Best Offseason Moves for Fantasy Football in 2023

The reality show that is the NFL offseason has again delivered the type of drama that your favorite dating show craves. We’ve had halted contract talks, big-name free agent signings and huge trades that figure to have a massive impact on the NFL landscape.

Now that we’ve made it through the bulk of free agency and the draft, we’ll take a look at the best offseason moves for fantasy football in 2023. 

Aaron Rodgers Joins the New York Jets

It took a while, but the most highly anticipated move of the offseason finally happened, with Aaron Rodgers being dealt to the Jets in late April. In New York (New Jersey, really), he’ll work with some familiar faces in Nathaniel Hackett, Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb while making new connections with Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, the latter of whom this move is most exciting for. 

While Rodgers failed to finish as a top-12 QB last season, he still boasts a remarkable track record when it comes to supporting elite wide receiver and running back production. Yes, he’s played with Davante Adams, Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings, but Garrett Wilson could very well be next in that lineage. As a rookie, Wilson posted 83 receptions and 1,100 yards while catching passes from Mike White, Joe Flacco and Zach Wilson.

Rodgers has also elevated his running backs’ fantasy prospects, especially in the last several years. Aaron Jones has registered four straight RB1 finishes and that comes with Jamaal Williams and AJ Dillon vulturing key touches. Rodgers will relieve some of the pressure Breece Hall faces as he works back from injury, and the four-time MVP will force defenses to lighten the box a bit more than the Jets’ aforementioned signal-callers.

Atlanta Falcons Draft Bijan Robinson 

Fantasy Twitter, rejoice. Bijan Robinson was drafted by a run-first team in the top-10. Although it’s amusing to make fun of how much everyone gushes over the former Texas running back, it really is a huge win for fantasy football. Despite Tyler Allgeier’s impressive rookie season, Robinson should step into the lead back role immediately for a team that ran the ball at the second-highest rate last year. 

As a junior, Robinson averaged 158 scrimmage yards and 1.7 touchdowns per game in the Big 12. With 60 receptions across three seasons, he also boasts the receiving ability to become a three-down workhorse. First-round running backs typically have great rookie fantasy seasons, and Robinson’s otherworldly talent and situation should allow him to follow suit.

Dallas Cowboys Cut Ezekiel Elliott 

Another victory for Fantasy Twitter here as Tony Pollard is free at last (for now). If you watched a single Cowboys game last season, you probably noticed how much more effective Pollard was than the aging, plodding Ezekiel Elliott. Zeke still had his moments, but Pollard’s usage will undoubtedly increase without him around. 

He’ll probably never be an 80% snap share guy with his slender build, but even a small increase in playing time could go a long way thanks to his ability as a home-run-hitter and pass-catcher. As long as Jerry Jones doesn’t bring Zeke back on a new deal, Pollard will finally be the lead back in this high-octane offense.

DJ Moore Traded to the Chicago Bears

It appears the Bears are doing the sensible thing by surrounding their franchise quarterback with explosive playmakers. Trading for DJ Moore is less about Moore than it is about Justin Fields for fantasy. Fields has a high floor thanks to his elite rushing ability, but getting another speedy and proven weapon on the outside raises his ceiling. 

As we’ve seen with Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts, a star receiver can significantly accelerate a quarterback’s progress as a passer. Moore isn’t on the same level as Stefon Diggs or A.J. Brown, but he’ll be the best receiver Fields has ever thrown to, and he gives the Bears a third legitimate starting receiver alongside Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool. If Fields can take a step forward as a passer, this could also benefit Moore, who has never played with a great quarterback. 

David Montgomery Leaves Chicago

David Montgomery joins the revolving door that is the Lions backfield, but this move is more about his former teammate Khalil Herbert. Per our Splits Tool, Herbert averaged 21 opportunities and 98 total yards per game without David Montgomery over the last two seasons.

At this point, signing D’Onta Foreman to a one-year deal and drafting Roschon Johnson in the fourth round aren’t enough to make me think Herbert doesn’t have a solid fantasy season. It’s possible that the Bears don’t want to fully commit to him as the featured back, but those are almost extinct, so I’ll place some trust in the production we’ve seen from Herbert.

Kellen Moore to the Los Angeles Chargers

Coaching changes can have a huge impact on fantasy football, and I love that Kellen Moore is getting a fresh start in Los Angeles with Justin Herbert. Last season, Moore’s Dallas offense ranked fifth in offensive touchdowns and now he gets a talent upgrade at almost every position. 

Moore should be able to call plays that unlock the Chargers offense as well. In 2022, Justin Herbert had the second-most pass attempts in the league but the third-lowest aDOT despite having an absolute cannon and a great mix of big and fast receivers at his disposal. Dak Prescott has the 12th-highest aDOT, so expect Herbert and company to stretch the field a bit more, which should benefit him and his outside receivers, particularly Mike Williams.