Free Agent Frenzy! + Big Trades

Summary:

Free Agent Frenzy Talking Points 03:16

“DK Metcalf is welcome to Pittsburgh with a five-year, $150 million deal.”

• The podcast discusses the recent free agency signing of DK Metcalf, who is now part of the Pittsburgh Steelers. This deal marks the largest in the franchise’s history, averaging $33 million per year.
• The hosts express a mix of excitement and concern about this move, with one host noting that while Metcalf is a “needle mover” for the team, the implications for fantasy football may not be as bright. They observe that the Steelers have been struggling with their quarterback situation since Ben Roethlisberger‘s retirement, which could hinder Metcalf’s potential impact.
• The discussion mentions that while the signing represents a significant financial commitment, the long-term viability of the contract raises questions. As Metcalf is 27 years old, concerns about guaranteed money once he nears 30 are highlighted.
• They reflect on the overarching strategy of the Steelers in not only acquiring Metcalf but also how this may affect their search for a competent quarterback. With multiple quarterback options in play, including the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins, the conversation emphasizes the necessity for a reliable signal-caller to maximize Metcalf’s contributions.

Impact of Metcalf’s Departure from Seattle 07:59

“The Seahawks are retooling some stuff right now.”

• The panel discusses the immediate effects of Metcalf’s departure from the Seattle Seahawks, noting that the team is in a transitional phase. With other key players like Tyler Lockett and Geno Smith also becoming free agents, the Seahawks are expected to restructure their roster.
• The hosts express that even if Metcalf’s offensive talents will be missed, the team’s coaching staff appears focused on rebuilding and finding new talent to better align with their future goals.
• There’s recognition that Geno Smith’s trade to the Raiders signifies a major shift for both him and the Seahawks, as the organization evaluates its quarterback options. The conversations shed light on the need for Seattle to make strategic moves in the draft to bolster their offensive lineup moving forward, as they currently lack a solid quarterback situation.

Impact of Recent Trade Decisions on Fantasy Quarterbacks 10:56

“The Raiders didn’t seem like they had an avenue to get themselves a competent quarterback for fantasy purposes, but this is a home run if you got Bowers.”

• The discussion revolves around recent quarterback trades that have significant implications for fantasy football players. The Raiders’ inadequate options have turned into an opportunity with the acquisition of Bowers, which excites many fantasy owners.
• The players mentioned, such as Jackson Dart and Sanders, indicate the limited options available to teams in this situation. Bowers’ statistics, including passing yards surpassing 4,300 in 2022, set unrealistic expectations for rookie quarterbacks.
• In a dynamic shift, the 49ers are losing key players like Debo Samuel and Kyle Juszczyk, which could impact their overall performance and team structure dramatically this season. This suggests a period of rebuilding, offering potential opportunities for other teams in the NFC West to capitalize on.

Seattle’s Changes and the Future of Sam Darnold 15:40

“The Seahawks fixed their issues by trading away Geno Smith and signing Sam Darnold for $100 million.”

• The Seattle Seahawks‘ recent decision to move away from Geno Smith and invest in Sam Darnold raises questions about their strategic direction, particularly after significant player losses such as DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
• Paying Darnold less than Jordan Love despite his impressive last season performance could reflect a calculated risk; if Darnold can replicate or build upon his previous season stats, he might lead a competitive team.
• However, concerns remain about Seattle’s lack of offensive support and the strength of their offensive line. There’s skepticism about whether Darnold can maintain performance under pressure, akin to other quarterbacks like Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford.

Evaluating Christian Kirk‘s New Role in Houston 12:21

“The Texans said, ‘Let’s bypass the open market here,’ and took on Christian Kirk‘s existing contract.”

• Christian Kirk‘s transition to Houston suggests a potentially beneficial deal for both parties; Kirk, with a significant contract, could bring more experience to the Texans’ receiving corps.
• A comparison between Kirk and Tank Dell analyzes their effectiveness in the upcoming season, highlighting Kirk’s veteran status over Dell’s performance recovery post-injury.
• The current state of Houston’s offensive line is a concern; with the loss of key players like Laramie Tunsil, there are doubts about how well Kirk can thrive without adequate support.

