Fantasy Impact: Free-Agent Tracker

Player movement in the NFL this offseason will affect the fantasy landscape.

NFL free agency, which officially begins Wednesday, is essentially already underway. Players can re-sign with their current teams and the “legal tampering” period begins Monday afternoon. Player movement will have a profound impact on the NFL landscape in 2022 and, of course, in the world of fantasy football. SI Fantasy senior analyst Michael Fabiano will keep track of all the signings that will have a fantasy impact, and he’ll detail it here.

Friday, April 1

Texans sign RB Marlon Mack (TBD)

A former 1,000-yard runner, Mack could see an increase in fantasy value with the Texans. Their top running back at this point is Rex Burkhead, who is better suited to a committee role. Unless the Texans add another runner via free agency or the NFL draft, Mack could become the favorite to lead a multi-back situation for coach Lovie Smith. For now, Mack is again on the fantasy draft radar as a late-round selection.

Falcons sign WR Damiere Byrd (one year)

When the Falcons sign a wide receiver, it should at least be noted byfantasy fans. With Auden Tate and Olamide Zaccheaus leading the position at this point, Byrd could be a starter to open next season. Still, he won't bring much fantasy appeal in most drafts.

Buccaneers re-sign RB Giovani Bernard (one year)

Bernard will mix in with fellow backup Ke'Shawn Vaughn behind Leonard Fournette in the Bucs backfield He won't have much fantasy appeal in most PPR drafts next season.

Tuesday, March 29

Saints sign QB Andy Dalton (one year)

Dalton was signed to be Jameis Winston's backup and potential insurance in case he has any setbacks in his return from an injured knee. Dalton won't have any draft value.

Monday, March 28

Falcons sign WR Auden Tate (one year)

The signing of Tate is notable from a fantasy football perspective only because the Falcons are devoid of good wideouts with Calvin Ridley suspended and Russell Gage (Buccaneers) out of the mix. Atlanta will no doubt add talent at the position via the NFL draft (at least), but Tate could have late-round appeal in a best-case scenario.

Saints re-sign WR Tre'Quan Smith (two years, $6 million)

A former fantasy sleeper, Smith has rarely met statistical expectations and is unlikely to be worth more than a late-round flier with starter Jameis Winston under center.

Saturday, March 26

Chiefs sign RB Ronald Jones (one year)

Jones will likely take over as the top backup in Kansas City behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire, but he should see his share of the touches. CEH has not been a durable back at the NFL level, so Jones will be a solid handcuff and could bring addition value if he moves up the depth chart in the result of injury. He'll be worth a late-round selection.

Jets sign K Greg Zuerlein (TBD)

Zuerlien, who converted 83 percent of his field-goal attempts and missed six extra points last season, will be the favorite to be the Jets new kicker in 2022. He won't have much value from a fantasy standpoint unless New York's offense drastically improves.

Friday, March 25

Bears sign QB Trevor Siemian (two years)

Siemian could become the favorite to back up starter Justin Fields in Chicago next season, as the Bears will reportedly look to trade veteran Nick Foles. Regardless, Siemian won't have any redraft value even if he's No. 2 on the Bears depth chart.

Thursday, March 24

Dolphins re-sign RB Salvon Ahmed (one year)

Ahmed will battle for depth-chart positioning in training camp, but he won't be more than third or fourth in Miami's backfield with the additions of Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert. I wouldn't expect Ahmed to be selected in most redraft leagues.

Chiefs sign WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (three years, $30 million)

Valdes-Scantling goes from one great quarterback (Aaron Rodgers) to another (Patrick Mahomes), which is good news for his fantasy value. However, he never really made a consistent statistical impact behind Davante Adams in Green Bay and could be stuck in the same scenario in 2022. Travis Kelce and JuJu Smith-Schuster are ahead of him in the pecking order, and the Chiefs likely will take at least one wideout in the NFL draft. He's no more than a No. 5 fantasy wideout with more value in best ball formats.

Wednesday, March 23

49ers re-sign RB Jeff Wilson Jr. (TBD)

Wilson will return to the Niners backfield in a likely battle with Trey Sermon to be the top backup for starter Elijah Mitchell. If he wins that role, the veteran will no doubt have late-round handcuff value for those managers who land Mitchell in drafts.

Tuesday, March 22

Raiders sign WR Demarcus Robinson (one year)

Robinson never made a significant fantasy impact in Kansas City behind Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, and now he'll be the fourth option (at best) in Las Vegas behind Davante Adams, Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow. Even if Robinson can beat out Bryan Edwards to be the No. 3 wideout, he won't have much value in typical redrafts.

