NFL Teams with Biggest WR/TE Target Gaps in 2025
Teams Losing Top Targets Without Equal Replacements
Washington leads the league with 171 vacated targets after losing Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz. No starter has been added, leaving only a rookie third‑round pick and TE Chig Okonkwo to absorb the volume. Terry McLaurin could see 9‑10 targets per game, and David Blough’s new scheme may unlock a career‑best season for him. The Commanders also topped the NFL with 13 red‑zone targets vacated.
Los Angeles Chargers lost Keenan Allen’s 122 targets, a huge void in the passing game. The roster saw additions of David Njoku, Tre’ Harris and Ladd McConkey, with McConkey likely to claim the slot duties and inherit some of Allen’s prized red‑zone work, including his 15 end‑zone looks. Without a true No. 2 receiver secured, the Chargers’ target distribution will shift dramatically.
Philadelphia’s DeVonta Smith now projects a 20% to 30% target share after A.J. Brown departs. Rookie Makai Lemon could fluctuate, but the air‑yard availability suggests Smith will remain the deep threat. The Eagles have historically relied on big plays, and the new landscape should favor Smith’s role.
Indianapolis, Green Bay and Chicago share a similar story: a top skill player exits and younger talent gets more work, with no new competition added. Indy’s Michael Pittman could absorb the full 111 targets; Green Bay’s Christian Watson may become the primary red‑zone threat; Chicago’s DJ Moore had 13 end‑zone targets last season and could see a bump. The lack of added receivers means each team’s existing corps must handle the increased load.
Pittsburgh’s backfield vacated 82 targets, the most by a running back. The next highest team recorded only 47. Rico Dowdle posted 50 targets last season and could see a notable rise, while Jaylen Warren’s efficiency might translate into higher volume. This marks a significant shift in the Steelers’ receiving options.
Teams Adding Talent Ahead of Departures
Buffalo’s TE Dalton Kincaid has struggled as a consistent red‑zone option. With the addition of a new playmaker, Kincaid will likely stay under 10 red‑zone targets this season. The Bills’ receiving corps now has fresh competition for limited possessions.
Denver’s Courtland Sutton relied on heavy red‑zone volume to maintain his fantasy value. A new arrival from Miami will eat into Sutton’s share, making him a boom‑bust option with most weeks leaning toward the latter. The change creates uncertainty for Sutton’s target count.
New Orleans and New York Jets each added two new pass‑catchers without losing any. The Saints added Travis Etienne Jr. and Jordyn Tyson, while the Jets added Omar Cooper Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq. Existing leaders Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave could face competition for targets, reshaping their workloads.
Pittsburgh’s second vacancy includes 109 targets lost with Jonnu Smith and Calvin Austin. Two high‑priced TEs and Michael Pittman are likely to absorb much of that volume, while DK Metcalf’s existing 22% share will drop further. The Steelers now have a crowded tight‑end room vying for the limited targets.
Image: Joel Smyth illustration
Image: Joel Smyth illustration