2022 Free Agent Rankings: Running Backs
This is Part 2 of our offseason look at the 2022 NFL free agent class, this time for running backs. Quarterbacks can be found here. PLAYER POS TEAM AGE GAME YDS TD REC YDS REC TD Leonard Fournette RB TB 27 14 623 8 454 1 Melvin Gordon RB DEN 29 16 918 8 213 2 James Conner RB ARZ 26 15 752 15 375 3 Rashaad Penny RB SEA 26 10 749 6 48 0 Sony Michel RB LAR 27 17 845 4 128 1 Chase Edmonds RB ARZ 26 12 592 2 311 0 Cordarrelle Patterson RB ATL 31 16 618 6 548 5 Ronald Jones RB TB 24 16 428 4 64 0 Marlon Mack RB IND 26 6 101 0 8 0 Alex Collins RB SEA 27 11 411 2 87 0 Leonard Fournette – All of Tampa Bay’s running backs are set to hit free agency but it’s Fournette who rightfully attracts the most fantasy attention. Before going down in Week 15, Fournette was posting top-5 fantasy points per game numbers. There would be no better landing spot than for Fournette to re-sign with the Bucs, but he undoubtedly will test the market. Wherever he signs, Fournette is a solid RB2 due to his voluminous role in the passing game. Melvin Gordon – Even splitting carries with Javonte Williams, Gordon managed to surpass 1,100 scrimmage yards and topped double-digit scores for the fifth time in his last six campaigns. Gordon also averaged 4.5 yards per tote again and snagged 28-of-39 targets. 29 when the season begins, Gordon can still be a productive three-down back and his signing with a new team would be great news for both Gordon and Williams fans. James Conner – Even though I’m a huge fan and picked Conner to be our Comeback Player of the Year, Conner managed to exceed my lofty expectations with a lofty 18 touchdowns. He certainly deserves to attract plenty of teams as a potential workhorse back but a return to the desert would be the best-case scenario. Rashaad Penny – Perhaps no player made themselves as much money as Penny did in the final month of the 2021 season. In Seattle’s final five games, Penny averaged 134.2 rushing yards per game and scored six TDs. He wasn’t asked to catch many passes in Seattle, but Penny flashed the tremendous upside and home-run ability he displayed at San Diego State and may have parlayed his hot streak into a significant contract. With Pete Carroll appearing to be back in Seattle, a reunion would be beneficial for all parties, but expect Penny to test the market, where he could command north of $5-6 million annually. Sony Michel – The trade that sent Michel to Los Angeles wound up working out well for both the Rams and Michel, who showcased solid feature back skills while subbing in for Darrell Henderson. As the starter, Michel rattled off five straight games with 74-plus rushing yards and caught a career-high 21 passes. With Henderson and Cam Akers back, there may not be room for Michel to return to the Rams but he played well enough to warrant attention as a potential starter for many of the RB-needy teams. Chase Edmonds – Injuries limited Edmonds to a dozen games and he wound up falling behind James Conner as Arizona’s main back. Still, Edmonds is a plus receiver who excels in space as a weapon too elusive for linebackers to cover. Wherever he signs, Edmonds will probably be utilized in a committee but re-signing in Arizona would be ideal, particularly if Conner were to sign elsewhere. Cordarrelle Patterson – The Falcons were able to use Patterson brilliantly, leading to a career-best season. As a former wide receiver, that is where Patterson is best, but he can also be a plus returner and red-zone weapon. If Patterson sins with a creative play-caller who knows how to use him, he can remain a solid RB3 but he could also be a significant bust if forced into a scheme that won’t appreciate his skill set. Ronald Jones – All of Tampa Bay’s backs (except Ke’Shawn Vaughn) are free agents but Jones is highly unlikely to return after falling out of favor with Bruce Arians. In Tampa, Jones would flash upside as a runner and receiver but could never quite take control of the backfield. There’s enough there to consider Jones a decent sleeper if he takes over as a team’s starter