An updating article that will track the free agent moves in the NFL and how they impact each team for Dynasty Football and Rookie Draft purposes.
Free agency has kicked off and put the NFL and fantasy managers alike into an absolute frenzy. This free agency we will see some big names on the move and the landscape of the NFL may be changing. With wide receivers like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kenny Golladay on the move, keep an eye here as to where they land. Eric Wilson had a huge 2020 campaign and is an unrestricted free agent and his landing spot could be huge. We will cover as a group collectively a constant updating article on where the top free agents are landing and their potential impact they will have with their new teams. The 2021 NFL season is going to be a fun one.
Emmanuel Sanders - WR
Levi Wallace - CB
Matt Milano - LB
Mitch Trubisky - QB
Jacoby Brissett - QB
Justin Coleman - CB
Robert Foster- WR
Malcom Brown - RB
Vince Biegel - OLB
Cethan Carter - TE
Matt Judon - OLB
Jalen Mills - S
Davon Godchaux - DT
Henry Anderson - DE
Carl Davis - DT
Deatrich Wise - DE
Kyle Van Noy - LB
Cam Newton - QB
Cam is back to hopefully serve as an actual fantasy QB more so than the RB he portrayed last year. Having Cam's rushing floor has always been his upside in fantasy. Bill is certainly attempting to get him some some upgrades for the passing game, acquiring stud TE's Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, along with WRs Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne. I think Cam will outproduce his ADP this year making him a value pick for year #2 with the Pats and Coach Belichick. @dynastysanta
Kendrick Bourne - WR
An interesting addition for New England. Coach Belichick must have seen something he liked in Kendrick Bourne in San Francisco. But Bill doesn't have the best track record with these middling type receivers, whether it be signing or drafting them. This doesn't move the needle much for me. Were you drafting Bourne if he was still in San Francisco? Now he goes to a worse passing offense. If Bourne comes out of the gates hot, I'll spend some FAAB on him, but he won't be on my radar for startups and I have almost zero interest acquiring him in dynasty. @dynastysanta
Nelson Agholor - WR
After a 1 year stint with the Raiders, Nelson Agholor finds a home with New England, his third team in three years. Similar to the Kendrick Bourne signing, this doesn't interest me a whole lot for fantasy purposes. He's no more than a depth piece as a WR 4/5 who probably won't go off during the bye week(s) you'll need him. And will randomly have his good games on your bench. The most frustrating kind of player. Sell him to someone who might be excited about his change of scenery. @dynastysanta
Jonnu Smith - TE
Welp, when this news was first announced it was quite exciting. Jonnu Smith, as a prospect and talent, is a monster. However this move to New England (even before Hunter Henry was ALSO signed) comes with a ton of uncertainty. We saw what the loss of Tom Brady meant to this offense. Every tight end that ends up in New England gets the ridiculous comparison to Rob Gronkowski. As much as a I love Jonnu Smith, Rob Gronkowski he is not. The good thing is, he may have just become a value or "buy low" candidate, which I would very much recommend capitalizing on that. @dynastysanta
Hunter Henry - TE
With both Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith rostered at tight end, the New England Patriots are evoking memories of the Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez glory days. It will take a lot for Bill Belichick to recreate that dynamic duo. The Patriots quarterback is no longer Tom Brady, so the game plan and implementation for both of these stud TEs to be viable will have to be perfect. It's tough to bet on perfect, so if Henry comes cheap enough I would be interested. Of course there is tremendous upside for both Henry and Smith. It's going to be tough to count on either of them to be your consistent week to week tight end, however. @dynastysanta
Carl Lawson - DE
One of this seasons hot edge rush targets was Carl Lawson. He's headed to the "big apple" to play with the New York Jets. The Jets and him agreed to a three-year deal worth $45 million. This deal, at $15 million per year, makes him the most expensive and highest-paid play for the Jets. They're cashing in their checks and hoping his better days are ahead of him. With Robert Saleh at the head, the New York will be using a 4-3 base defense. Quinnen Williams and Carl Lawson should be able to create some chaos in the backfield against opposing teams. He had 36 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 32 quarterback hits, 5.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles last season. There's a good probability those numbers will take a decent bump in 2021.
Jarrad Davis - ILB
After falling out of favor in Detroit, the Lions decided to decline Davis' fifth year option and let him hit the market. Davis finds a new home in New York after signing a one-year $7 million deal. Davis has had his struggles and right now this feels more like a depth signing more than anything. There are some rumors surrounding the Jets possibly trading CJ Mosley, but rumors are rumors. If Mosley goes Davis could get some run, but at the moment I'm not very excited about him from an IDP outlook.