Justin Fields‘ Starting Role and Fantasy Impact 21:03

“Justin Fields is a starter again.”

• Justin Fields has secured his position as the starting quarterback again, with a reported contract of $40 million, including $30 million guaranteed. Although he is the starter for now, there is uncertainty about his long-term status. At 26 years old, he has averaged 55 rushing yards per game over the last three seasons, making him a top performer in fantasy football. Specifically, he was a top 12 fantasy quarterback in 60% of his starts during that period.
• There’s considerable debate regarding his ranking, particularly in New York. Some speculate that Fields could be a top eight fantasy quarterback, which ignites strong opinions among analysts about his potential performance amidst the New York backdrop.

Implications for Other Players in New York 22:20

“This is great news for Justin Fields as a starting quarterback for fantasy.”

• While Fields stepping into the starting role is seen as a positive for fantasy football, it raises concerns regarding the performance of other players, namely Brees Hall and Garrett Wilson. Fields’ mobile playstyle could limit check-down opportunities, which may negatively affect Brees Hall’s fantasy value, especially since Hall has thrived primarily in the receiving game.
• Although there is optimism for Garrett Wilson due to his history with Fields in college, analysts express caution about how effectively Fields will target him, considering his tendency to keep the ball himself rather than distributing it.

Potential for Najee Harris in Los Angeles 29:15

“How do you feel about Najee Harris‘ fantasy?”

• Najee Harris has signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, although specifics about the contract indicate a significant reduction in total value from earlier reports. If no significant competitor for the starting position is introduced, Harris is projected to have a respectable fantasy season with expectations of over 1,000 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns.
• The emphasis on fantasy relevance suggests that Harris could be a lead dog in the Chargers’ backfield, provided he can meet the production expectations set for him.

Running Back Metrics and Performance Insights 30:49

“If you’re talking about what you need in this offense, a reliable grinder that can score touchdowns, he’s going to have success.”

• The conversation touches on the performance metrics of various running backs, emphasizing the importance of both reliability and touchdown production in an offensive context.
• Najee Harris is highlighted for his consistent availability, having played 17 games for four consecutive years. This reliability is invaluable in a fantasy football setting.
• The speakers discuss Harris’s potential in a team that is likely to adopt a running back committee approach, factoring in another player being added to the mix, potentially through the draft.
• There’s an acknowledgment that if Harris were to be the sole running back, he could have a significantly higher ceiling, possibly ranking as high as RB6, especially if he can produce double-digit touchdowns.

Running Back Transfer Scenario: Javante Williams to Dallas 34:06

“What a disaster. Javante Williams, one-year deal to Dallas.”

• The update on Javante Williams signing with Dallas indicates skepticism regarding his ability to perform following previous injuries, particularly a catastrophic knee injury.
• The discussion dives into the implications of his signing, as it appears Dallas is opting for a less expensive option rather than leveraging existing running backs effectively.
• The commentary reflects on previous seasons, noting that Williams had games where he received competent usage but seemed unable to break tackles or demonstrate explosive capabilities.
• This skepticism may pave the way for a rookie running back to rival Williams for the starting position, hinting at potential volatility for Williams’s future in the league.

The Rams Shake-Up: Davante Adams Deal 37:15

“This pisses me off. I love Cooper Kupp.”

• The signing of Devontae Adams to a two-year, $46 million contract by the Rams raises eyebrows, especially given they previously moved on from Cooper Kupp.
• There’s a debate regarding the decision-making in the Rams’ management, as they seem to favor an older receiver like Adams over Kupp, who has historically been a star in their system.
• The value comparison between the two players is discussed, with opinions suggesting Adams might offer more durability at this point in their careers despite being older.
• This transition raises questions about the team dynamics, with the potential for Adams to impact the usage of younger receivers like Puka Nacua, indicating a notable shift in the Rams’ offensive strategy.

Cooper Kupp‘s Uncertain Future 40:24

“Cooper Kupp doesn’t have a new home yet. He’s still a Ram.”

