Free Agency Losers: Quarterbacks and Running Backs

Ken Kelly

mikel_leshoure2In this premium content installment, we take a look at the quarterbacks and running backs who were clear losers based on the movement in free agency this year. While many of these players still carry a lot of value, their outlook in dynasty leagues is simply not as good as it was prior to the free agency period starting. Some of these players signed on in less than desirable locations, while others were the victims of untimely additions by their current or former team.

Let’s take an in-depth look at each of these “Free Agency Losers” to gauge their current value in dynasty leagues. We’ll go position-by-position and detail the events that have created some definite misfortune.

Quarterbacks

Matt Flynn, QB SEA

Flynn was a prime candidate to be traded during free agency as teams starved at the quarterback position looked to improve their rosters for next year. Unfortunately for Flynn and his owners, he’s still with Seattle at the time of this article being published. With Russell Wilson entrenched as the present and the future for the Seahawks, it looks like Flynn is set for another year of clipboard holding unless this deal with the Raiders comes to fruition. It’s unfortunate as we’re really still left wondering just how good he really is. At this point, all we know is he isn’t better than Aaron Rodgers or Wilson, but really, not many are.

Matt Cassel, QB MIN

Cassel went into the free agency period as the starter for the Chiefs and left as the backup to Christian Ponder in Minnesota. Yuck.  Realistically, there were worse places for him to end up, but his dynasty value is at an all-time low after he endured a miserable season last year and paid the price for it this Spring.

Mark Sanchez, QB NYJ

It’s pretty obvious the Jets are looking at all options when it comes to quarterbacks. They’ve already signed the underrated David Garrard and have failed to commit to Sanchez as the starter, despite numerous opportunities to do just that. They haven’t even let Tim Tebow loose, so that tells you something as well. Sanchez will likely face competition from Garrard and others for the starting job as his tenure as the starter in New York seems to be slipping away.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB TEN

While the Jets have been somewhat cryptic about their quarterback plans, the Bills were steadfast in their position – they had no problems letting everyone know Ryan Fitzpatrick wasn’t the long-term answer for them. Unfortunately for Fitzpatrick, he couldn’t even be the short-term answer as the Bills abruptly cut him. He landed on his feet in Tennessee where he’ll get to back up the inaccurate Jake Locker, but his starting days appear over unless Locker does a huge faceplant.

Kevin Kolb, QB FA

Kolb was the third “starting” quarterback to be released by his team, though one could argue he may not have been the starter in Arizona this year, anyway. Kolb was a mess for Arizona as they received next to nothing after trading for him, then signing him to a robust six-year, $65 million contract. Kolb’s confidence has been shattered as he was mauled by defenses while playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in recent memory. He’ll be best served regaining his confidence as a backup for another team, but you have to wonder if he won’t have “happy feet” the rest of his career, much like David Carr has after he went through a similar situation in Houston.

Joe Webb, QB MIN

Webb was once an intriguing quarterback prospect in dynasty leagues, but now finds himself no better than third on the Minnesota depth chart. He had a rough outing as the starter in Minnesota’s lone playoff game last year, going 11-for-30 for 180 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The touchdown came very late in the game with Minnesota already down 24-3 as well. While he did add 68 yards rushing on seven carries, the Vikings have seen enough not to trust him down the road. The writing was on the wall for Webb after the Vikings signed the aforementioned Matt Cassel. It has been suggested Webb may even change positions, which may actually help his status in dynasty leagues.

Running Backs

Mikel Leshoure, RB DET

The addition of Reggie Bush to the running back stable in Detroit doesn’t help Leshoure at all. The Lions have apparently given Bush a promise he’ll be a three down back and envision him giving the team the playmaking dynamic they’ve been missing from at running back since Jahvid Best went down with a series of concussions. While it remains to be seen if Bush can actually hold up through an entire season, it’s a clear indication the Lions don’t believe Leshoure is the long-term answer for their running back woes as well. You can expect Bush to be given the lion’s share (sorry for the pun) of carries next year. If and when he gets hurt, this looks like another platoon situation with Leshoure and Joique Bell picking up the scraps. The days of you hoping Leshoure would be a rock solid RB2 for your team have passed for the time being.

