2023 NFL Free Agency and Trades Tracker: Fantasy Football Impact

The 2023 NFL season is already underway, with free agency and trades already shaking things up for fantasy football. FTN Fantasy is here to analyze every move from a fantasy angle to get you ahead of the competition.

Below, we’re offering our thoughts on every fantasy-relevant offseason move. Smaller moves will get analyzed here, and we’ll link to our full writeups for the bigger moves. Bookmark this page, as it will be updated all offseason.

2023 NFL Transaction Tracker – Free Agent Moves and Trades

Aaron Rodgers Traded to Jets (April 24)

Rodgers finally lands in New York after back-and-forth negotiations with Green Bay.

Damien Harris Lands in Buffalo (March 20)

With Devin Singletary headed to Houston in free agency, the Bills will probably look to give 2022 rookie James Cook a lot more run, and Nyheim Hines is in town as the primary receiving back, but there was every expectation the team would still add a reliable ball-carrier to complement those two. That happened Monday, with Buffalo reportedly agreeing to terms with former Patriot Damien Harris on a one-year deal. The 26-year-old Harris had his best year in 2021, running for 929 yards and 15 touchdowns, but he took a backseat to Rhamondre Stevenson last year. In Buffalo, he’ll be around to spell Cook and will get some goal-line looks, but the No. 2 or 3 running back in an offense that features Josh Allen is not likely to be a very productive one.

Devin Singletary, Dalton Schultz Both Land in Houston (March 20)

Both players settled for one-year deals with the Texans.

O.J. Howard Looks to Revive Career in Las Vegas (March 20)

Former first-round draft pick O.J. Howard found a new home in free agency Monday, landing in Las Vegas on a free agent deal. The 28-year-old spent 2022 with the Texans, where he had 2 touchdowns and 38 yards in Week 1, then offered only 107 scoreless yards the rest of the season. A perennial breakout pick with the Buccaneers early in his career, Howard never really put it together, with injury and ineffectiveness keeping him to a max of 34 receptions and 565 yards in a season. In Vegas, he will have a chance to take over the starting TE role vacated by Darren Waller when the team dealt Waller to the Giants last week. (Last year’s No. 2 TE, Foster Moreau, is a free agent but doesn’t appear likely to return.) It’s a low-floor, low-ceiling role that will keep Howard from any fantasy relevance outside of bye week punt plays.

Mack Hollins Parlays Career Year Into Deal in Atlanta (March 19)

Coming off a career year in 2022, WR Mack Hollins signed with the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, becoming the latest super-tall threat in that offense. Hollins, who had never topped 226 yards, 16 receptions or 28 targets in a season before 2022, put up 690 yards on 57 receptions (94 targets) in 2022. After time with the Eagles, Dolphins and Raiders in his six years, Hollins probably becomes the No. 2 receiver in the Atlanta offense behind Drake London, though TE Kyle Pitts, RB Cordarrelle Patterson and possibly trade acquisition TE Jonnu Smith will also command work, and of course the Falcons are a run-first offense. Still, Hollins shouldn’t have that hard a time at least putting up similar numbers to what he produced in Las Vegas last season.

Adam Thielen Heads to Carolina in Free Agency (March 19)

The former Viking jumps to the top of the Panthers depth chart, pending any more moves the team might make.

Brandin Cooks Traded to Cowboys (March 19)

The Cowboys land a big-play threat in Brandin Cooks.

Marcus Mariota Lands in Philadelphia (March 17)

Former second overall pick Mariota signed with the Eagles Friday after an underwhelming one-year stint in Atlanta. Mariota was a 4.5-year starter for the Titans to start his career, but after losing his job in Tennessee, he backed up Derek Carr for two years in Las Vegas before signing to start for the Falcons last year. He played 13 games for Atlanta, passing for 2,219 yards and 15 touchdowns, before being benched over the last month of the season for rookie Desmond Ridder. In Philadelphia, he’ll serve as a high-floor backup for incumbent starter Jalen Hurts, and Mariota’s ability with his legs makes him capable of filling in for Hurts in a pinch without a dramatic change in the offensive scheme.

Mike Gesicki Stays in AFC East, Signs with Patriots (March 17)

The ex-Dolphins tight end is reunited with Bill O’Brien, who originally recruited him to Penn State.