Corey Davis - WR
After Corey Davis FINALLY broke out (kind of) last year, many people are salivating at this signing and landing spot. I couldn't be further on the opposite side. With the uncertainty of the Jets QB situation, at this very moment in time Corey Davis will be catching passes from Sam Darnold. He was the "alpha" in Tennessee each year leading up to 2020 and couldn't get it done. What about him being the "alpha" (Denzel Mims has entered the chat) on the NEW YORK JETS makes anyone excited about this? Sure, if the Jets upgrade at QB that could help Davis, but even then I'm not betting on him. If you agree with me, you can probably get a decent return on Davis right now. If you're looking to acquire him, wait as long as you can until the start of the season. With the news on everyone's mind at this moment, this is the worst possible time to try and acquire him. Which you shouldn't want to do anyway. @dynastysanta
Justin Hardee - CB
Derek Wolfe - DE
Tyus Bowser - LB
Pernell McPhee - LB
Chris Board - LB
Justin Ellis - DT
Trey Hendrickson - DE
After a breakout 2020 campaign, Trey Hendrickson got his big payday after signing a four-year $60 million deal with the Bengals. Hendrickson tied for second in the league last year with 13.5 sacks and also set career highs in tackles for loss (12) and quarterback hits (25). With both Carlos Dunlap and Carl Lawson out of the picture, the Bengals had a void to fill opposite of Sam Hubbard and chose Hendrickson as their man. Hendrickson played a career high 53% of the defensive snaps last year in New Orleans and I expect that number to definitely increase going forward in Cincinnati. With a new home and increased opportunity, I like Hendrickson to once again be productive for IDP managers at the Edge/DE position.
Chidobe Awuzie - CB
Mike Hilton - CB
Samaje Perine - RB
John Johnson - S
Johnson got a very nice payday as the Browns signed him to a three-year deal worth $33.75 ($24 million guaranteed). I really like this signing for Cleveland and for Johnson from an IDP standpoint. I think we could see Cleveland deploy some three safety looks with Johnson, Grant Delpit (if healthy), and Ronnie Harrison all on the field together. Johnson brings some nice versatility to Cleveland's defense as he can be used in multiple spots within their scheme. I expect Johnson to continue to be valuable DB option for IDP in his new home.
Takkarist McKinley - DE
Malcom Smith - LB
Cameron Sutton - CB
With Mike Hilton leaving town, the Steelers made a good decision here re-signing Cameron Sutton to a two-year $9 million deal. As it sits right now, Sutton would look to be the guy to fill the vacated slot role role for the Pittsburgh defense. Sutton is a versatile defensive back who can play multiple spots and winning that slot role would be key for him to have IDP value in CB required leagues.
Tyrod Taylor - QB
Kevin Pierre-Louis - OLB
Christian Kirksey - ILB
Christina Kirksey is actually an excellent replacement for Benardrick McKinney... as long as he stays healthy. A lot of people thought that Tyrell Adams would be McKinney's replacement but his flaws far outweighed his upside. The two seasons Kirksey has suited up a full 16 games starting he accumulated 148 and 138 tackles. He also added six sacks during those two seasons where he played next to Demario Davis and Joe Schobert the following year. Unfortunately for him he has not been able to stay healthy since. Kirksey enters a similar role with Houston as he had in Cleveland where he does not need to call plays or be the lead linebacker, that is Zach Cunningham. If Kirksey can stay healthy his potential could be mouth watering in Houston.
