Players with New Teams in 2023
By: FN Staff
Friday, May 26, 2023 at 11:26 am ET
The 2023 NFL offseason has been busy. Below is a list of notable player movements. Whether traded or picked up via free agency, these players have new teams for the upcoming fantasy football season. Player outlooks courtesy of ESPN.
To view all player movements, please visit our NFL Free Agency Tracker.
Quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers was traded to the Jets after spending his first 18 NFL seasons with the Packers. Rodgers is coming off easily the worst fantasy campaign of his career, having finished 25th in points per game after previously never finishing worse than 13th (and worse than ninth only once). Shockingly, Rodgers' best weekly finish was ninth in Week 10 and a whopping 32 QBs had more top-10 fantasy weeks. Granted, his supporting cast wasn't very good (29 dropped passes ranked third), but Rodgers threw 12 INTs (his most since 2008) and had a career-worst showing as a rusher (34-94-1). The 39-year-old has a respectable supporting cast in New York (led by top WR Garrett Wilson), but he's no longer an elite fantasy option and is safest as a fringe QB1.
Rodgers was traded to the Jets after spending his first 18 NFL seasons with the Packers. Rodgers is coming off easily the worst fantasy campaign of his career, having finished 25th in points per game after previously never finishing worse than 13th (and worse than ninth only once). Shockingly, Rodgers' best weekly finish was ninth in Week 10 and a whopping 32 QBs had more top-10 fantasy weeks. Granted, his supporting cast wasn't very good (29 dropped passes ranked third), but Rodgers threw 12 INTs (his most since 2008) and had a career-worst showing as a rusher (34-94-1). The 39-year-old has a respectable supporting cast in New York (led by top WR Garrett Wilson), but he's no longer an elite fantasy option and is safest as a fringe QB1.
Derek Carr
Carr signed with the Saints during the offseason following nine seasons with the Raiders. Carr has had stretches of strong play, but what he hasn't had is much fantasy success. The 32-year-old has zero career top-10 fantasy seasons and he's finished 19th or worse in points per game in eight of his nine campaigns. Carr hasn't cleared 27 pass TDs in a season since 2016 and he's a nonfactor with his legs, having yet to clear 140 rushing yards in a single season. Carr's arrival in New Orleans is an upgrade for the team's pass-catchers, but that doesn't mean Carr will be fantasy-relevant. At best, he's a midrange QB2.
Carr signed with the Saints during the offseason following nine seasons with the Raiders. Carr has had stretches of strong play, but what he hasn't had is much fantasy success. The 32-year-old has zero career top-10 fantasy seasons and he's finished 19th or worse in points per game in eight of his nine campaigns. Carr hasn't cleared 27 pass TDs in a season since 2016 and he's a nonfactor with his legs, having yet to clear 140 rushing yards in a single season. Carr's arrival in New Orleans is an upgrade for the team's pass-catchers, but that doesn't mean Carr will be fantasy-relevant. At best, he's a midrange QB2.
Jimmy Garoppolo
Garoppolo is the new starting QB in Las Vegas following six seasons with San Francisco. Garoppolo played a majority of the snaps in 10 games last season and was 14th in fantasy PPG during those weeks. That's not particularly impressive, but it was actually one of Garoppolo's best fantasy runs ever. He's never finished a season better than 14th in fantasy points (2019) and a big reason for that has been injuries (he's appeared in at least 10 games in only three of nine seasons). The 31-year-old offers the minimum with his legs (his career high of 62 rushing yards was set in 2019), so even with Davante Adams and newcomer Jakobi Meyers at his disposal, Garoppolo is nowhere close to the QB1 radar.
Garoppolo is the new starting QB in Las Vegas following six seasons with San Francisco. Garoppolo played a majority of the snaps in 10 games last season and was 14th in fantasy PPG during those weeks. That's not particularly impressive, but it was actually one of Garoppolo's best fantasy runs ever. He's never finished a season better than 14th in fantasy points (2019) and a big reason for that has been injuries (he's appeared in at least 10 games in only three of nine seasons). The 31-year-old offers the minimum with his legs (his career high of 62 rushing yards was set in 2019), so even with Davante Adams and newcomer Jakobi Meyers at his disposal, Garoppolo is nowhere close to the QB1 radar.
Baker Mayfield
Mayfield signed with the Buccaneers during the offseason and the veteran QB is expected to compete with Kyle Trask to replace Tom Brady as the team's starter. Mayfield fell out of favor in both Cleveland and Carolina in recent years, but reignited his career a little bit in subbing for Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles late last season. Unfortunately, that didn't translate to much fantasy success (9.5 PPG) and Mayfield remains without a top-15 fantasy campaign in his career. The 28-year-old is a nonfactor with his legs (career-high 165 rushing yards was set in 2020) and a long shot for fantasy relevance even if he locks down the starting gig for a rebuilding Tampa Bay club.
Mayfield signed with the Buccaneers during the offseason and the veteran QB is expected to compete with Kyle Trask to replace Tom Brady as the team's starter. Mayfield fell out of favor in both Cleveland and Carolina in recent years, but reignited his career a little bit in subbing for Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles late last season. Unfortunately, that didn't translate to much fantasy success (9.5 PPG) and Mayfield remains without a top-15 fantasy campaign in his career. The 28-year-old is a nonfactor with his legs (career-high 165 rushing yards was set in 2020) and a long shot for fantasy relevance even if he locks down the starting gig for a rebuilding Tampa Bay club.
