
Odell Beckham Jr. - Free Agent
After a very promising start, Beckham's career has been derailed by injuries.
Odell Beckham Jr. 9 years ago today.
The catch. pic.twitter.com/KKqfePzahf
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) November 23, 2023
He signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins in 2024 but was released toward the end of the season. The former NFL Rookie of the Year only caught nine passes for 55 yards in nine games for Miami this past season. He has yet to latch onto another team and is currently a free agent.
It's a shame Beckham suffered so many injuries. He was fun to watch in his heyday with the New York Giants, but it looks like the hourglass has run out of sand. Given his play over the last few years, Beckham may be left with no other choice but to retire.
Nelson Agholor - Baltimore Ravens
Agholor posted a 14-231-2 line in his second season with the Ravens. He never had much of a role in the offense and was behind Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Mark Andrews, and Isaiah Likely in the pecking order. The former first-round pick is a free agent at the end of Baltimore's playoff run, and it's unclear what kind of interest he will draw on the open market.
The 10-year veteran never lived up to expectations and is a confirmed bust, but he has hung around the league and had some decent years as a slot receiver. This could be the end of the road, but he might latch onto a team's practice squad in hopes of continuing his career.
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