Buccaneers sign RB Leonard Fournette (three years, $21 million)

Fournette is coming off a tremendous fantasy season, ranking sixth in overall points and fourth in points-per-game average. Staying in Tampa Bay with the now unretired Tom Brady was always his best-case scenario from a fantasy perspective, especially when you consider Ronald Jones and Giovani Bernard are both free agents. 

As it stands, Lombardi Lenny should be considered a potential top-10 fantasy running back who could be worth as much as a late first-round selection. At worst, Fournette will be a top-25 overall selection playing in what will remain an explosive Bucs offense.

Monday, March 21

Bills sign WR Jamison Crowder (one year)

Crowder figures to take over as the Bills new starting slot receiver after the release of Cole Beasley. He will see competition from Isaiah McKenzie, though, and the Bills have plenty of mouths to feed with Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis leading the target share totals. Regardless, Crowder will have some late-round value in PPR formats.

Falcons sign QB Marcus Mariota (two years, $18.75 million)

The Falcons traded Matt Ryan to the Colts, so Mariota should have a chance to be the team's No. 1 quarterback heading into 2022. He'll be reunited with his former offensive coordinator in Tennessee, Arthur Smith, so Mariota will have the advantage of knowing the system. He averaged just 12.2 fantasy points per game under Smith in 2019 before losing his starting job to Ryan Tannehill, however. Still, a mobile signal-caller like Mariota could bring some matchup-based or DFS value if he wins the starting gig.

Eagles sign WR Zach Pascal (one year)

Pascal will be reunited with his former offensive coordinator in Indianapolis, Nick Sirianni, but he's never been an overly-valuable fantasy asset. The same will remain in Philadelphia, where Pascal figures to be no better then the fourth option in the pass attack. At best, he'll be worth a late-round flier in the deepest of fantasy leagues.

Jaguars re-sign WR Laquon Treadwell (TBD)

Treadwell did see a good target share late last season, but the Jaguars have added Christian Kirk, Zay Jones and Evan Engram to what could be a crowded core of receivers in 2022. As a result, Treadwell will have a tough time having fantasy appeal.

Saints re-sign QB Jameis Winston (two years, $28 million)

Winston is now the clear-cut favorite to be the No. 1 quarterback in New Orleans, as the team has decided against using Taysom Hill at the position next season. In seven games before tearing his ACL, Winston averaged 16.8 fantasy points. That would have been good enough to finish as the QB14 over a full season. Of course, 47 percent of his points came in wo games. Winston was also held under 17 points five different times.

On a positive note, Winston will be getting former superstar wideout Michael Thomas back in the pass attack and he still has the versatile Alvin Kamara in the backfield. Assuming he has no setbacks in his return from an injured knee, Winston will likely be a late-round pick as a No. 2 or 3 fantasy quarterback in deeper or super flex formats.

Bills sign RB Duke Johnson (one year)

The Bills lost out on J.D. McKissic, who decided to return to Washington, so Johnson will be their "consolation" prize of sorts at running back. He looked good for the Dolphins down the stretch of last season, but Johnson still won't be worth more than a late-round flier in most drafts while playing behind Devin Singletary and Zack Moss.

Giants sign RB Matt Breida (TBD)

Breida should compete for the No. 2 running back spot on the Giants depth chart behind Saquon Barkley. He knows the offense of coach Brian Daboll, so he's a good fit. Breida won't have much fantasy value unless Barkley misses time due to injuries.

Sunday, March 20

Chargers sign TE Gerald Everett (two years, $12 million)

Everett lands in a great spot in terms of his fantasy value, as he'll be catching passes from one of the great young quarterbacks in the league in Justin Herbert. While he's never finished as a top-12 fantasy tight end in his career, Everett did post a personal-best 478 yards and four touchdowns on 63 targets for Seattle last season. Considering that Jared Cook saw 83 targets as the Chargers' No. 1 tight end in 2021, Everett could be on the verge of posting improved totals. He'll be worth a late rounder as a No. 2 fantasy tight end in what figures to be a productive offensive attack.

Seahawks re-sign RB Rashaad Penny (one year, $5.75 million)

One of the top running backs in fantasy football down the stretch of 2021, Penny will remain with the Seahawks and compete with Chris Carson in what figures to be a backfield committee. However, Carson is coming off neck fusion surgery, so he will come with some risk in drafts. This situation needs to be monitored in the summer months, but Penny should be heavily involved in Seattle's run-based offense regardless. In drafts, he'll be drafted as a low-end flex starter or high No. 4 runner.