Kamu Grugier-Hill - OLB
Vincent Taylor - DT
Joe Thomas - ILB
Terrence Brooks - S
Tremon Smith - CB
Mark Ingram - RB
I actually don't hate this as much as consensus. Yes David Johnson is still there, but Duke Johnson is gone. Are we 100% positive that Ingram isn't better, or at least just as good as David Johnson? Both are aging and have their health issues. A 50/50 split is the best prediction we can expect if both remain healthy throughout the season (unlikely). Ingram should be dirt cheap and I think would be a fine depth piece as a RB 4 on your dynasty roster for a win now team this year. @dynastysanta
Andre Roberts - WR
Chris Moore - WR
Maliek Collins - DT
Marlon Mack - RB
He's back! I'm glad to see Mack get a second chance. Unfortunately, it's back with Indy on a 1 year deal where he should play the backup role to Jonathan Taylor. He should be valued like any high end handcuff. With Taylor's break out last year, I would be surprised if Mack got more than a few snaps per game outside of blow out mop up duty. @dynastysanta
Shaquill Griffin - CB
James O'Shaughnessy - TE
Marvin Jones - WR
Rayshawn Jenkins - S
Rayshawn Jenkins was forced into a much larger role than expected last year due to the injury to Derwin James and the departure of Adrian Phillips. He filled in admirably and finished with 84 tackles , four for a loss, a sack, four passes defended and two interceptions in 15 starts. The Chargers chose not to give him a large contract with both James and Nasir Adderley on the roster. Jenkins was one of the top five safeties in snaps inside the box. The Jaguars secondary is completely void of talent and they gave Jenkins a four year and $35,000,000 contract. That is starter money and Jenkins should be in line for another productive role.
Tre Herndon - CB
Sidney Jones - CB
Tyson Alualu - DE
Roy Robertson-Harris - DT
Dawuane Smoot - DE
Johnathan Ford - S
Carlos Hyde - RB
I saw someone on Twitter say either James Robinson is extremely safe, or extremely in trouble and I agree. I lean towards him being safe and Hyde is just JRob insurance. Crazier things have happened in this league. Similar to the Mark Ingram signing, this feels close to being insignificant. But I think Hyde is an attractive enough depth RB 4/5 who should be dirt cheap to acquire and a late/last round dart throw in startups. @dynastysanta
Jamal Agnew - WR
Phillip Dorsett - WR
Dorsett signing in Jacksonville will be insignificant without injury or trade to the wide receivers ahead of him on the depth chart. He's getting up there in age and coming off an injury that cost him his entire season last year. Maybe a last round flyer or add in to any real trades, but beyond that I'm not thinking about him too much. @dynastysanta
Bud Dupree - OLB
A team desperately in need of a pass rusher, Tennessee was destined to make a move for one in free agency. They targeted Bud Dupree as their guy and paid him handsomely with a five-year deal worth up to $85 million. Dupree had a breakout year in 2019 where he amassed 68 tackles (49 solos), 16 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. This past year, Dupree was on his way to another fine campaign (8 sacks through 11 games) before he suffered a torn ACL which ended his season. While there's no doubt Dupree is talented, there is some risk with him coming off injury. However, I do like this fit for both Dupree and Tennessee as he will pair nicely with Harold Landry on the outside. For IDP, Dupree could be a nice value if people are scared off by his injury and even more so if he draws the DL/DE tag in your format.
Denico Autry - DE
The Titans add another nice piece to their defense by signing Autry to a three-year $21.5 million deal. Autry, is a versatile defensive lineman who the Titans can shift around their defensive front. The titans defense is shaping up nicely with Autry/Jeffery Simmons along the defensive line and Bud Dupree/ Harold Landry on the outside.
Janoris Jenkins - CB
With the Titans releasing both Malcolm Butler and Adoree Jackson to say they needed cornerback help would be a drastic understatement. Adding Jenkins definitely makes sense as he's a seasoned veteran coming off a productive 2020 season where he compiled 55 tackles (44 solos), 12 passes defended, and three interceptions. Jenkins should be busy making him an intriguing option for IDP especially in CB required formats.
Jayon Brown - LB
Bringing Jayon Brown back is a great move by Tennessee and I think he came at a fantastic price on a one-year $5.25 million deal. Brown has been a key piece to the Tennessee defense as he excels both as a tackler and in coverage. After posting 105 tackles (69 solos) in 2019, Brown was once again on pace to hit triple digits in 2020 until a gnarly elbow injury ended his season. Hopefully, Brown can come back fully healthy and back to his productive every down role for the Titans defense. Going back to Tennessee is good for Brown's IDP value and if managers are reluctant due to his injury, capitalize where you can via drafts or trades.
Geoff Swaim - TE
Anthony Firkser - TE
Ronald Darby - CB
The Denver Broncos needed to add to their cornerback group and did so here by signing Darby to a three-year $30 million deal. Darby brings a nice veteran presence to their squad and is coming off a solid 2020 season after recording 55 tackles (43 solos) and 16 passes defended.
Shelby Harris - DT
Bringing back Shelby Harris is a great move for the Broncos. Harris has been a big part of their defensive line the past couple seasons and was having a really nice 2020 season before he went down with injury. For IDP purposes, Harris is a nice depth option in DL grouped formats where you start 3/4 players.
