The 2023 season was one to forget for free agent wide receiver Russell Gage. After suffering a serious concussion in the 2022 Wild Card Round, Gage entered the offseason looking to prove himself for the post-Brady Buccaneers. Unfortunately, the wide receiver tore his patellar tendon, prematurely ending his season before it could ever begin. This effectively spelled the end of his time in Tampa Bay, as the cash-strapped Buccaneers released him and used the savings to help re-sign Mike Evans, Baker Mayfield, and Antoine Winfield.
Due to these run of injuries, Russell Gage has not received much public interest on the free agent market. While he’s not a future Hall of Famer by any stretch of the imagination, he can still be a valuable second or third option in a passing attack. During his last healthy season, the wideout recorded a respectable 51 receptions for 426 yards and five touchdowns while playing behind Evans and Chris Godwin. The wide receiver’s best season came in 2020 when he recorded 72 receptions for 786 yards and four touchdowns. Perhaps those days are behind him, but he still has the talent to fight for a spot on a roster.
Chiefs, Saints Highlight Suitors For Free Agent Russell Gage
Looking around the league, the Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints make the most sense for free agent Russell Gage. On paper, Kansas City has three reliable receivers in Marquise Brown, Xavier Worthy, and Rashee Rice. However, Rice will face a suspension following his offseason of crime, and Kansas City doesn’t have a reliable backup for his role in the offense. Rice and Gage are both possession receivers and while Rice is better at this stage in their respective careers, Gage can fill the role adequately. If Michael Thomas is too expensive, don’t be surprised if Kansas City pivots to Gage.
Speaking of Thomas, his old team could use a free agent like Russell Gage. New Orleans has one of the worst offensive lines in the league, meaning that Derek Carr will need to get the ball out early to survive a full 17-game season. Chris Olave can do a little bit of everything and Rashid Shaheed excels at stretching the field, but this team needs someone capable of being a dumpoff option near the line of scrimmage. Gage is made for this role and the cash-strapped Saints should be interested in a cheap signing.
Other Possible Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers are the two top options in this passing attack, and the team believes in Rashod Bateman. However, it wouldn’t hurt to have a Plan B in case Bateman turns into one of the many ill-advised offseason hype trains. Nelson Agholor and rookie Devontez Walker are better off as vertical weapons, while Gage can run the short and intermediate routes that quarterback Lamar Jackson could target under pressure.
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert is a superstar, but he cannot throw and catch the ball. Good teams have three starting-caliber receivers on the roster, and Los Angeles might have one right now. Even if Ladd McConkey hits the ground running, the Chargers will need another reliable weapon or two. Jim Harbuagh’s run-heavy style of play will lead to a lot of 3rd and 4’s, so having a free agent like Russell Gage capable of quickly getting open could do wonders for the offense.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers hope that first-round pick Xavier Legette can be a superstar. However, if the player who needed five seasons to break out in college needs time to adjust to NFL life, the team could use a low-risk, medium-reward free agent like Russell Gage. Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen can both win on the outside, allowing Gage to step up as a slot receiver and make those tough, physical catches over the middle of the field.
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports
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