The fantasy soccer offseason kicked off with NFL free company. This column is designed to be a one-stop store for quick-hitting evaluation of probably the most impactful participant motion — trades and free-agent signings, together with those that re-signed with their groups.
ESPN Fantasy writers Tristan H. Cockcroft, Eric Karabell, Liz Loza and Eric Moody provide their insights into what every transfer means for a participant’s fantasy worth in 2023.
The 2023 fantasy soccer season begins now!Join a staff or reactivate your league at present!
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers traded to JetsFantasy impression: Optimistic
Rodgers completed the 2022 season because the No. 13 quarterback in ESPN customary scoring with 239.2 PPR factors, however that determine is a bit deceptive. Rodgers performed in all 17 video games, averaging 14.1 factors per recreation, and that disappointing determine ranked effectively exterior the highest 20 certified quarterbacks, worse than Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo and Sam Darnold, and tied with the benched Carson Wentz. Rodgers comes off arguably his worst full season, however we must always keep in mind the prior two seasons when he was a top-five fantasy QB and earned two extra NFL MVP awards. — Karabell … For your complete evaluation of the impression on the Jets and Packers, click on right here.
Lamar Jackson re-signs with RavensFantasy impression: Impartial
Hours earlier than the beginning of the NFL draft, the Jackson saga mercifully reached its conclusion along with his return to the Ravens on an enormous, five-year deal. He is one of many place’s finest, the 2019 NFL MVP, and his 20.7 fantasy factors per recreation the three years since are fourth finest amongst quarterbacks, although his 9 video games missed in that point underscores his harm threat. Maybe underneath new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Jackson will probably be tasked with throwing extra usually and operating much less, holding him on the sphere extra successfully. The web end result for fantasy needs to be proper round the place he normally is — a strong, top-five-caliber QB. — Cockcroft
Derek Carr indicators with SaintsFantasy impression: Impartial
Carr is an effective match for the Saints’ offense and is just one season faraway from throwing for 4,804 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2021. Whereas he has an opportunity to duplicate that efficiency in 2023, even that sturdy season locations him 14th amongst fantasy QBs. The truth is, Carr has by no means completed within the high 10 on the place in fantasy factors.
Chris Olave is well the participant who advantages most from Carr’s arrival. Olave had 1,042 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns as a rookie, with Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston underneath middle. Carr will look to use Olave’s skill to assault defenses vertically. Final season, Carr led the league in touchdowns on downfield passes of 30 yards or extra. — Moody
Jimmy Garoppolo indicators with RaidersFantasy impression: Impartial
After six years in San Francisco, Garoppolo will reunite with Josh McDaniels in Las Vegas. Regardless of averaging 7.9 YPA, the veteran QB averaged simply 15.0 fantasy factors (QB19 amongst qualifiers) in 2022. He is much less prone to be as environment friendly in Vegas, however given the staff’s surrounding expertise his manufacturing figures to stay static. In a largely lateral transfer, the Raiders’ ability place gamers — Davante Adams chief amongst them — should not be downgraded given the QB change. Coming off of a late-season foot harm, Jimmy G stays a middling QB2 for superflex functions. — Loza
Baker Mayfield indicators with BuccaneersFantasy impression: Impartial
Mayfield singed a one-year take care of Tampa Bay and now, because of his late-season resurgence with the Rams, has an opportunity to compete for the beginning job together with the staff’s 2021 second-round choose Kyle Trask. For his profession, Mayfield has solely averaged 15.14 fantasy factors per recreation as a starter. It’s seemingly that this development will proceed with extensive receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in Tampa Bay if he wins the beginning job. He may be seen as a middle-of-the-road QB2 in fantasy. — Moody
Jacoby Brissett indicators with Commanders Fantasy impression: Impartial
Somebody has to play QB for the Commanders and Brissett, who averaged 10.5 PPR factors per recreation in 11 begins for the Browns, ought to compete with untested Sam Howell. Brissett is skilled and competent, and in multi-QB and SuperFlex codecs, effectively, each beginning QB issues. Brissett gives no statistical upside, even with wonderful WRs, however he can run and avoids interceptions. — Karabell
Operating Again
Miles Sanders indicators with PanthersFantasy impression: Impartial
Sanders spent his complete profession with the Eagles and simply had his finest season. He completed the common season with 279 touches, 1,347 complete yards and 11 touchdowns. Sanders’ addition signifies that he would be the Panthers’ main operating again in 2023 since D’Onta Foreman was not retained in free company. Sanders will take handoffs from the not too long ago signed Andy Dalton or whoever the Panthers choose with the primary general choose in 2023. Though Sanders stays a strong RB2, he may discover himself on the RB1 radar if he’s used extra as a receiver by the Panthers. Since getting into the league, Sanders has truly caught 71% of his targets. — Moody
David Montgomery indicators with LionsFantasy impression: Impartial-to-positive
