With NFL free agency in full swing, let’s analyze the fantasy football impacts of some of the major moves so far.
Derrick Henry Signs with the Baltimore Ravens
Henry is coming off of a strong season where he rushed for 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns. After a legendary career in Tennesee, Henry decided to join the Ravens, signing a two-year $16-million contract when free agency opened.
While he may no longer be in his prime, he will remain effective with the Ravens as they are one of the most run-heavy teams in the NFL. He will pair nicely with quarterback Lamar Jackson and should be able to produce another 1,000-yard season with around eight rushing touchdowns.
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Kirk Cousins Signs with the Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons made a huge splash by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year $180-million contract. The Falcons prioritized quarterback help this offseason and signed the best veteran option available. It is worth noting that he is still currently recovering from a torn Achilles suffered last season. so it will be important to monitor his status as training camp approaches.
Cousins will have plenty of high-end playmakers around him in Atlanta, and he should allow them to compete for the NFC South title as soon as next season. His projected stat line will be a 4,000-yard season with 25-30 passing touchdowns.
Saquon Barkley Signs with the Philadelphia Eagles
In a bit of a surprise, running back Saquon Barkley left the Giants to sign with the NFC East rival Eagles on a three-year $37.75-million contract. He was arguably the best running back available in free agency and is coming off of a season where he rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns.
He will immediately become the lead back in Philadelphia and should be able to produce a strong season behind a strong Eagles offensive line. It should be expected for him to have over 1,000 rushing yards and around nine touchdowns next season.
Josh Jacobs Signs with the Green Bay Packers
Jacobs was one of the top running backs available in free agency and decided to sign a four-year $48-million contract with the Green Bay Packers. Jacobs is coming off of a bit of a down season last season, where he rushed for only 805 yards and six touchdowns, but he is just one year removed from a 1,600-yard, 12-touchdown season
He immediately becomes the Packers’ top running back (they also parted ways with veteran Aaron Jones) and will be a key piece of what should be an exciting offense to watch next season. Expect him to have over 1,000 yards and between eight and 10 touchdowns next season.
D’Andre Swift Signs with the Chicago Bears
Swift was one of the first free agents off the board when the tampering period opened, as he agreed to a three-year $24-million contract with the Chicago Bears. Swift is coming off a strong season with the Eagles where he rushed for 1,049 yards and five touchdowns.
He will immediately become the lead back with Chicago, which will allow him to see more volume in both the rush and pass game. He is just 25 years old and is now a part of an up-and-coming Bears offense. Assuming there is a rookie quarterback under center next season in Chicago, Swift will be relied on heavily. He should have another solid season of around 1,100 yards and seven touchdowns.