Bears Add Two, Sign D’Onta Foreman and Robert Tonyan (March 16)

The Chicago offseason rebuild continued Thursday with two more offensive weapons, with the team signing former Packers TE Robert Tonyan and former Panthers RB D’Onta Foreman each to one-year deals. Tonyan had 11 touchdowns and 586 yards in a breakout 2020 season for Green Bay, but scored only 4 times over the two years since, with a town ACL in 2021 costing him a lot of time. He’ll back up Cole Kmet in the Bears offense. Foreman, meanwhile, has bounced around since being drafted by the Texans in the third round in 2017, rupturing his Achilles and spending time on the Colts and Falcons practice squads before having a breakout replacing an injured Derrick Henry with Tennessee in 2021. That breakout continued in Carolina in 2022 with Foreman filling in for the traded Christian McCaffrey to the tune of 914 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. He’s a virtual nothing as a receiver, with only 23 career receptions in six seasons, but he’s a good enough ball-carrier that he’ll serve as a capable backup to now-starter Khalil Herbert. Foreman won’t have much to offer as a standalone fantasy option barring a Herbert injury, but he’s a quality, albeit low-upside, handcuff.

Drew Lock Re-Signs with Seahawks (March 16)

The Seahawks and QB Drew Lock reportedly agree to terms on a one-year deal Thursday for the quarterback to stick around for another season. Lock entered last season in what was perceived to be a two-man battle for the Seattle starting job, but Geno Smith seized the role and never looked back, tossing for 4,282 yards, making his first Pro Bowl and winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. So Lock will be firmly behind Smith on the depth chart for 2023, but he’ll have value for his familiarity with the offense. And on only a one-year deal for a reported $4 million, Lock won’t rule the team out of drafting a long-term successor if the draft falls their way. Lock [assed for 2,933 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2020 with the Broncos, though he led the league with 15 interceptions.

Colts Sign Gardner Minshew (March 16)

The Colts are guaranteed to go into yet another new season with yet another new quarterback in 2023, and as of Thursday, Gardner Minshew could be that quarterback. Minshew, who turns 27 in May, signed a one-year deal with Indianapolis. Minshew has spent time with the Jaguars and Eagles in his career, starting two games for the Eagles each of the last two years after being much more involved with the Jaguars in 2019-2020. He was at his best in his 2019 rookie season when he threw for 3,271 yards and 21 touchdowns. If the season were to start immediately, he’d be the Colts starter, though the team is almost certain to draft a quarterback with the fourth overall pick in next month’s draft (or trade up to get a quarterback even higher). If that quarterback is CJ Stroud or Bryce Young, Minshew would likely to slide to a backup role, but if it’s Will Levis or (especially) Anthony Richardson, there’s a chance that Minshew will open the season as the Colts starter while the rookie gets some time to learn the game. It’s a low-upside signing, but the team definitely needed to add a veteran.

Parris Campbell Lands Deal with Giants (March 16)

After injuries held him to 15 combined games in his first three games, Campbell played all 17 games for the Colts in 2022, setting career highs across the board in targets (91), receptions (63), receiving yards (623) and touchdown (3). He is reportedly heading to a New York Giants team that famously had very little in its receiver room at the end of 2022. The team traded for TE Darren Waller earlier this week, and now add Campbell to Isaiah Hodgins, Sterling Shepard and Wan’Dale Robinson to form a four-man receiver group that is about as chock-full of wild cards as possible. Shepard and Robinson are both coming back from season-ending injuries, Campbell has only had one healthy season in his career, and Hodgins has one career regular-season game with more than 50 yards. There’s a chance all four are at their peak and this is genuinely an above-average receiver room, but there’s also a chance the Giants are scouring the waiver wire by Week 11 again. Campbell’s deal is only a one-year contract with a $3 million base, with incentives that could bump it to $6.7 million. That low rate says Campbell’s market wasn’t robust, and he might be the odd man out if all the receivers are ready to go come Week 1.

Update: The team also agreed to terms to re-sign veteran Giants WR Darius Slayton Thursday. The team has a whole host of WR2/WR3 options with no true WR1. We might see someone develop into a WR1 type in 2023, but right now it’s hard to have confidence in any single Giants receiver.

Chase Edmonds Heads Back to Florida, Signs with Tampa (March 16)

A year after signing with the Dolphins in free agency, Chase Edmonds is headed to Florida again, reportedly agreeing to terms with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year deal Thursday. Edmonds, who finished the 2022 season with the Broncos after a midseason trade, had his worst season since his rookie year in 2018. He averaged only 3.6 yards per carry on 245 carries and wasn’t much of a factor in the receiving game either, with only 16 receptions on 24 targets. He was a popular breakout candidate after joining the Dolphins last offseason on a two-year deal, only to get traded to and ultimately cut by the Broncos. Now in Tampa, he’ll likely be the No. 2 behind 2022 rookie Rachaad White, who should enter the season as the starter on the depth chart. Edmonds role isn’t likely to be significant enough for fantasy managers to care.