Ryan Williams, RB ARI

The signing of Rashard Mendenhall in Arizona further clouds the future of Williams. Bruce Arians has always been fond of using a workhorse running back and he’s done nothing but praise the ability of Mendenhall since bringing him to the desert. Williams has had bad luck in the injury department and didn’t quite look like his old self last year. Unfortunately, the signing of Mendenhall will lead to a fierce running back competition, with the winner receiving a lot of work and the loser spending most of each Sunday watching on the sidelines. At this point, Mendenhall has to be considered the in-house favorite for the job. Those who hoped for Williams to finally break out this season have to be disappointed, though they can take some solace in the fact Mendy is only on a one year, “prove it” deal.

Ryan Mathews, RB SD

Just when you thought Mathews’ value couldn’t get any lower, the Chargers re-signed Ronnie Brown and brought in Danny Woodhead to further crowd the running back depth chart in San Diego. There’s no doubt Mathews will be a two down back going forward and at the least, his PPR status took a hit with these signings. While he should still get the bulk of the goal line carries, his tendency to get hurt and the addition of these two backs throws more cold water on his once elite perceived value in dynasty leagues.

Shonn Greene, RB TEN

Greene has been serviceable at times as the lead back for the Jets, but New York has finally thrown in the towel on the underwhelming Greene after they let him go and allowed him to sign on to be the backup to Chris Johnson in Tennessee. He’ll be able to vulture some goal line and short yardage carries for the Titans, but his days as a starting running back are over. Contrary to what many believe, this signing really shouldn’t have much of an impact on Johnson’s value. While Greene may nab some short yardage scores, this is far from a “thunder and lightning” duo coming to the Music City and many of Johnson’s touchdowns come from beyond one yard. The value of Jamie Harper has taken a hit as he moves to third on the depth chart, however.

Jacquizz Rodgers, RB ATL

For a short period in time, Rodgers was the starter in Atlanta – that quick stint ended the second Steven Jackson signed on to be the short-term workhorse for the Falcons. Rodgers will be used as a change of pace back, but Jackson is a far superior pass catcher to Michael Turner, so don’t expect him to exit on every third down. Barring injury,  Rodgers will be used sparingly in the offense and those hoping to see him be a focal point for the Falcons will have to wait or simply give up on that dream.

Chris Wells, RB FA

Wells was let go by the Cardinals this off-season and is having some trouble finding a job due to his lingering knee troubles. At this point, it’s tough to see him having much value in dynasty leagues going forward. He’s been plagued by injury after injury and could hope to find work as a committee back at best, but even that may be too much for his owners to wish for. He’s just 24 years old, but his future looks really murky when you consider his current health status.

Felix Jones, RB FA

There was a time when Jones was a coveted asset in dynasty leagues – that time is not now. Jones hasn’t garnered much interest on the open market and failed miserably when he took over for an injured DeMarco Murray last season. It looks like he’s lost much of the burst and dynamic ability he once had and now just simply looks washed up. It’s harsh, but that’s the cruel reality of being a running back in the NFL.

Chris Ivory, RB NO

Ivory was expected to leave New Orleans this off-season, but the Saints shockingly placed a second round tender on him, virtually assuring themselves they could retain his services for another season. Cincinnati and Arizona were rumored to have interest in him, but neither would be willing to give up a second rounder and a new contract to get him. Ivory will have to bide his time as part of a crowded running back committee in Arizona until he hits unrestricted free agency as a 26-year old in 2014.

What a buzzkill.

We’ll take a look at receivers and tight ends in tomorrow’s installment of our Free Agency Losers column.

ken kelly