DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Ryan McDowell Posted On March 6, 2016

After a few weeks off, the NFL news is really starting to flow in as the free agency period approaches. That means, as always, it is necessary to stay on top of the happenings around the league and how they will impact your dynasty team. Let’s get to it!

Khiry Robinson, RB FA

The New Orleans Saints will reportedly not tender running back Khiry Robinson, who will become an unrestricted free agent. He missed the latter half of the season after breaking his leg, but should be fully healthy for the 2016 season. He has been an underrated runner and dynasty asset throughout his career and while the Saints have always been a running back friendly offense, I am anxious to see where Robinson could land as a free agent. If he’s on your league’s waiver wire, grab him as soon as possible.

Martellus Bennett, TE CHI

The Bears are attempting to trade veteran tight end Martellus Bennett, who ended the 2015 season on the injured reserve list after a disappointing year. It remains to be seen if the Bears will find any takers and if they don’t they will likely just release Bennett, who posted a picture of his flight to Seattle soon after this report broke. That, of course, caused speculation the Seahawks, who traded for Jimmy Graham last off-season, could be in play. Regardless of where he ends up, Bennett is on the downhill part of his career, but could end up being a cheap option as a potential TE1 for the next year or two.

Robert Griffin III, QB WAS

After a season on the bench, the Redskins are expected to part ways with former first round pick Robert Griffin III and there are reportedly as many as 15 teams interested in signing the former Heisman Trophy winner. Fantasy owners, even in dynasty leagues, were quick to give up on RG3, as he landed on many waiver wires in the past few months, but with so many teams in need of help at the quarterback position, he should have the opportunity to become a starter again. Griffin is another player to grab off your league’s waiver wire, if someone hasn’t already beat you to it.

Andre Johnson, WR FA

After the Colts signed veteran Andre Johnson a season ago, he quickly saw a boost in his fantasy value as we all expected instant production playing alongside Andrew Luck. Instead, Luck suffered a serious injury and the Colts struggled all season. Johnson became an afterthought in the Colts’ offense and now the team has released him. Earlier in the week, it was reported that Johnson was considering retiring. Whether he does or not, Johnson has no dynasty value left. He can be dropped in all league formats.

Brock Osweiler, QB FA

Both the Denver Broncos and the Houston Texans are reportedly targeting Brock Osweiler to be their next starting quarterback. Obviously, the Broncos will push to retain their own free agent, who finally got a chance to play this past season. It’s also no surprise to see the Texans mentioned, considering they will likely be linked with every potential available quarterback over the next two months. After failing to prove himself as a fantasy starter during his eight game stint, dynasty owners are doubting Osweiler’s value, but he could still prove to be a top 15 dynasty quarterback.

Arian Foster, RB FA

While it is not a surprise, it is still news. The Houston Texans released veteran running back Arian Foster, who suffered a torn Achilles’, ending his 2015 season. Foster is reportedly ahead of schedule and will be able to participate in pre-season action. Foster should have his choice of suitors, assuming he can prove he is healthy, and is a nice buy low target in dynasty leagues. A third round rookie pick seems to be the going rate for Foster.

Kirk Cousins, QB WAS

The Washington Redskins placed their franchise tag on quarterback Kirk Cousins, ensuring he’d be with the team for at least another season. The tag pays Cousins nearly $20 million for the 2016 season. While Cousins had a surprise breakout year, the Redskins were not willing to reward him with a long-term contract, a wise move in my opinion. I can’t really say that Cousins is being overrated in dynasty leagues, because I’m not sure that many are placing much value on him. I’ll just say I’m not ready to label his a fantasy starter.

Roddy White, WR FA

The Atlanta Falcons released veteran receiver Roddy White, who struggled over the past two seasons. There are already rumors White could land in Tampa Bay, as he played under new Bucs’ head coach Dirk Koetter earlier in his career. White doesn’t have much dynasty value left, but is still worth of a roster spot in most leagues.

Sam Bradford, QB PHI

The Philadelphia Eagles have re-signed quarterback Sam Bradford to a two-year contract. While Bradford was set to be a free agent, few ever thought he would actually hit the market. The deal will pay Bradford $36 million over two seasons. With new head coach Doug Pederson expected to focus on the running game, as he did in Kansas City, Bradford could be in for more seasons of meager fantasy production.

Doug Martin, RB FA

Since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not use their franchise tag on running back Doug Martin, he will hit the open market and expected to draw interest from multiple teams. One report even had Chip Kelly and the San Francisco 49ers looking at Martin, who is coming off a comeback season which saw him push for the league lead in rushing, falling just shy of the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson. If Martin does leave Tampa, it could be a boost to the value of Charles Sims, though the Bucs would be forced to bring in another back as well.

Marques Colston, WR FA

The Saints released longtime leading receiver Marques Colston, who was originally a late round pick, but went on to become the top receiver in franchise history. Colston has been a solid contributor for years, but may struggle to find a new team, especially if he is not fully healthy.

Jaelen Strong, WR HOU

Wide receiver Jaelen Strong, who is coming off a disappointing rookie season, was arrested for marijuana possession. Dynasty owners are willing to overlook issues like this from elite players, but Strong failed to impress in 2015 and now faces discipline from the NFL. With the Texans likely to add another receiver in the draft or through free agency, Strong’s dynasty value has taken a hit.

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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.