James Robinson Signs in New England (March 15)

The former UDFA sensation reportedly agreed to terms with New England Wednesday after largely a lost season in 2022. Robinson, who tore his Achilles late in the 2021 season, started hot in 2022, with 230 rushing yards and 4 total touchdowns through Week 3, but he only amassed 195 yards and a single score the rest of the season, which included him being flipped to the Jets in a trade. In New England, he’ll serve as the backup to incumbent starter Rhamondre Stevenson. With Damien Harris in free agency, that’s a fine role, but Robinson’s fantasy stock will only be as a handcuff.

Alexander Mattison Re-Ups with Vikings (March 15)

The perennial most popular handcuff in fantasy football should keep that same role in 2023 now that he’s sticking around in Minnesota, with rumors that Dalvin Cook will remain a Viking as well. Mattison, who turns 25 in June, had multiple games as a quality fantasy contributor in games Cook missed in both 2020 and 2021, but with Cook playing all 17 games in 2022, Mattison was relegated to a career-low 283 rushing yards. There were some rumors he could find his way to a starting job this offseason, but there were more backs than roles available, so he stays with the Vikings for a reported two years and $7 million. If Cook misses time again (or if he does end up leaving this offseason), Mattison will once again prove to be a popular handcuff.

Justice Hill Re-Signs with Baltimore (March 15)

Hill has spent his entire four years with the Ravens, but he’s only at 547 career rushing yards in that time and missed the 2021 season to injury, and his only 2 career touchdowns came in his 2019 rookie season. He’s not likely to see much work in Baltimore in 2023.

JuJu Smith-Schuster Signs with Patriots (March 15)

The former Steeler and Chief replaces Jakobi Meyers in New England.

Baker Mayfield Gets 1-Year Deal in Tampa (March 15)

The former first overall pick could be in line to start for the Buccaneers.

Hayden Hurst Lands in Carolina (March 15)

The Panthers added some help in the passing game Wednesday with the signing of TE Hayden Hurst. The veteran is coming off a solid season with Cincinnati where he caught 52 balls for 414 yards and two scores. He’ll immediately slide in as the top pass-catching tight end option in Carolina. At this point, it remains to be seen who will be throwing him the ball, as the Panthers hold the No. 1 pick in next month’s draft. Regardless, Hurst will hover on the fringes of the TE2 conversation. As for his former team, expect the Bengals to address tight end in the draft. This year’s class is absolutely loaded with talent.

David Montgomery Heads to Detroit (March 14)

The former Bears running back stays in the division by signing with the Lions.

Samaje Perine Leaves Cincinnati, Signs in Denver (March 14)

Sean Payton’s overhaul in Denver continued Tuesday with the Broncos agreeing to terms with Samaje Perine on a two-year deal worth $7.5 million along with an additional $1 million in incentives. Denver recently cut Chase Edmonds and allowed Mike Boone to walk in free agency. Perine joins Javonte Williams in the Denver stable and figures to have a reasonably big role as the complementary back. Williams is recovering from a season-ending knee injury, and some reports have suggested he may not be ready for the start of the season. If he isn’t, Perine would figure to have RB2 value, but he’ll play more of a handcuff role when Williams is healthy.

Allen Lazard, Jets Agree to Deal (March 14)

Could the Lazard signing mean Aaron Rodgers to New York is close?

Rashaad Penny Signs with Philadelphia (March 14)

Rashaad Penny found a new home on Tuesday, signing a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The former first-rounder spent five years with the Seattle Seahawks. Despite not living up to his draft billing, Penny did briefly flash fantasy upside down the stretch in 2021. In Philly, he’ll join Kenneth Gainwell in the backfield. While Penny will have a role in this group, his contract suggests it won’t be as Miles Sanders’ replacement. Instead, he appears to be headed toward a No. 3 role similar to what Jordan Howard did for Philly in 2021. It’s uncertain whether the Eagles will attempt to re-sign either Sanders and Boston Scott, who are both free agents. If they don’t, Philadelphia could end up addressing the position in the draft.

Update: Philadelphia re-signed Boston Scott to a one-year deal. He’ll remain the Eagles’ Swiss Army knife in the backfield.

Darren Waller Traded to Giants (March 14)

The former Vegas tight end lands in New York.

