At the open of free agency, all eyes were focused on where the “Big Fish” in the market would land. However, there have been several neglected free agent signings that demand attention as some of these players could make for a nice stash on the back ends of dynasty rosters. This article is aimed at outlining these overlooked free agent signings and my explanation as to why you could be rostering them on your dynasty teams. The order was given based on my view of their dynasty potential.
- Markus Wheaton, WR CHI (Two-years, $11 million with $5 million guaranteed and $6 million in year one)
Current DLF ADP: Undrafted
The 26-year-old has finally departed the massive shadow of Antonio Brown and amazingly signed a deal similar to that given to Brandon Marshall. This oft-injured ex-Steeler has found himself on a Chicago depth chart that has yet to establish a consistent threat in the passing game, though Cameron Meredith did come on late last season. By moving to a rebuilding Bears team, he has found a home in an offense that frequently played from behind last season – this could be ideal for Wheaton’s fantasy potential because the Bears (in theory) will be forced to throw more as they fall behind. Additionally, Wheaton has been paired with free agent quarterback Mike Glennon, who was also added last week. As scout LJ Chaney (@pacificscouting) pointed out, this partnership could prove benevolent for Wheaton as his strengths as an intermediate route runner pair with Glennon’s affinity for that area of the field. It is also important to note Chicago sought a multi-year contract, which could display intent for his use in their offense. Though he is unlikely to be on the waiver wire, Wheaton could likely be purchased for a mid-to-late third round rookie pick – this could a great price for a player with a high ceiling. If he is unable to materialize a role with Chicago, the damage will be much less harmful than if the bottom falls out of Meredith or Kevin White. When you look at Wheaton’s ADP, you can see he needed a serious change of scenery:
- Lance Kendricks, TE GB (Four years, $18.5 million)
Current DLF ADP: Undrafted
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While everyone is drooling over Martellus Bennett signing in Green Bay, Kendricks is a stash for every league. Green Bay has shown favoritism towards using two tight end sets. Kendricks, an athletic freak, has been victim to a lethargic LA Rams offense since entering the league. Noted as a great blocker, he will see the field early and often in Green Bay after a seeing career highs in all passing statistics. The combination of both his blocking and receiving skills will increase the likelihood he is used with high frequency, thus becoming a viable fantasy commodity in the future. The Packers have shown a nice commitment to Kendricks, and he appears to be a long-term counterpart to Bennett. He can easily be added off the waiver wire or added as a throw-in to the back end of a trade. Currently, I have him priced as a for a late third or early fourth-round rookie pick value – a small price to pay for a role in arguably the best offense in the league.
- Dion Sims, TE CHI (Three years, $18 million)
Current DLF ADP: Undrafted
Yes, another Bear on the list (and not the last). Dion Sims was one of my personal favorite sleepers as a Dolphin, and all seemed lost for Dion after Miami acquired Julius Thomas from Jacksonville. However, I can see the light again as Sims has found himself a way out of Miami and may now be able to finally thrive. Sims is a strong blocker and budding threat as a receiver. Though he is unlikely to be rostered in your league, many see him worthy of more. Personally, I own him on most teams and will be watching him closely as he competes with the incumbent starter Zach Miller and Ben Braunecker. I find him to be a great match in a run-heavy offensive scheme and he will be leaned on heavily to set the edge as a blocker. This ability to block will enable him to stay on the field, thus enhancing his opportunity for fantasy points. Sims is likely floating on the waiver wire or forgotten on the back end of someone’s roster.
- Aldrick Robinson, WR SF – (Two years, $6 million)
Current DLF ADP: Undrafted
Who? Aldrick Robinson is a former Redskin and Falcon who has now followed Kyle Shanahan to the Bay Area. As of right now, Robinson will have the upper hand in the offense having known the coach and the west coast system. This is not strictly a probability play, seeing as Robinson was a good athlete and had strong college production. Kyle Shanahan highly regards Aldrick, and such a relationship should not be dismissed in light of what recently occurred with Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle. Similarly, the scales will be tipped for Robinson and a preemptive add could land you a lightning-in-a-bottle asset. This athletic slot receiver is worth a speculative add as he is unowned in nearly every league. Keep a close eye on his training camp performance as he attempts to carve out a significant role on a barren depth chart. The opportunity is certainly there for him.
