Free Agency Winners: Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Ken Kelly

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We’ve already reviewed the free agency losers, so now we take a look at some players who were clear winners based on the movement in free agency this year. These players either signed on in to play in a desirable location in relation to their fantasy value or had someone who was clogging the depth chart ahead of them move on to greener pastures.

Let’s take an in-depth look at each of these “Free Agency Winners” from the wide receiver and tight end positions to gauge their current value in dynasty leagues. We’ll go position by position and detail the events that have created some positive vibes for dynasty owners.

Wide Receivers

Jerome Simpson, WR MIN

Simpson was amazingly re-signed by the Vikings and at least retains a small bit of value at this point in time. The Vikings are likely going to be looking for additional receiver help through the draft and the addition of Greg Jennings obviously takes away from Simpson’s value, but the fact he re-signed with the possibility of retaining a significant role was actually stunning.

Danny Amendola, WR NE

Say what you will about Wes Welker and how good he was, but Amendola has never played in an offense this dynamic and the only thing stopping him from a major breakout is likely his own health. Other receivers have failed in their attempts to build chemistry with uber-stud Tom Brady, but Amendola has played in a similar offense and has a proven track record of making some pretty tough catches. His run after the catch ability is also something the Pats should love.

Antonio Brown, WR PIT

The loss of Mike Wallace vaults Brown into the primary option for the Steelers passing game, along with Emmanuel Sanders. Now a true focal point of an offense that suits his skills, Brown is a chic pick to make yet another step forward in dynasty leagues.

Rod Streater, WR OAK

With Darrius Heyward-Bey taking his talents to Indy, the door is wide open for players like Jacoby Ford, Denarius Moore and Streater to step up their game. We like the chances of Streater the most, especially with Matt Flynn at the helm. Chances are Moore’s game doesn’t translate quite as well to the weaker armed Flynn in Oakland.

Jacoby Jones, WR BAL

The Dancing with the Stars rookie caught a pretty big break with Anquan Boldin being shipped to San Francisco. We know what he can do on special teams, but there’s time for Jones or one of the young players like Tommy Streeter or Tandon Doss to step up and claim some serious time in the offense.

Keshawn Martin, WR HOU

With Kevin Walter finally out of the picture, it’s quite likely Martin or Lestar Jean step up and fill the role left by his departure. Both players have shown some signs of being very productive, but neither has been consistent, either. If the Texans fail to bring in serious competition for the starting job opposite Andre Johnson, this is going to be a battle to watch.

DeSean Jackson, WR PHI

New Head Coach Chip Kelly hasn’t been shy in stating Jackson is going to be a key part of the Eagles offense moving forward. For most of his career, Jackson has been simply a deep threat and special teams dynamo. If Kelly fulfills his promise of involving him more, we could see a drastic uptick in touches. Let’s just hope Kelly doesn’t get Jackson sent to the hospital before the end of September.

Joseph Morgan, WR NO

With Devery Henderson out of the mix in New Orleans, it’s time for Morgan to shine. He’s a true burner with some dynamic after the catch ability, but it remains to be seen if he’s just a one trick pony. Can he step up and be the player Henderson and Robert Meachem weren’t?

Randall Cobb, WR GB

Cobb was a dynasty star last year and his outlook is actually better with Greg Jennings signing in Minnesota. Cobb could very well take the next step in his evolution and become of fantasy’s truly elite players as early as this season.

Tight Ends

Tony Gonzalez, TE ATL

All he had to do is sign on the dotted line to be a free agency winner and he did just that by inking a two-year deal with Atlanta. His value was starting to spiral as many felt he would retire and walk away from the game, but his change of heart brings his value right back up as he’s once again a one year mercenary in dynasty leagues.

Dustin Keller, TE MIA

Keller goes from the circus in New York to a Miami team that certainly wasn’t afraid to spend some money this season. With Keller, Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson now in tow, Ryan Tannehill should fare much better this season. Keller can catch passes and be the underneath weapon the Dolphins have lacked over the past few seasons. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him post low-end TE1 numbers next season if Tannehill develops.

Brandon Myers, TE NYG

Myers was a waiver wire darling last year for the Raiders and cashed in big time with the Giants. While it was a surprise the G-Men let Martellus Bennett walk in free agency, they still filled that gap nicely with Myers. If he can stay healthy, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him improve on his career best numbers across the board in 2013.

Jared Cook, TE STL

Cook wanted to get paid and that he did, to the tune of nearly $20 million guaranteed with the Rams. He’ll be the dynamic tight end Jeff Fisher has been wanting since arriving in St. Louis and will undoubtedly get every chance imaginable to make good on his massive potential. Cook is going to be a popular pick for “most improved” at the position next season.

James Casey, TE PHI             

We’ve chronicled Casey quite a bit around these parts of late, but he did find himself in a nice position with Coach Kelly in Philadelphia. He’s a hybrid player, but he’s expected to mostly play tight end for the Eagles. He’s going to be a very interesting player to follow during the off-season, training camp and preseason action.

Delanie Walker, TE TEN

Walker has been vastly underrated as a player because he’s been in the shadow of Vernon Davis in San Francisco. With the Titans, Walker is really going to have a chance to shine. He’s already a great blocker, but it sounds like the Titans are very interested in seeing what he can do as a more integral part of the offense as a pass catcher.  We recently had him on our podcast, so take a listen – he’s really a great guy and was extremely well spoken.

ken kelly