Jacoby Brissett
Brissett signed with the Commanders after an efficient showing in 11 starts for the Browns last season. The veteran QB finished eighth in QBR (60.0), though he was limited to 14 total TDs and one weekly fantasy finish better than 10th. Brissett didn't move the needle a ton through the air, but he put together a solid 49-243-2 rushing line. He has been around since 2016 but has yet to finish a season better than 20th in fantasy points. Washington has a good group of receivers, led by Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, but even if Brissett beats out second-year Sam Howell for the starting gig, his passing limitations make it unlikely that he'll find his way onto the fantasy radar.
Brissett signed with the Commanders after an efficient showing in 11 starts for the Browns last season. The veteran QB finished eighth in QBR (60.0), though he was limited to 14 total TDs and one weekly fantasy finish better than 10th. Brissett didn't move the needle a ton through the air, but he put together a solid 49-243-2 rushing line. He has been around since 2016 but has yet to finish a season better than 20th in fantasy points. Washington has a good group of receivers, led by Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, but even if Brissett beats out second-year Sam Howell for the starting gig, his passing limitations make it unlikely that he'll find his way onto the fantasy radar.
Running Backs
Miles Sanders
Sanders signed with the Panthers following four seasons with the Eagles. The 2019 second-round pick has been nothing short of elite as a rusher since he was drafted (career 5.02 YPC), but he's been limited by major struggles in the passing game (his 3.8 YPT ranks last among RBs since 2020). That was on full display in 2022, when he ranked fifth in the league in rushing yards but 73rd among RBs in receiving yards. Sanders' 15th-place fantasy finish matched a career high, but the receiving struggles limited him to a 54% snaps share and eight single-digit fantasy outings. Carolina has a rookie QB and the offensive line is a big step back from what Sanders enjoyed in Philly, but the 26-year-old will handle the bulk of the carries and likely goal line work. That will be enough to keep him in the RB2 discussion, especially in non-PPR formats.
Sanders signed with the Panthers following four seasons with the Eagles. The 2019 second-round pick has been nothing short of elite as a rusher since he was drafted (career 5.02 YPC), but he's been limited by major struggles in the passing game (his 3.8 YPT ranks last among RBs since 2020). That was on full display in 2022, when he ranked fifth in the league in rushing yards but 73rd among RBs in receiving yards. Sanders' 15th-place fantasy finish matched a career high, but the receiving struggles limited him to a 54% snaps share and eight single-digit fantasy outings. Carolina has a rookie QB and the offensive line is a big step back from what Sanders enjoyed in Philly, but the 26-year-old will handle the bulk of the carries and likely goal line work. That will be enough to keep him in the RB2 discussion, especially in non-PPR formats.
D'Andre Swift
Swift was traded to the Eagles during April's draft and will compete for touches with the likes of Rashaad Penny and Kenneth Gainwell. Same as in Detroit, Swift will benefit from an elite offensive line, but it's unknown if he'll be able to hold up (at least three missed games in all three NFL seasons) or ever handle a bigger, consistent role (five top-12 fantasy weeks, but five finishes 30th or worse in 2022). Swift is efficient on the ground (5.5 YPC ranked sixth in 2022) and finds the end zone (at least seven TDs in all three seasons), but a lot of his game is built on heavy work as a receiver (70 targets in 2022 ranked 10th at RB), which could be limited in an Eagles offense loaded with high-volume targets. The 24-year-old figures to operate in a committee but he's super-talented, so a return to weekly RB2 status is within his range of outcomes if he stays healthy.
Swift was traded to the Eagles during April's draft and will compete for touches with the likes of Rashaad Penny and Kenneth Gainwell. Same as in Detroit, Swift will benefit from an elite offensive line, but it's unknown if he'll be able to hold up (at least three missed games in all three NFL seasons) or ever handle a bigger, consistent role (five top-12 fantasy weeks, but five finishes 30th or worse in 2022). Swift is efficient on the ground (5.5 YPC ranked sixth in 2022) and finds the end zone (at least seven TDs in all three seasons), but a lot of his game is built on heavy work as a receiver (70 targets in 2022 ranked 10th at RB), which could be limited in an Eagles offense loaded with high-volume targets. The 24-year-old figures to operate in a committee but he's super-talented, so a return to weekly RB2 status is within his range of outcomes if he stays healthy.
David Montgomery
Montgomery signed with the Lions as a de facto Jamaal Williams replacement and will team up with rookie Jahmyr Gibbs to form a potentially-elite RB duo. During four seasons in Chicago, Montgomery never finished a season lower than 20th in touches, 21st in yards or 24th in fantasy points among RBs. Even with Gibbs in the mix, he has a good chance to keep that streak going, especially in a fantasy-friendly role that allowed Williams a league-high 17 TDs and 28 carries inside the opponent's 5-yard line last season. Montgomery (14th among RBs in targets since 2019) is a more accomplished receiver than Williams, so there's a lot to like in a Detroit offense that led the NFL with 501 RB fantasy points in 2022. Target Montgomery as a flex option.
Montgomery signed with the Lions as a de facto Jamaal Williams replacement and will team up with rookie Jahmyr Gibbs to form a potentially-elite RB duo. During four seasons in Chicago, Montgomery never finished a season lower than 20th in touches, 21st in yards or 24th in fantasy points among RBs. Even with Gibbs in the mix, he has a good chance to keep that streak going, especially in a fantasy-friendly role that allowed Williams a league-high 17 TDs and 28 carries inside the opponent's 5-yard line last season. Montgomery (14th among RBs in targets since 2019) is a more accomplished receiver than Williams, so there's a lot to like in a Detroit offense that led the NFL with 501 RB fantasy points in 2022. Target Montgomery as a flex option.