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Saturday, March 19

Packers re-sign TE Robert Tonyan (one year)

Tonyan, who scored 11 touchdowns on 52 catches back in 2020, re-signed with the Packers after missing most of last season with a torn ACL. The team has a serious lack of playmaking receivers after the trade of Davante Adams at this point, so Tonyan could bring back some late-round value in fantasy drafts due to his red-zone usage. 

Browns sign QB Jacoby Brissett (one year)

The Browns have a new backup quarterback, adding Brissett soon after trading Case Keenum to the Buffalo Bills. If Deshaun Watson is forced to serve a suspension at the start of next season, Brissett could find himself in a starting role that would put him on the super flex fantasy league and DFS radar as a low-end, matchup-based option.

Falcons re-sign RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson (two years, $10.5 million)

Patterson is coming off his best statistical season, posting over 1,100 scrimmage yards and 11 total touchdowns while ranking ninth in fantasy points among running backs. Staying in Atlanta with coach Arthur Smith was his best-case fantasy scenario, but I still would expect some regression in the stat sheets. In fact, I see Patterson, who is entering his age-31 season, as more of a flex starter heading into 2022 fantasy drafts. 

Titans re-sign K Randy Bullock

Bullock made 26-of-31 field goal attempts and finished 16th in fantasy points among kickers last season. He won't have his name called in most 2022 fantasy football drafts.

Friday, March 18

Cowboys sign WR James Washington (one year)

Washington will serve as the No. 3 wide receiver in Dallas, at least at this point. He could even open the season as a starter opposite CeeDee Lamb if Michael Gallup (knee) isn't back at 100 percent. Still, Washington won't be worth more than a late flier.

Raiders sign RB Ameer Abdullah (TBD)

Abdullah, who had 35 catches and more than 400 total yards for the Panthers last season, will serve as a backup in the Raiders backfield rotation. His best-case scenario is earning the role formerly held by Jalen Richard in the Las Vegas backfield.

Eagles re-sign RB Boston Scott (one year, $1.75 million)

Scott will return to the Eagles and serve as a backup to Miles Sanders. He'll split the secondary duties with Kenneth Gainwell, and won't have much fantasy value unless Sanders misses time due to injuries. At best, Scott will be worth a late-round flier.

Chiefs sign WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (one year, $10.75 million)

This is a better real football fit than a fantasy fit for Smith-Schuster, who figures to be the third-best option in the Chiefs pass attack behind Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill. A former fantasy star in Pittsburgh, Smith-Schuster benefits from playing with Patrick Mahomes but we see a decline in target share. In fact, I see him as more of a No. 3 or 4 fantasy wideout depending on the size of the league. He'll be a mid to late rounder.

In Pittsburgh, Smith-Schuster's departure should create more opportunities in the passing game for Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and Pat Freiermuth. (Smith-Schuster averaged 7.4 targets across his last 21 games). Of course, that also depends on how new projected starter Mitchell Trubisky performs in the new offense. 

Titans sign TE Austin Hooper (one year, $6 million)

Hooper, released by the Browns during this past week, lands in a relatively good spot on a Titans team without a No. 1 tight end. The No. 6 fantasy player at his position as recently as 2019, Hooper will be in the late-round conversation as a No. 2 tight end.

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Thursday, March 17

Bears sign WR Byron Pringle (one year, $4 million)

Pringle looks like the favorite to open next season as the No. 2 wide receiver in Chicago, at least as we head into the 2022 NFL Draft. While he is coming off a season that saw him produce career bests across the board, Pringle will have a tough time bringing back anything more than No.  5 wide receiver value in fantasy drafts.

Bears sign WR Equanimeous St. Brown (TBD)

St. Brown will be competing for playing time at what is a thin position in Chicago. Even in a best-case scenario, the former Packer is unlikely to have much draft appeal.

Bengals sign TE Hayden Hurst (one year)
A former first-round pick, Hurst joins his third team in four years with a one-year deal in Cincinnati. It's actually a good move for his fantasy value, as the Bengals lost former starter C.J. Uzomah to the New York Jets. That should open up 50-60 targets for Hurst, who was a top-10 fantasy tight end in 2020 and is now worth a late-round choice.

• Fantasy Impact: Rams Sign Allen Robinson

Patriots sign RB Ty Montgomery (two years)
Montgomery is used predominantly as a pass catcher, but the recent re-signing of James White really limits any sort of fantasy value Montgomery might have in 2022.

