What Went Wrong? + MORE Free Agent Frenzy!

Summary:

Podcast Overview and Host Introduction 00:06

“Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers podcast with your hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.”

• The Fantasy Footballers podcast is hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright. This episode is dedicated to discussing significant topics surrounding fantasy football, including player performances and NFL free agency.

Jason’s Commitment to the Show 00:34

“Jason Moore, the Cal Ripken Jr. of the podcast, flew in at 4:00 a.m. today just to make sure you didn’t miss this episode.”

• Jason Moore demonstrates his dedication by flying in from out of town at 4:00 a.m. for the podcast. This reflects the commitment of the hosts to deliver fresh content, particularly during critical periods such as free agency.

Recap of Player Performance Issues 02:06

“What went wrong? Not every player drafted with a high ADP worked out for fantasy players last year.”

• The hosts introduce a new segment called “What Went Wrong,” focusing on players who failed to meet expectations despite being drafted early. They aim to analyze the circumstances around these disappointments to help listeners better understand future prospects.

Analysis of Dalton Kincaid‘s Performance 04:06

“Dalton Kincaid, an early fifth-round fantasy draft pick, finished as tight end 28 in 13 games.”

• Dalton Kincaid was highly anticipated after a strong rookie season, but his performance took a downturn, finishing as the 28th ranked tight end last year. Many expected him to rise in rank post the departure of Stefan Diggs, yet his numbers declined significantly, which raised concerns among fantasy players about his potential.

Observations on Kincaid’s Game 04:55

“He caught 80% of his passes as a rookie, but last year dropped to 59%.”

• Analyzing Kincaid’s playing style reveals that he struggled to perform, evidenced by a significant drop in his catch percentage. As the season progressed, it became clear that despite the initial promise, he was not effectively contributing to the team’s offense.

Disappointing Trends in Kincaid’s Role 08:16

“Kincaid ran a much higher percentage of go routes compared to tight ends, but he recorded zero receiving yards on those attempts.”

• Analyzing his route running shows Kincaid had a high volume of go routes, yet he was unable to capitalize on these opportunities, resulting in zero receiving yards. This lack of connection with quarterback Josh Allen further solidified doubts about his role moving forward.

The Importance of Early Breakouts for Tight Ends 11:10

“To have a real breakout, it has to happen in your year one or year two, or your percentage chance goes way down that you’re going to be a truly viable fantasy tight end.”

• Historically, tight ends need to make an impact in their first or second year to establish themselves as viable players in fantasy football.
• Players who struggle in their initial years face significantly reduced chances of success moving forward.
• A few notable exceptions include Kyle Pitts and Trey McBride, who performed well in their rookie years but faced challenges in subsequent seasons, which raises questions on their long-term viability.
• Identifying whether new tight ends like Sam LaPorta or Cade Otton will follow successful trajectories is crucial for fantasy managers.

Analyzing Rookie Tight End Performance 13:55

“Those are all names that are all first round tight ends, and you’re probably going to have two more this year.”

• The discussion includes comparisons between tight ends drafted in the first round and their varying success rates.
• Names such as Kyle Pitts and LaPorta were highlighted as past first-round picks that didn’t meet performance expectations in their second seasons.
• Rookie tight ends traditionally struggle, so the performance of upcoming talents like Brock Bowers might determine whether they break the mold of this trend.
• The dynamic of drafting rookie tight ends in late rounds versus established players is debated, with suggestions that taking a shot on a rookie is preferable to relying on those who have underperformed.

2025 Free Agency Landscape 14:00

“The free agency period has been slow, and I guess it’s just because of the free agents available.”

• The upcoming free agency for 2025 is characterized as underwhelming, dominated by aging skill players such as wide receivers and running backs, resulting in diminished excitement.
• With a deep draft class for running backs, the opportunity for effective replacements in the rookie draft decreases the market for veteran running backs.
• The lack of headline-making players in the free agent market, like Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry, means teams are more likely to value draft selections over signing established but older talent.

Waiver Wire Discussed and Potential Team Fits 21:37

“You could bring those three dudes in, and you just have a wide receiver room for a year.”

• The discussion revolves around potential player acquisitions, particularly focusing on three wide receivers that a team could bring in to strengthen their roster. Mention was made of the Raiders, who currently lack established receivers.
• The idea is that by acquiring multiple wide receivers in one go, a team could end up with a couple that perform well in the upcoming season.

Aaron Rodgers‘ Situation and Team Options 22:35

“It is not that hard; if you have an offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, you go to the Pittsburgh Steelers.”

• The conversation highlights frustrations regarding Aaron Rodgers‘ indecision about future offers from interested teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants.
• Commentators noted that picking a destination should be straightforward for a seasoned quarterback like Rodgers, especially when considering Super Bowl-winning potential.

Denver Broncos Tight End Acquisition 24:20

“I think Denver is one of my favorite playoff teams next year; they’re going to be fun.”

• The Broncos recently signed tight end Evan Ingram, viewed as a significant move to enhance their offense.
• Interest was expressed about the implications of this signing, noting that it allows the team to focus on other positions in the upcoming draft while fulfilling their need for a versatile tight end capable of contributing in various roles.

Fantasy Football Implications of Player Moves 26:11

“This is about as good of a destination as possible for fantasy football.”