Rashaad Penny
Penny signed with the Eagles as the team's de facto Miles Sanders replacement. The 2018 first-round pick is an elite rusher -- his career 5.69 YPC is tops in the NFL since he was drafted -- but the problem is injuries have limited him to 337 carries in five seasons. Penny has missed at least six games in four consecutive seasons and was healthy for only five games in 2022. He's also failed to emerge as an option in the passing game, having yet to clear nine catches in a single season. Sanders finished eighth in carries and 44th in targets among RBs last season and while Penny could see similar usage, he's going to defer plenty of work (especially in passing situations) to D'Andre Swift and perhaps Kenneth Gainwell. Penny is safest as a flex option with added value in non-PPR.
Penny signed with the Eagles as the team's de facto Miles Sanders replacement. The 2018 first-round pick is an elite rusher -- his career 5.69 YPC is tops in the NFL since he was drafted -- but the problem is injuries have limited him to 337 carries in five seasons. Penny has missed at least six games in four consecutive seasons and was healthy for only five games in 2022. He's also failed to emerge as an option in the passing game, having yet to clear nine catches in a single season. Sanders finished eighth in carries and 44th in targets among RBs last season and while Penny could see similar usage, he's going to defer plenty of work (especially in passing situations) to D'Andre Swift and perhaps Kenneth Gainwell. Penny is safest as a flex option with added value in non-PPR.
Jamaal Williams
Williams signed with the Saints following a breakout 2022 season in which he led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns. The veteran back easily set career highs across the board as a rusher, including an absurd 28 carries inside the opponent's 5-yard line (no other player had more than 20). On the flip side, Williams was a nonfactor as a receiver (73 yards on 16 targets), which led to extremely inconsistent fantasy output. Now 28 years old, Williams is expected to work as an early-down and short-yardage complement to Alvin Kamara. Of course, with Kamara facing a potential suspension, it's possible Williams will spend at least a few games in a featured role. He's well worth mid-round consideration, though he may not be a starting option in most formats once Kamara returns.
Williams signed with the Saints following a breakout 2022 season in which he led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns. The veteran back easily set career highs across the board as a rusher, including an absurd 28 carries inside the opponent's 5-yard line (no other player had more than 20). On the flip side, Williams was a nonfactor as a receiver (73 yards on 16 targets), which led to extremely inconsistent fantasy output. Now 28 years old, Williams is expected to work as an early-down and short-yardage complement to Alvin Kamara. Of course, with Kamara facing a potential suspension, it's possible Williams will spend at least a few games in a featured role. He's well worth mid-round consideration, though he may not be a starting option in most formats once Kamara returns.
Damien Harris
The Bills were looking for a �big� back this offseason and they landed on the 216-pound Harris. The former Patriots lead back broke out back in 2021 (202-929-15 rushing line) but dealt with injuries and took a back seat to Rhamondre Stevenson in 2022 (106-462-3). Harris is a good rusher (4.66 YPC on 449 career carries) but isn't much of a threat in the passing game (52 career targets). The 26-year-old will focus primarily on short yardage and goal line work in Buffalo, with second-year James Cook likely to lead the backfield and Nyheim Hines and option in passing situations. Harris may hit for the occasional two-TD game, but consistent fantasy production is a long shot barring a Cook injury.
The Bills were looking for a �big� back this offseason and they landed on the 216-pound Harris. The former Patriots lead back broke out back in 2021 (202-929-15 rushing line) but dealt with injuries and took a back seat to Rhamondre Stevenson in 2022 (106-462-3). Harris is a good rusher (4.66 YPC on 449 career carries) but isn't much of a threat in the passing game (52 career targets). The 26-year-old will focus primarily on short yardage and goal line work in Buffalo, with second-year James Cook likely to lead the backfield and Nyheim Hines and option in passing situations. Harris may hit for the occasional two-TD game, but consistent fantasy production is a long shot barring a Cook injury.
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D'Onta Foreman
Foreman signed with the Bears after showing well in relief of Derrick Henry (injured) in Tennessee in 2021 and Christian McCaffrey (traded) in Carolina in 2022. During that span, Foreman faced an average of 7.22 box defenders per carry (highest among 25 RBs with 400-plus carries) and still posted a healthy 4.40 YPC. Foreman isn't an option in the pass game (23 career catches in 43 games), but he'll provide value to Chicago as an effective, 236-pound early-down/short-yardage option. Foreman figures to defer a decent share of touches to some combination of Khalil Herbert, Travis Homer and Roschon Johnson, so the 27-year-old is a long shot for consistent flex production.
Foreman signed with the Bears after showing well in relief of Derrick Henry (injured) in Tennessee in 2021 and Christian McCaffrey (traded) in Carolina in 2022. During that span, Foreman faced an average of 7.22 box defenders per carry (highest among 25 RBs with 400-plus carries) and still posted a healthy 4.40 YPC. Foreman isn't an option in the pass game (23 career catches in 43 games), but he'll provide value to Chicago as an effective, 236-pound early-down/short-yardage option. Foreman figures to defer a decent share of touches to some combination of Khalil Herbert, Travis Homer and Roschon Johnson, so the 27-year-old is a long shot for consistent flex production.