Wednesday, March 16

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Giants sign TE Ricky Seals-Jones (TBD)
Seals-Jones is currently the top fantasy option at tight end on the Giants roster with Evan Engram (Jaguars) and Kyle Rudolph (free agent) no longer on the team. With guys like Jake Hausmann and Chris Myarick the lone other notable tight ends under contract, I'd expect the G-Men to add more players at the position either via free agency or the draft. For now, RSJ is a late-round flier at best in the deeper leagues.

Dolphins sign RB Raheem Mostert (one year, $3.125 million)
Mostert lands in a nice spot from a real football perspective, as he knows the offense of new Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel during their time together in San Francisco. He has dealt with injuries in recent seasons, but I'd still project Mostert to be Miami's starting running back in a committee with Chase Edmonds. Neither player will have more than low flex value in most fantasy drafts, however, and Edmonds will be ranked ahead of Mostert at the position simply based on the latter's recent injury concerns.

This also means Myles Gaskin could be pushed into a backup role, or at best he'll be in a camp competition for touches (if he even remains on the 53-man roster). At this point, I wouldn't expect Gaskin to be selected in many 2022 fantasy drafts.

In San Francisco, Elijah Mitchell will be the clear top running back with Trey Sermon and JaMycal Hasty in the mix. Jeff Wilson Jr., a free agent, could be re-signed, but the departure of Mostert keeps Mitchell the surefire No. 1 option in their offense.

Jets sign TE Tyler Conklin (TBD)
Conklin is coming off a career season with the Vikings, posting 61 catches (87 targets) for 593 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately, he was still an inconsistent option in fantasy land. That won't change in New York's pass attack, either. In fact, he's certain to see declines across the board with fellow tight end C.J. Uzomah also in the mix. Conklin won't be worth even a flier selection in most 2022 fantasy football drafts.

Bills sign TE O.J. Howard (one year, $3.5 million)
Howard has rarely lived up to expectations in the stat sheets in the NFL, and that won't change in a Bills offense loaded with talent. In fact, he'll remain the second option at tight end behind Dawson Knox. I don't particularly love this move for Knox either, but he'll remain in the conversation as a borderline No. 1 fantasy tight end. As for Howard, he'll have no real fantasy value in most leagues unless Dawson misses some time.

Texans sign RB Dare Ogunbowale (two years, $3.3 million)
Ogunbowale will serve as a backup running back and special teams options for the Texans next season. Look for the team to add a potential starting runner in free agency or via the NFL draft, leaving Ogunbowale with no real 2022 fantasy draft appeal.

Chiefs re-sign QB Chad Henne (one year, $2 million)
Henne will continue to serve as the immediate backup for star QB Patrick Mahomes.

Texans sign QB Kyle Allen (one year, $2.5 million)
Allen, who started 12 games for the Panthers and four for Washington between 2019-2020, will serve as the likely backup to projected starter Davis Mills next season.

Raiders sign RB Brandon Bolden (TBD)
Bolden will re-unite with Josh McDaniels in Las Vegas. He'll likely take over the role Jalen Richard served and won't have much value behind Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake.

Panthers sign WR Rashard Higgins (one year)
Higgins is coming off his best statistical season with the Browns, but he still rarely made a fantasy impact. He'll compete with Terrace Marshall in camp to serve as the team's No. 3 wide receiver, but Higgins won't see his named called in most drafts.

Cardinals re-sign TE Maxx Williams (one year)
Williams, who is coming off a knee injury that cost him most of last season, will serve primarily as a blocker with Zach Ertz back in the offense. He'll have no fantasy value.

Jets re-sign QB Joe Flacco (one year, $3.5 million)
Flacco will compete with Mike White in camp to serve as the top backup for Zach Wilson. Regardless, the veteran will have no value in 2022 fantasy football drafts.

Commanders re-sign RB J.D. McKissic (two years, $7 million)
After an initial report that had McKissic signing with the Buffalo Bills, he has changed his mind and will instead remain with the Commanders. A strong pass-catcher, McKissic compiled the second-most targets and the third-most catches among running backs over the last two seasons. Unfortunately, those fantasy fans hoping for more catch opportunities for Antonio Gibson won't likely have that happen in 2022.

In Buffalo, Devin Singletary is back to being in the low-end No. 2 fantasy running back or flex starter discussion. However, the fact that the Bills were in on McKissic isn't a good sign. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they added a different back this offseason.