but he’s likely looking at a one or two-year “prove it” contract. Marlon Mack – Speaking of falling out of favor, Mack surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards and scored 18 touchdowns in 2018-19 but found himself as a healthy scratch for most of the 2021 season behind Jonathan Taylor. Just 26 in March, Mack has battled injuries but also showcased a three-down skill set in his first three seasons. He’ll likely sign a modest contract to mix into a committee but don’t discount Mack as a potential sleeper for ‘zero RB’ drafters to target in the latter rounds of drafts. Alex Collins – Injuries have always been an issue for Collins and will likely force him to sign a modest contract as an RB2. He can chip in as a runner and pass-catcher but only had one game with over 50 rushing yards in Seattle. Collins looks destined to sign a short-term deal as a veteran contributor who could fill in when called upon. PLAYER POS TEAM AGE GAME YDS TD REC YDS REC TD Phillip Lindsay RB MIA 27 14 249 1 45 1 Jeff Wilson RB SF 26 9 294 2 31 0 Raheem Mostert RB SF 30 1 20 0 0 0 J.D. McKissic RB WAS 28 11 212 2 397 2 James White RB NE 30 3 38 1 94 0 Darrel Williams RB KC 27 17 558 6 452 2 Justin Jackson RB LAC 26 14 364 2 178 0 Royce Freeman RB HOU 26 15 169 0 77 0 Matt Breida RB BUF 27 9 125 1 72 2 Tevin Coleman RB NYJ 29
2022 Free Agent Rankings: Quarterback
Just because we’ve moved on to the NFL playoffs doesn’t mean the fantasy football season is over. In fact, there are all kinds of action still taking place in a hobby that has truly become a 24/7, 365-day lifestyle for many. For those still clamoring for football action now, the Mike Tagliere Memorial Playoff Challenge is a fun and free way to give to a great cause. There is also the FFWC Playoff Draft World Championship and the Maui Madness Pick ‘Em league to keep football fanatics invested in the NFL postseason. For season-long and dynasty players, preparing for the next season is always an integral part of being proactive, and previewing the upcoming free-agent class can be quite beneficial. In Part One of our 2022 NFL free agent rankings, we will look at the most important position, the quarterbacks. PLAYER POS TEAM AGE GAME YDS TD INT Jameis Winston QB NO 28 7 1170 14 3 Teddy Bridgewater QB DEN 29 14 3052 18 7 Ryan Fitzpatrick QB WAS 39 0 0 0 0 Cam Newton QB CAR 32 8 684 4 5 Tyrod Taylor QB HOU 32 6 966 5 5 Ben Roethlisberger QB PIT 39 16 3740 22 10 Jacoby Brissett QB MIA 29 11 1283 5 4 Andy Dalton QB CHI 34 8 1515 8 9 Marcus Mariota QB LV 28 9 4 0 0 Mitchell Trubisky QB BUF 27 6 43 0 1 Jameis Winston – Winston was easily the best quarterback the Saints were able to utilize in a frustrating season but was limited to just seven games. Overall, Winston had a nifty 14-to-3 TD-to-INT ratio and ranked 16th in average fantasy points per game. He certainly played well enough to attract plenty of offers to be an NFL starter but the biggest problem for a return to New Orleans is the Saints’ dire cap situation. The club is currently projected to be over $70 million over the cap and is on the hook for Taysom Hill‘s albatross contract. Teddy Bridgewater – True to form, Bridgewater played fine in Denver but was not a true difference-making signal-caller. Bridgewater ranked 12th with a 76.4% adjusted completion rate and 11th with an 8.4 ADOT but was just 24th in fantasy points per game and topped 250 passing yards just once after Week 6. A better NFL quarterback than fantasy option, Bridgewater didn’t elevate an intriguing Denver receiving corps and doesn’t run enough to be anything more than a middling fantasy QB2. He will, however, likely attract offers from NFL clubs as a ‘bridge’ quarterback, especially considering the lack of perceived big-name rookie signal-callers entering the 2022 NFL Draft. Ryan Fitzpatrick – Speaking of bridge quarterbacks, the Ryan Fitzpatrick NFL Reality Bus Tour will undoubtedly attract another stop in 2022. Fitzpatrick injured his hip in the opener and never returned, ending his tenure in Washington after only six attempts. A crafty and seasoned veteran