Free Agency, Fantasy Impact – 2010
It is the time of year once again where players who are at the end of their contracts or unhappy with their current situation empty their lockers and hit the road. In most cases the addition and subtraction of free agents will affect an NFL team but usually has little effect on the fantasy value of the player. This is not always the situation however, look at the case of Edgerrin to the Cardinals. James became a fantasy irrelevant the second he left Indianapolis. Chester Taylor and Lamont Jordan became top 10 fantasy backs when they got out of the shadow of Jamal Lewis and Curtis Martin respectively. As always, it is our job to make sure you are in the best situation to dominate your fantasy league, this time of year we do that by letting you know how all the player movement will alter the fantasy values of the players on the move and the players on their new teams and old teams. Here is a look at free agency 2010 and how it will affect your fantasy players.
Anquan Boldin, Baltimore Ravens- Although this was technically not a free agent move, it is the biggest move of the off season so far. Boldin has been one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL over the last few seasons, when healthy. He has also been one the most unhappy and most vocal about his unhappiness. It appeared that the only person who could keep Boldin focused on football was Kurt Warner and with his retirement, it was only a matter of time before Boldin signed with anyone besides the Cardinals. If Boldin stays healthy, we will be a legit first string Fantasy football wide receiver in a system that sorely needs a WR1, this definitely elevates his status. His departure from Arizona leaves Larry Fitzgerald open to a lot more double teams since Steve Breaston is no Anquan Boldin, and with Matt Leinart at the helm in Zona, buyer beware on Fitzy. This signing also has an effect on the ageless wonder Derrick Mason who has re-signed with the Ravens. Mason has been Baltimore’s most productive guy forever his fantasy production will drop off substantially this season.
Nate Burleson, Detroit Lions- Nate Burleson is yet another fantasy Wide Receiver in the NFL who has a world of talent and cannot stay healthy long enough move into the elite. Burleson had a great start in Seattle last season but dropped off greatly as the year went on. His move to Detroit will not help his stats but it shouldn’t hurt them greatly either. The biggest effect of the Burleson signing in Detroit will be felt by Megatron. With a healthy legit WR2 on the team, Calvin Johnson might finally get some room to move out there. In addition, the lions will have a healthy and more experienced Jason Stafford to air out some serious bombs to both Burleson and Calvin Johnson. The Lions might not be a contender this season but if these three stay healthy, they will be fun to watch if nothing else. Upgrade Burleson, Johnson and Stafford slightly.
Larry Johnson, Washington Redskins – Larry Johnson proved a couple of things last season, 1) It does not matter where he plays, he cannot make friends. He was productive with the Bengals in limited action and even they didn’t want to keep him…The Bengals! 2) Johnson may actually still have some gas in the tank. He got some action with Cedric Benson sidelined with injury down the stretch and actually produced. We all know that the new sheriff in DC, Mike Shanahan can get the absolute most out of running backs, he got 1000 yards out of Olandis Gary! Shanahan also likes to play the hot hand so if Portis has anything left (unlikely but possible) there could a dreaded timeshare situation in the capital next season which is a fate worse that death for fantasy football owners. Both Johnson and Portis should be viewed as fantasy football flex players at best and not likely even that.
Thomas Jones, Kansas City Chiefs – Thomas Jones will be 32 this year and if we have an absolute truth in the NFL and in fantasy football it is that 32 year old running backs disappear off the face of the planet and it does not seem to matter how high a level they were playing at. If you don’t believe me, see Eddie George, Shaun Alexander, Marshall Faulk, Curtis Martin, etc, etc, etc all fantasy studs and then….gone. Watching Thomas Jones play last year, you might not have noticed his production diminishing but history is pretty clear on this one. You might see Jones remain a factor in KC as a goal line back. Marcus Allen and Emmit Smith extended their careers with a similar role change, but if you are looking for Jones to take over the starting role from Jamaal Charles and repeat his 1400 yard production, you will be sadly disappointed. Charles should be downgraded slightly from a fantasy perspective because he will lose some work. Shonn Green of the Jets should be moved into the top 10 fantasy football running backs with young legs great vision and that huge Jets offensive line to run behind, he is the big winner here.
Irrelevant Moves:
Chester Taylor to the Bears – Taylor will continue his role as player teacher, but now it will be for the Bears instead of the Vikings. The Vikings will most likely sign a veteran back up to take Taylor’s role as sideline cheerleader.
Atwaan Randle El, Pittsburgh Steelers - Randle El was irrelevant in Pittsburgh the first time, he was irrelevant in D.C. and he will continue his perfect streak with his Pittsburgh stop part 2.
Antonio Byrant, Cincinnati Bengals – Bryant has had one great season in the last 9 and although he is might be in a better system in Cincy, his numbers will not change. WR3 or flex player.
Stay Tuned for more off season activity…….
