Free Agent Predictions + Deebo Trade, Combine Chat

Fantasy Football show for Mar 4, 2025. Free Agency preview and predictions! Plus, Deebo traded, Kelce returns, and other big NFL news! Andy, Mike, and Jason discuss which free agents and landing spots could have a major impact on 2025 fantasy football drafts!  Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast.

Get the lowest price on the 2025 UDK at UltimateDraftKit.com – Instant access to the Dynasty Pass with the UDK+

Connect with the show:

• Subscribe on YouTube
• Visit us on the Web
• Support the Show
• Follow on X
• Follow on Instagram
• Join our Discord

Summary:

Hosts and Birthday Celebrations 00:06

“Mike celebrated a birthday yesterday, one year closer to the end.”

• The hosts of the podcast are Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.
• Mike recently celebrated his birthday, marking another year in his life’s journey.
• His birthday festivities included a trip to Carl’s Jr. and enjoying a football tournament for his son amid a haboob, which is a significant dust storm in Arizona.

The Combine and Fantasy Football Predictions 02:22

“The combine is unfortunately deteriorating for the high-end talent because there’s no need; the downside is higher than the upside.”

• The discussion centered around the NFL Combine, where high-end draft prospects are increasingly choosing not to participate, as the risk of injury typically outweighs potential benefits.
• While star players may sit out, it provides an opportunity for lower-tier players to shine and grab the attention of scouts.
• There is considerable focus on running backs from this draft class, with some expected to severely impact existing depth charts on NFL teams.

Standout Players and Combing Performances 08:06

“Guys that help their stock, Omari Hampton, really showed out.”

• Notable performances from the Combine included Omari Hampton who excelled both in speed and athleticism, projecting him as a potential first-rounder.
• Conversely, players like TZ Johnson underperformed, running slower than expected, raising concerns regarding their NFL prospects despite their on-field talent.
• The conversation reflects a shift in how athletes are evaluated, with much reliance on comprehensive film analysis rather than solely on Combine results.

Trade Predictions and Industry Reactions 09:08

“A new home for Debo; it’s a weird one.”

• The hosts predict trades ahead of free agency, citing Debo Samuel as a key name potentially on the move, raising discussion about the implications for team dynamics.
• The trade between the 49ers and the Commanders is seen as beneficial for both parties, allowing the 49ers to rebuild while adding a versatile player to the Commanders’ lineup.
• The evolution in players’ performance metrics, such as Debo’s gradual decline, adds complexity to the potential impact he could have in his new role.

Deebo’s Impact and Receiver Draft Class Uncertainty 10:47

“Debo did not look anything close to the same type of player to me last year.”

• The discussion highlights concerns about Debo’s performance over the past year, suggesting he may not have performed as expected, likely due to health issues. However, there is optimism that a fresh start in Washington, along with improved health, could positively influence his game.
• Debo may not be seen as a top draft pick in the upcoming season, possibly getting selected as late as the seventh round. There is speculation about his effect on other players, particularly McLaren, but the consensus suggests Debo’s addition will provide mild support rather than a significant impact.
• The wide receiver draft class is described as “very unusual” and not as strong compared to previous years, which could lead teams to pursue trades for established players like DK Metcalf, especially given the lack of robust options in the draft and free agency.

Current Status of Receivers and Team Needs 11:41

“If your team needs a wide receiver, there’s one way to do it, and that’s a trade for a guy.”

• Teams are increasingly considering trades to fill their wide receiver needs due to a lack of immediate impact prospects available for the draft. This will likely create a market for veteran receivers as teams assess how to bolster their positions.
• There are concerns regarding Brandon Aiyuk’s health and potential trading avenues, as reports suggest teams are expressing interest in acquiring him. His situation contributes to the uncertainty regarding available weapons for Brock Purdy, the team’s quarterback.
• The conversation indicates that while Aiyuk may not be fully ready to play due to injuries and contract considerations, he represents a player with significant potential as compared to others in the wide receiver pool.

Teams and Player Contract Negotiations 15:40

“The Jets are taking calls on Davante Adams; spoiler alert, they’re probably not going to find a trade for Davante Adams.”

• There is speculation surrounding Davante Adams’ potential release if a trade does not materialize. Though Adams can still perform at a decent level, his current contract may deter teams from making an investment.
• If released, he would be a highly sought-after free agent, particularly by teams needing a veteran presence on their roster. However, his options may be selective based on his desired team situation, suggesting he may want to align himself with organizations poised for a strong playoff push.
• The conversation touches upon the broader context of how team and player dynamics evolve during contract negotiations and how players may leverage potential relocations for better career opportunities.

Garrett Wilson‘s Extension Talks 20:53

“I’m willing to discuss a long-term extension.”

• Garrett Wilson has expressed his openness to negotiate a long-term contract with the New York Jets. He stated, “I will be listening” to any offers presented to him regarding contract extensions. This indicates his interest in securing a solid financial future, which he refers to as “Payday”.
• Wilson’s willingness to entertain discussions suggests that he is not only focused on his performance but also on ensuring stability in his career. His readiness to listen to proposals could indicate that he values his position within the team and the potential for growth moving forward.

Trade Talks for DK Metcalf 22:04

“There’s a trade on the table.”

• The possibility of trades involving wide receiver DK Metcalf has been a topic of conversation, especially with the Green Bay Packers reportedly interested. Sources indicate that the Packers have presented a trade involving receiver Davian Wicks or Romeo Doubs, paired with draft capital.
• The discussions around trades have shifted the landscape of team strategies. There’s speculation that the Packers desire not only to obtain Metcalf but also to enhance their draft strategy, as they do not seem inclined to offer a first-round pick along with one of their promising younger players for the acquisition.

