-
Matt Bowen
For the past couple of months, I’ve been watching tape on NFL free agents and writing evaluations. Veteran talents such as Stefon Diggs, J.K. Dobbins and Amari Cooper are still available, but let’s look at the football fantasy impact of the recent player movement we’ve seen thus far.
Today, I’m picking my five favorite moves, focusing on player traits, scheme fit, volume opportunities and more.
We’ll start with a veteran wide receiver who landed in an ideal spot to provide immediate fantasy numbers this season.
WR Davante Adams joins Los Angeles Rams
Given Adams’ route traits and his fit in Sean McVay’s offense, I saw this as the best move in free agency. Adams, who averaged 17.2 fantasy PPG across his time with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets last season, is still one of the best at getting loose versus press-man defense. He can separate to the ball, too. And Adams can find open grass, using his coverage awareness to sit down in windows. That’s key when playing as the X receiver (opposite Puka Nacua) where Adams can win those backside one-on-ones for quarterback Matthew Stafford.
In McVay’s system, one that’s heavy on condensed sets and motion/movement, Adams will also be schemed, which includes free access off the ball, running crossers (catch-and-run), attacking the middle of the field on play-action in-breakers and finding the voids on flood concepts.
Remember, Adams caught 85 passes last year, and he can still isolate in the low red zone. An upgrade over Cooper Kupp, Adams is in line to post upper-tier WR2 numbers this season.
Chicago Bears upgrade offensive front for QB Caleb Williams
1:15
Orlovsky: Bears have top-10 offensive line with Drew Dalman
Dan Orlovsky breaks down what Drew Dalman’s arrival at the Chicago Bears means for Caleb Williams.
Williams averaged 15.0 fantasy PPG as a rookie, posting five games with 22 or more points. We saw flashes of his playmaking ability, too. And Williams did that behind a talent-deficient offensive line (while working with two different offensive coordinators). That’s why the Bears’ moves make this list. The pre-draft offseason additions on the interior of the O-line, paired with the hiring of new head coach Ben Johnson, should put Williams in a spot to take that second-year jump.
Chicago traded for guards Joe Thuney, still one of the top players at his position, and Jonah Jackson, a mauler who can handle power in pass protection. Plus, the team also signed Drew Dalman, my top center in free agency.
The keys here? Veteran talent up front to keep the pocket firm for Williams and Johnson creating a greater sense of calm for his quarterback though coaching and scheme. Sign me up. Williams will be a lower-tier QB1 in my summer rankings.
Denver Broncos sign TE Evan Engram
There’s an immediate opportunity for Engram to see target volume in Denver’s offense, and coach Sean Payton can scheme for him as a “move” player in the call sheet.
Engram played in only nine games with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season because of injury and averaged just 9.9 PPG. But when Engram played a full 17-game season in 2023, he caught a career-high 114 passes and averaged 13.5 PPG.
In Denver, look for Engram to be deployed at all three levels of the field, using his alignment versatility to create matchup edges, while Payton works to get him open underneath on catch-and-run targets from second-year QB Bo Nix. Think crossers, screens and more, as 51.4% of Engram’s total receiving yardage over the past two seasons came after the catch. He plays with ball carrier vision in the open field.
With wide receiver Courtland Sutton the lone volume target currently on the Broncos’ roster, Engram will have a shot to produce mid- to lower-tier TE1 numbers.
Jets sign QB Justin Fields
9:17
How much pressure is on Justin Fields as the Jets’ QB?
Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and Chris Canty debate whether Justin Fields can prove himself as an NFL starter with the Jets.
In his six starts with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, Fields averaged 18.9 PPG. And I saw positives on the tape. Fields improved both his pocket vision and footwork, plus he rushed for 235 yards and five touchdowns. The Jets will scheme for this too, using Fields’ dual-threat traits on designed carries, which creates scoring opportunities in the low red zone.
Fields has a dynamic No. 1 wide receiver in Garrett Wilson who can stretch defenses on the perimeter and tack on numbers after the catch. Plus, running back Breece Hall can operate as an underneath outlet, getting free in the pass game on high-percentage throws.
The Jets could potentially add more pass-catchers through the draft, too. And with Fields’ ability to run the ball, he will be in the mix as a QB1 who can produce breakout weeks.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-sign WR Chris Godwin
Godwin was leading the NFL with 50 receptions (30 from slot alignments) while averaging 19.7 PPG (WR5) until suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 7 last season. Sure, the Bucs will go through a transition under new playcaller Josh Grizzard, but we know how Godwin can be deployed opposite Mike Evans.
With the inside/outside flex to attack defenses, Godwin is more than willing to work the heavy traffic areas of the field, and he can shake free in space. Last season, 59.7% of Godwin’s receiving totals came after the catch. He’s a savvy route runner with the open-field toughness to turn middle-of-the-field throws into big plays. And when you mix the traits of Godwin with the aggressive throwing mentality of quarterback Baker Mayfield, the numbers will be there.
I’m betting on a healthy Godwin to produce steady WR2 numbers, along with some WR1 weeks.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
