ESPN ranks Texans WR Will Fuller on 2021 free agency list

The Houston Texans will have to make a decision regarding receiver Will Fuller, and if he hits the open free agency market, so will the rest of the NFL.

The former 2016 first-round pick played out his rookie contract with the Texans, including his fifth-year option, to the tune of $10,162,000 against the salary cap in 2020. Fuller was poised to have his first 1,000-yard season of his career, but was suspended with five games to go due to violations of the NFL’s performance enhancing drug policy. Technically, the suspension is six games, which means whichever teams signs him will do so knowing he won’t be available Week 1.

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert ranked 50 of the NFL’s upcoming free agents, and the Texans’ No. 1 wideout came in at No. 30 overall.

“When on the field, however, Fuller has been one of the NFL’s top deep threats,” Seifert wrote. “His average of 9.3 yards gained per target ranks among the top 10 in the NFL among qualified receivers over the past five seasons.”

Quarterback Deshaun Watson produced four 300-yard passing games in the final five games without Fuller. Although the two were an explosive combination in 2020, and even throughout their time together since Watson’s rookie season in 2017, the three-time Pro Bowler has proven the ability to elevate receivers. If the Texans pass on Fuller, Watson can enhance the abilities of whoever they surround him with. Teams will have to determine how much of Fuller’s talent is his own and how much is amplified by being around an elite passer.