- Charles Johnson, WR CAR (Two years, $8 million)
Current DLF ADP: Undrafted
Johnson truthers around the globe cheered at the news at the thoughts of this mega athlete’s pairing with Cam Newton. Formerly a Viking, Johnson couldn’t seem to make waves outside of camp. His strength is in the intermediate game, which has been an underutilized area of the Carolina passing attack. We all know Cam prefers the backyard style of football, throwing the ball deep. Johnson has shown abilities to gain separation and held potential in that area as well. Johnson could see a similar situation to his time in Minnesota as he fights to make the roster. I will not actively try to trade for him if he has been rostered. However, if he is lingering on the waiver wire, one could pick him up and hope they have a solid dynasty asset moving forward.
Honorable Mentions
Ted Ginn Jr., WR NO
DLF ADP: Wide Receiver #132
Ted Ginn came close to cracking the top of this list, however his inability to consistently make catches could land him in the doghouse with Drew Brees. He will be incredible as a best ball asset, but I believe he will lack the consistency in production to be a viable threat in other formats. The ex-Panther runs arguably the best “nine route” in the league, which will make him the ultimate boom or bust wideout in the high-octane Saints offense. Again, that’s great in a best ball format but hardly a recipe for safety in a conventional fantasy lineup.
Kendall Wright, WR CHI
Current DLF ADP: Wide Receiver #98
After finding success in his first two years as a Titan, Wright struggled to find his footing in the revolving door of offensive schemes in Tennessee. He clearly bet on himself and could find himself competing for a starting role in Chicago. If the former first round pick fails to materialize, he has an opportunity to find on a different team in 2018.
Matt Barkley, QB SF
Current DLF ADP: Undrafted
It’s hard to know how things will pan out with the 49ers quarterback depth chart. Barkley appeared to shine towards the end of last season despite a clear lack of receiving playmakers. He is a must own in super-flex and two quarterback leagues as he competes with Brian Hoyer and potentially a young quarterback who is added through the draft. He tends to be conservative with his downfield throwing. However, he clearly has refined accuracy which showed in both his efficiency statistics and his game tape. There were times where he looked the part last season.
Russell Shepard, WR CAR
Current DLF ADP: Undrafted
Shepard is coming off a disappointing season, which was derailed by injury. Last offseason, he was heavily notarized by coaches for his stellar performance. I look for the same as he lands with a Carolina offense starving for consistency in the receiving game. Look to add Shepard as receivers like Devin Funchess and Kelvin Benjamin could fail to impress with their inconsistency.
Brian Hoyer, QB SF
Current DLF ADP: Undrafted
Hoyer is a fearless gunslinger and longtime journeyman at the quarterback position. He doesn’t mind pushing the ball downfield or into tight coverage, which proves to be fantasy gold when he can avoid interceptions. He is a must own in super-flex and two quarterback leagues.
Marquise Goodwin, WR SF
Current DLF ADP: Undrafted
Goodwin, a representative for the USA track team, has an inordinate amount of top end speed. One thing is certain with Goodwin – if he makes a catch, it is likely for 50+ yards and a touchdown. This hit-or-miss quality makes him a clear buy for best ball and not much else.
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- The Top Five Durable Players by Position: Part Two - September 9, 2017
- The Top Five Durable Players by Position: Part One - September 6, 2017
- What are the Durability and Susceptibility Metrics? - July 16, 2017
Thought I’d see Robert Woods on here. Good article though.
I see Kendall Wright as the high upside play in Chicago. Markus Wheaton has theoretical opportunity and upside but I just don’t see it. I drafted him his rookie year and quickly cut ties after he let me down time and time again. If you can’t carve a role in the explosive Steelers offense with Big Ben, I have little faith he will on a conservative ball control Chicago offense with Glennon at the controls.
One more plus for Kendall – he reunites with his original OC, the same one that coached him to his 2 best seasons.
btw, Wheaton has never really had any good seasons.
my 2 cents.
thanks for yet another good article. I like the Aldrich Robinson take. Overall, I think SF offense will benefit someone besides Garcon and Hyde, good luck figuring that out.
I’ve got some chips on Kendall Wright as well. Not sure how it all went to hell in a hand basket for him in Tennessee. He was a fine WR2 in PPR scoring to begin his career, so here’s hoping a change of scenery will resuscitate a once bright looking future. And I agree on the OC reunion theme, that had to have something to do with KW ending up in Chi-town.
“Green Bay has shown favoritism towards using two tight end sets.”
Not exactly sure what you are basing that information on. Only 1 team ran FEWER 2 TE sets than they did last year. And its been nearly 10 years since they were in the top 10 of doing so.
