Peyton Manning took less money in his new contract in an effort to allow the Colts to be more aggressive in free agency. The first beneficiary of his generosity is Joseph Addai, who re-resigned with Indianapolis for undisclosed terms. His decision wasn’t unexpected, but it still has a serious effect on several players in dynasty leagues. We examine the fallout in the latest edition of “Instant Analysis.”
Joseph Addai, RB IND
Addai has to be thrilled to be back with the only team he’s ever known. In his five year career with the Colts, Addai has posted 4,020 rushing yards, 1,355 receiving yards and 47 total touchdowns. While you could argue Addai has average talent, his situation with the Colts has always made him fantasy relevant.
Going into this season, Addai has more competition than ever. In addition, he looked pretty pedestrian last year when he battled injuries and only gained 495 yards on 116 carries. When you combine those two factors, it’s tough to view him as a solid RB2. He’s more likely going to be a RB3 who has a chance to regain his old form now that he’s got a new contract.
This is really the best possible situation for Addai. Going elsewhere would have likely zapped his fantasy value, possibly completely. Even at just 28 years old, dynasty league owners need to treat Addai as an aging veteran whose best days are likely behind him. If you’re a contender, he can help you win this season. If you’re not, you need to move him now while he still has value.
Donald Brown, RB IND
Brown was in the doghouse last season and the re-signing of Addai doesn’t exactly get him a key out. Brown has been mistake prone and hesitant as a runner so far in his career, thus losing the faith of Peyton Manning and the Colts coaching staff.
Many thought this would be the year for Brown to step it up and be a contributor on offense, but it’s going to be awful tough for him to carve out a role on this team without some injuries.
Brown should be kept on dynasty league rosters as a young running back with limited upside, but it’s clear he’s not going to be the next big thing in Indianapolis.
Delone Carter, RB IND
A lot of writers and fantasy owners were going overboard on Carter from the start. We’ve held firm that Carter was worth a rookie pick, but not something in the first round. He remains a great stash and could still be a featured back down the road, but this signing proves that he just isn’t ready for something like that quite yet. He’s much more likely to be a short yardage complement to Brown or another runner down the road.
Chad Spann, RB IND
Spann is one of our favorite sleepers around here at DLF. In fact, we did an interview with him just before the draft. He signed on with the Colts as an undrafted free agent just this month. Unfortunately, this signing is going to make it much tougher for him to make the team.
Darren Evans, RB IND
Like Spann, Evans signed on with Colts as an undrafted free agent. He’s still a player to keep an eye on in dynasty circles this offseason. Remember, he and Ryan Williams were both highly thought of at Virginia Tech. If not for a torn ACL, Evans would have likely been a first or second day draft pick. There’s room on the Colts for a developmental back and chances are either Evans or Spann becomes that player.
Javarris James, RB IND
Javarris has about as much of a chance to make the Colts as Edgerrin James does at this point.
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Surprised Bill Polian actually signed a 28 year old RB. Out of character, i wonder how much manning had to do with that. I like Carter but it doesn’t seem he fits the mold of an Indy type back, Spann seems more like a Colts RB.