There was plenty of action on day one of NFL free agency. A lot of big-time names signed, re-signed, or were traded on Wednesday, and a few of these moves had a direct impact on the fantasy landscape for 2016. Here’s a look at the fantasy impact of NFL free agency day one.
Fantasy Impact of NFL Free Agency Day One
Lamar Miller
Running back Lamar Miller signed with the Houston Texans for $26 million over four years on Wednesday. This is fantastic news for fantasy players, as Miller will lead a Texans backfield with no competition for touches. Miller finished as the fourth best running back overall according to Pro Football Focus. Miller finished sixth among fantasy backs in 2015 and 2014. As I predicted in my Way Too Early Top 10 Fantasy Running Backs for 2016 list, I look for him to repeat a top 10 performance in 2016 with the Houston Texans.
Matt Forte
Former Bears running back Matt Forte signed with the New York Jets on Wednesday. Details of Forte’s contract are not yet known. Forte was stellar in his time in Chicago, reaching over 1,100 total yards in every season. The Jets are adding an established runner and receiver to the team’s presently empty backfield. I would anticipate the Jets adding another back to share the load with an aging Forte, but I love his opportunity for fantasy purposes. I anticipate a top 10-15 finish for Forte in 2016.
Doug Martin
Doug Martin re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a 5-year, $35 million deal. This is good news for Martin and fantasy players, as he returns to the same offense on which he racked up the second-most rushing yards in 2015. Martin had a bounce back campaign in 2015 and he will look to build on that in 2016. With another year under quarterback Jameis Winston’s belt, I anticipate another top 10 season from Martin.
Chris Ivory
Former New York Jets running back Chris Ivory signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars for 5 years and $32 million. Ivory finished ninth among fantasy backs last season in New York, but I don’t expect a similar finish in 2016. Ivory joins T.J. Yeldon in the Jaguars backfield. This signing is disappointing from a fantasy standpoint, in that Yeldon and Ivory will cap each other’s ceilings. In a split backfield, touches will be limited, preventing either of them from threatening the top 10, barring injury. Ivory does bring some obvious power to Jacksonville though, so the goal line touches will probably be his.
DeMarco Murray
Running back Demarco Murray restructured his deal with the Tennessee Titans to four years, $25 million. Murray was traded to the Titans last week from the Philadelphia Eagles. Murray was quite underwhelming in 2015, finishing 18th among fantasy running backs, after a dominating 2014 season with the Cowboys when he was the top fantasy back. Murray shared a lot of touches with Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles in Philadelphia, and the fact that the team was disappointing altogether could have contributed to his lower production. Murray has no competition for touches in the Tennessee backfield, and with young quarterback Marcus Mariota poised to build on a solid 2015, Murray finds himself in a positive fantasy situation for 2016. I believe Murray will be in the top 10 fantasy back ranks, and could push his way into the top five.
Marvin Jones
Wide receiver Marvin Jones signed with the Detroit Lions after four years in Cincinnati. Jones’ deal is for $40 million over five years. Jones will attempt to fill the void that is left by Calvin Johnson Jr.’s retirement, although he definitely cannot replace him. Jones is an athletic receiver that can stretch the field if need be, and he excels in the short game. Jones will have to share some action with Golden Tate and Eric Ebron. The opportunity for him in Detroit is exciting, and hopefully he can be a mid-to-late round breakout star in 2016.
Travis Benjamin
Former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Travis Benjamin signed with the San Diego Chargers on Wednesday for $24 million over four years. San Diego was no doubt looking to add a receiver after the retirement of Malcolm Floyd. Benjamin had the best year of his career in 2015, as he recorded 966 receiving yards and added five touchdowns. Benjamin joins a San Diego receiving corps that is led by Keenan Allen and Antonio Gates. Benjamin is an electric player that now finds himself in an offense that loves to pass the ball. I like Benjamin as a late round pick in 2016 fantasy drafts.
Brock Osweiler
Quarterback Brock Osweiler signed a huge four-year deal worth $75 million with the Houston Texans on Wednesday. Osweiler leaves the Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos for a struggling franchise. Osweiler will have no shortage of weapons, however. This also improves the fantasy stock of Lamar Miller and wideout DeAndre Hopkins. Osweiler will have the chance to show us what he’s got, but I don’t foresee him being drafted in 10 or 12-team fantasy leagues.
Coby Fleener
Coby Fleener signed a deal with the New Orleans Saints for five years, $36 million on Wednesday. This is a nice pickup for New Orleans, as they could use another pass catching weapon after releasing long-time Saints wideout Marques Colston and tight end Ben Watson. With similar build to that of former Saints standout tight end Jimmy Graham (similar speed and ability to lineup all over the field), Fleener is a good fit in the New Orleans offense. Fleener is immediately in the discussion for a top 10 fantasy tight end ranking.
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