Breaking down Fantasy Impacts of Free Agent Signings
Obviously there has been a lot of movement with free agents this offseason and this is a very preliminary analysis… But we are going to focus on some of the offensive players in new teams/systems and how they should perform. There are a lot of question marks with the players below, but that is also the reason they were free agents in the first place...
1. Eric Decker - Jets - Is Eric Decker a true #1 receiver? Can Geno Smith/Michael Vick get him the ball? I always have a special place in my heart for #1 receivers on bad teams whereas they will get you tons of points in garbage time as they are throwing to get back in the game. Floor: #4 receiver, Ceiling #2 receiver.
2. Hakeem Nicks - Colts - Nicks signed a one year prove it deal and could be a sneak play if you could get him late in the draft. You should keep expectations tempered as Reggie Wayne should reclaim the #1 spot and TY Hilton is emerging as a fantasy stud. Floor: F/A in your league: Ceiling: #3 receiver
3. Golden Tate - Lions - New coach Jim Caldwell is supposedly going to run a deep passing offense which should mean there are going to be plenty of passes to go around for the lions receiving core. However, I think it will be a more balanced approach and Matthew Stafford will be under 5000 yards for the season for the first time in his career. Until Stafford learns to protect the ball, Caldwell will pull back the reigns to help the Lions make the playoffs for the 2nd time in the last 10 years. Fun fact of the day: He has never had more than 900 yards in a season or 7 td's in a season. Floor: #5receiver, Ceiling: #3 receiver
4. Emmanuel Sanders - Broncos - This offense is explosive and Sanders can take it to the house at anytime with his speed. Don't expect "Deckerlike" td numbers due to his small stature but there will be a few games where he will win you a week with some huge plays. Floor: #3 receiver, Ceiling: #2 receiver
5. James Jones - Raiders - Remember what I said about a good receiver on a bad team? This will really depend on what happens in the draft and who is throwing the ball but he is definitely worth a late draft flyer.
6. Ben Tate - Browns - This is a great spot for Ben Tate. Good offensive line and possible emerging team with a solid offensive game plan by Kyle Shanahan who has helped Alfred Morris and Steve Slaton have very productive seasons. Ben Tate is very talented and should have a very good season in Cleveland. Ceiling: mid-term #1 receiver, Floor #2/#3 receiver.Â
That's all for today… Check back daily for consistent updates to get you prepared for your draft. Never too early to start!!!
FantasyFootballGod