Free Agent Frenzy


The NFL's new league year is upon us. That has led to a flood of player signings, re-signings, and trades. Below are a few of the early deals that have caught my eye. I have them broken up into the four primary fantasy positions.

Quarterbacks:
* Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks: Darnold was always going to be the first big domino at quarterback in free agency. He signs a three-year deal with the Seahawks, where he'll be the starter after Geno Smith was traded to the Raiders. It's a decent signing, but it's still a little unclear what the Seahawks are doing on offense.

* Justin Fields, New York Jets: Fields signs a two-year deal and will start for the Jets, who released Aaron Rodgers Wednesday. Fields has some skills, and he's paired with his former college teammate Garrett Wilson. I like the move for Fields for fantasy.

* Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts: Jones signed a one-year deal and will compete with Anthony Richardson. It gives us a reason to roster Jones, but it's hard to be too optimistic.

Running Backs:
* Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings: Jones re-signed with the Vikings for two years. He was a high-end RB2 in 2024, and I expect more of the same in this offense in 2025. This is a win for those rostering Jones.

Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers: I like Harris and I like the fit with the Chargers. But having only a one-year deal scares me a little for Dynasty. Harris could ball out and earn another good deal, but he could also be back in the free agent market again looking for a team this time next year. He's an RB2 for me.

Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys: Williams got a one-year deal, too, but that was somewhat expected. He goes to a Dallas team that fed Rico Dowdle 235 carries in 2024. That's a great sign. I expect Williams to ball out and he could have RB2 upside in 2025.

Wide Receivers:
D.K. Metcalf, Pittsburgh Steelers: Metcalf was traded to the Steelers and immediately signed a five-year extension. He's a good receiver that gives the Steelers a big weapon. Now, if only the Steelers had a quarterback... He's still a WR2 for me in Dynasty.

Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Godwin was the best receiver going into free agency. He signs back with the Buccaneers for three years. I still like him as a WR3 in Dynasty, but this really hurts a potential breakout for Jalen McMillan.

DeAndre Hopkins, Baltimore Ravens: Hopkins isn't what he once was. At this point, he's chasing a ring. It didn't happen with the Chiefs, now he slides to the Ravens. He's a WR4 for me in this scheme. I still prefer Zay Flowers.

Tight End:
Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders: Ertz had an amazing 2024 and followed that up with another one-year deal with the Commanders. The addition of Deebo Samuel siphons off some targets, but Ertz still has low-end TE1 upside when healthy. This makes us pump the breaks on Ben Sinnott, at least for one more year.

Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals: Gesicki finally found the right offensive scheme with the Bengals. He had a solid 2024, and gets a three-year deal. I like him as a TE2 in that offense.

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