Beginning on Monday, the NFL legal tampering period kicks off, and the transaction action will be hot and heavy. The NFL is a year-round league. Some of the dominoes have already begun to fall. Today, we take a look at the fantasy impact left behind in their wake.
Aaron Rodgers Returns to the Pack
The Aaron Rodgers melodrama played out once again. The yearly ‘will he, won’t he’ spectacle played out with Rodgers teasing the possibility of retirement or requesting a trade to another team. Ultimately, the future Hall of Famer decided to return to the only team he’s ever known and run it back. Aaron Rodgers will be a QB1 for fantasy football and is a rock-solid middle-round option.
In the fallout of the Rodgers news, the Green Bay Packers also applied the franchise tag to Davante Adams. Adams returning to Lambeau is the best possible outcome for Davante Adams dynasty managers. Adams will be a lock for his 160 targets and in the mix to be the top wide receiver in all of Fantasy Football.
Russell Wilson: No Longer Sleepless in Seattle
A few short hours following the Aaron Rodgers news, the Denver Broncos swooped in to steal the spotlight and announced they were making a trade for quarterback Russell Wilson.
The Denver Broncos had to mortgage their future a bit as they are sending two 1st rounders, two 2nd rounders, Shelby Harris, Drew Lock, and Noah Fant to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Russell Wilson.
This trade feels like a move the Denver Broncos had to make. They are a team ready to contend now. The Broncos are a team that was a ‘quarterback away.’ Russell Wilson will cause a fantasy football ripple effect.
Javone Williams is a big winner here as the Broncos’ offense will improve dramatically with the addition of Russell Wilson. Williams is a top ten fantasy back right now.
The time is now for the Jerry Jeudy breakout season. We know Jeudy is talented, but his 2021 season was cut short due to injuries. Courtland Sutton is returning to form as well. Jeudy and Sutton should pose a strong 1-2 punch and should be in the WR2 category for your fantasy team. Keep an eye on Tim Patrick as well. Patrick isn’t the sexiest name in fantasy but should bring WR3 value.
Albert Okwuegbunam is also a big winner here. With Noah Fant shipped to Seattle, Albert O takes over the lead TE role for the Broncos. Albert O will be on the TE1 radar as it stands right now.
As for the Seattle Seahawks, it is time to slam that panic button if you’re a dynasty manager of any Seahawks’ skill players. I would be on the fantasy phone right now trying to unload DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett before the fantasy stock hits rock bottom. Metcalf and Lockett benefited from Russell Wilson’s ability to make big plays down the field on a limited passing volume. This trade feels like a lateral move for Noah Fant. Fant wasn’t exactly a focal point in the Broncos’ offense. Seattle is resetting at the quarterback position and will likely go with a rookie at some juncture. You’re looking at a rocky transition under center and an offense that is heading in the wrong direction!
Mr. Wentz Goes To Washington
Carson Wentz was traded for the second season in a row. This time from the Indianapolis Colts to the Washington Commanders. While this is not a great look for Wentz as a professional quarterback, we are here to talk about the fantasy ramifications.
Carson Wentz is what he is at this point–a low-end QB2 that you can only play in the best match-ups. He is an upgrade over Taylor Heinicke, so he should lift the production around him.
Terry McLaurin will benefit the most from this trade. Wentz has a history of leaning on his outside receivers, and McLaurin will be locked in as his primary weapon on offense. I would upgrade Terry McLaurin from a low-end WR2 to a high-end version.
Keep an eye on Logan Thomas‘ recovery from an ACL injury. If Thomas is healthy to come the regular season, he makes a sneaky TE play. Carson Wentz has developed chemistry with the tight end position in his other stops in Philadelphia and Indianapolis.
In Indianapolis, we have no idea who will be under center for the Colts in 2022. I would not downgrade Jonathan Taylor, he is who we thought he was! I would not get the warm and fuzzies on Michael Pittman Jr.
Amari Cooper Leaving Dallas???
One of the more rampant rumors around league circles is that the Dallas Cowboys will release or trade Amari Cooper before the new league year. We don’t know where Cooper will wind up, we do know that his departure would leave fantasy ripple effects.
CeeDee Lamb‘s fantasy stock would immediately go thermal nuclear. Lamb would be the lone alpha in one of the top offenses in the NFL. With Ezekiel Elliott declining, the sky is the limit for CeeDee Lamb.
I believe Dak Prescott has a thorough command of the Dallas Cowboys’ offense. Dak Prescott’s value will not be altered in any way.
Amari Cooper’s departure would free up over 100 targets in the Cowboys’ offense. I believe that would help to solidify the roles of Michael Gallup and Dalton Schultz. Gallup would be a borderline WR2/WR3, and Schultz would be a locked-in top ten option at the TE position.
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