NFL Free Agency Speculation: The 15 Best Fantasy Football Free Agents
Assuming NFL free agency eventually begins, there will be be some frantic player movement. Teams are already behind the eight ball considering the NFL draft has come and gone; those that failed to address holes will be looking do so in free agency.
A lot of the movement will depend on the collective bargaining agreement. The assumption is that the league will operate under last yearās system. If you are interested in free agency in greater detail,Ā KFFLĀ did a great job of breaking it down.
Quarterbacks: Matt Hasselbeck and Marc Bulger
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Matt HasselbeckĀ is the cream of the crop, thoughĀ Marc BulgerĀ could get some run depending on where he lands. Both of those veterans have some potential in two-quarterback leagues but probably arenāt even worth roster spots in standard leagues.
Running Back: DeAngelo Williams
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DeAngelo WilliamsĀ could be the top prize if he is available. The Panthers will look to bring him back. It will depend on whether he is a restricted free agent or not.
Wherever he lands, D-Will will be a solid fantasy asset, though he will likely be part of a committee like in Carolina. That said, heās been quite effective in that role.
Running Back: Cedric Benson
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Cedric BensonĀ is even more likely to stay put. The Bengalsā draft clearly indicates that they are committed to having him in their rebuilding plans. Benson is a strong option wherever he lands, which will most like be in Cincy.
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Running Back: Ahmad Bradshaw
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Ahmad BradshawĀ will be an attractive free agent option if he is granted unrestricted free agency. If he gets the restricted tag, heās likely to remain a Giant. Like D-Will, Bradshaw is a solid fantasy option that will operate out of a RBBC once again wherever he lands.
Running Back: Mike Tolbert
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Mike TolbertĀ tentatively has a second-round tender as a restricted free agent. Given the injuries and ineffectiveness of Ryan Mathews, Tolbert wonāt make the free agency splash that Michael Turner did a few years back. My guess is that Tolbert will be overdrafted this year as Mathews plays a larger role.
Running Backs: Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams
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Ronnie BrownĀ has likely played his last game in South Beach. He will draw plenty of interest, but his days of being a primary back are over. At best he is the lead back in an RBBC.
Ricky WilliamsĀ will be 34 when and if the season begins. He may have some value to an NFL team, but his days of fantasy glory are over.
Wide Receiver: Vincent Jackson
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Perhaps the biggest prize in the free agent market isĀ Vincent Jackson. The Chargers could try to bring him back, but wherever he lands, he should have a much more productive season.
Wide Receiver: Sidney Rice
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Sidney RiceĀ is another big prize. If he is an unrestricted free agent, heās as good as gone. Rice has dealt with injuries during his career, most notably the hip injury that cost him most of last season, but he had a huge 2009 campaign. When healthy he can both separate from cornerbacks and jump over safeties.
Wide Receiver: Santonio Holmes
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Santonio HolmesĀ is a curious case. He has already stated that he wonāt sign a restricted free agent tender. He wants a long-term deal.
If heās unrestricted, he will go to the highest bidder, making him hard to quantify as a fantasy prospect. That said, he will be a WR2 or a WR3 regardless of where he lands. If he is restricted and the Jets donāt want to offer a long-term deal, he will hold out.
Wide Receiver: Braylon Edwards
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Braylon EdwardsĀ is also a potential free agent. He would like to return to the Jets but could make a healthy payday if he tests the waters. His hands keep him from being a WR2, but he does have value wherever he lands.
Wide Receiver: James Jones
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James JonesĀ is one to keep an eye on. If he is an unrestricted free agent, he is gone. Depending on where he lands, he could be a nice WR3. If he stays in Green Bay, Iād pencil him in as a WR4.
Wide Re-Divas: Randy Moss and Terrell Owens
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Then you have the old divasĀ Randy MossĀ andĀ Terrell Owens. Who knows where they will land? They are a risk in the locker room and on your fantasy team.
Looking Forward to Fantasy Football Drafts
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Don't know what to do if you have the No. 1 pick? There are plenty of options this year. Good thing you have some time to make a decision.
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