Analyzing NFL Free Agent Rumors Through a Fantasy Lens

By Jay Marks on Monday, March 17th 2014
Analyzing NFL Free Agent Rumors Through a Fantasy Lens

And yet—even after the “Is he injured? Is he not?” scenario of one Rodger Saffold, the defensive back soap opera that played out in front our eyes from  Darrelle Revis and Aqib Talib, as well as Emmanuel Sanders doing his personal best to invoke the wrath of all of Kansas City onto all of Denver by signing on in ‘wide receiver heaven’—there are still free agent rumors to address. 

From a fantasy perspective, following are four players whose services are still available for teams to ponder, pitch and procure.

Michael Vick, Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles

Vick has already been back page fodder in the Big Apple, being mentioned as the Jets’ top choice at quarterback by the New York Post. The Raiders also are seemingly in the mix, as well as Buffalo and the Vikings. I’ll say this: when Adrian Peterson gives you a public shout out, you should consider that option.

Vick prefers to be a starting quarterback rather than signing where he would come in as a backup. From a fantasy standpoint, starter’s potential numbers obviously trump clipboard-holding numbers. Hey, this isn’t my first rodeo. The thinking is the Jets are the likeliest landing spot.

But this story is about fantasy relevancy, so I’m telling you Vick with the Vikings would be fun. Beyond the potential alliteration of saying, “Vick’s Vikings Victorious” on a weekly basis, he’d have the capacity to put up numbers, I tell you. Vick running the show made up of Peterson Cordarrelle Patterson in the same fantasy offense? Yes, I say valiantly.

 

Maurice Jones-Drew, Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars

This offseason, the running back position is generally a bear market, with little love being shown to feature backs, beyond Ben Tate and Rashad Jennings. Given the tread on his tires, Jordan Todman in the fold and the signing of Toby Gerhart, it appears MJD’s days as a Jag are numbered. Rumors are circulating that he’d like to return to his home area and play for a contender like the 49ers.

He too, has been tied to the Jets, as their backfield is less that solid; both Chris Ivory and Mike Goodson have injury issues. MJD’s better days are behind him; and yet, when he’s on, he’s always been a multi-purpose threat, putting up numbers on the ground and catching passes out the backfield. In San Francisco, he would certainly be a stop-gap in a very crowded backfield. So, reminiscent of LaDanian Tomlinson finishing his stellar career in New York, the fantasy money points Pocket Hercules the way of Rob Ryan.

 

Kenny Britt, Wide Receiver, Tennessee Titans

Britt has already met with the Rams, with visits scheduled shortly in New England and Washington. And, at this juncture, it would seem only appropriate to place any wide receiver with a pulse—NFL experience or talent optional—onto the Panthers’ wish list. Britt’s checkered resume is apparently causing little hesitance for teams to show interest in his talent.

The skill level has always been there; consistent effort and team approach have been the questions. In that light, I’d be surprised if Britt ended up with New England; remember Donte Stallworth? I actually think the best career spot for Britt is with Washington, aligning with Robert Griffin III and the new offense in Washington. However, for fake football purposes? This just in; Carolina needs receivers. Lots of em. Oh wait, not everyone can go to Carolina.

So, I’m saying the Rams. Britt was drafted under the Jeff Fisher regime in Tennessee, where he had his most productive years, clearing 700 yards receiving in each year and totally 12 touchdowns. He has ability. We’ll see if some new St Louis scenery helps Britt realize his potential.

 

James Jones, Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers

Speaking of Carolina, Jones has reportedly shot a smoke signal into the Charlotte skies, offering up his services as a serviceable No. 1 receiver for Cam Newton to throw to. The Lions supposedly had interest in Jones, but that has seemed to wane given the Golden Tate signing. The Chargers may have been on his radar, and, you’ll never guess what other team is linked to Jones; the bright kids out there can see a trend a mile away. Yes, it the J-E-T-S. Does Jones have top receiver appeal for the Panthers, Jets or any other team? With Eric Decker theoretically filling the top slot in New York and Geno Smith tossing balls his way, I’d certainly lean toward the opportunity to shine in Carolina. It’s not Aaron Rodgers throwing passes, but Jones is stating he’d love to play with Cam and, well, the receiver cupboard is pretty bare. Carolina it is; that’s his best option for fantasy glory.

 

Keep your ears peeled, boys and girls. Who knows if we’ll have Twitter bravado bickering between cornerbacks or player agent back-pedaling at 90 miles per hours, but we will certainly have more antics and tomfoolery to be had before it’s all said and done. And from a fantasy football perspective, that’s nothing but a good thing. Let the shenanigans—or the Shanahanigans, if you live in Cleveland—continue.

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