capable of being a solid mentor and providing a spark as a change-of-pace option, Fitzmagic could sign with a number of clubs trying to develop a young quarterback but is unlikely to attract many offers as a starter. Cam Newton – Newton’s triumphant return to Carolina was mostly a flop as Newton posted the third-lowest passer grade from PFF, beating out only Jake Fromm and Mike Glennon. He can still be an effective red-zone threat due to his running ability but it’s doubtful that Newton will garner interest as a potential starter and he won’t command anywhere near the $6 million he pocketed in 2021. Tyrod Taylor – Taylor’s journeyman career will probably continue outside of Houston, as he lost the starting job to third-round rookie Davis Mills. 2021 started promising for Taylor but he just wasn’t the same after returning from a concussion. Expect Taylor to attract attention as a dependable backup to an entrenched starter, but his chances of competing for a starting gig are not good. Ben Roethlisberger – 40 when the 2022 season opens, Big Ben is expected to retire and it looks like the right time for the future Hall-of-Famer to do just that. Roethlisberger’s numbers declined across the board, including his second-lowest showings in over 12 seasons in adjusted yards per completion, TD rate, passing yards per game, and QB Rating. He also was sacked 38 times despite getting rid of the ball extremely quickly. If Roethlisberger were to change his mind and return, the only landing spot that makes sense is back with the Steelers, but we question if the franchise would be better off turning the page. Jacoby Brissett – In six games with double-digit pass attempts, Brissett threw just five touchdowns and surpassed 250 passing yards once. He also accumulated double-digit rushing yards only one time in 10 games. Brissett can no longer be viewed as an above-average backup and certainly won’t attract any offers as a starter. Andy Dalton – 35 in October, Dalton’s days as a starter are over but he could find himself as a quality veteran backup ala Joe Flacco. It would make sense for teams breaking in a first-year starter to covet Dalton in a mentor’s role. Marcus Mariota – Mariota was one of my favorite quarterback prospects over the last 7-8 seasons, so I’m disappointed that things have not worked out. The Raiders didn’t let Mariota throw much but did use him on a lot of Wildcat snaps. If he lands in the right spot with a play-caller willing to cater to his strengths, there’s still a chance Mairota can develop into a quality fantasy option, but that seems like wishful thinking. Mitchell Trubisky – Another failed former Chicago passer, Trubisky wasn’t able to contribute much in Buffalo as Josh Allen stayed healthy. For the former first-rounder to become anything more than an adequate backup, he would need to land with a QB coach with a proven track record for reconciliation projects. Best of the Rest PLAYER POS TEAM AGE GAME YDS TD INT Trevor Siemian QB NO 30 6 1154 11 3 Joe Flacco QB NYJ 37 2 366 3
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 13
The Thanksgiving slate certainly had more than its fair share of drama and unexpected performances but out of that chaos comes opportunity. A slew of injuries has opened the door for several key free agent players that might be available
Here are the key free agent players to target ahead of Week 13, with remaining FAAB recommendations.
FAAB denotes Free Agent Acquisition Budget
Alexander Mattison (RB) Minnesota Vikings (75% FAAB) – Odds are that Mattison is already rostered in your league, but if he happens to be available, Mattison offers league-winning upside down the stretch. Mattison has routinely shined in the featured role when given opportunities and should have multiple weeks to star as Davlin Cook is sidelined multiple weeks by shoulder injuries. If Mattison is available in your league, be prepared to make an aggressive bid to add a potential RB1 to your roster.