Samaje Perine
Perine signed with the Broncos after stints with Washington, Miami and Cincinnati during his six NFL seasons. The 2017 fourth-round pick put together his best fantasy campaign last season (681 yards and six TDs on 133 touches) and showed some lead back potential, producing 330 yards and four TDs on 63 touches during three games Joe Mixon was injured. Perine has been a backup most of his career (401 carries, 122 targets) and that will be his role in Denver, but it's possible he'll be called on for a larger workload -- if not a half-dozen or more starts -- early in the season as Javonte Williams recovers from a torn ACL suffered last season. Perine, now 27 years old, will be on the RB2 radar as long as Williams is sidelined and, thus, is worth midround consideration.
Perine signed with the Broncos after stints with Washington, Miami and Cincinnati during his six NFL seasons. The 2017 fourth-round pick put together his best fantasy campaign last season (681 yards and six TDs on 133 touches) and showed some lead back potential, producing 330 yards and four TDs on 63 touches during three games Joe Mixon was injured. Perine has been a backup most of his career (401 carries, 122 targets) and that will be his role in Denver, but it's possible he'll be called on for a larger workload -- if not a half-dozen or more starts -- early in the season as Javonte Williams recovers from a torn ACL suffered last season. Perine, now 27 years old, will be on the RB2 radar as long as Williams is sidelined and, thus, is worth midround consideration.
Devin Singletary
Singletary signed with the Texans after spending his first four NFL seasons in Buffalo. The 2019 third-round pick as reliable as they come, as he's the only fantasy-relevant back who has appeared in 100% of his team's regular-season games over the last three seasons. Singletary's rushing efficiency has been good (his career 4.69 YPC ranks eighth among 38 qualified RBs) and he has been a consistent contributor in the passing game (38-plus catches in three consecutive seasons). Singletary has yet to finish a season higher than 15th among RBs in carries, targets, touches or fantasy points, and that's unlikely to change as he plays second fiddle to second-year Dameon Pierce in Houston. The 26-year-old is best valued as a bench/insurance hold.
Singletary signed with the Texans after spending his first four NFL seasons in Buffalo. The 2019 third-round pick as reliable as they come, as he's the only fantasy-relevant back who has appeared in 100% of his team's regular-season games over the last three seasons. Singletary's rushing efficiency has been good (his career 4.69 YPC ranks eighth among 38 qualified RBs) and he has been a consistent contributor in the passing game (38-plus catches in three consecutive seasons). Singletary has yet to finish a season higher than 15th among RBs in carries, targets, touches or fantasy points, and that's unlikely to change as he plays second fiddle to second-year Dameon Pierce in Houston. The 26-year-old is best valued as a bench/insurance hold.
James Robinson
Robinson signed with the Patriots after falling out of favor with the Jaguars and Jets last season. The 2020 UDFA looked like an absolute steal as a rookie, totaling 1,414 yards and 10 TDs on 289 touches in 14 games and finishing seventh among RBs in fantasy points. He was solid again in 2021 (989 yards and eight TDs on 195 touches) prior to tearing his Achilles in Week 16. He started off the 2022 season with a bang (four TDs and three top-12 fantasy outings during Weeks 1-3), but his role was then reduced and he was later traded to the Jets, where he appeared in four games and was often a healthy scratch. Even if the 25-year-old gets back to his early-career self, his role will be limited in a New England offense that will feature Rhamondre Stevenson. He's barely worth a late round flier.
Robinson signed with the Patriots after falling out of favor with the Jaguars and Jets last season. The 2020 UDFA looked like an absolute steal as a rookie, totaling 1,414 yards and 10 TDs on 289 touches in 14 games and finishing seventh among RBs in fantasy points. He was solid again in 2021 (989 yards and eight TDs on 195 touches) prior to tearing his Achilles in Week 16. He started off the 2022 season with a bang (four TDs and three top-12 fantasy outings during Weeks 1-3), but his role was then reduced and he was later traded to the Jets, where he appeared in four games and was often a healthy scratch. Even if the 25-year-old gets back to his early-career self, his role will be limited in a New England offense that will feature Rhamondre Stevenson. He's barely worth a late round flier.
Chase Edmonds
Edmonds signed with Tampa Bay after failing to make a mark with Denver and Miami last season. In a combined 13 games with the two clubs, Edmonds was limited to 402 yards (his fewest since his rookie season in Arizona in 2018) and three TDs on 84 touches. The 27-year-old peaked with a 25th-place fantasy campaign in 2020, which was fueled by a 53-402-4 receiving line (he finished top 7 among RBs in receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs). Edmonds is positioned for a rebound campaign and he battles with second-year Rachaad White for work in the Tampa Bay backfield. Standalone value is unlikely in an offense likely to struggle, but Edmonds may find his way to insurance value in deeper formats.
Edmonds signed with Tampa Bay after failing to make a mark with Denver and Miami last season. In a combined 13 games with the two clubs, Edmonds was limited to 402 yards (his fewest since his rookie season in Arizona in 2018) and three TDs on 84 touches. The 27-year-old peaked with a 25th-place fantasy campaign in 2020, which was fueled by a 53-402-4 receiving line (he finished top 7 among RBs in receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs). Edmonds is positioned for a rebound campaign and he battles with second-year Rachaad White for work in the Tampa Bay backfield. Standalone value is unlikely in an offense likely to struggle, but Edmonds may find his way to insurance value in deeper formats.