• The effects of player signings on fantasy football were discussed, with Evan Ingram’s move to Denver being seen as a positive change for his fantasy value.
• The discussion also brought up the challenges faced by other tight ends, specifically Jawan Johnson, as players who receive high compensation may not always meet fantasy football expectations.

Running Back Moves and Future Potential 28:22

“Rico D could be a sensational signing for the Carolina Panthers.”

• Rico Dowdle‘s signing with the Panthers was analyzed, particularly regarding his potential as a backup running back to Chuba Hubbard.
• Despite Dowdle’s limited starting opportunities, there is optimism about his performance if he were to assume a larger role, especially given his efficient rushing statistics from previous seasons.

Player Contracts and Market Value 31:19

“His one-year contract worth $2.75 million tells you what we think about Rico D.”

• The discussion highlights the players’ market value based on their contracts. Rico D’s one-year deal suggests that he is viewed more as a backup player rather than a starter within the league. There are only a few teams with running backs similar to his playing style, indicating a niche market for his skills.
• The hosts compare Rico to other running backs like Najee Harris and Javonte Williams, noting that Rico did not receive as lucrative a contract as these players. This lack of interest from teams indicates that Rico is likely not seen as a more valuable option than these players.
• The remarks indicate that while the hosts are not being negative about Rico, they are simply highlighting the reality of his current standing in the market.

Dynasty League Strategy and Rookie Drafts 32:00

“If you’re in a dynasty league and you’ve got Chuba, trading for Rico could be a smart thing to do.”

• In dynasty leagues, the value of third-round rookie picks can significantly rise during the draft season, making them more desirable to other managers. This situation presents an opportunity to trade for players like Rico D as their value can increase due to fluctuating player dynamics in the league.
• If Chuba Hubbard, another running back, were to get injured, Rico would likely become a valuable starter, possibly ranking as a top 24 player in fantasy leagues. This potential makes him an appealing investment for managers looking for depth in their rosters.

Recent Team Signings and Market Dynamics 32:46

“Aaron Rodgers was just released with $49 million in dead money while the Steelers are willing to pay for that kind of player.”

• The conversation shifts to recent player transactions, highlighting the dead money incurred by teams as they manage their rosters. The discussion mentions the significant sums involved, such as the $49 million dead cap for Aaron Rodgers, showcasing the financial stakes teams are willing to take.
• The Steelers’ interest in quarterbacks like Mason Rudolph and potential trades for veteran players illustrates how teams are navigating quarterback vacancies and re-evaluating their strategies amidst a market filled with backups and uncertainty.

Reactions to Key Signings and Player Relevance 34:22

“DeAndre Hopkins signed to a one-year deal, but he may not matter for fantasy.”

• DeAndre Hopkins signing with the Ravens is viewed as a headline-making move, but the hosts express skepticism about his impact on fantasy leagues due to his age and limited playing time. They argue that while such veterans may have stories or headlines, their on-field performance may not significantly contribute to fantasy outcomes.
• The mention of other players with a similar career trajectory reinforces the narrative that teams like Baltimore often attract aging stars who enter the twilight of their careers.

Backup Running Backs and Their Impact 38:58

“Kenny Gainwell’s signing raises questions about the Steelers’ running back system.”

• A wave of backup signings leads to discussions about potential impacts on each team’s management. Kenneth Gainwell and Khalil Herbert were highlighted as notable signings, with the hosts pondering how these players might fit into the Steelers’ running back strategy.
• The importance of insurance backs, especially for teams with running backs prone to injuries, is emphasized. Gainwell’s potential to step up if the starter were to go down makes him a player to monitor during drafts, especially in fantasy leagues.

Observations on Player Signings 41:27

“This isn’t a frenzy; this is the light breeze, but also it smells like sewer breeze.”

• The conversation begins with a humorous take on the current state of NFL player signings, likening it to a light breeze rather than a chaotic frenzy, suggesting a tepid market where excitement is lacking.
• The hosts discuss notable free agent players like Amari Cooper and Keenan Allen. Their previous status as top-tier NFL players surfaces curiosity about their current capabilities and potential signings.
• JK Dobbins and Nick Chubb are noted as particularly interesting cases; there’s speculation around whether Chubb can recover from injuries, which plays into the uncertain landscape of free agent running backs.

The Impact of the Draft on Free Agents 42:45

“These signings haven’t happened because we’re entering the tier of free agents where you might want to see what happens in the draft.”

• The timing of the draft is a key factor affecting player signings, with many teams likely to hold off until after the draft to finalize their plans. This demonstrates how the NFL draft serves as a pivotal moment for team strategy and player movement.
• Keenan Allen‘s situation is highlighted; his preference to potentially wait until summer for a better opportunity illustrates the strategic decisions players may make amidst uncertain market conditions.
• The current landscape for running backs appears bleak, with few starting roles available, causing concern for players still looking for teams.

Upcoming Podcast Highlights 44:40

“Next week we have trending or ending, we’ve got Liar Liar, we got a mailbag.”

• The episode wraps up with a preview of upcoming topics, indicating a continued engagement with the audience through interactive segments like a mailbag show.
• Listeners are encouraged to join their fantasy football community, suggesting a focus on collaborative experiences and insights within that community realm.