Whereas the first takeaway of Montgomery’s transfer is that Khalil Herbert, who totaled 42.0 PPR fantasy factors on a 59% dashing share in seven-plus quarters as Montgomery’s harm fill-in, is now a starter, the impression on Montgomery is not a lot much less fascinating. Assuming he is Jamaal Williams’ substitute, there’s loads of meat there, as Williams was dominating in a red-zone/short-yardage/injury-sub capability, in an offensive system a lot conducive to large dashing totals (Lions had been eleventh in dashing yards, first in RB PPR fantasy factors). Montgomery retains mid-range RB2 enchantment and can vault larger within the ranks for every of D’Andre Swift’s inevitable absences. — Cockcroft
Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr. staying with Dolphins Fantasy impression: Impartial
Maybe the most important shock is that every veteran performed in 16 video games final season. Accidents have lengthy hampered them. Mostert produced extra like a flex possibility than fantasy starter, however a reliable one averaging 4.9 yards per rush. Wilson is a bit larger and youthful. Neither performed a lot of a job within the passing recreation. Hurrah for each in returning, however it is a clear time-share for fantasy managers, holding every extra in flex territory quite than as a dependable starter. — Karabell
Jamaal Williams indicators with SaintsFantasy impression: Impartial
Because of Williams’ participating character and statistical manufacturing, he turned a fan favourite of Lions’ followers and fantasy managers in the course of the 2022 season. Williams had 262 dashing makes an attempt for 1,066 dashing yards and 17 touchdowns final season, all profession highs. He averaged 13.2 fantasy factors per recreation. Whereas one other 17-touchdown season is unlikely, fantasy managers can anticipate sturdy manufacturing from Williams in New Orleans subsequent season with Derek Carr underneath middle. He needs to be actively concerned and, given the uncertainty with Alvin Kamara, may outperform his ADP:. — Moody
Devin Singletary indicators with TexansFantasy impression: Impartial
Fantasy managers Dameon Pierce as a possible RB1 in 2023 will probably be upset by Singletary’s arrival. Each will work in a committee with the Texans. Singletary has surpassed 950 complete yards in every of his final three seasons with the Payments. Over that timeframe, he is additionally averaged 13.0 touches per recreation. It is seemingly that development will proceed with the Texans. Singletary is on the flex radar as a pleasant complement to Pierce, who’s now extra of an RB2. — Moody
Rashaad Penny indicators with EaglesFantasy impression: Optimistic
Some would possibly scoff on the NFC champs swapping free agent Miles Sanders for Penny, as Penny performed in solely 18 video games the previous three seasons, however the Eagles detest investing large {dollars} in operating backs. Penny averaged higher than 6.0 YPC every of the previous two truncated seasons and he piles on yards after contact. The Eagles boast arguably the league’s high offensive line, but additionally a looming time-share with Kenneth Gainwell. If out of the blue sturdy, Penny has RB2 upside, however it’s a large “if.” — Karabell
Damien Harris indicators with BillsFantasy impression: Impartial
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Harris stays within the division and replaces Devin Singletary (signed with Texans). Whereas Harris is greater and extra confirmed than the youthful James Cook dinner — keep in mind, Harris scored 15 TDs in 2021! — the Payments love Cook dinner. He will probably be a lot concerned within the offense, as will pass-catching again Nyheim Hines. Harris turned the backup in New England and he might discover it equally tough to earn touches in Buffalo. — Karabell
James Robinson indicators with PatriotsFantasy impression: Adverse
A shock, undrafted star with the Jaguars in 2020, Robinson was not the identical participant final yr, coming back from a torn Achilles and hampered by knee woes. The Patriots boast a star in Rhamondre Stevenson, who exceeded 1,000 dashing yards and caught 69 passes, so Robinson replaces Damien Harris, whose function was quite muted final season. Robinson is a late-round fantasy funding, at finest. — Karabell
Huge Receiver
DeAndre Hopkins, Tennessee Titans
Fantasy impression: Optimistic
ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported that the Tennessee Titans will probably be signing Hopkins. He was launched by the Cardinals in late Might. Hopkins is 31 years outdated and has been one of many high extensive receivers within the league since becoming a member of the NFL in 2013. Throughout that timeframe, he ranks first in receptions, second in receiving yards and fourth in receiving touchdowns. Though Hopkins confronted a suspension sidelining him for the preliminary six video games of final season and a knee sprain that saved him out of motion in the course of the last two weeks, his efficiency on the sphere demonstrated that he not began to say no because of age. Hopkins completed because the WR9 in fantasy factors per recreation and likewise commanded a powerful 29.4% goal share. He has a transparent path to 120+ targets and may be seen as a top-20 extensive receiver in redraft fantasy soccer leagues. The arrival of Hopkins reduces Treylon Burks’ potential for a breakout season. -Moody
DJ Moore traded to BearsFantasy impression: Optimistic
Moore takes over as Justin Fields’ high receiving goal. It is a good factor in relative phrases, contemplating the revolving door of mediocre passers with whom he labored in Carolina. Fields’ passing recreation would possibly nonetheless be creating, however he heightens Moore’s statistical ceiling, even when the 2 have better variance than the typical QB-WR duo. Moore turns into a midrange WR2, whereas Fields’ QB1 case strengthens.