Ronald Jones
Jones signed with the Cowboys after an unsuccessful one-year stint in Kansas City. The 2018 second-round pick appeared in six regular season games with the Chiefs and was limited to 18 touches on 38 snaps. It was career-low usage for a player who peaked with 200-plus touches, 1,000-plus yards and six-plus TDs in both 2019 and 2020 with Tampa Bay. Following the release of Ezekiel Elliott, Jones will spend the offseason competing with the likes of Malik Davis and undersized rookie Deuce Vaughn for a role behind lead back Tony Pollard. It’s possible, if not likely, Dallas will add more competition, but Jones will have some insurance appeal if he manages to lock down No. 2 duties.
Jones signed with the Cowboys after an unsuccessful one-year stint in Kansas City. The 2018 second-round pick appeared in six regular season games with the Chiefs and was limited to 18 touches on 38 snaps. It was career-low usage for a player who peaked with 200-plus touches, 1,000-plus yards and six-plus TDs in both 2019 and 2020 with Tampa Bay. Following the release of Ezekiel Elliott, Jones will spend the offseason competing with the likes of Malik Davis and undersized rookie Deuce Vaughn for a role behind lead back Tony Pollard. It’s possible, if not likely, Dallas will add more competition, but Jones will have some insurance appeal if he manages to lock down No. 2 duties.
Wide Receivers
Jakobi Meyers
Meyers signed with the Raiders after spending his first four seasons with the Patriots. Undrafted in 2019, Meyers progressively worked his way up the New England depth chart and has handled a respectable 22%-plus target share each of the last three seasons. Meyers has finished each of the last two seasons exactly 29th in fantasy points despite major deficiencies in the TD department. The slot man has never cleared four end zone targets in a season and his six TD receptions in 2022 tripled his total during his first three campaigns (two). The 26-year-old will work behind Davante Adams in Las Vegas, but there's a path to a respectable target share with conservative Jimmy Garoppolo under center. Meyers has the look of a flex option in PPR formats.
Meyers signed with the Raiders after spending his first four seasons with the Patriots. Undrafted in 2019, Meyers progressively worked his way up the New England depth chart and has handled a respectable 22%-plus target share each of the last three seasons. Meyers has finished each of the last two seasons exactly 29th in fantasy points despite major deficiencies in the TD department. The slot man has never cleared four end zone targets in a season and his six TD receptions in 2022 tripled his total during his first three campaigns (two). The 26-year-old will work behind Davante Adams in Las Vegas, but there's a path to a respectable target share with conservative Jimmy Garoppolo under center. Meyers has the look of a flex option in PPR formats.
JuJu Smith-Schuster
Smith-Schuster signed with the Patriots as a de facto Jakobi Meyers replacement after a one-year stop in Kansas City last season. The veteran receiver ended up a respectable 27th in fantasy points last season, but his usage and production were extremely volatile (nine weeks with single-digit fantasy points). On the plus side, his 76% catch rate ranked fourth at wide receiver and he was his usual productive self with the ball in his hands (5.8 RAC ranked seventh). The 26-year-old, who has a pair of top-20 fantasy campaigns on his resume, has a good shot to lead the Patriots' new-look, Bill O'Brien-led offense in targets this season. Smith-Schuster is a flex option with upside for more if QB Mac Jones gets back on track.
Smith-Schuster signed with the Patriots as a de facto Jakobi Meyers replacement after a one-year stop in Kansas City last season. The veteran receiver ended up a respectable 27th in fantasy points last season, but his usage and production were extremely volatile (nine weeks with single-digit fantasy points). On the plus side, his 76% catch rate ranked fourth at wide receiver and he was his usual productive self with the ball in his hands (5.8 RAC ranked seventh). The 26-year-old, who has a pair of top-20 fantasy campaigns on his resume, has a good shot to lead the Patriots' new-look, Bill O'Brien-led offense in targets this season. Smith-Schuster is a flex option with upside for more if QB Mac Jones gets back on track.
Allen Lazard
Lazard signed with the Jets after spending his first five seasons with the Packers. The veteran receiver is, of course, reuniting with Aaron Rodgers -- the QB responsible for 273 of his 281 career targets. Lazard is coming off a career year in which he set career highs in targets, receptions and yards en route to a 34th-place fantasy campaign (his first in the top 45). Lazard ranks fifth in the NFL with 25 end zone targets over the last two seasons and has 14 TDs in his last 26 games. The 27-year-old is no longer his team's No. 1 wide receiver (Garrett Wilson owns that job in New York), but there's a path to a respectable target share in what should be a good offense. Lazard is worth a bench spot.
Lazard signed with the Jets after spending his first five seasons with the Packers. The veteran receiver is, of course, reuniting with Aaron Rodgers -- the QB responsible for 273 of his 281 career targets. Lazard is coming off a career year in which he set career highs in targets, receptions and yards en route to a 34th-place fantasy campaign (his first in the top 45). Lazard ranks fifth in the NFL with 25 end zone targets over the last two seasons and has 14 TDs in his last 26 games. The 27-year-old is no longer his team's No. 1 wide receiver (Garrett Wilson owns that job in New York), but there's a path to a respectable target share in what should be a good offense. Lazard is worth a bench spot.
D.J. Chark
Chark signed with the Panthers after spending his first five NFL seasons with the Jaguars and Lions. The 2018 second-round pick enjoyed his big breakout back in 2019 (73-1008-8 receiving line), but he hasn't been able to repeat that success since. Durability has been a major roadblock, as he has missed 28 of a possible 82 regular-season games (24.6%). That includes six during a 2022 season in Detroit in which he led the NFL with a 15.6 aDOT but was limited to only 52 targets in 11 games. The good news is that Chark could settle in as high as first in line for targets in a new-look Carolina offense led by coach Frank Reich and first-overall pick Bryce Young. Chark's durability is a concern, but he has a path to weekly flex value when on the field.