Raheem Mostert Re-Signs with Miami (March 14)

Heading into this year’s free agency period, all four of the Miami Dolphins’ running backs were slated to become free agents. The Dolphins have now managed to re-sign two of them with both Raheem Mostert and Salvon Ahmed back under contract. The former of the two was announced Tuesday morning, with Mostert agreeing to a two-year deal worth up to $7.6 million. For now, Mostert sits atop the depth chart, but Jeff Wilson Jr. could also end up being re-signed. Though Mostert was once an intriguing fantasy option, he’ll be entering his age-31 season and is best viewed as a committee back with very little fantasy upside. Look for the Dolphins to continue to add to their running back room whether it’s signing someone like Wilson or addressing the position in next month’s draft.

UPDATE: Miami also re-signed Jeff Wilson Jr. We can expect a similar touch distribution from last season in this backfield.

Update: Miami also re-signed Myles Gaskin Wednesday. The team brings back all four members of its 2022 backfield.

Jakobi Meyers Reunites with Josh McDaniels in Vegas (March 14)

Meyers was the first significant receiver off the board in free agency.

Taylor Heinicke Lands in Atlanta (March 14)

After spending the last three years in Washington, Heinicke – who turns 30 March 15 – heads to Atlanta, ostensibly to be the backup to second-year QB Desmond Ridder. Heinicke has always been better-suited to a high-end backup role than as the full-time starter he became in 2021 when Ryan Fitzpatrick was hurt in Week 1. He’s started 24 games over the last two years. The problem in Atlanta is that Ridder has not yet proven he can be a full-time starter. If Ridder doesn’t work out (and if the Falcons don’t add another quarterback this offseason), Heinicke could find himself starting a handful of games again. There are worse options, but there are also better ones.

Sam Darnold, 49ers Agree to Terms (March 13)

After letting Jimmy Garoppolo walk in free agency, the 49ers added a veteran presence to their quarterback room, signing Sam Darnold to a one-year deal. Details on the contract numbers have yet to be released, but it’s fairly safe to assume that Darnold will be getting backup money. Darnold’s signing comes just days after Brock Purdy underwent surgery to repair his right UCL. The surgery was a success, but Purdy still faces a six-month timetable. That puts his return in mid-September. Until then, Trey Lance is the presumptive starter with Darnold serving as his backup. Darnold exits a Carolina Panthers organization that is poised to draft their signal caller of the future after trading up to the No. 1 overall pick.

Jimmy Garoppolo Signs in Las Vegas (March 13)

The former 49ers quarterback lands with the Raiders.

Jarrett Stidham Signs in Denver (March 13)

The Raiders are now left with just Chase Garbers in their quarterback room after Jarrett Stidham opted to sign a two-year deal with the Denver Broncos worth a reported $10 million. Stidham will slide in as Russell Wilson’s backup. The Raiders are rumored to be interested in Jimmy Garoppolo and also pick seventh in next month’s draft. Vegas could very well end up signing a veteran and using the pick on an upside option like Will Levis.

Jonnu Smith Traded to Atlanta (March 13)

The Falcons added to their tight end room on Monday, acquiring Jonnu Smith from the Patriots in exchange for a seventh-round pick. In Smith, Atlanta gets a player who formerly played under head coach Arthur Smith in Tennessee. While on the surface, this might look like an odd fit given Kyle Pitts’ presence on the depth chart, Smith is not a threat to Pitts’ workload. In New England, Smith primarily operated inline. This past season, 72% of his snaps came inline. Smith figures to slide into MyCole Pruitt’s role. As such, Pitts will remain a high-volume option. With Smith out of the mix, Hunter Henry now has slightly less competition for targets, though he’ll continue to be a touchdown-dependent fantasy option.

Robert Woods Signs in Houston (March 10)

The Houston Texans addressed an area of need Friday, signing veteran wideout Robert Woods to a two-year contract worth a reported $15.3 million. The deal comes with $10 million in guaranteed money with a maximum value of $17 million. At this point, we don’t have details on how much of the $10 million is fully guaranteed.

Houston holds the second overall pick in next month’s draft and is expected to select a quarterback in that spot. With Brandin Cooks rumored to be on the trade block, the Texans had a perilously thin depth chart that featured just Nico Collins and John Metchie, who missed all of his rookie season after being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. Metchie will be back this season, which is tremendous news, but Houston remains in need of adding more talent to their wide receiver corps.

In Woods, the Texans are signing a player who is very much on the downslope of his career. Woods is entering his age-31 season and was on the open market after flaming out with the Titans last season. Can Woods earn a spot as one of the Texans’ top three wideouts? Sure, but expectations should be low for his outlook in 2023. Not only are his skills declining, but he’ll also be operating on a rebuilding offense that will almost certainly be led by a rookie signal caller.