New Jersey: The Dynasty Impact of Devonta Freeman with the Giants
The Giants have fallen on hard times with the season-ending injury to Saquon Barkley. In fact, New York has had their entire lineup of offensive skill players (Barkley, Darius Slayton, Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate and Evan Engram) on the field for a grand total of five snaps. Ever. In history. That’s really quite amazing when you think about it. In an effort to still compete at a high level, the Giants signed free agent Devonta Freeman, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons, to a one-year deal worth up to $3 million. The move has some dynasty impact, so let’s break it down by discussing each of the players affected by the move.
Devonta Freeman, RB NYG
There was a time not too long ago when Freeman was an elite dynasty asset. However, the fact is the two-time Pro Bowl running back has just never been able to recreate the magic he once had over the past two seasons and was simply overpaid by Atlanta. Unfortunately for him, the Falcons cut him earlier this year despite three years and $21 million remaining on his contract, even leaving $6 million in dead money left in his wake. Freeman has certainly had his moments over his six-year career that has featured 3,972 rushing yards, 257 caches, 2,015 receiving yards and 43 total touchdowns, but he simply wasn’t performing at a level that matched his contract.
In New York, Freeman will attempt to resurrect his career and should have ample opportunity to do just that. With Barkley out for the season, Freeman is in prime position to again solidify himself as one of the NFL’s more capable backs and attempt to secure a longer-term deal in the off-season, though likely from another team. The challenge for Freeman is going to be the fact the Giants offensive line hasn’t exactly been stellar and the realization he’s not going to just walk in and get bellcow duties from the start.
In the end, I would expect Freeman to eventually get the lion’s share of the work. This would equate to low-end RB2 or high-end RB3 status on a weekly basis and see him post something like 700-800 rushing yards, 300-400 receiving yards and a handful of scores. While this projection could end up being light, I just wouldn’t expect much more since we haven’t seen vintage Freeman in some time. Still, his ADP will start climbing again as he attempts to prove he’s still more than capable of being a starter in the NFL again. The going rate for a contender to acquire him is likely going to be somewhere around a secound round rookie pick.
Dion Lewis, RB NYG
I really have a hard time believing Lewis is just going to go away. In fact, it wouldn’t shock me if this didn’t turn out to be a two-headed monster in the end. Lewis has had his own ups and downs throughout the years, but he’s more than capable, especially as a pass catcher. While he won’t have this backfield to himself, his value is certainly trending up as he wasn’t going to get any action behind a healthy Barkley. This might be a good time for a contender to grab him, just in case. After all, he shouldn’t cost much and could actually end up being better than Freeman in the end.
Wayne Gallman, RB NYG
It seems Gallman is going to be the odd man out, but I don’t think dynasty owners should just ignore him completely. Sure, the addition of Freeman doesn’t help his cause. However, Gallman was effective in relief last year and if Freeman struggles, he should hear his name called relatively quickly. Savvy dynasty owners will roster Gallman if he’s available for free off the wire.
Saquon Barkley, RB NYG
The addition of Freeman certainly doesn’t affect the dynasty value of Barkley. While his ADP is likely to go down a few spots post-injury, this could also offer an opportunity to buy Barkley at a price you otherwise would never see this early in his career. While tearing an ACL is no minor thing, it’s also unlikely this is going to be an injury that zaps Barkley of his long-term dynasty value. Click here to listen to the recent Dynasty Builders podcast for some really great analysis on Barkley’s value moving forward.
Sandro Platzgummer, RB NYG
There would be nothing more 2020 than seeing a guy named Sandro Platzgummer rise to have some type of value. At this point, he doesn’t have any.
Daniel Jones, QB NYG
Jones averages nearly seven fewer fantasy points historically without Barkley in the lineup. While Freeman should help ease some of that pressure, it’s unlikely Jones is going to have the season many thought he could without what could very well be the best running back in the league. It’s a tough break for Jones, but also one he’s used to as the Giants just cannot stay healthy.
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