Chark signed with the Panthers after spending his first five NFL seasons with the Jaguars and Lions. The 2018 second-round pick enjoyed his big breakout back in 2019 (73-1008-8 receiving line), but he hasn't been able to repeat that success since. Durability has been a major roadblock, as he has missed 28 of a possible 82 regular-season games (24.6%). That includes six during a 2022 season in Detroit in which he led the NFL with a 15.6 aDOT but was limited to only 52 targets in 11 games. The good news is that Chark could settle in as high as first in line for targets in a new-look Carolina offense led by coach Frank Reich and first-overall pick Bryce Young. Chark's durability is a concern, but he has a path to weekly flex value when on the field.
Odell Beckham
Beckham signed with the Ravens after missing the entire 2022 season while rehabbing a torn ACL. The 2014 first-round pick has shown up with spurts of greatness over the years, but injuries have derailed his career. Beckham has played two full seasons since entering the league and has appeared in 53 of 98 possible games (54%) over the last six seasons. He was 30th in fantasy PPG during seven full games with the Rams when we last saw him in 2021, and he's now entering his age-31 season in a low-volume Baltimore pass offense. Beckham is going to be a featured target and that will land him on the weekly WR3/flex radar (at worst), but counting on him for a full season is extremely risky. He's only worth a mid-to-late round flier.
Beckham signed with the Ravens after missing the entire 2022 season while rehabbing a torn ACL. The 2014 first-round pick has shown up with spurts of greatness over the years, but injuries have derailed his career. Beckham has played two full seasons since entering the league and has appeared in 53 of 98 possible games (54%) over the last six seasons. He was 30th in fantasy PPG during seven full games with the Rams when we last saw him in 2021, and he's now entering his age-31 season in a low-volume Baltimore pass offense. Beckham is going to be a featured target and that will land him on the weekly WR3/flex radar (at worst), but counting on him for a full season is extremely risky. He's only worth a mid-to-late round flier.
Adam Thielen
Thielen signed with the Panthers after a successful nine-season run in Minnesota. That run resulted in three top-10 fantasy campaigns (and the fourth-most TDs among WRs over the last five seasons), but Thielen is now one of the league's oldest wide receivers at age 33 and his production has started to slip. He missed 11 games during the 2019-21 seasons and, though he did hold up for all 17 in 2022, he finished outside the Top 25 receivers in targets, receptions, yards and fantasy points. His 17% target share was his lowest since 2016. Thielen figures to start opposite DJ Chark and will be a solid, veteran presence for rookie QB Bryce Young, but he's well past his prime and figures to max out as a deep league flex option.
Thielen signed with the Panthers after a successful nine-season run in Minnesota. That run resulted in three top-10 fantasy campaigns (and the fourth-most TDs among WRs over the last five seasons), but Thielen is now one of the league's oldest wide receivers at age 33 and his production has started to slip. He missed 11 games during the 2019-21 seasons and, though he did hold up for all 17 in 2022, he finished outside the Top 25 receivers in targets, receptions, yards and fantasy points. His 17% target share was his lowest since 2016. Thielen figures to start opposite DJ Chark and will be a solid, veteran presence for rookie QB Bryce Young, but he's well past his prime and figures to max out as a deep league flex option.
Mecole Hardman
Hardman signed with the Jets after spending his first four seasons with the Chiefs. Despite his second-round pedigree and the Chiefs' pass-heavy, high-scoring offense, Hardman has yet to emerge as a reliable fantasy option. He peaked in target share (13%), yardage (739) and fantasy finish (48th) in 2021 and has yet to clear six TDs in a single season. Hardman scored six TDs in eight full games last season, but he was playing half the snaps and averaging 3.6 touches per game. The 26-year-old joins what has the potential to be a good offense with Aaron Rodgers under center, but he'll file in behind at least Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard and is thus a long shot for weekly flex value. Hardman is barely worth late-round flier consideration.
Hardman signed with the Jets after spending his first four seasons with the Chiefs. Despite his second-round pedigree and the Chiefs' pass-heavy, high-scoring offense, Hardman has yet to emerge as a reliable fantasy option. He peaked in target share (13%), yardage (739) and fantasy finish (48th) in 2021 and has yet to clear six TDs in a single season. Hardman scored six TDs in eight full games last season, but he was playing half the snaps and averaging 3.6 touches per game. The 26-year-old joins what has the potential to be a good offense with Aaron Rodgers under center, but he'll file in behind at least Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard and is thus a long shot for weekly flex value. Hardman is barely worth late-round flier consideration.
Parris Campbell
Campbell signed with the Giants after spending his first four seasons with the Colts. The 2019 second-round pick appeared in all 17 games in 2022 after injuries limited him to 15 of a possible 49 games (31%) during his first three seasons. Campbell ranked eighth at wide receiver in routes last season but was 50th or worse in yards, TDs and fantasy PPG. He has generally been a short-range target (career 8.4 aDOT) with minimal goal line work (five TDs and three end zone targets in 32 games). The 26-year-old is positioned for a big early-season role in New York, but things will be a bit more uncertain once Wan'Dale Robinson and Sterling Shepard return from torn ACLs. Campbell's shaky durability and lack of career production suggest he's worth no more than a late flier in deep leagues.
