NFL Free-Agency Roundup Day 1
Arizona gets DeAndre Hopkins and a 4th
Houston gets David Johnson and a 2021 2nd
In fantasy football, I’m fully against vetoing trades but would consider it in this case. This deal has a ton of implications for both teams, especially making the Cardinals a truly dynamic offense.
Fantasy Implication
Cardinals Players
–DeAndre Hopkins– This deal should keep Hopkins production at a top tier level. The Cardinals have one of the highest paces offenses in the league which should lead to him getting a ton of volume.
– Kyler Murray– Kyler Murray just hit the jackpot, he now has one of the most dynamic receiving corps in the NFL. He should keep moving up the fantasy ranks.
– Christian Kirk– This should help Kirk, he’s a guy who can break the big play and works very well underneath. Hopkins should open up the entire field for him. A loss of production isn’t really a concern with the pace of play the Cardinals play with.
Texans Players
–David Johnson– Johnson is once again the lead back on his team which is definitely a good thing. The bad thing is DJ looked a little washed last year in the Cardinals offense that everyone who played in looked good. Overall it’s an upgrade for Johnson but should still be a sell.
– DeShaun Watson– Does any team in the league look like they hate their quarterback more than the Texans. This is a huge blow for Watson and his production, losing a top 3 receiver in the game is never a good thing. It’s even worse when your team doesn’t have a first-round pick.
– Texans Receivers- The loss of Hopkins hurts all of the receivers on the team. Neither Fuller, Stills or Coutee are anywhere close to a number one receiver and they need that Alpha to help them produce.
Browns sign Austin Hooper
Love our content? Check out the GoingFor2 Live Podcast Network!
This is a signing not a lot of people saw coming. The Browns already had David Njoku who they recently spent a first-round pick on and a ton of weapons.
Fantasy Implications
- Austin Hooper- This would have to be viewed as a downgrade for Hooper, he was just starting to get chemistry with Matt Ryan (who is a superior QB to Baker Mayfield) and was on an offense that threw a hell of a lot more.
- Baker Mayfield- This is huge for Mayfield. Hooper is a top-end safety blanket for a QB. He has reliable hands and knows how to get open. More weapons can only help a young QB.
- David Njoku- Wow this hurts. Njoku has shown flashes but hasn’t put it together yet. As of now, Njoku is a sell unless you think he’s going to be moved in the next couple of days.
- Browns Receivers- This shouldn’t be much of a knock for them. The Browns had a tight end who they tried to get the ball but weren’t reliable. Hooper should help the Browns extend drives with could help the Browns Offense.
Falcons trade a 2nd and 5th to the Ravens for
Hayden Hurst and a 4th.
This is a trade that makes sense for all parties involved. The Ravens were flush at tight end and wanted more picks and the Falcons have a massive hole with the loss of Hooper.
Fantasy Implications.
- Hayden Hurst– This is an enormous upgrade for Hurst, he goes from a depth tight end on a run-heavy team to the tight end one on a pass-happy offense. The former first-round pick has shown flashes of athletic ability at the tight end position and if he can put it together will have a huge year in Atlanta. Buy before the price is too high.
Derrick Henry gets the Franchise Tag/ Ryan Tannehill signs multi-year deal
The Derrick Henry move was expected but Tannehill getting a big-money deal wasn’t’. Either way the Titans are keeping the core of their offense together.
Fantasy Implications
- Derrick Henry– All aboard the Derrick Henry express. The Titan’s workhorse finally had the reins taken off last year. This year it should be more of the same. Henry should be in the conversation for a late first-round pick in fantasy.
- Ryan Tannehill– Tannehill is a little more tricky. When he took over last year he played some of the best football in his career. This type of efficiency is probably not sustainable. What Tannehill brings though is a late-round fantasy QB who gives you a great floor.
Kenyan Drake tagged by Arizona
This was a great move for the Cardinals. Drake shined last year when given the chance and didn’t look back.
Fantasy Implication
- Kenyan Drake– This is a home-run landing spot for Drake. He is the perfect fit for this offense that should score a lot of points The addition of Hopkins should also keep the box nice and empty for easy running. Drake is a buy.
A.J. Green franchise tagged.
This is a good move for Cincinnati. With their future franchise quarterback coming this season they need to have as many weapons in place as possible. A healthy Green is the best weapon they have for him.
Fantasy Implication
- A.J. Green– This is more of the same for Green. When he’s healthy he’s dominant. With the addition of presumable Joe Burrow, the team should lean on Green who should be the focal point of the passing offense and be a steal in drafts.
- Joe Burrow (Prediction)- This is huge for Burrow or any other QB the Falcons draft. AJG is a stud and Burrow can feel confident just getting him the ball
- The rest of the pass-catchers and backs– This is great all around, the Bengals are always their best when green is on the field.
Kirk Cousins signs a two-year extension
When you have a franchise quarterback you keep them. The Vikings got out ahead of any free agency by locking up Cousins for another two years.
Fantasy Implications
- As long as other moves don’t happen we should be looking at more of the same in Minnesota.
ATTN Dynasty Commissioners: Do you want to do something cool for your league? How about a 1-hour live show dedicated to YOUR league? Team-by-team breakdowns, rankings, and more. For details and to book a show, visit: GoingFor2.com/plp.
