As we move into the 2025 NFL season, several veteran wide receivers from 2024 had disappointing fantasy football campaigns, leaving owners questioning if they can bounce back or if their best years are behind them. Aging receivers in particular are prone to significant performance declines as they deal with injuries, diminished physical skills, and evolving offensive schemes. However, each veteran’s situation is unique, and analyzing their individual contexts can provide clues to what might be in store for 2025.

1. DeAndre Hopkins (Tennessee Titans)

2024 Fantasy Outlook:
In 2024, Hopkins struggled to find his rhythm in Tennessee, finishing with underwhelming statistics — fewer than 800 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns in a run-heavy offense. Hopkins, who turns 33 in 2025, showed flashes of his former self but often looked like a player whose speed and separation abilities were fading.

What Went Wrong in 2024:
Hopkins’ decline was due to a combination of factors. First, the Titans’ offense was centered around Derrick Henry, limiting the passing volume and opportunities for the receiving corps. Furthermore, quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s inconsistencies and the lack of a dynamic passing game made it difficult for Hopkins to shine. The Titans also drafted rookie receiver Treylon Burks, further spreading the target share.

2025 Outlook:
Hopkins is unlikely to regain his elite fantasy form unless Tennessee undergoes significant offensive changes. A change of scenery or improved quarterback play could help, but his age and injury history (he’s dealt with multiple soft-tissue injuries in recent years) make him a risky fantasy pick. Owners should approach with caution, possibly looking to acquire him only as a depth piece or in best-ball leagues where his boom-or-bust nature won’t hurt their weekly consistency.

2. Allen Robinson (Pittsburgh Steelers)

2024 Fantasy Outlook:
Once a dominant receiver in Chicago, Robinson finished 2024 with under 600 receiving yards and only 3 touchdowns despite being part of an improving Pittsburgh offense. At 31, he showed signs of regression, particularly in terms of speed and route running, which hurt his ability to create separation.

What Went Wrong in 2024:
Robinson’s struggles can be attributed to a combination of factors, including his reduced role in a loaded Steelers’ receiving room. George Pickens emerged as the clear No. 1 target, while Pat Freiermuth and Najee Harris also commanded significant attention. Robinson never developed chemistry with second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, and his inability to win on contested catches or gain yards after the catch limited his fantasy production.

2025 Outlook:
Robinson’s fantasy value in 2025 will largely depend on his role in the offense. With the Steelers investing in Pickett’s development, there’s a chance Robinson could remain in the WR3/WR4 range. However, barring a breakout or a significant change in his usage, Robinson is unlikely to return to the top-tier numbers he put up in his prime. At best, he could be a late-round pick in deeper leagues or someone to monitor as a potential waiver wire target if injuries affect Pittsburgh’s receiving corps.

3. Julio Jones (Free Agent)

2024 Fantasy Outlook:
Jones, now a free agent after a brief stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, continued his downward trajectory in 2024. The former All-Pro receiver struggled to stay healthy, and when on the field, his explosiveness and ability to stretch the field were noticeably diminished. He finished the season with just 350 yards and 2 touchdowns, signaling that the end of his career could be near.

What Went Wrong in 2024:
Jones has battled numerous injuries over the past few years, including hamstring and knee issues, which have robbed him of the burst and agility that once made him one of the NFL’s premier receivers. His decreased production wasn’t surprising, as he was often a secondary option in Tampa Bay’s pass-heavy offense behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Age has undoubtedly caught up with Jones, and his 2024 season served as a reminder that elite players like him often fall off quickly once their athletic prime is over.

2025 Outlook:
It’s unlikely that Jones will have any fantasy relevance in 2025. If he continues to play, he’ll likely be a rotational piece on a team that’s already set at receiver, which would make him a very risky draft choice in fantasy. If he does end up on a contender as a depth piece or veteran mentor, he could provide some flashes of his former self, but the days of Jones being a consistent fantasy starter are likely over.

4. Keenan Allen (Los Angeles Chargers)

2024 Fantasy Outlook:
While Allen didn’t fall off completely, his 2024 fantasy season was a step back compared to his peak years. He finished with a respectable 950 yards and 6 touchdowns, but his production was marred by inconsistency and injury issues. At 32, Allen’s performance was impacted by nagging injuries, which limited his ability to maintain a high snap count and full workload.

What Went Wrong in 2024:
Allen’s dip in production can largely be attributed to the Chargers’ evolving offense. With Justin Herbert becoming more aggressive downfield, the emergence of Mike Williams and the development of rookie Quentin Johnston, Allen’s target share decreased slightly. Injuries also hampered his efficiency and ability to stay on the field, making it harder for him to replicate his earlier seasons of dominance.

2025 Outlook:
Allen may still have some productive years left, but he’s likely to remain a high-risk, high-reward option in 2025. If he can stay healthy, he remains a reliable target for Herbert, but his fantasy upside is capped by his age and injury history. He’ll be best suited as a WR3 or flex option, and fantasy managers will need to monitor his health closely during the offseason to gauge his potential.

Conclusion

The aging NFL wide receivers listed here had disappointing 2024 seasons, but their future fantasy prospects vary. While some like Julio Jones and Allen Robinson may be nearing the end of their careers, others like Keenan Allen and DeAndre Hopkins could still provide value in certain situations. Fantasy managers should approach these veterans with caution, considering both their injury history and the stability of their respective offenses. In general, younger, more dynamic receivers will offer more reliable returns, but these veterans could still offer some upside in the right circumstances — just don’t expect them to carry your team in 2025.