Campbell signed with the Giants after spending his first four seasons with the Colts. The 2019 second-round pick appeared in all 17 games in 2022 after injuries limited him to 15 of a possible 49 games (31%) during his first three seasons. Campbell ranked eighth at wide receiver in routes last season but was 50th or worse in yards, TDs and fantasy PPG. He has generally been a short-range target (career 8.4 aDOT) with minimal goal line work (five TDs and three end zone targets in 32 games). The 26-year-old is positioned for a big early-season role in New York, but things will be a bit more uncertain once Wan'Dale Robinson and Sterling Shepard return from torn ACLs. Campbell's shaky durability and lack of career production suggest he's worth no more than a late flier in deep leagues.
Robert Woods
Woods signed with the Texans after stops with the Bills, Rams and Titans during his 10 NFL seasons. The reliable veteran has managed a target share of at least 18% during all 10 seasons, but his 20% share last season was his lowest since 2016. Furthermore, Woods finished top 20 among WRs in fantasy PPG in all five seasons with the Rams, but he plummeted to 76th in Tennessee last season. Woods isn't much of a factor near the goal line (he has never caught more than six TDs in a season), and that doesn't figure to change in his age-31 campaign. Woods is likely headed for a situational role at this point in his career and this offense may have some growing pains with rookie QB C.J. Stroud under center. Woods is a low-ceiling, late-round option.
Woods signed with the Texans after stops with the Bills, Rams and Titans during his 10 NFL seasons. The reliable veteran has managed a target share of at least 18% during all 10 seasons, but his 20% share last season was his lowest since 2016. Furthermore, Woods finished top 20 among WRs in fantasy PPG in all five seasons with the Rams, but he plummeted to 76th in Tennessee last season. Woods isn't much of a factor near the goal line (he has never caught more than six TDs in a season), and that doesn't figure to change in his age-31 campaign. Woods is likely headed for a situational role at this point in his career and this offense may have some growing pains with rookie QB C.J. Stroud under center. Woods is a low-ceiling, late-round option.
Mack Hollins
Hollins signed with the Falcons after enjoying a bit of a breakout with the Raiders last season. The 2017 fourth-round pick was a nonfactor throughout most of his first five NFL seasons (56-750-6 receiving line in 65 games), but he nearly matched that previous career total in 17 games in Las Vegas last season. Despite the leap, Hollins was limited to a 46th-place finish in fantasy points and that was while running 581 pass routes (eighth most at WR). The Falcons' WR depth is ugly behind Drake London, so Hollins has a shot for substantial snaps, but this is a run-heavy offense with uncertainty at quarterback. The 29-year-old's ceiling was on display last season and he's not worth much consideration on draft day.
Hollins signed with the Falcons after enjoying a bit of a breakout with the Raiders last season. The 2017 fourth-round pick was a nonfactor throughout most of his first five NFL seasons (56-750-6 receiving line in 65 games), but he nearly matched that previous career total in 17 games in Las Vegas last season. Despite the leap, Hollins was limited to a 46th-place finish in fantasy points and that was while running 581 pass routes (eighth most at WR). The Falcons' WR depth is ugly behind Drake London, so Hollins has a shot for substantial snaps, but this is a run-heavy offense with uncertainty at quarterback. The 29-year-old's ceiling was on display last season and he's not worth much consideration on draft day.
Marvin Jones
Jones is back with the Lions after a two-year stint in Jacksonville. Jones' three best fantasy campaigns came during his five seasons in Detroit (2016-20), one of which was an 11th-place finish back in 2017. Of course, that was when Jones was in his prime at age 27. He's now 33 years old and coming off a season in which he posted his lowest target share (15%) since 2013 and his worst fantasy PPG mark (7.3) since his rookie season (2012). The Detroit offense is on the ascent, so Jones could have some fantasy value during Jameson Williams' six-game suspension, but he'll eventually fall in line behind him and Amon-Ra St. Brown, leaving Jones without much fantasy appeal.
Jones is back with the Lions after a two-year stint in Jacksonville. Jones' three best fantasy campaigns came during his five seasons in Detroit (2016-20), one of which was an 11th-place finish back in 2017. Of course, that was when Jones was in his prime at age 27. He's now 33 years old and coming off a season in which he posted his lowest target share (15%) since 2013 and his worst fantasy PPG mark (7.3) since his rookie season (2012). The Detroit offense is on the ascent, so Jones could have some fantasy value during Jameson Williams' six-game suspension, but he'll eventually fall in line behind him and Amon-Ra St. Brown, leaving Jones without much fantasy appeal.
Tight Ends
Dalton Schultz
Schultz signed with the Texans after spending his first five NFL seasons with the Cowboys. The 2018 fourth-round pick has finished each of the past three seasons no lower than 11th among tight ends in targets, receptions, yards and fantasy points. The veteran tight end certainly benefited from Dallas' fast-paced, high-scoring offense, so it's fair to wonder if he'll take a step back in a Houston offense with a rookie QB (C.J. Stroud). On the other hand, Houston's WR room leaves something to be desired, so Schultz's target share shouldn't change much from years past. There's some risk here as he joins a new team, but Schultz is safe to value as a fringe TE1.
Schultz signed with the Texans after spending his first five NFL seasons with the Cowboys. The 2018 fourth-round pick has finished each of the past three seasons no lower than 11th among tight ends in targets, receptions, yards and fantasy points. The veteran tight end certainly benefited from Dallas' fast-paced, high-scoring offense, so it's fair to wonder if he'll take a step back in a Houston offense with a rookie QB (C.J. Stroud). On the other hand, Houston's WR room leaves something to be desired, so Schultz's target share shouldn't change much from years past. There's some risk here as he joins a new team, but Schultz is safe to value as a fringe TE1.
