With the Super Bowl more than a month in the rear-view mirror, free agency is finally upon us, and the fantasy values of many players will begin to take shape as we take a long-range view of the 2017 season. At this point, most of the major players in free agency have either re-signed or found a new address, of course running back is the exception, where players like Adrian Peterson and Jamaal Charles are still looking for work. Next time, we'll conclude this series with an overall recap of the free agency period. For now, here's the latest.
RUNNING BACK
Eddie Lacy, Seattle Seahawks
With Thomas Rawls and C.J. Prosise returning to the Seahawks backfield in 2017, Lacy likely will find himself in a committee, but that could be in his best interest given his questionable conditioning the last couple years. Despite concerns about his weight, he's been productive throughout his career, as he's averaged at least 4.1 yards per carry in every season. In addition, aside from a serious ankle injury he suffered last season, he played in at least 15 games in each of his first three seasons with the Packers. However, since posting 1,178 yards as a rookie, his yardage totals decreased each subsequent season. He'll be running behind an offensive line that's significantly worse than the one he ran behind in Green Bay, and with potential workload concerns, it'll be hard to trust him as more than a RB3.
Latavius Murray, Minnesota Vikings
With the Super Bowl more than a month in the rear-view mirror, free agency is finally upon us, and the fantasy values of many players will begin to take shape as we take a long-range view of the 2017 season. At this point, most of the major players in free agency have either re-signed or found a new address, of course running back is the exception, where players like Adrian Peterson and Jamaal Charles are still looking for work. Next time, we'll conclude this series with an overall recap of the free agency period. For now, here's the latest.
RUNNING BACK
Eddie Lacy, Seattle Seahawks
With Thomas Rawls and C.J. Prosise returning to the Seahawks backfield in 2017, Lacy likely will find himself in a committee, but that could be in his best interest given his questionable conditioning the last couple years. Despite concerns about his weight, he's been productive throughout his career, as he's averaged at least 4.1 yards per carry in every season. In addition, aside from a serious ankle injury he suffered last season, he played in at least 15 games in each of his first three seasons with the Packers. However, since posting 1,178 yards as a rookie, his yardage totals decreased each subsequent season. He'll be running behind an offensive line that's significantly worse than the one he ran behind in Green Bay, and with potential workload concerns, it'll be hard to trust him as more than a RB3.
Latavius Murray, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings' offensive line was horrendous last year, but the team added a pair of solid starting tackles in Mike Remmers and Riley Reiff. Those additions should make the line at least adequate in 2017, though it's not nearly as talented as the line Murray ran behind in Oakland. Murray likely will be the early down back while Jerick McKinnon is the favorite for passing-down work, so Murray isn't a strong bet to be a three-down back. Overall, Murray has limited upside, considering his inability to dominate when given a fantastic opportunity in Oakland, so he's probably best viewed as an upside RB3.
Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots
Although he's considered an outstanding athlete by NFL standards, Burkhead has only been significantly used in one game during his four-year career — Week 17 last season. He took advantage of his opportunity, carrying 27 times for 119 yards and two touchdowns against the Ravens. Perhaps surprisingly, the Patriots paid him a hefty chunk of change. It's uncertain how the Patriots intend to use him since he's an excellent receiver and, possibly, a solid between-the-tackles runner. With Dion Lewis and James White returning, there seems to be a logjam of pass-catching running backs, so it's difficult to imagine that Burkhead get a boatload of targets. However, with LeGarrette Blount likely gone, the team might see Burkhead as its new early down back, which in this offense could offer plenty of fantasy production. Until a few things shake out during training camp, he's a risky fantasy option, but if he carves out a clear role, Burkhead could be a breakout player with RB2 upside.
WIDE RECEIVER
Cordarrelle Patterson, Oakland Raiders
This is an interesting signing. Patterson is one of the most electrifying players in the league, but in his four years with the Vikings he mostly demonstrated that ability as a kick returner. If the Raiders can consistently put him in situations that maximize his ability, he could become a breakout fantasy player. The Vikings never came close to figuring that out, and until the Raiders do, he's best left as a late-round lottery ticket in fantasy drafts.
TIGHT END
Jared Cook, Oakland Raiders
After overestimating his value based on a big late-season hot streak, Cook passed on an excellent offer from the Packers only to end up settling for less money to play for the Raiders. Near the end of 2016 he looked like a player who was finally in a situation that would fully utilize his vast ability, but he's difficult player to place a firm value on, as he's posted 671 yards or fewer in each of last four year years. Cook's been inconsistent his entire career, and his track record dictates that he be treated like a TE2 in fantasy drafts, though he'll likely be overvalued based on recency bias.
INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
T.J. Lang, Detroit Lions
The Lions upgraded their offensive line by bringing in both Lang and offensive tackle Rick Wagner while losing tackle Riley Reiff to free agency. Overall, these moves should provide a boost to the team's rushing attack while also giving Matthew Stafford added protection from opposing pass rushes. Although the line play will be improved, it won't likely have a big impact on the fantasy draft value of any of the Detroit skill position players.
Larry Warford, New Orleans Saints
It's been known for years, that Drew Brees is much more comfortable when he has excellent guard play, as he's always been susceptible to pressure up the middle, so adding Warford will clearly benefit the veteran quarterback. Despite the upgrade, it's tough to imagine that Brees will be any more productive than he's been the last decade, as he always finds a way to thrive regardless of his circumstances.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Dontari Poe, Atlanta Falcons
Poe will immediately improve the Falcons' run defense, which was a major weakness last season. With many young players on the rise in this unit, this massive upgrade at defensive tackle potentially makes everyone around him better. Poe could be a solid IDP option if he returns to his 2013-2014 form when he recorded 105 sacks, but he shouldn't overdrafted after just 2.5 sacks the last two seasons.
Datone Jones, Minnesota Vikings
After spending a late first-round draft pick on Jones in 2013, the Packers let him walk in free agency after he failed to register more than 3.5 sacks in any season. The Vikings will try to put Jones in position to reach his potential as a pass rusher by inserting him into their outstanding defense, which will allow him to draw favorable matchups. He's not much of an IDP option yet, but he could be a player to target if he gets off to a hot start to the season.
Bennie Logan, Kansas City Chiefs
This move ended the Dontari Poe era with the Chiefs, and Logan will be a bit of a downgrade at defensive tackle for the team. Overall, this move won't have much of an impact in terms of where the Chiefs defense will be selected in fantasy drafts, and based on his career-to-date numbers, he won't be a strong IDP option, as he doesn't pile up impressive tackle or sack totals.
Lawrence Guy, New England Patriots
After getting solid rotational work from Chris Long in 2016, the Pats replaced him with Guy, who's strong against the run. This is a solid move and will allow the team to continue to rotate valuable players within its scheme, but it won't likely have much of a tangible fantasy impact.
LINEBACKER
Alex Okafor, New Orleans Saints
The Saints will hope to get the 2014 version of Okafor, when he recorded 8.5 sacks, but he became a free-agent bargain after he had only five sacks the last two seasons. He'll certainly be given every chance to succeed in a defense that's dying for more playmakers, which will make him a player who could emerge as an IDP option in deep leagues if he gets off to a strong start.
