DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell Posted On April 4, 2014

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The 2014 off-season is now fully underway with free agency upon us. As you prepare for next season, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of the news. You have to pay close attention to everything to stay on top of your dynasty league. For most of us, we do well to steal some time away from our families and jobs to watch the games on Sunday. It becomes difficult to monitor the daily happenings around the league and even more demanding to process how that news affects your dynasty team.  That’s why we’re here!

Here is a quick look at the events of the past week and how they impact the players on your team.

DeSean Jackson, WR WAS

The Washington Redskins wasted little time is coming to terms on a three-year contract with the recently released wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Although they had already signed veteran Andre Roberts this off-season, the Redskins still had a need at the wide receiver position, but with the pair of new faces, along with Pierre Garcon, the team is now in good position. Jackson would be lucky to maintain his dynasty value, but this is great news for quarterback Robert Griffin III, who adds another weapon and gains dynasty value as a result.

Stevie Johnson, WR BUF

There are some rumors the Bills could release veteran wide receiver Stevie Johnson if they draft Mike Evans with the ninth overall pick in next month’s NFL Draft. It would be a quick fall from grace for Johnson, who has been with the Bills his entire six-year career. Johnson would draw some interest on the open market, but his time as a team’s top receiver is likely over. He’s a good buy low in dynasty leagues, as long as expectations are tempered.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR PIT

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed veteran wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey to a one-year contract. Heyward-Bey flashed at times with both the Raiders and the Colts, but has never been a consistent fantasy threat. With the Steelers, he’s firmly behind Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton, at least. Heyward-Bey is not guaranteed a roster spot and has no dynasty value.

Kenny Britt, WR STL

Former Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the St. Louis Rams. Britt is an enigma at this point, but at this price, he’s worth the gamble for the Rams. Britt could end up as the team’s top receiver as he’s proven he has the talent to do that. He also could flame out and not even make the week one roster if his knee issues or off-field concerns continue to plague him. Britt is still dirt cheap in dynasty leagues and he’s only 25 years old. I’m a buyer and willing to take a shot, just like Jeff Fisher and the Rams.

LeGarrette Blount, RB PIT

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed running back LeGarrette Blount to serve as the backup to LeVeon Bell. Blount flourished in New England last season, as players often do, and should serve as a good complement to Bell as Pittsburgh returns to a run heavy offense. Blount only has value as a handcuff, but has proven he can succeed when given starter’s touches. He’s worth a roster spot for Bell owners, but hold little value outside of that.

Maurice Jones-Drew, RB OAK

The Oakland Raiders signed longtime Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew to a three-year deal. We’ve known for a while that Jones-Drew would not be back with Jacksonville, but it’s a surprise that he landed a three-year deal. Also surprising is the fact that Oakland felt a need to add another running back after already re-signing Darren McFadden to pair with with second year man Latavius Murray. The signing hurts the value of all three players, though Murray still has the most upside in dynasty leagues. One or both of Jones-Drew or McFadden will likely provide some quality starts, if they can remain healthy.

Chris Johnson, RB TEN

According the multiple reports, the Tennessee Titans will release former starting running back Chris Johnson soon. This has been the clear plan for a while and the reason the team has waited so long is unclear. The Falcons were reported as a possible destination for Johnson, but they have since denied interest. The Jets are also rumored to be looking at Johnson upon his release. Once the move is official, The Titans will be left with Shonn Greene as their starter and they are expected to add a rookie in the NFL Draft.

Owen Daniels, TE BAL

The Baltimore Ravens added yet another pass catcher with their signing of former Texans tight end Owen Daniels to a one-year contract, reuniting Daniels with his former coach, Gary Kubiak. Expect plenty of two tight end sets as Daniels is paired with Dennis Pitta. Both players were injured and missed much of the 2013 season, but both should bounce back in 2014. Pitta remains a solid fantasy starter, though this move could slightly affect his production and dynasty value, while Daniels regains some of his value from the scrap heap.

Colt McCoy, QB WAS

The Washington Redskins inked former Browns and 49ers quarterback Colt McCoy to a deal, likely to be third on their depth chart. While this move alone is not noteworthy, it did cause some increased speculation that the team is willing to deal backup Kirk Cousins. Fans and the media have discussed this for months as Cousins took over when starter Robert Griffin III went down and played well enough to potentially draw interest from other teams. McCoy obviously has no dynasty value, and Cousins has very little, though would see a quick spike in value if he were dealt, especially to a team already featuring a top tier wide receiver.

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Ryan McDowell

Contributor at Dynasty League Football

In addition to his senior leadership role here at DLF, Ryan is also a husband, father of three and PE teacher. Ryan is the commissioner of multiple dynasty leagues, most notably the Kitchen Sink Dynasty Leagues. Here at DLF, Ryan’s focus is on identifying, monitoring and analyzing player value.