Mike Boone - RB
Justin Simmons - S
Taco Charlton - DE
Yannick Ngakoue - DE
The Raiders needed some help in the pass rush department and they got one of the best available with Yannick Ngaukoue. The Raiders signed Ngakoue to a two-year $26 million deal and added some juice to their struggling pass rush. With Clelin Ferrell failing to live up to expectations thus far, Ngakoue gives the Raiders a solid counterpart to Maxx Crosby at defensive end. Still young (turns 26 end of this month) and talented, Ngakoue is a fine IDP asset at the Edge/DE position and I could see him hitting double digits this year in the sack column.
John Brown - WR
Nicholas Morrow - LB
Jonathan Hankins - DT
Zay Jones - WR
Quinton Jefferson - DT
Solomon Thomas - DT
Kenyan Drake - RB
Derek Carrier - TE
Michael Davis - CB
This is a really solid move by the Chargers here bringing Davis back, especially when you consider they just released Casey Hayward. Davis has been a key starter for Los Angeles over the past two seasons and had a career year in 2020 collecting 64 tackles (48 solos), 14 passes defended and three interceptions. The new coaching staff made it a priority to bring Davis back and he'll look to build off his fine 2020 campaign.
Jared Cook - TE
Dak Prescott - QB
Noah Brown - WR
Jourdan Lewis - CB
CJ Goodwin - CB
CJ Board - WR
Austin Johnson - DT
Ifeadi Odenigbo - LB
Leonard Williams - DL
Austin Johnson - DT
John Ross - WR
The speedster makes his way to New Jersey hoping to resurrect his career after being a top 1st round pick by the Bengals just a few years ago. We've seen small flashes of Ross being productive in fantasy. As cliché as it sounds, his success obviously relies on his ability to stay on the field, which he has failed at every year that he's been in the league. A true "injury prone" player, Ross is the ultimate low risk, high reward player. Anyone still hanging on to him in dynasty I guess is happy? Ross certainly has less talent around him on the Giants, so his path to snaps is much easier than it would have been in Cincinnati. @dynastysanta
Devontae Booker - RB
Booker signs to seemingly take over the backup role to Saquon Barkley in New York. We have seen this can be a valuable player to own, as Wayne Gallman was a serviceable fantasy running back last year. Gallman seemingly won't be back in Giants blue, and the offensive line still stinks at the moment. Booker would be a fine piece to add, especially if you are the Barkley owner. @dynastysanta
Mike Glennon - QB
Ryan Fitzpatrick - QB
FITZMAGIC is back, let's go!!! He may have to battle Taylor Heinicke for the starting job. Fitzpatrick himself isn't an incredibly attractive fantasy option in dynasty, but is a super flex darling and MVP. Also, his affect on players like Terry McLaurin, Logan Thomas, and Antonio Gibson could be humongous. Anyone who enjoys fun things is rooting for Fitzy to become a starting QB for his NINTH team. Da GOAT. @dynastysanta
Curtis Samuel - WR
William Jackson - CB
Danny Johnson - CB
Lamar Miller - RB
Andy Dalton - QB
Romeo Okwara - DE
The Lions keep one of their own re-signing Romeo Okwara to a three-year $39 million deal. Okwara had a breakout 2020 season amassing 44 tackles (32 solos), 11 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and 18 QB hits. Keeping Okwara makes a lot of sense as he's young at 25 years old and was one of the few bright spots Detroit had on defense. Hopefully Trey Flowers can come back healthy and second-year man Julian Okwara takes a step forward to take some pressure off Romeo. The new coaching staff made it a point to bring him back and I can see Okwara continuing to be a very solid edge/DE defender for IDP.
Tyrell Williams - WR
I think I like this move? Williams immediately steps in as the veteran and default #1 wide receiver in Detroit. He was productive in San Diego and Oakland, then lost his last year in Las Vegas to injury. If I'm a win now dynasty team I would target Williams. The Lions defense still stinks and there should be LOTS of garbage time for Jared Goff and company. @dynastysanta
Josh Hill - TE
Jamaal Williams -RB
Jalen Reeves-Maybin - LB
Tim Boyle - QB
Aaron Jones - RB
The Packers are certainly keeping dynasty managers on their toes. After investing 2nd round draft capital into AJ Dillon's quads, Green Bay locked up star running back Aaron Jones on a 4-year, $48 million deal. Dillon truthers may be weeping, but Jones owners should be rejoicing. The Texas El-Paso product followed up his #2 PPR RB performance in 2019 with a top 5 finish PPR finish in 2020. Dynasty owners can speculate all they want about him in a different landing spot, but the fact remains that Jones has been an absolute stud for the Packers and was more than likely severely undervalued in your leagues.