Tuesday, March 15

Panthers sign RB D'Onta Foreman (one year, $2 million)
Foreman, who rushed for 566 yards on 133 carries for the Titans last season, will be in the mix to serve as the main handcuff for injury-prone starter Christian McCaffery. In the event that he beats out Chuba Hubbard in training camp, Foreman would become a popular late-round selection especially for those managers who draft McCaffrey.

Giants sign QB Tyrod Taylor (two years, $11 million)
Taylor joins Big Blue as a backup to Daniel Jones, replacing Mike Glennon in the role. Jones has missed a combined eight games in the last two seasons, so Taylor could get some burn if that trend continues. Still, he will have no value in fantasy redrafts.

In Houston, Davis Mills is looking more and more like the Texans starting quarterback.

Buccaneers sign WR Russell Gage (TBD)
Gage was a fantasy hero in the second half of last season, ranking 12th in points among wide receivers in the final six weeks. Unfortunately, his move to Tampa Bay will put him third (at best) in terms of wideout targets in the offense behind Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. He could open the season with a bigger role if Godwin (ACL) isn't back at 100 percent, but even then Gage will be no more than a late-round fantasy flier.

Gage's departure from the Falcons leaves them wildly thin at wide receiver, especially with Calvin Ridley suspended for the entire season. Look for them to add a veteran free agent at the position or select a high-end wideout in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft. 

Falcons re-sign K Younghoe Koo (five years, $24.25 million)
Koo has been one of the better fantasy kickers over the last few seasons, averaging more than 10 points in 2019-2020. His average did drop to seven points per game a season ago, but that had much to do with the Falcons offense. He has top-10 potential.

Patriots re-sign RB James White (two years, $5 million)
White, who missed most of last season, will be entering his age-30 season with the Patriots. He'll continue to play a pass catching role out of the backfield, but the veteran will have very limited value behind Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson.

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Lions sign WR D.J. Chark (one year, $10 million)
Chark, coming off a missed 2021 season due to a broken ankle, signs a one-year, prove-it deal with the Lions. While Amon-Ra St. Brown showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie, the team did have a need at wide receiver. Chark, 25, has a 1,000-yard year on his resume and should be a top receiver on the outside. I don’t know that he’ll be able to duplicate his career 2019 totals, however, as Chark is a deep threat and Jared Goff threw deep on just 9.1 percent of his passes in 2021. Chark will be a WR4 in drafts.

Monday, March 14

Patriots re-sign K Nick Folk (two years, $5 million)
Folk is coming off a huge statistical season, finishing two fantasy points out of first place among kickers in 2021. He'll remain a top-10 kicker in New England this year.

Jaguars sign WR Zay Jones (three years, $30 million)
The Jaguars continue to spend a ton of money this week, the latest addition being Jones to go along with Christian Kirk and Evan Engram. The veteran is coming off one of his best NFL  seasons, posting 47 catches for 546 yards with the Raiders. In what will be a crowded room of Jaguars pass catchers, however, Jones will have little fantasy appeal.

Jets sign TE C.J. Uzomah (three years, $24 million)
Uzomah is coming off a career season with the Bengals, posting 49 catches for 493 yards and five touchdowns. Unfortunately, that was only good enough for him to finish 19th in fantasy points among tight ends. He'll have some matchup-based value at times in redrafts and DFS formats, but Uzomah won't be more than a low No. 2 draft option.

One quick note for those of you who love trends. Since 2000, the Jets have had just one tight end average more than 9.6 fantasy points in a single season. That was Dustin Keller, who averaged 10.9 points for the Men in Green in 2011. Keller is actually the lone Jets tight end to average more than 7.5 points in a single season in that time, too.

Jets re-sign RB Tevin Coleman (TBD)
Coleman will serve as veteran depth in the Jets backfield rotation behind projected starter Michael Carter, whose fantasy value won't change as a result of this move. 

Jets re-sign WR Braxton Berrios (two years, $12 million)
Berrios was a useful fantasy option down the stretch of last season, but that of course came with Corey Davis and Elijah Moore injured. He figures to take over as the starting slot man with Jamison Crowder headed to free agency, but Berrios will be no better than the third-best option in the pass attack for a quarterback in Zach Wilson who still has plenty to prove at the NFL level. I like him as a mid to late rounder in PPR formats.

