NFL free agency fallout: Early impressions for fantasy
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals – Considering they didn’t have a quarterback on the roster, the dual signing of Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon probably shouldn’t be a surprise. Bradford will actually be a nice fit with receiver Larry Fitzgerald while he’s on the field. Unfortunately, Bradford doesn’t have a good track record of being healthy. Glennon would be a huge downgrade but Fitzgerald has worked with worse through his career. Don’t forget about running back David Johnson. He could easily be the top scorer in fantasy, full stop. He’s still going in the top five in drafts but he’s worth every bit of draft capital. He injured his wrist, which is easier to recover from than an ACL injury. Johnson and Fitzgerald will be the only reliable weekly options in the desert.
Los Angeles Rams – There have been a lot of changes for the Rams so far, although not really through free agency. They have brought in Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib and retained Lamarcus Joyner and Nickell Robey-Coleman. Their secondary is incredibly gifted and coordinator Wade Phillips is going to have a lot of fun in 2018. Offensively, they need to find someone to replace the deep threat of Sammy Watkins in their receiving corps. Robert Woods climbs a little bit but it’s not a sure thing he can be a number one in the offense. Running back Todd Gurley could be the top overall pick and it would be totally justified. Quarterback Jared Goff is a low-end QB1 heading into 2018 with coach Sean McVay in his ears.
San Francisco 49ers – Other than cornerback Richard Sherman, the 49ers haven’t done much so far. Sure, they signed quarterback jimmy Garoppolo to a massive contract as he is viewed as the franchise cornerstone. Even though they missed out on Robinson and Watkins, they do get Pierre Garcon back from injury. Marquise Goodwin and Garcon both are in the WR3 range. San Francisco also potentially found a dynamic running back in Jerick McKinnon, formerly of the Vikings. There’s questions about the amount of carries he can handle but he should get the lions share with Matt Breida spelling him. McKinnon has a ton of talent and has a good shot to be an RB2. Garoppolo is the best option in the offense and should be viewed as a lower tier QB1.
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Seattle Seahawks – Will quarterback Russell Wilson get extra bonus points if he catches the ball after he throws it? Fantasy players may find out this year because right now the Seahawks offense is in a tough spot. They have lost both Jimmy Graham and Paul Richardson to free agency and are left with receiver Doug Baldwin … and not much else. The offensive line still isn’t good and they have very little spark at the running back position. Wilson will be an elite option, maybe even a top three quarterback for fantasy. Unless there’s a big change, he and Baldwin are the only fantasy options. the defense will be overdraft based off reputation alone.