Chuba Hubbard (RB) Carolina Panthers (55% FAAB) – Like the Vikings, the Panthers also lost their starting running back, this time Christian McCaffrey for the remainder of 2021. When CMC miss several weeks earlier this season, Hubbard did a fine job in relief, averaging 12.9 PPR points per start. At this point…
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2021 Fantasy Free Agent Tracker (Player Movement)
Welcome to the 2021 fantasy Player Movement tracker! Get up to date with everything that’s went on this off-season. Our fantasy Depth Charts are always kept up to date. Last updated: 5/26/2021 QUARTERBACKS Carson Wentz – Colts (via trade) Sam Darnold – Panthers (via trade) Matthew Stafford – LA Rams (via trade) Jared Goff – Lions (via trade) Teddy Bridgewater – Broncos (via trade) Ryan Fitzmagic – WFT – 1 yr 10m Dak Prescott – Cowboys – 4yr 160m (re-signed) Andy Dalton – da Bears – 1 yr 10m Tyrod Taylor – Texans – 1yr 12.5m Jameis Winston – 1 yr 12m Jacoby Brissett – Dolphins – 1yr 5m Mitchell Trubisky – Bills – 1yr 2.5m Joe Flacco – Eagles – 1yr 3m CJ Beathard – Texans – 2yr 5m Chase Daniel – LA Chargers Tim Boyle – Lions – 1yr 2.5m AJ McCarron – Falcons Colt McCoy – Cardinals – 1yr Nate Sudfeld – 49ers – 1yr RUNNING BACKS Mark Ingram – Texans – 1yr 3m Aaron Jones – Packers – 4yr 48m Carlos Hyde – Jags – 2 yr 6m Malcolm Brown – Dolphins – 1yr 1.7m Jamaal Williams – Lions – 2yr 7.5m Lamar Miller – WFT – 1yr ?$ Kenyan Drake – Raiders – 2yr 14.5m Chris Carson – Seahawks – 3yr 24.6m Phillip Lindsay – Texans – 1yr 3.25m Mike Davis – Falcons – 2yr 5.5m Mike Boone – Broncos – 2yr 2.6m James White – Patriots – 1yr 2.5m Tevin Coleman – NYJets – 1yr 2m Damien Williams – Bears – 1yr ? Matt Breida – Bills – 1yr ? Giovani Bernard – Bucs – 1yr Jerick McKinnon – Chiefs Devontae Booker – Giants – 2yr 6m James Conner – Cardinals – 1yr Wayne Gallman – 49ers – 1yr Brian Hill – Titans – Ryquell Armstead – Giants (via waivers) Corey Clement – Giants WIDE RECEIVERS Allen Robinson – Bears – 1yr 18m (tag) Chris Godwin – Bucs – 1yr 15.9m (tag) Corey Davis – NYJets – 3 yr 37m Nelson Agholor – Patriots – 2 yr 26m Marvin Jones – Jags – 2yr 14.5m Kendrick Bourne – Patriots – 3 yr 22.5m Emmanuel Sanders – Bills – 1yr 6m John Brown – Raiders – 1yr 5.5m Curtis Samuel – WFT – 3yr 34.5m AJ Green – Cardinals – 1yr 6m Will Fuller – Miami Dolphins – 1yr 10m Keelan Cole – NYJets – 1yr 5.5m Breshad Perriman – Lions – 1yr 3m JuJu Smith-Schuster – Steelers – 1yr 8m DeSean Jackson – Rams – 1yr 4.5m Josh Reynolds – Titans – ? Isaiah McKensie – Bills – 1yr 1.15m TY Hilton – Colts – 1yr 10m Kenny Golladay – Giants – 4yr 72m Brandon Powell – Bills Mack Hollins – Dolphins Sammy Watkins – Ravens – 1yr 6m Chris Conley – Texans – 1yr 1.5m Andre Roberts – Texans – 2yr up to 5.95m Andre Erickson – Texans – 1yr Donte Moncrief – Texans – 1yr Phillip Dorsett – Jaguars Tajae Sharpe – Falcons Willie Snead – Raiders Adam Humphries – WFT Marquise Goodwin – Bears – 1yr Tyrell Williams – Lions – 1yr 4.7m David Moore – Panthers – 2yr 4.75m Kelvin Benjamin – Giants TIGHT ENDS Rob Gronkowski – Bucs – 1yr 10m Jonnu Smith – Patriots – 4 yr 50m Hunter Henry – Patriots – 3 yr 37.5m Gerald Everett – Seahawks – 1yr 6m Jared Cook – Chargers – 1yr 6m Kyle Rudolph – Giants – 2yr 14m Tyler Kroft – Jets – 1yr 1.5m Marcedes Lewis – Packers – 2yr 8m Jacob Hollister – Bills – 1yr Josh Oliver – Ravens (via trade) Thaddeus Moss – Bengals (via waiver claim) Ryan Izzo – Texans (via trade) Eric Saubert – Broncos Blake Bell – Chiefs Jeremy Sprinkle – Cowboys Josh Hill – Lions Lee Smith – Falcons (via trade) Dan Arnold – Panthers – 2yr 6m Nick Vannett – Saints – 3yr Darren Fells – Lions – ? Tim Tebow – Jaguars (via un-retirement) – 1yr Ricky Seals-Jones – Football Team KICKERS Randy Bullock – Lions Matt Prater – Cardinals – 2yr 7m Fantasy analysis will be added to the 2021 PLAYER MOVEMENT tracker. Fantasy football is year round with Dynasty Fantasy Football. FFWC Dynasty orphans are SOLD OUT but new Startups are available including our new Superflex w 2TE premium scoring! Teams range from $75 to $500. Learn all about the Dynasty Football World Championships HERE. Visit your account to see our premium member content.