Posted by Bill in Fantasy Advice on Feb 28th 2009 (Print This)
Free agency started with a bang on Friday when Albert Haynesworth signed with the Washington Redskins for $100 million dollars 7 years. Bart Scott left the Ravens for the greener pastures of the N.Y. Jets a six year $48 million dollar contract. There were a lot of moves on the defensive side of the ball today but today Fantasy Brothers is concerned with the offensive side of the ball. Questions or comments contact us.
Kellen Winslow TE Bucs
Winslow was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for undisclosed draft picks. The 6’4″ 250 lbs. TE only played ten games last season and played injured throughout the season. Hauling in 43 passes for 428 yards and 3 td’s was impressive on a dismal Browns team. Winslow now has a new team and a fresh start. Despite the Bucs having questions at QB the passing offense will run through one of the most productive TE’s in the NFL. Look for a huge bounce back year (85-975-7) if the former Hurricane can stay on the field.
Antonio Bryant WR Bucs
Bryant signed his Franchise tender yesterday guaranteeing his place on the field. Tie that in with the news of the Bucs acquiring Winslow and Bryant should have something to smile about. Bryant had a break out year last year 83-1248-7 despite not having any help from the other receivers and blowing up during the fantasy playoffs. Weeks 14-16 all Bryant did was haul in 23 passes for 435 yards and 4 tds not too shabby, and if you did have him on your team last year you are nodding your head as you read this. Next season Bryant is more than capable of copying this years stats and with Winslow on board that will ease the coverage that Bryant will face allowing for even better numbers next year, but do not reach for him.
Correll Buckhalter RB Broncos
The Broncos added the former Eagle today along with J.J. Arington from the Cardinals. Buckhalter ran for 369 yds with 2 tds and 26 rec. 324 yds 2 tds. The 6′ 217 lbs. will now join a bloated RB corps in Denver that already has Selvin Young, Ryan Torain, Andre Hall, and Peyton Hillis. With the Broncos now in the hands of 32 year old Josh McDaniels we know that we will see an offense similar to the Patriots. The question is will the running game be the same one cut zone-blocking scheme that Shanahan employed? You know the one where even you and I could be a thousand yard back, or will it be similar to the Patriots running game? Running out of shotgun, and the spread. Or short yardage run formations and situations, then pound the ball when playing with the lead? I think it might be some where in the middle but that will not be answered until OTA’s begin.
J.J. Arrington RB Broncos
The former Card landed in Denver today. Arrington ran for 187 yards and a score with 29 rec. for 255 and 1 td. last year with the Super Bowl runner ups. Barely making the team last year Arrington is looking for a second lease in a very backed up backfield. Arrington could see the field if he can fill the Kevin Faulk (catching screens, and running draws) role in this new offense.
Jabar Gaffney WR Broncos
Gaffney reunited with his former offensive coordinator where he played the 3rd receiver behind Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Gaffney had 38 rec. 468 yds. and 2 tds last year. Gaffney will be in similar circumstances competing for the 3rd WR position backing up Brandon Marshall, and super rookie Eddie Royal. The former Gator will have to compete against Brandon Stokely and Glenn Martinez for the job.
Maurice Morris RB Lions
Morris leaves the Seahawks after rushing for 574 yds and 19 rec 136 yds while backing up Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett. Morris an effective running back could be a late round pick or early waiver pick up next year. Though Morris will never unseat RB Kevin Smith as a starter, Morris most certainly will get carries, and for those that play in PPR leagues receptions next year might be someone to keep an eye on. The Lions can only improve off of last years disastrous season, and with that being said Detroit will look to run the ball more often(hopefully because they have a lead) giving more opportunities for all the running backs.
Fred Taylor RB N.E.
The future Hall of Famer made the right choice when signing with the Pats today. Coach Bill Belichik has extended old running backs careers time and time again from Cory Dillon to Antwan Smith. Taylor is coming off his worst year since 2001 gaining only 556 yds and 1 td. Taylor will have to compete in a crowded backfield, though Taylor is used to sharing the load after splitting with MJD for the last two seasons. Laurence Maroney will be looking to return healthy and shake the bust label that has already been applied to him. Sammy Morris also is looking to stay healthy and compete though Morris is much more effective than Maroney has ever been. Kevin Faulk is the 3rd down specialist and Benjarvus Green-Ellis coming off a strong showing at the end of the year is also in the mix. Taylor even at 33 is still the best running back on the Pats roster, blessed with home run speed, and decent size to move the pile. The job is Taylors for the taking. A healthy Taylor next year is good for 1100 yds and 4 tds.
Chris Baker TE N.E.
Baker signed on with the Pats despite Ben Watson, and David Thomas on the roster. Both TE’s have been banged up throughout their careers as Patriots. Baker needing new scenery after leaving the Jets who had a full compliment of TEs with Dustin Keller and Bubba Franks ahead of Baker on the depth chart. Baker might not be as talented as Watson, but chances are likely that Watson will miss not only playing time but also multiple games. Baker had decent years in 2006 and 07 and a return to 4o rec and 400 yds and 4 tds is not beyond the realm of possibility on this pass happy team, especially one that likes to throw to TE’s in the endzone.
Kerry Collins QB TEN
The 36 year old Collins resigned with Titans today who’s road back to the best record next year became all that much more difficult with the loss of Haynesworth to the Redskins. Collins an excellent game manager (yes I hate that term too but it is actually used appropriately here) will continue to put up modest passing numbers with all the running attempts the LenDale White/Chris Johnson running combo will get. Collins is in desperate need of another receiver to play along side Justin Gage if the Titans passing offense is too become less predictable.