That mentioned, Moore’s arrival gobbles a bigger piece of the Bears’ target-share pie, rendering Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney extra matchups-oriented depth choices, whereas tight finish Cole Kmet ought to profit however be at extra threat of the occasional quiet recreation. We’ll see how this Bears offense fares underneath Fields, however I nonetheless like Claypool’s upside towards weaker defenses greater than Mooney’s. — Cockcroft
Brandin Cooks traded to CowboysFantasy impression: Optimistic
Yet one more journey for the journeyman! Cooks boasts six seasons with 1,000 receiving yards for 4 franchises, and he ought to thrive in Dallas with a high quarterback and offensive system. Cooks battled harm and motivation this previous season with the lowly Texans, reaching 100 receiving yards in solely the ultimate recreation, however the pace and expertise stay. Michael Gallup buyers won’t be happy, however Cooks appears primed to return to WR2 standing. — Karabell
JuJu Smith-Schuster indicators with PatriotsFantasy impression: Optimistic
Smith-Schuster performed one season with QB Patrick Mahomes and was barely a WR3, however now he will get to be the highest goal for QB Mac Jones. Sure, it’s a lesser offense than the Chiefs for positive, however there needs to be extra targets, extra possibilities to attain TDs. Smith-Schuster might by no means duplicate his implausible 2018 season, however he ought to enhance on his 2022 numbers, even with the Patriots, who had been twentieth in passing yards per recreation. — Karabell
Elijah Moore traded to BrownsFantasy impression: Optimistic
Moore was stricken by poor quarterback play and the emergence of Garrett Wilson final season. He managed double-digit PPR fantasy factors solely twice in 2022, however Moore will get a recent begin in Cleveland at an early stage in his NFL profession. The 22-year-old can have better alternative with the Browns than he would have with a Jets staff transforming upfront of the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers, however he’ll want to select up his personal play so as to recapture what was as soon as a future on the borderline of WR1 standing. He’ll be value a top-50 speculative choose, however monitor his preseason carefully. — Cockcroft
Odell Beckham Jr. indicators with RavensFantasy impression: Netural
It is official: OBJ has a brand new staff. The Ravens had been capable of get a deal performed with Beckham earlier than his scheduled assembly with the Jets.. The AFC North will probably be Beckham’s residence once more, as he performed for the Browns from 2019-21. Ravens extensive receivers had the fewest receiving yards (1,517), targets (200) and receptions (124) final season. The veteran extensive receiver will assist Baltimore in these statistical classes, however accidents have taken their toll. Beckham had 5 1,000-yard seasons in his first six NFL seasons. The final time he reached 600 receiving yards was in 2019. Beckham is Lamar Jackson’s finest extensive receiver and is on the WR2/flex radar. — Moody
Adam Thielen indicators with PanthersFantasy impression: Impartial
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The offseason is heating up and it is the proper time to kick off your fantasy season. Create a league and customise league measurement, scoring and guidelines to play within the league you need to play in.
