Remaining Free Agents Who Could Provide Fantasy Football Value

The draft has come and gone, and now the fantasy football community can shift its focus entirely to the regular season … well, almost. We’ve seen plenty of blockbuster moves from this supremely insane offseason, but that doesn’t mean teams are finished polishing their rosters.

While the free agent pool has dried up significantly, a handful of valuable assets remain, floating, waiting to be scooped up so they can make an impact.

These guys won’t be first-round picks, and they may not even be signed for a little while longer, but they can certainly provide value if they end up in the right situation.

Quarterback

Cam Newton

To put it bluntly, we’re dumpster-diving for QBs at this point. Although Ryan Fitzpatrick has been a better NFL quarterback than Cam Newton over the last few years, consider him the honorable mention in this sparse group. 

Rushing upside is king for quarterbacks, and despite what opinions you may have on Newton’s throwing ability, he’s still willing to ground and pound. He rushed for a TD in five straight games last season and averaged over 16 fantasy points per game in that span without ever throwing for 200 yards.

In the case of an injury or a lost season, Cam could get the opportunity to provide streaming value because of his legs, no matter ugly it may look.

Best Landing Spots: Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers

Running Back

Darrel Williams

After a career year in 2021, Darrel Williams is looking for a chance to play a more consistent role in 2022. When Clyde Edwards-Helaire went down with a knee injury last season, Williams proved capable of playing two key roles: goal-line back and pass-catcher. 

Despite starting just seven games, Williams finished sixth in receiving yards among running backs, including a 9-101-1 outburst in Week 10. At this point, he won’t step in anywhere as a three-down back, but he can serve as a complementary piece and still produce for fantasy like he did in Kansas City.

Arizona presents an intriguing option for Williams. Presumed starter James Conner has never played a full season in the NFL and boasts a similar skillset. Even without injury, Williams could carve out a spot in the RB rotation.

Best Landing Spots: Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans

Wide Receiver

Will Fuller 

Over the course of his career, Will Fuller has defined boom-or-bust, but the bust comes mainly from Fuller missing time due to injuries or suspension. In 2020, Fuller started the first 11 games and slotted in as the number five receiver before testing positive for PEDs.

As he enters his seventh season, it’s safe to say Will Fuller will never be any NFL or fantasy team’s Ol’ Reliable. Despite that, Fuller’s blazing speed and downfield prowess make him a valuable asset. In the right situation, he can provide week-winning upside at a low cost for fantasy managers like he did in 2020, but now he’s even cheaper.

With Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling out of the picture, Aaron Rodgers has plenty of targets to go around and could use a field-stretcher. Likewise, the Cowboys are thin behind CeeDee Lamb with Michael Gallup recovering from a late-season ACL tear and Amari Cooper in Cleveland. 

Fuller could step into either situation and see immediate opportunity.

Best Landing Spots: Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys

The Ex-Superstars

They’ve given us fond memories, unforgettable moments and historic performances. We may have already seen the best of these three, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be fantasy relevant for just a little while longer.

Julio Jones

In 2021, Julio Jones finished with career lows across the board and proved to be a black hole for fantasy managers who were too scared to drop such a big name.

Jones’ last two games of 2021 were, however, two of his best three games all season. In that short span, he posted 11 receptions on 15 targets for 120 yards and hauled in his only touchdown of the year. There may still be something in the tank, but he needs a situation that will squeeze the most out of him.

Perhaps a reunion with his old friend Matt Ryan is in the cards. Or, maybe a trip out west to play in the warm weather as a tertiary option would benefit Julio’s aging body.

Best Landing Spots: Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Chargers

Antonio Brown

It’s possible we’ve seen the last of Mr. Big Chest in the NFL, but we know NFL teams are willing to give players with Antonio Brown’s talent third, fourth and fifth chances.

In six games alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in 2021, Brown showed he is still an elite talent by racking up 81 half-PPR points compared to Evans’ 82 and Godwin’s 74. 

Additionally, Brown led the NFL in percent of routes targeted last season at 31%. When he’s on the field, he’s getting looks, and he’s a difference maker. Unfortunately, AB has only played 16 games since the start of the 2019 season due to injuries and off-the-field antics.

Lamar Jackson is looking for a new No. 1 option after the Ravens dealt Marquise Brown. Maybe Baltimore keeps it in the family and brings their departed receiver’s cousin, Antonio.

Best Landing Spots: Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs

Odell Beckham

In Hollywood, Odell Beckham starred as the second receiving option behind Cooper Kupp. According to PFF, Beckham was a top-25 receiver in the league after joining the Rams and a top-five receiver in the playoffs. In Weeks 12-17 — after the Rams’ bye week — Beckham ranked as a top-20 fantasy receiver.

He’s currently recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in the Super Bowl, so it’s possible he doesn’t see the field this year. If he does come back, he might actually be best served running it back with the Rams, especially after Matthew Stafford revealed that he has been talking with the star wideout and would love to have him back.

Best Landing Spots: Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs

Tight End

Jared Cook 

Jared Cook, a 35-year-old journeyman, gets the slight nod here over Eric Ebron. Ebron finished fourth at the position in 2018 on the back of 13 touchdowns, but he hasn’t finished higher than 12th in any other season. That’s not to say Cook is a locked-and-loaded TE1, but he’s been a bit more consistent over the last several years despite being on the wrong side of 30.

Cook played well in 2021 with Justin Herbert throwing him the ball, but he only found the end zone four times. Like most tight ends, he’ll need positive touchdown regression or a sizable increase in volume to sniff the top tier.

More likely though, Cook will end up a streamer in favorable matchups or be forced to grind out a role in a timeshare depending on where he signs.

Best Landing Spot: Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders