With free agency behind us & the draft in the rearview mirror, it seems like a good time to reflect on all of the offseason changes as they relate to the upcoming fantasy football season. It’s possible that some free agent players (Ryan Fitzpatrick, for example) play a role for their new teams; however, these signings are unlikely to move the needle in the fantasy landscape. That’s why it’s time to take stock of the good, the bad, and the ugly in terms of QB fantasy value. Let’s begin by taking a look at some of the quarterbacks affected by this crazy offseason.
Jameis Winston ↑
There was some thought that the Saints could draft a QB to replace Winston, but they instead supported him by drafting WR Chris Olave & OT Trevor Penning in the first round. Couple these moves with the hopeful return of WR Michael Thomas & the addition of WR Jarvis Landry, and it’s clear that the fantasy value is going up for the former No. 1 overall pick in 2015. RB Alvin Kamara was arrested this offseason too, so expect the Saints to rely on the pass in ’22.
Lamar Jackson ↓
It hasn’t been all rainbows & sunshine for QBs this offseason, just ask Lamar Jackson. Not only did the Ravens pass on WR upgrades, but they also traded away WR Marquise Brown! Granted, the team later drafted C Tyler Lindenbaum to aid the offense, but the damage was done. Jackson will once again rely heavily on TE Mark Andrews to anchor the team’s passing “attack.”
Tua Tagovailoa ↑
Tua gets a whole host of new characters who will likely aid in his development this year. WR Tyreek Hill, LT Terron Armstead, & RB Chase Edmonds headline Tua’s new-look offense. They join WR Jaylen Waddle & TE Mike Gesicki to give Tua a plethora of weapons on offense. Add all of this up, and it’s clear that a breakout year could be on the horizon for Tua Tagovailoa.
Aaron Rodgers ↓
The back to back MVP returns for his 18th NFL season as the Green Bay Packers QB. Question is, who exactly will he be throwing the ball to this year? His options include veteran WRs Randall Cobb, Sammy Watkins, rookie WR Christian Watson, and TE Robert Tonyan. None of that crew should be expected to put fear into defenses the way Davante Adams once did. It’s also worth noting that the Packers let OLs Lucas Patrick & Billy Turner walk in free agency. Add these things together & it’s clear that this could be a big down year from Rodgers in fantasy.
Matt Ryan ↑
One of the offseason’s signature moves involved a trade between the Falcons & Colts. The Colts received Ryan in the deal, and the hope is that his fantasy value rebounds nicely here. After all, he was the QB24 last year in an offense featuring Kyle Pitts & Cordarrelle Patterson. WR Michael Pittman & RB Jonathan Taylor give him a solid duo to lean on this coming year. Plus, the Colts offensive line represents a massive upgrade from any of the past Falcons units. Unfortunately, the cupboard at WR is pretty barren after accounting for Pittman’s presence. Maybe a reunion involving Matt Ryan & Julio Jones wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all?
Russell Wilson ↑
We’ll finish strong here by talking about the biggest QB acquisition of this offseason. Call me crazy, but I actually believe Wilson’s fantasy value could increase with the Broncos. Listen, he finished as the QB6 last year but was only the QB13 in points per game, and his play was clearly affected by a finger injury that caused him to miss a few midseason games last year. He joins a loaded offense featuring a trio of receiving options including Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, & KJ Hamler, along with an RB room starring Javonte Williams & Melvin Gordon. Now fully healthy & starting for a new team in Denver, I expect a big year from “DangeRuss.”
The Sports Beacon 