Free-agent moves to impact draft
Most of the big-name free agents have found a landing spot by now.
Aside from a DeMarco Murray here and an Adrian Peterson there, the free agency picture has come into focus. So that means it’s time to speculate on the possible fantasy football impact.
Here’s a look at who could make the biggest contributions in 2018 with new teams: ■ Kirk Cousins, QB, Vikings: Cousins enters a great fantasy situation. He has Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs to throw to as well as a soon-to-be healthy Dalvin Cook, who can turn a screen pass into a big play. All signs point to a big year. ■ Jimmy Graham, TE, Packers: Don’t think too hard about this one. Graham still is a TE1. ■ Dion Lewis, RB, Titans: Lewis offers a nice change of pace to an offense that needed to add weapons. If he plays a good amount of snaps he could turn in low-end RB2, high-end flex numbers. ■ Allen Robinson, WR, Bears: Robinson lost last season to an ACL injury, but if he returns healthy he could enter the WR2 conversation. ■ Jerick McKinnon, RB, 49ers: There will be hype around McKinnon as he is physically similar to Devonta Freeman, who had stellar seasons when 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was the offensive coordinator in Atlanta. He’s got RB1 potential with a rising offense. ■ Sammy Watkins, WR, Chiefs: Watkins only had 39 catches with the Rams last season, but eight of those went for touchdowns. He gained 539 yards through the air, which ranked fourth on the team. The yardage could go up if he becomes the No. 2 receiver in Kansas City. But that would mean surpassing the numbers of Tyreek Hill or Travis Kelce. ■ Case Keenum, QB, Broncos: I don’t know that I’m convinced this was the best move for the Broncos. Keenum did well last season, but we’ve seen quarterbacks have breakout years and bust after a free-agent signing elsewhere. Keenum’s value may stay the same, as a streaming option. ■ Carlos Hyde, RB, Browns: Don’t get too hyped up about Hyde. Just hope he stays under the radar enough that you can add him as a third or fourth back to your roster. Duke Johnson will make the receptions out of the backfield and that cuts Hyde’s value. ■ Allen Hurns, WR, Cowboys: The Cowboys are unlikely to keep all of the receivers on their roster. It’s still possible Dez Bryant gets cut, but that’s a toss-up at this point. If he goes, Hurns’ value goes way up. If Bryant stays, Hurns will have WR2 upside. ■ Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Jaguars: The Jaguars parted ways with Marcedes Lewis so it’s Seferian-Jenkins’ time to show what he can do. We’ll see if Blake Bortles can get him good targets. ■ Donte Moncrief, WR, Jaguars: With Robinson and Allen Hurns gone, it’s probable that Moncrief will start alongside Marqise Lee. If he turns into a reliable red zone target, he could be a great late value in drafts. ■ Jordy Nelson, WR, Raiders: Nelson won’t be the top target in Oakland. I wouldn’t bet he’s as productive as he was when Aaron Rodgers was healthy. ■ Michael Crabtree, WR, Ravens: Crabtree’s scored at least eight touchdowns three straight years, but you have to lower your expectations. Though Joe Flacco throws often, his efficiency isn’t great and he doesn’t tend to have a go-to receiver. If Crabtree ends up a WR2, I’d be pleasantly surprised. ■ Sam Bradford, QB, Cardinals: When healthy, Bradford has been very solid. It’s the healthy part that you have to worry about. If he ends up on your roster, make sure you have a clear Plan B. Best-case scenario is that he is your Plan B. ■ Danny Amendola, WR, Dolphins: With Jarvis Landry in Cleveland, Amendola can step in as the new possession receiver. Of course, he’ll be more valuable in PPR leagues. ■ Eric Ebron, TE, Colts: It’s surprising to me that he isn’t in the highest tier of tight ends in fantasy. He’s got the ability, but the Lions spread the ball around so much. Now he enters an uncertain quarterback situation and will have to compete with Jack Doyle for targets. ■ Taylor Gabriel, WR, Bears: He’s a speedy option, and a nice gadget player, but he’s no more than a flex play in any given week. ■ Isaiah Crowell, RB, Jets: Whether he’ll reach RB2 status is a tough call at this point. ■ Jeremy Hill, RB, Patriots: This is the kind of addition the Patriots usually make work. But has the Belichick/ Brady era officially started its inevitable downturn? ■ LeGarrette Blount, RB, Lions: The Lions needed a back who can run between the tackles and they got one. Whether he’ll turn in games like when he was a Patriot or when he was an Eagle remains to be seen. ■ Paul Richardson, WR, Redskins: With Jamison Crowder and Josh Doctson in the picture, I don’t think Richardson has a huge impact. And if Jordan Reed can stay healthy, that’s another big chunk of targets not going to the new Redskin. ■ Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Jets: Bridgewater has done well to at least get himself into position to make a possible comeback, but will have to show something before he uproots Josh McCown as the starter. ■ A.J. McCarron, QB, Bills: He’ll have his chance to prove himself, but you’ll want to wait and see if he’s got the ability to be a relevant fantasy player.