• Cooper Kupp has not been traded and remains with the Los Angeles Rams, despite ongoing speculation about his future.
• Reports indicate that if a trade isn’t secured, the Rams may release him, highlighting his precarious position.
• There are questions about the nature of Kupp’s contract, suggesting it will not resemble that of Davante Adams.
• Kupp’s fantasy prospects appear dim as he had a fruitful rapport with quarterback Matthew Stafford, which is crucial for his success.

Change in Performance Dynamics 40:40

“Something happened, man. Something behind the scenes.”

• There is concern about Kupp’s dip in performance towards the end of the season, leading to speculation about internal team dynamics.
• Kupp was heavily targeted during the first part of the season, averaging a formidable snap count, but this drastically decreased at the season’s conclusion, indicating a shift in game strategy.
• The change could hint at discontent on Kupp’s part or a tactical decision made by the coaching staff to shift focus elsewhere.

Fantasy Outlook for Wide Receivers 42:20

“It’s not going to be impossible for Adams to give you a lot of big weeks with the Rams.”

• The discussion extends to fellow receiver Davante Adams, who despite being viewed as a wide receiver “two” in fantasy, has the potential to deliver significant weekly returns while playing with Stafford.
• The conversation addresses the injury-prone nature of other players in the Rams’ roster and how it will affect the team’s overall dynamics.
• The latest signings of wide receivers in the offseason have driven up the market value for this position, further complicating the fantasy landscape.

Contract Trends Among Wide Receivers 42:40

“I think we’re experiencing a little bit of an inflationary market for wideouts because the cap has gone up.”

• There is a noticeable trend in the NFL regarding wide receiver contracts, which are escalating rapidly due to a rising salary cap.
• Comparatively, running backs are finding it harder to secure lucrative deals, prompting teams to invest in secondary wide receivers instead.
• The limited talent pool in the recent draft class for wide receivers influences teams’ decisions to lock in existing players, as they look to bolster their rosters strategically.

Running Back Tender Strategy 49:41

“This is the perfect year for the second-round tender for these guys, for running backs.”

• The second-round tender for running backs is deemed particularly valuable this year, as teams are less likely to trade for established players like Jordan Mason of the 49ers.
• There’s skepticism regarding teams giving up a second-round pick for players who will likely require new contracts, especially when they can draft skilled rookies in the same round instead.
• As the conversation reflects, spending a second-round pick this year allows a team to recruit a rookie on a favorable four-year deal, which is an attractive strategy in current circumstances.

Jordan Mason‘s Role in 49ers 50:11

“Jordan Mason is the returning backup to McCaffrey.”

• With Elijah Mitchell‘s departure and Yuschek also moving on, Jordan Mason is positioned as the primary backup for Christian McCaffrey on the 49ers.
• The team seems committed to Mason as a reliable insurance option for McCaffrey, capitalizing on current trends where teams seek depth in their running back positions.
• There were rumors of market interest, such as speculation of the Cowboys wanting to trade for Mason, but his status as a key backup solidifies his role on the team moving forward.

Elijah Mitchell and Team Adjustments 50:54

“Elijah Mitchell‘s problem has always just been staying healthy.”

• The signing of Elijah Mitchell to a one-year deal by the Chiefs feels promising based on his skill set, although his ability to stay healthy remains a concern derived from past performances with the 49ers.
• The discussion raises an interesting point on how a change in training facilities or regimen might impact a player’s health; it’s worth contemplating whether the 49ers’ training approaches, including their strength training, might require re-evaluation to prevent injuries.

Darius Slayton‘s Contract Situation 52:27

“Darius Slayton signed a three-year deal with the Giants.”

• Despite a tumultuous relationship with the Giants, Darius Slayton securing a three-year, $36 million contract illustrates his unexpected resilience and performance in the league.
• The narrative suggests that while the Giants have sought to part ways with him, Slayton’s consistency in earning a substantial contract is a surprising twist and potentially beneficial for the team’s future.

Implications of Player Movement in the League 56:06

“Evan Engram was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars.”

• Evan Engram‘s release from the Jaguars highlights the unpredictability and precarious nature of a player’s career, especially after showcasing considerable productivity in previous seasons.
• His ability to possibly land another job will largely depend on where he fits into future team strategies, emphasizing the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of player roles in the NFL.