Dalvin Tomlinson - DT
I really like this signing for the Minnesota Vikings. Tomlinson is a great get for the Vikings defensive line and getting him for a two-year $22 million deal is really solid. In defensive tackle required formats, I expect Tomlinson to continue to be a viable option in his new home.
Stephen Weatherly - DE
Weatherly started his career in Minnesota playing his first four seasons there. This is just a depth signing as the Vikings bring back a familiar face who knows the system. Weatherly will enter the defensive end rotation, but isn't an attractive IDP option.
Nick Vigil - OLB
The Vikings signed Vigil to a one-year deal to add some depth to their linebacker unit. Vigil is nothing more than a depth piece who will contribute on special teams and only see the field if injury were to unfortunately strike.
Patrick Peterson - CB
Chad Beebe - WR
Christian Blake - WR
Tyler Hall - CB
Jacob Tuioti-Mariner - DE
Jaeden Graham - TE
Erik Harris - S
Denzel Perryman - LB
If Perryman can stay healthy and play a full 16 game season, which he hasn't been able to do so far in his career, I think this could be a great under the radar signing for the Panthers. Denzel should be taking the spot of Tahir Whitehead. This will now give Carolina a linebacking group of Perryman, Shaq Thompson, and Jeremy Chinn. If anyone is looking for a linebacker to add in dynasty I would look at targeting Perryman.
Haason Reddick - LB
Morgan Fox - DE
Rashaan Melvin - CB
Darius Clark - RB
Jameis Winston - QB
I wish I didn't have to give an opinion on Jameis right now in March. It certainly appears to be a good sign that he officially re signed with New Orleans. However, when Brees went out last year, Sean Payton handed the keys to his boy toy Taysom Hill...while they were still a winning, playoff competitive football team. That scares me. In Superflex leagues, if you can get Jameis without overpaying, I'd absolutely want him. Even if he doesn't start this year for some reason, he HAS to get a starting gig somewhere in 2022. @dynastysanta
Ty Montgomery - RB
Dwayne Washington - RB
Shaquil Barrett - OLB
The band is staying together. There is no Yoko to this Beatles group. Tampa Bay was able to agree to a deal with the elite pass rusher. He will sign a four-year deal worth up to $72 million to stay with the Super Bowl Champion Buccaneers. This deal guarantees him $36 million. In 2019, he had a breakout season where he tallied 19.5 sacks. Last season, he took a step back in the sack department, and finished the season with 8 sacks. He had some very impressive and solid performances on the team's way to winning it all. Barrett has showed this he's one of the leagues premier pass rushers and is going to get paid like one.
Rob Gronkowski - TE
Lavonte David - LB
J.J. Watt - DE
Robert Alford - CB
AJ Green - WR
Markus Golden - LB
Leonard Floyd - OLB
Johnny Mundt - TE
Samson Ebukam - OLB
The 49ers were able to pry Samson Ebukam away from their division rival Los Angeles Rams. Ebukam is explosive off the edge and could mix well with Nick Bosa returning this season. It's likely he'll play a rotational role for his new squad, just as he did for the Rams. I foresee him playing the SAM linebacker role for San Francisco when it's required of him. He's notched 4.5 sacks the past two seasons. Samson could be a nice depth piece for deeper IDP leagues. I don't see him being a necessary roster requirement at this moment in time. But, it remains to be seen how the 49ers will ultimately use their new linebacker.
Jason Verrett - CB
Kyle Juszczyk - FB
DJ Jones - DT
Gerald Everett - TE
A former second round pick, Everett has the physical tools to be a top tier fantasy tight end. He finds himself in a Seattle crowded TE room with former fantasy dart throws: Will Dissly, Jacob Hollister, and Colby Parkinson. We may need training camp to sort out the "starter" but Everett should come out on top. If Russell Wilson stays in town, Everett will be moving up my rankings. If Russ leaves to cook elsewhere, Everett will probably drop a bit below his old teammate Tyler Higbee. The ceiling is high if he can get consistent snaps. @dynastysanta
Poona Ford - DT
Ahkello Witherspoon - CB
Nick Bellore - RB
