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NFL Free Agency is just about to open and my, do we have a class this offseason. Some absolute stud WRs and RBs are set to hit the open market and find new teams. Teams like Miami, New York, Baltimore, and Washington all need another WR, so it’ll be interesting to see how this offseason will shake up. With all the uncertainty, these players should find new starting jobs in no time.
1. Chris Godwin
Chris Godwin finished WR31 this year, totaling 65 catches, 840 yards, and 7 TDs. While only missing 6 games in his 4-year career, he’s managed to stay healthy and produce when called upon. In 2019 he saw 121 targets, which turned into 86 catches in an offense that was led by Jameis Winston.
Godwin has proven he can put up WR1 numbers in fantasy football, but can he prove to NFL GMs that he can be a true #1 without a guy like Mike Evans next to him? Godwin has elite route running with precise cuts, but has struggled to correct his drop problem; which has shown its ugly head a multitude of times.
With a career catch % of 68.7, he needs to improve on his short yardage catches and be that trusty guy his QB can turn to to make a catch. He’s had two WR3 seasons, in 2018 and 2020. Can he repeat his 2019 season?
Chris Godwin is my #1 WR in this free agent class, and depending on landing spot could be a bargain buy for what he could bring to the table. His hands need work still, but with his route running and size it’s a good investment for just about any team.
2. Kenny Golladay
Kenny Golladay has quietly found himself on the market. In a free agency that will host a multitude of WRs, Golladay will look to rejuvenate his career in what could be a very important 2021 for him.
Kenny Golladay only played 5 games in his contract year. He saw only 32 targets, turning 20 catches into 65.8 fantasy points. He averaging 13.12 points in fantasy football during his 5 game stint this year.
In 2019, Golladay was able to have a complete season and finished as the WR9, averaging 15.4 fantasy points per game. He was a bonafide WR1 when healthy in Detroit, but multiple injuries kept in sideline in a crucial contract year.
There’s nothing to not like in Kenny Golladay. But with a free agent class that contains Chris Godwin, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Allen Robinson, it might be harder for Golladay to find that big money deal he will want.
There’s a few fits that intrigue me for Golladay, and of course there are ideal landing spots based on fantasy football purposes alone. But I don’t see a world where Golladay pairs up with the likes of Aaron Rodgers or Deshaun Watson, though I could see him paired with Daniel Jones or Sam Darnold.
3. Aaron Jones
Aaron Jones has been the most underrated RB in fantasy football the past two years. He’s been a Top-5 running back in both years while doing it less touches than his counterparts.
While his age would typically scare you, he has a lot less tread on his tires. He’s got great talent both running and catching the football. There’s no doubt in my mind he can repeat as a RB1, whether that be in GB or elsewhere.
In terms of landing spots, Buffalo makes a lot of sense. They need RB help but more importantly need interior lineman help. They can still afford to sign top tier talent and address offensive line in the draft. The BIlls were a game away from the SB, adding a top RB to a position that struggled makes sense.
Miami also has me intrigued. Tua Tagovailoa still has some developing to do; along with an offensive line that should also be addressed in the draft.
Bringing in Aaron Jones not only could help his floor, but the rest of Miami’s offense as well. Aaron Jones can be the safety banket this young offense needs to develop into something special. Aaron Jones still offers massive upside whether he leaves GB or lands in these spots. I think Miami will make a run at him, but with Myles Gaskin there they won’t overpay.
4. Allen Robinson
Allen Robinson has been one of the most consistent WRs in fantasy football for the last few years. In 4 full seasons since 2015, he’s finished Top-25 every time, and Top-10 three times in fantasy points. He’s been a model of consistency for the Bears, being a trustworthy guy in a bad quarterback situation.
In those 4 fully healthy seasons, Robinson has demanded a high target %, tallying over 150 targets in each of those 4 seasons. He broke the 100 catch threshold this past season, elevating his game to elite WR status.
Allen Robinson has been a rock for QBs, having to work with Blake Bortles, Mitch Trubisky, and even Nick Foles over the past few years. Even with bad QBs, Robinson finds ways to make plays and be that guy that any QB can trust. Robinson should make a splash in the offseason.
The ideal fit for me would be New England. I think with Bill Belichick is realizing his window is closing, and addressing a major need with an elite level WR could move mountains for this offense. With the expectations they’ll bring in a new QB, this whole offense come 2021 has intrigued me.
5. Chris Carson
Chris Carson has finished Top-20 in fantasy football the last three seasons; with a RB12 finish in 2019. Chris Carson has averaged over 4.4 YPC every year since 2018. Carson will be heading into his age 27 season, which has a track record of being the year some RBs drop off. Let’s explore.
2nd contracts don’t come often for RBs nowadays. It seems most teams would rather replace within the draft than to re-sign an aging RB. That’s fair, but Carson still offers some upside and some viable years left.
While Carson won’t demand a huge market, he can head to a team like Arizona or Buffalo and be an above average starter. Hell, even heading back to Seattle would still offer upside for Carson.
Carson will find a job, no doubt about it. He has a world of opportunities heading into this offseason and can choose his next job. If he wants to chase the championship he can go to BUF/TB/SEA. If he wants to prove he can handle a big role still he can head to MIA/ARZ.