Mike Gesicki
Gesicki signed with the Patriots after spending his first five NFL seasons in Miami. Though categorized as a tight end, Gesicki has aligned at wide receiver on 63% of his career snaps. That allowed him three top-12 fantasy seasons while in Miami, but he played a substantially lesser role in Mike McDaniel's offense in 2022 (53 targets after handling at least 85 the prior three seasons). Gesicki has finished four straight seasons top 7 in aDOT and was top 5 in end zone targets three of those years. He has proven super reliable, having missed only one game in his career. The 27-year-old will be limited a bit by Hunter Henry's presence, but a return to the TE1 mix is within the range of outcomes. You could do worse with a late-round flier.
Gesicki signed with the Patriots after spending his first five NFL seasons in Miami. Though categorized as a tight end, Gesicki has aligned at wide receiver on 63% of his career snaps. That allowed him three top-12 fantasy seasons while in Miami, but he played a substantially lesser role in Mike McDaniel's offense in 2022 (53 targets after handling at least 85 the prior three seasons). Gesicki has finished four straight seasons top 7 in aDOT and was top 5 in end zone targets three of those years. He has proven super reliable, having missed only one game in his career. The 27-year-old will be limited a bit by Hunter Henry's presence, but a return to the TE1 mix is within the range of outcomes. You could do worse with a late-round flier.
Irv Smith Jr
Smith signed with the Bengals after spending his first four NFL seasons in Minnesota. The 2019 second-round pick has flashed at times, but he has struggled with injuries (29 missed games over the last three seasons, including all of 2021) and has yet to clear 365 yards in a season. In 2022, Smith was limited to one top-12 fantasy outing in nine games and ranked at or near the basement at the position in yards per target (5.2) and yards per reception (7.3). Smith is still young (25) and a high-pedigree player, so perhaps he'll get his career on track in the Bengals' pass-heavy, high-scoring offense. He'll likely file in fourth in line for targets behind the team's outstanding WR trio and should be valued as a fringe TE2 and a deep sleeper for a post-hype breakout.
Smith signed with the Bengals after spending his first four NFL seasons in Minnesota. The 2019 second-round pick has flashed at times, but he has struggled with injuries (29 missed games over the last three seasons, including all of 2021) and has yet to clear 365 yards in a season. In 2022, Smith was limited to one top-12 fantasy outing in nine games and ranked at or near the basement at the position in yards per target (5.2) and yards per reception (7.3). Smith is still young (25) and a high-pedigree player, so perhaps he'll get his career on track in the Bengals' pass-heavy, high-scoring offense. He'll likely file in fourth in line for targets behind the team's outstanding WR trio and should be valued as a fringe TE2 and a deep sleeper for a post-hype breakout.
Hayden Hurst
Hurst signed with the Panthers after spending his first five seasons with the Ravens, Falcons and Bengals. The 2018 first-round pick has proven a reliable target (he has two drops on 250 career targets), but he hasn't shown much fantasy upside, having produced one career top-20 fantasy campaign (10th in 2020). That 2020 season was also the only time Hurst cleared three TDs in a season. The 30-year-old enjoyed a career-high 14.8% target share in 2022 and new Carolina coach Frank Reich has a TE-friendly track record. However, Hurst failed to reach TE1 status in an elite Bengals' offense, so doing so in a rebuilding Carolina offense with a rookie QB (Bryce Young) is a long shot. He's a fringe TE2.
Hurst signed with the Panthers after spending his first five seasons with the Ravens, Falcons and Bengals. The 2018 first-round pick has proven a reliable target (he has two drops on 250 career targets), but he hasn't shown much fantasy upside, having produced one career top-20 fantasy campaign (10th in 2020). That 2020 season was also the only time Hurst cleared three TDs in a season. The 30-year-old enjoyed a career-high 14.8% target share in 2022 and new Carolina coach Frank Reich has a TE-friendly track record. However, Hurst failed to reach TE1 status in an elite Bengals' offense, so doing so in a rebuilding Carolina offense with a rookie QB (Bryce Young) is a long shot. He's a fringe TE2.
Austin Hooper
Hooper signed with the Raiders after spending his first seven NFL seasons with the Falcons, Browns and Titans. The most recent was a one-year stop in Tennessee in which the veteran TE was limited to 51% of the snaps, 3.6 targets per game and 5.7 fantasy PPG (all were his lowest since his rookie season in 2021). Hooper scored a career-low two TDs and has now finished outside the top 20 in fantasy points each of the past three seasons. The 28-year-old may start out atop the depth chart in Las Vegas, but it's only a matter of time until rookie Michael Mayer takes over. Hooper will be no higher than fourth in line for targets and is unlikely to find his way to fantasy relevance in this Jimmy Garoppolo-led offense. Hooper doesn't need to be drafted.
Hooper signed with the Raiders after spending his first seven NFL seasons with the Falcons, Browns and Titans. The most recent was a one-year stop in Tennessee in which the veteran TE was limited to 51% of the snaps, 3.6 targets per game and 5.7 fantasy PPG (all were his lowest since his rookie season in 2021). Hooper scored a career-low two TDs and has now finished outside the top 20 in fantasy points each of the past three seasons. The 28-year-old may start out atop the depth chart in Las Vegas, but it's only a matter of time until rookie Michael Mayer takes over. Hooper will be no higher than fourth in line for targets and is unlikely to find his way to fantasy relevance in this Jimmy Garoppolo-led offense. Hooper doesn't need to be drafted.
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