DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell Posted On April 11, 2014

kaep

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.

Colin Kaepernick, QB SF

A report broke late this week about an incident that occurred earlier in the month involving 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, along with his teammate wide receiver Quinton Patton and Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette and potential sexual assault of a woman. The details are sketchy at this point and it is unclear if charges will be filed against any of the three men. This story is far from over and regardless of the outcome, it doesn’t look good for Kaepernick, who is entering his final season under his rookie contract and was expected to sign a long-term deal with the 49ers this off-season.

Eli Manning, QB NYG

Giants quarterback Eli Manning underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle this week. The surgery was deemed necessary to repair the damage done in the Giants season finale last year and should keep Manning out of action for the next six weeks. The timeline means Manning will be back in action in plenty of time for the Giants training camp in late summer. Although Manning’s value is down after his disappointing 2013 season, this injury doesn’t knock his value any further. With a new offensive coordinator in town and the expectation of drafting a new pass catcher, Manning is a good buy low target.

Andre Brown, RB HOU

The Houston Texans agreed to a one-year deal with free agent running back Andre Brown, previously of the New York Giants. Brown played well for the Giants in between major leg injuries, but the team chose to move on and sign Rashad Jennings instead of give Brown another chance. Following the departure of former backup Ben Tate, the Texans needed a backup for Arian Foster. Brown didn’t have a lot of dynasty value anyway, but that still takes a hit as he signed with a team where he will not get a starting job, barring an injury. Brown is nearly worthy of the waiver wire in most leagues.

Nate Burleson, WR CLE

Wide receiver Nate Burleson signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns, after spending the past four seasons with the Detroit Lions. Burleson is past his prime and offers little to no fantasy upside at this point. He can remain on dynasty waiver wires.

Ryan Mallett, QB NE

Patriots backup quarterback Ryan Mallett once looked to be in prime position to earn a starting NFL job, either as the heir apparent to future Hall of Famer Tom Brady in New England, or with another team via a trade. Recent reports out of Boston though claim that Mallett’s stock is down around the league and that he would only bring the Patriots a late round draft pick if they were to move him. Mallett will be an unrestricted free agent following the 2014 season and is almost assuredly gone to a team where he will have a better chance at significant playing time.

Chris Johnson, RB FA

The Tennessee Titans finally made the long expected move of releasing veteran running back Chris Johnson official late last week. The Titans were attempting to trade Johnson, but were unsuccessful, even though there were multiple teams with rumored interest in the six-time 1,000 yard back. Since Johnson was officially released, multiple teams have declared their lack of interest in signing him and he’s had no official visits with any team. Also, he’s reportedly refusing to work out for any teams, instead asking teams to rely on game film. Johnson is likely another veteran back who will sign a one-year contract for far below what he expected.

Mike Williams, WR BUF

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded troubled wide receiver Mike Williams to the Buffalo Bills for a sixth-round draft pick. In Buffalo, Williams is back with his former college head coach Doug Marrone, which may or may not be a good thing, as the two reportedly parted on bad terms as Williams quit the team. The Bills had been rumored to be adding a wide receiver, but most assumed that would be done through the upcoming draft. After the off-season issues, Williams’ dynasty value is way down after he missed ten games this past season.

Follow @RyanMc23 on Twitter

Author
Recent Posts

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.