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Thielen was step one in rebuilding the Panthers’ extensive receiver room, because the staff additionally added DJ Chark. There is a good probability Thielen will probably be Frank Reich’s high pink zone goal. With simply 9 passing touchdowns within the pink zone in 2022, the Panthers tied for final within the NFL. Since 2016, solely Davante Adams and Travis Kelce have caught extra pink zone touchdowns than Thielen. Fantasy managers would possibly think about Thielen a flex possibility relying on the Panthers’ extensive receiver and quarterback additions. — Moody
Jakobi Meyers indicators with Raiders Fantasy Impression: Impartial
After signing a three-year deal that features $21M assured, Meyers is heading west and reuniting with former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. In New England, the NC State participant maintained a goal share above 22%, clearing at the least 80 seems to be in three consecutive seasons. With Darren Waller headed to the Giants, Meyers may retain a lot of that quantity. Moreover, he figures to see an uptick in exterior alternatives. Curiously, Meyers’ slot snaps elevated by practically 3% after McDaniels’ departure. Meyers enters 2023 as a high-floor PPR possibility with little TD upside within the WR3 vary. — Loza
Allen Lazard indicators with JetsFantasy impression: Impartial
Lazard had occasional moments of enjoyable taking part in with Aaron Rodgers in Inexperienced Bay and who is aware of — trace, trace — they might be reunited! Nevertheless, the Jets have already got the league’s high offensive rookie in WR Garrett Wilson. He’s actually good! Lazard is simply OK, and even when we assume he sees extra targets than new teammates Corey Davis and Mecole Hardman, it’s onerous to see WR3 fantasy numbers. Lazard acquired paid, however statistically, we might have seen his finest already. — Karabell
DJ Chark indicators with PanthersFantasy impression: Impartial
Chark joins a revamped Panthers extensive receiver room that additionally consists of Terrace Marshall Jr., Adam Thielen and Laviska Shenault Jr. Final yr, Chark performed solely 11 video games because of an ankle harm, however completed the season on a excessive notice, averaging 64.7 receiving yards and 11.0 fantasy factors within the last six video games. Availability is a authentic concern, although, as Chark has performed solely 54 video games up to now 5 seasons. Fantasy managers ought to think about him as a low-end flex possibility as a speedy, deep risk in Frank Reich’s offense. Chark has averaged 14.5 yards per reception since 2019. — Moody
Michael Thomas restructures deal, stays with the SaintsFantasy impression: Impartial
Thomas has averaged 7.7 targets and 13.3 fantasy factors per recreation since 2020 for the Saints. Nevertheless, since he has performed in solely 10 video games over that timeframe, Thomas’ availability is a serious concern. Chris Olave’s outlook will probably be boosted by the addition of Derek Carr, however it’s tough to view Thomas as something greater than a flex possibility. — Moody
Darius Slayton re-signs with GiantsFantasy impression: Impartial
New York’s receiving yards chief (with solely 724) returns and, whereas Slayton has but to catch greater than 50 passes in any of his 4 NFL seasons and he has scored solely seven touchdowns over the previous three campaigns, maybe the most effective is but to return. The Giants have added TE Darren Waller, however which will truly assist the staff’s extensive receivers. Slayton will compete with Isaiah Hodgins and Parris Campbell for targets. — Karabell
Tight Finish
Darren Waller traded to GiantsFantasy impression: Optimistic
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This supremely proficient tight finish strikes to an offense in determined want of playmakers. Waller would possibly return to 90-plus receptions and 1,000-plus receiving yards, even with Daniel Jones at QB. Waller is that good and the remainder of the Giants — none of whom hit 60 catches or 750 receiving yards final season — don’t stand out. Waller simply wants to remain wholesome, which needs to be the larger concern. Nonetheless, he could be a top-five TE — even on this offense. — Karabell
Dalton Schultz indicators with TexansFantasy impression: Impartial
Schultz would be the Texans’ main cross catching tight finish in 2023. The tight finish place stays as desolate because the panorama in an apocalyptic movie, however Schultz is fantasy related once you have a look at his stats. Within the final three seasons with the Cowboys, he is averaged 5.8 targets and 10.3 fantasy factors. He can nonetheless be thought-about a high-end TE2, even with a rookie underneath middle for the Texans — Moody
Mike Gesicki indicators with PatriotsFantasy impression: Optimistic
Gesicki was among the many top-five tight ends in each targets and receptions two seasons in the past, and he was fantasy-worthy for 3 consecutive seasons in Miami earlier than the Tyreek Hill acquisition blunted his statistics. The Patriots will pair Gesicki with Hunter Henry and maybe neither can really thrive within the tandem, however Gesicki is a sturdy downfield risk. We might not rank him as a top-10 TE, however he may get there. — Karabell
Hayden Hurst indicators with PanthersFantasy impression: Impartial
Hurst carried out effectively sufficient final season on a one-year take care of the Bengals, catching 52 of 68 targets for 414 receiving yards and two touchdowns however generated solely 4 video games with 10 or extra fantasy factors. With the Panthers set to select their new quarterback with the primary general choose within the draft, it is necessary to do not forget that tight ends are a key facet of a Frank Reich offense. Hurst stays a viable TE2/streamer in fantasy. — Moody
