Allen Hurns was cut by the Dallas Cowboys this week. He’s also coming off a gruesome ankle injury from the playoffs last year. But the 27 year old receiver likely still has some good football left in him. His one year stop in the lone star state definitely didn’t help his career. In fact, it was his least productive season. Hurns was targeted just 35 times, hauling in 20 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns. With one 1000-yard season in his career, receiver needy teams should be looking his way. Let’s take a look at some teams that have a need at receiver and how Hurns might fit in.
Allen Hurns Best Team Fits
New York Giants
After dealing Odell Beckham to the Cleveland Browns in an offseason trade, the New York Giants aren’t exactly set at receiver. Granted, they added Golden Tate through free agency, but that only means the team has two reliable wide receivers with Tate and Sterling Shepard. Add to that the fact that both Shepard and Tate excel in the slot, and it’s easy to see the need for more proven pass catchers on the Giants.
Allen Hurns is pretty versatile when it comes to the route tree. The 6’3″ 201 lb. receiver can line up in the slot or outside. Hurns is also a very tough player. No matter what route he runs, he uses his body to keep momentum against the defender and bring in the ball. If the Giants want to add another veteran to their struggling offense, they should give Hurns a call.
Washington Redskins
A wide receiver core that looks weaker than the Giants is that of the Washington Redskins. Washington’s current starters are Josh Doctson, Paul Richardson, and Trey Quinn. Doctson was the most successful last season, catching 44 balls for 532 yards and two touchdowns. Richardson and Quinn both had less than 300 yards receiving. The team also lost arguably their best receiver, Jamison Crowder, to the New York Jets.
The Redskins have Case Keenum and Dwayne Haskins at quarterback. Of course Keenum is likely to start, but if he struggles fans will be calling for the rookie to come in. With such a lackluster receiving core, Hurns could make an immediate impact to the group. If and when Haskins gets under center, talent and reliability at receiver will be a must.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Hurns started his NFL career in Jacksonville. In fact, he was on the Jacksonville Jaguars the first four years of his career. He started out as an undrafted free agent, but impressed coaches enough to make the squad and become a starter. His best year statistically was in the 2015 season. Hurns had 64 receptions for 1031 yards and 10 touchdowns that year. Yes, that was with Blake Bortles at quarterback. He hasn’t nearly that amount of production recently. But perhaps Jacksonville will see an opportunity with Hurns.
In all reality, the Jaguars have plenty of receivers. Dede Westbrook, Marqise Lee, DJ Chark, and Chris Conley are all locks to make the team. If the Jags were to consider bringing Hurns back to Duval, he would have to beat out Terrelle Pryor and Keelan Cole. Pryor and Cole aren’t exactly world-beaters, but Hurns would have to be consistent and stay injury-free to make it.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are perhaps the most intriguing landing spot for Hurns. Coach Bill Belichick is known for taking receivers that other teams passed on and working magic with them. Factor that in with the Patriots current situation and Hurns could be a great fit. Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman has a thumb injury currently and is starting out on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list along with Demaryius Thomas. Rookie N’keal Harry is the most intriguing player with all the potential he has.
The Patriots are always looking to upgrade their roster in search of their next title. So you can bet that Belichick knows about Hurns. Interestingly enough, Belichick mentioned Hurns to coach Gus Bradley before a week four matchup against the Jaguars in 2015. The name drop was featured in Hurns’ video clip after he was named to the NFL Top 100 in 2016. If Hurns were to land in New England, he would provide some veteran depth and another reliable target for Tom Brady.
