The Other Guys

Ken Kelly Posted On March 19, 2014

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With the first wave of free agency over and done with, there are still a handful of players worth monitoring closely in dynasty leagues. This group has been deemed as too risky, too old or too injured to have been signed right away, so many of them will be forced to sign one -year, “prove it” deals. With teams looking to address needs through the upcoming draft as well, the market for many of these players simply dried up quickly. Meanwhile, dynasty league owners should take a wait and see approach with all these players instead of just cutting bait or trading them for less than market value. Let’s take a look at some of the players left and what situations could be best for their dynasty value.

Quarterbacks

Michael Vick

There may have never been a player with the highs and lows of Vick in dynasty leagues. When he’s healthy and clicking on all cylinders, few players can put up the fantasy points Vick can. Now 33 years old, Vick is searching for what would likely be his final shot at a starting job in the NFL. He still possesses elite athleticism and can flick it as well as just about anyone, but injuries and turnovers will always be his downfall.

Best Landing Spot: NY Jets

Josh Freeman

Freeman was an epic disaster last year after being being acquired by the Vikings. On the season, he played in just four games, completing just 42.9% of his passes and throwing for two touchdowns and four interceptions. His Monday Night Football start was one of the worst ever seen in fantasy or reality and it’s safe to say he’s regressed since an extremely bright start that included a season where he threw for 25 touchdowns and just six interceptions in Tampa Bay. Freeman (like Vick) is hoping to land a starting job, but there aren’t many to be had. At just 26, there’s still hope. The best thing going for Freeman may be the weak quarterback class entering the league.

Best Landing Spot: Oakland Raiders

Ryan Fitzpatrick

The Titans unbelievably have gone with Charlie Whitehurst as their backup to Jake Locker, leaving Fitzpatrick as the odd man out. At this point, we know what Fitzpatrick is (a decent backup) and what he is not (elite in any way). However, if he lands in a place with an unsettled quarterback situation, we’ve seen him be serviceable in dynasty leagues and put up some relatively decent numbers.

Best Landing Spots: Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders

Running Backs

Knowshon Moreno

With every passing day, it seems more and more likely Moreno ends up back in Denver on a team friendly deal. After posting his first 1,000 yard rushing season and scoring 13 total touchdowns, you can bet each and every one of his owners hopes that happens. Face it, Moreno is worth much more in Denver playing with Manning than he would be anywhere else. Meanwhile, owners of Montee Ball continue to bite their fingernails.

Best Landing Spot: Denver Broncos

Maurice Jones-Drew

MJD has been a fantasy staple for the better part of the last eight seasons, but the reality is he turns 29 this month and his market is developing very slowly. After averaging a career low 3.4 yards per carry, many think he may have hit the wall. Regardless, there’s a chance Jones-Drew just had an off season, was still nicked up and struggled playing for a truly dreadful team. Time will tell, but MJD seems to be bigger in name than game at this point.

Best Landing Spot: NY Jets

LeGarrette Blount

Blount has has his fair share of ups and downs in his career, but last year was great as he posted 772 rushing yards on just 153 carries (five yards per carry) and took over as the lead back for New England late in the season. Unfortunately, the playoffs gave us exactly what we’ve come to expect from Patriot running backs – unpredictability. He had 166 yards and four touchdowns in New England’s Divisional Round win over the Colts, but only six yards on five carries against the Broncos in the AFC title game. Still, New England does like him and likely gives him the best shot at success in fantasy or reality.

Best Landing Spots: NY Jets, New England Patriots

Andre Brown

The oft-injured Brown was a fantasy dynamo in 2012, but really struggled last season with the Giants after breaking his leg in the preseason. He could be a nice, low-risk bargain for a team lacking for punch at the position. While he won’t get a starting job anywhere, there’s a chance he could carve out some playing time or be a decent injury replacement.

Best Landing Spots: Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, NY Jets

Wide Receivers

Sidney Rice

Calling Rice oft-injured is a slap in the face to anyone in a cast. Fact is, Rice is seemingly always hurt and can’t be counted on to be productive any longer. He’s been living on his “Favre Season” for much too long now. If he can get himself healthy and in game shape, the talent is still there. Just don’t hold your breath.

Best Landing Spots: Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams

Santonio Holmes

Holmes has worn out his welcome in New York and the Jets have finally cut bait with the former Super Bowl MVP. Holmes lacks big play ability and is likely getting more attention in dynasty leagues because of his name value, but there could be some moderate production (or sneaky trade value as a seller) here if he lands in the right spot.

Best Landing Spots: Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers

Kenny Britt

There are few players at any position on this list as talented as Britt, but he’s also deemed as damaged goods. He disappeared last season in Tennessee and seriously needs a new start. At just 25 years of age, there’s still time for Britt to resurrect his career, but it’s going to take a team with a good coaching staff and Britt himself being willing to work to get back into the lineup.

Best Landing Spots: St. Louis Rams, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks

Miles Austin

Seeing a theme here? Simply put, this is a bad year to be a receiver on the market who has a history of injuries. Austin will likely continue to have hamstring issues moving forward, but he still does possess some talent and ability to make a difference for a team.

Best Landing Spots: Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks

Tight Ends

Jermichael Finley

Finley (neck) still hasn’t been cleared to play after his scary injury last season. If he can return to form, he could prove to be a serious bargain for a team out there – Finley is one of the few true game breakers on this list.

Best Landing Spot: New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons

Owen Daniels

Daniels has always been productive when (you guessed it) he’s healthy. He’s looking for his last nice payday and could be a good addition for a contender.

Best Landing Spot: New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons

Where do you hope to see some of these players land? Let us know in the comments section!

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Ken Kelly

Co-Founder at DynastyLeagueFootball

Ken is a corporate trainer by day an a tireless editor of dynasty content by night. His passion for the World Champion Seattle Seahawks is second only to his love of fantasy football and the dynasty format.

Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK