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Join SI.com's James Quintong in a discussion of some of the latest news in football, baseball and other sports and how it relates to fantasy teams and leagues.
3/01/2007 06:06:00 PM

NFL offseason revolving door

Tatum Bell
Detroit-bound Tatum Bell had his first 1,000-yard rushing season in 2006 despite sharing time with Mike Bell.
Peter Read Miller/SI
While the gap between the end of the regular season and the start of the free-agent shopping season is about the same in both baseball and football (approximately two months), it only just seems like there isn't that much of an offseason break in the NFL these days, thanks in part to the draft hoopla and the recently completed combine.

And now comes the free-agency period, which will have a definite impact on fantasy fortunes come next fall. But even before the first set of players could switch teams, there were already a number of moves already drawing fantasy attention (never mind the plethora of rumors flying around, especially Randy Moss and Willis McGahee):

-- Lions acquire Tatum Bell and George Foster from Broncos for Dre Bly: Denver gets a top corner in Bly to replace Darrent Williams while churning another running back through its system. Bell became the latest Denver back to crack 1,000 yards, but he had just two scores, while undrafted free agent Mike Bell finished with eight TDs. The speedy Bell gives Detroit at least a safety blanket as Kevin Jones is no guarantee with his major foot injury that ended his 2006 prematurely. Bell has been itching for a true feature role for a couple of years and could get it in Detroit. For now, his value goes up, especially for keeper leagues. Over in Denver, Mike Bell appears poised to be the No. 1 back for good, although you never know who else will join the running back brigade, either in the draft or free agency. The addition of Bly gives the Broncos a formidable 1-2 punch in the secondary with Champ Bailey. That could mean more interceptions.

-- Chargers cut Keenan McCardell; Saints cut Joe Horn: Both veteran receivers showed why older wideouts can be risky picks. McCardell slid really badly and was basically a useless fantasy player by year's end. Horn battled injuries as well as the rise of young wideouts like Marques Colston and Devery Henderson. McCardell may not have much value no matter where he goes, while Horn still has a bit left in the tank to contribute somewhere, whether it's New Orleans or another team. Horn's value might be higher if he lands somewhere other than New Orleans, though, given the deserving youngsters on the roster.

-- Texans cut Eric Moulds: Andre Johnson is still the man in Houston, but Moulds could only muster 557 yards and 57 catches (less than 10 yards a reception) with one TD as the No. 2 guy. There really isn't anyone else beyond that. Moulds' best days are long behind him, but who's going to line up opposite Johnson next year, and more importantly, who's going to throw him the ball?

-- Jaguars re-sign Fred Taylor to three-year deal: This was an interesting move, especially given how well Maurice Jones-Drew played last season (15 total TDs, streak of eight straight games with a score to end the season). But two-RB systems are popular, and the Jags will have two solid guys who can produce decent numbers but at the expense of each other. If last year is any indication, Jones-Drew is the first Jags back you want, but Taylor is worth having for some yards.

-- Jets sign Jerricho Cotchery to extension: Cotchery had a breakout 2006 campaign, catching 82 passes for 961 yards and six TDs playing opposite Laveranues Coles. With Chad Pennington officially getting the starting nod, the Jets enter the offseason with a very dependable passing game. Cotchery appears to be a solid No. 2 or 3 fantasy receiver in 2007. The running game, on the other hand, well, that's what this time of year is for. For what it's worth, the Chargers are expected to slap a high price tag to pry away restricted free agent Michael Turner.

-- Ravens cut Jamal Lewis: While it appears the team will sign their long-time running back to a lesser deal, Lewis is nowhere close to the back who rushed for 2,000 yards. He has his moments, but he's definitely nowhere near the elite backs anymore. He's probably iffy as a No. 2 fantasy back as well.

-- Chiefs sign Damon Huard to three-year deal: A very intriguing move by Kansas City, and it could mean Trent Green moves on. Huard had 11 TD passes and just one pick filling in for the injured Green in the first half of the season. Even if Huard should become the starter, it's hard to believe he'd be much more than a No. 2 fantasy quarterback. While Tony Gonzalez signed a long-term deal early in the offseason, the receiving corps is still a major question mark.

And this is just the start. Just wait until free agents can actually sign.
posted by JQ | View comments |  

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Posted: 9:32 AM, March 02, 2007   by Step
Jamal Lewis is done. I'm not sure even the Ravens want him back. The Jets desperately need a RB, so I believe they will be aggressive in their pursuit of ... well, someone. It probably will not be LT's backup, since the price will be too high. Perhaps Willis McGahee? As for your comments on the Lions, I don't think they can afford to target a skill position in the first round. No WR or QB for them, but with the way they operate, who knows!?
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