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Fantasy football: Five underrated free agent signings with big fantasy potential

By Brian Towne

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 27: Eric Ebron #85 of the Indianapolis Colts runs the ball after a catch in the game against the Denver Broncos during the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 27: Eric Ebron #85 of the Indianapolis Colts runs the ball after a catch in the game against the Denver Broncos during the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Five Underrated Free Agent Signings With Fantasy Potential

Last month, we took a look at five big names on new teams, this month, we are taking a look at five underrated free agent acquisitions that could thrive after switching teams. Last season, we saw unheralded players like WR John Brown (Bills) and RB Carlos Hyde (Texans) change teams and put up 1000 yard seasons and show fantasy dependability.

None of these players are projected to be drafted very high, however, with OTA’s and training camps significantly altered this season, veterans will be relied on even more to make plays for their new teams when the games start. These guys definitely could earn the “Steal” label come fantasy draft season. Some of these players have had spectacular fantasy seasons, while others are looking to stay healthy and take advantage of their change in scenery.

Five underrated free agent signings

WR Emmanuel Sanders, New Orleans Saints

Sanders put up really good numbers after being traded to the 49ers last season (two 100+ yard games) proving that he can adapt on the fly with a new team, which is critical as practice time is likely to be severely limited in 2020. Playing opposite Michael Thomas, statistically the best WR last season, Sanders gives Drew Brees a significant upgrade as the other starting receiver that he’s lacked for years.

WR Devin Funchess, Green Bay Packers

Similar to Emmanuel Sanders, Funchess is being given the chance to be the counterpart to an elite receiver (Davante Adams) while playing with an eventual Hall of Fame Quarterback in Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has shown in the past that he can lift multiple weapons to fantasy relevance in the same season. At the very least, Funchess’ should be an ideal redzone target.

K Greg Zuerlein, Dallas Cowboys

You rarely see Kickers on off-season fantasy lists. But that’s just how good Greg “The Leg” was in 2017-18. In 2019, his accuracy dipped, but he still had a solid year. Zuerlein goes from kicking for one (former) elite offense in Los Angeles to another in Dallas. With Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott moving the chains, it’s not unrealistic to think “The Leg” could reach the 150 point threshold again.

TE Eric Ebron, Pittsburgh Steelers

After leading all TE’s in touchdown receptions in 2018 with 13, Ebron fell out of favor in Indy last season after deciding against playing through an ankle injury. Ebron’s fantasy success will depend almost entirely on the health of Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Without him, no skill position player performed well. Ebron will be the most athletically gifted TE this offense has had in decades.

TE Hayden Hurst, Atlanta Falcons

Hurst was traded from Baltimore, but lets not semantics get in the way. Hurst lost his job to Mark Andrews. With the Falcons, he’ll get every opportunity to replace the departed Austin Hooper. Hurst has shown some capabilities as a down-field threat, which is a perfect fit for Matt Ryan. Running routes alongside Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley makes for a very high ceiling and TE1 potential.

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