Salary Cap Dynamics and Free Agency Predictions 25:31

“The salary cap is the overall amount of money that every team is allowed to spend in the NFL.”

• The salary cap is a critical concept in NFL team management, representing the limit on how much each team can spend on player contracts in a given season. Each team must adhere to this hard cap and can’t exceed it.
• As teams navigate the salary cap, they juggle the immediate impacts of contracts versus future commitments. Teams with considerable cap space can afford to offer lucrative contracts to free agents, while those in cap trouble might delay payments or restructure deals to manage their financial situations.
• With the beginning of the legal tampering period approaching, teams are preparing for negotiations, and insights into player evaluations and cap numbers will play a crucial role in the decisions teams make moving forward.

Quarterback Predictions and Team Needs 30:25

“I think they don’t know what they have in McCarthy, and Darnold coming back makes sense if they can find a good enough deal for the Vikings.”

• Analysts are considering the future of various quarterbacks in the league, speculating on potential movements among teams. Sam Darnold might be a key piece if a team decides to build around him after seeing positive performances last year.
• There are doubts about whether teams will aggressively pursue Darnold, with a few analysts suggesting the Vikings as a likely destination. If they don’t make a deal, he could end up with the Raiders or even the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Team Decisions on Quarterback Options 35:46

“I think the Browns can get Cam at two; I would be shocked if Cam doesn’t go one.”

• There is considerable speculation about the draft and teams’ needs for quarterbacks. Analysts highlight the possibility of the Browns moving up to secure a quarterback like Cam Ward, indicating that if he is not chosen first, he may still be a priority for them.
• Justin Fields is also discussed as a fit for the Jets, with analysts believing he could become a competent starter due to his previous success in the Steelers’ system.

Running Back Market Overview 35:38

“We think he’s coming back, and the Vikings is the pick for this one.”

• The conversation shifts to notable free-agent running backs, starting with Aaron Jones, who is seen as a key player for teams like the Vikings looking to maintain a strong running game.
• Other running backs like Najee Harris and Nick Chubb are also mentioned as likely to explore new opportunities with teams like the Raiders or the Steelers, as both are in critical need of running back help.

Injured Players and Career Questions 39:07

“Javonte is 29? No, he’s not; it’s 24.9.”

• There is an interesting discussion about the potential careers of younger running backs, and Javonte Williams‘s age is corrected to show he still has quite some time left in his career.
• Analysts speculate on how these players can fit into the various teams’ rosters, with Williams being targeted by teams needing backup options behind established starters.

Trade Speculations Surrounding Zamir White 39:50

“Zamir White is available for trade if anybody wants that.”

• The conversation highlights the Chargers potentially moving on from player Dobbins due to pricing issues, leading to discussions around the Raiders’ running back situation, which is currently struggling.
• Zamir White has surfaced as a trade candidate, signaling that while the Raiders don’t want to part with him, they might consider it for the right offer.
• The discussion likens the trade scenario to a comical situation where potential buyers must be extremely interested before being granted access, illustrating the absurdity of the current trade market dynamics.

Veteran Wide Receiver Predictions 41:28

“Stefon Diggs is on his last legs.”

• The dialogue shifts to the landscape of veteran wide receivers, starting with Stefon Diggs, who has recently suffered an ACL injury. Despite being 31 years old, there remains a belief that he can still contribute at a reduced capacity.
• The Panthers emerge as a team willing to invest in aging wide receivers, indicating a strategy to bolster their team around young quarterback Bryce Young.
• The Ravens and Steelers are also discussed as contenders for acquiring veteran talent, with a particular emphasis on addressing their offensive needs after facing injuries to key players.

The Value of Established Receivers in the Market 43:10

“Keenan Allen is almost 33 years old, 15th all-time in receptions.”

• The significance of Keenan Allen’s experience is acknowledged, as he sits on the verge of entering the top ten all-time receptions list.
• The speculation around his potential landing spots includes a humorous reference to the Chargers, suggesting a possible reunion, as well as conjecture about the Chiefs where his style could benefit quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
• The viability of Amari Cooper is also considered, with predictions suggesting that he could return to the Saints or the Cowboys, highlighting the interest around established receivers and their perceived trade value.

Evaluating Running Backs in the Draft 49:36

“I am very afraid of his position and what his opportunity is going to be.”

• The discussion revolves around the challenges associated with drafting running backs, particularly those in precarious situations. Concerns are particularly pronounced for players with a final year rookie deal who may not perform well due to injuries. Players like Isaiah Peko are seen as having uncertain roles, especially given the potential for teams to draft new talent that could overshadow existing players.
• A comparison is made between Isaiah Peko and other running backs, revealing that while Peko may be valuable, the addition of new talent in a strong draft class could drastically change his standing on the team. The recommendation is to trade for such players only at a very low cost due to these uncertainties.

Quarterback Influence on Brock Bowers‘ Future 51:18

“If I’ve got Brock Bowers from a dynasty perspective, if I get Rodgers this year and then they’re probably going to be bad, then maybe they can get a quality quarterback next year.”

• The conversation highlights the impact of quarterback choices on the performance and potential of tight end Brock Bowers. It suggests that veteran quarterbacks may offer more stability compared to rookie counterparts, with the hope that a more seasoned player could smooth the transition into a new starting quarterback for future seasons.
• It’s mentioned that a strategic decision to bring in a veteran like Aaron Rodgers could allow the team to develop and secure a solid quarterback for the future, ultimately benefitting Bowers’ long-term prospects. The dynamics of a quarterback’s performance and team success are emphasized, illustrating their importance for players in offensive skill positions.