There has been a great deal of movement this offseason and as a fantasy owner it’s important to keep up so you are not drafting Derrick Ward as a handcuff to Brandon Jacobs, only to learn he is part of a RBBC in Tampa. Here at Fantasybrothers.com we will keep you up to date on all the important league movements.
Terrell Owens-Free Agent
Owens was recently released by the Cowboys in a move that should improve team chemistry. While no team has come to the forefront in signing Owens for his services, he will be in high demand, as he still has 2 to 3 years left of solid productivity. There is nothing more dangerous than a T.O. who is playing with a “chip” on his shoulder, we will keep you updated.
Laveranues Coles-Cincinnati Bengals
Coles will step into the space recently vacated by T.J. Houshmandzadeh as he signed a four year, $28 million dollar contract. The Jets used Coles as a possession type receiver and would often send him across the middle, something Coles has had a hard time adjusting to, often viewers saw “alligator arms” as he shyed away from contact. It will be interesting to see how the Bengals decide to use Coles, whether he is used on the outside as a burner or if he works the middle of the field. We definitely like Coles chances with Carson Palmer as his quarterback instead of the QB situation in New York.
Derrick Ward-Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Derrick Ward takes his game to Tampa where he will split duties with Ernest Graham. Ward averaged 5.6 YPC last year and caught 41 balls. Ward is a carbon-copy of Graham, this move is interesting because usually teams like a more change of pace back, like the recently released Warrick Dunn, but the Bucs might be looking at a healthy Cadillac Williams to fill that role when he comes back from another knee injury.
Cedric Benson-Cincinnati Bengals
Benson signed a two year deal to stay in Cincinnati where he had a productive end to the 2008 season. The Bengals were pleasantly surprised by Benson who came in and ran with conviction, a man who knew his NFL career was on the line. Benson should be the primary candidate to start for the Bengals and more than likely will be overlooked on draft day.
Michael Clayton-Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The new ownership is simply cleaning out the old cobwebs in Tampa, Galloway has been released, and the Bucs seem to think that Clayton can have a bounce back year, much like Antonio Bryant did last year. That’s a big gamble to take on a guy who hasn’t been that productive at the NFL level, and for a 5 year, $24 million dollar deal which includes $10.5 million dollars of guaranteed money, it seems like a stupid bet.
Devery Henderson-New Orleans Saints
The Saints resigned Henderson to be their third wide receiver. This signing proves the Saints are committed to Henderson and likes what he brings to the table. Henderson has improved every season in the NFL, and while he may be the 3rd wide receiver, just remember it is for one of the league’s most potent aerial offenses. Look for Henderson to elevate his game as he tries to fend off soon to be bust Robert Meacham.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh-Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks finally made a big free agent signing. This signing gives the ‘Hawks more flexibility in the draft and does not make Michael Crabtree a primary concern. Seattle is often a place where receivers go to die, and fantasy owners must remember that Housh will be 32. Another concern is how Housh will adjust without Chad Johnson taking some of the attention away from him.
Bryant Johnson-Detroit Lions
Johnson has long been a fantasy super sleeper. A guy you pick at your draft in the later rounds and everyone says, “Good pick.” Johnson has never quite caught on in the NFL, and when given the chance, has never taken the opportunity to grab the spotlight. We just don’t think going to Detroit does much for your overall fantasy value.
Brandon Jones-San Francisco 49ers
Jones flashed some potential with the Titans last year and will play a big part in the 49ers aerial attack. Bryant Johnson is gone and Isaac Bruce might be on the outs. The only question is who will be throwing him the ball in San Francisco, at least it won’t be Vince Young.
LaMont Jordan-Denver Broncos
Who knew the NFL was so incestuous, as Jordan follows Josh McDaniels to Denver where there is a large conglomerate of running backs. Are the Broncos looking to set a record for most running backs or are they playing keep away from the rest of the league. Just off the top of my head I can think of Michael Pittman, Tatum Bell, Ryan Torain, J.J. Arrington, Peyton Hillis, Correll Buckhalter, and now Jordan, simply amazing. This situation screams “Stay Away” on draft day.
Leonard Pope-Arizona Cardinals
I don’t know if this guy will ever develop into a top flight tight end, but his size is intriguing at 6’8 and 258 lbs. He also remains in a pass happy offense, with Kurt Warner back, he could develop into a red-zone beast, then again it could only be his size we like, but remember he has only been in the league for three years.
Kurt Warner-Arizona Cardinals
Everyone’s favorite “Cinderella Story” is back. He is one of the most productive quarterbacks in the NFL and should not be overlooked on draft day. He is as consistent as they come, and if Boldin resigns, he should take his place as a top QB in most drafts. His stats last year were astounding as he passed for 4583 yards and had 30 touchdowns. It’s safe to say Matt Leinart will be holding the clipboard again this year.
Nate Washington-Tennessee Titans
Nate Washington was a productive 3rd receiver in Pittsburgh last year. He signed a “hefty” contract to take his game to Tennessee where he won’t have to compete with Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes for the ball. The only thing though is he won’t have Roethlisberger and his strong arm getting him the ball, but will go to a more conservative type offense that is ground game oriented with the Titans.