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Jaguars sign TE Evan Engram (one year, $9 million)
Engram is hoping a change of scenery will do him well, signing with the Jaguars. Once a high-end No. 1 fantasy tight end, his fantasy points per game average has declined in three straight seasons. He'll also be playing in an offense that has Marvin Jones Jr., Laviska Shenault and newly signed, $72 million wideout Christian Kirk. 

That's a lot of mouths to feed, and I didn't even mention fellow tight end Dan Arnold, who had 52 targets a season ago. While Engram is good for Trevor Lawrence in terms of his offensive weapons, it won't improve his value. He'll remain a fantasy backup.

Dolphins sign QB Teddy Bridgewater (one year, $6.5 million)
Bridgewater, a viable No. 2 fantasy quarterback in recent seasons, will now be a backup in Miami behind Tua Tagovailoa. In that role, he'll have zero fantasy appeal in redrafts. In fact, Teddy Two Gloves would need Tua to get benched or get hurt to have any value.

Dolphins sign WR Cedrick Wilson (three years, $22.8 million)
Wilson was able to make a slight fantasy impact for the Cowboys last season due to injuries, but he'll be hard pressed to make much noise in Miami. At this point, he'll be no more than the fourth option in the passing game behind Jaylen Waddle, DeVante Parker and Mike Gesicki. In fact, Wilson won't be selected in most redraft leagues.

Colts re-sign TE Mo Alie-Cox (three years, $18 million)
The Colts will retain Alie-Cox, who scored a career-best four touchdowns last season. He could see a bigger role in the offense after the retirement of Jack Doyle, but I still expect the team to add a veteran tight end or a rookie in the NFL draft. At this point, Alie-Cox would be worth no more than a late-round flier in most fantasy drafts.

Jaguars sign WR Christian Kirk (four years, $72 million)
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Jaguars have signed Kirk to a massive (and debatable) contract. He joins G Brandon Scherff, DT Foley Fatukasi and LB Foye Oluokun in what has been a very busy day for the team. 

Kirk, of course, is the big fantasy addition.

The veteran wideout is coming off a season with career highs in catches (77), yards (982) and fantasy points (207.6). That was good enough to finish 26th in points at the position. His fantasy stock in Jacksonville doesn’t see much movement at this point, even with the assumption that D.J. Chark won't return. The Jags also still have Marvin Jones Jr. and Laviska Shenault on the roster, so it could be a crowded group.

Kirk’s stock will also depend on the development and improvement of Trevor Lawrence, who is coming off what has to be described as a disappointing rookie season. That was under former coach Urban Meyer though, so a change to Doug Pederson could be good for what ailed the talented signal-caller and his ineffective offensive attack in 2021.

For now, I’d rank Kirk as a No. 3 or 4 fantasy wideout. The addition of Kirk, improving the offensive line and getting Travis Etienne back from injury will no doubt put Lawrence, in a better position to find success as a late-round draft choice.

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Steelers sign QB Mitchell Trubisky (two years , $14 million)
The Steelers now have their new starting quarterback for 2022, signing Trubisky to a two-year deal. The former first-round pick of the Chicago Bears will likely compete with Mason Rudolph for the job in camp, but I think Trubisky will be the favorite.

This move doesn't mean the Steelers can't still target a quarterback in the draft (Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis), but my money would be on Trubisky being under center in 2022.

Trubisky has had some success in his NFL career from a fantasy perspective, finishing 15th in points among quarterbacks back in 2018. During that season, he averaged 18.8 points per game. By comparison, Kirk Cousins averaged 18.7 points per contest last season and finished as the No. 13 quarterback based on fantasy points overall. 

I do see Trubisky as an upgrade over Rudolph, so I'm also feeling better about Dionte Johnson as a high-end No. 2 wideout. I also see Chase Claypool as a bit more attractive as a potential No. 3 fantasy wideout or flex. Remember, Allen Robinson was a top-10 fantasy wideout for a good portion of 2019-2020 with Trubisky under center.

As for the UNC product, he'll be a low-end No. 2 fantasy quarterback who won't be selected in most smaller leagues but is a lock to be picked in super flex formats.

Dolphins sign RB Chase Edmonds (two years, $12.6 million)
The Dolphins have signed Edmonds, who is coming off a career-best fantasy season with an average of 11.9 points per game. He did that in 12 contests while losing work to James Conner, and chances are pretty good he'll remain in a backfield committee in South Florida. With Phillip Lindsay, Duke Johnson and Salvon Ahmed slated to be free agents, Edmonds will likely compete with Raheem Mostert for touches in 2022.

Edmonds will no doubt see plenty of chances as a pass catcher under new coach Mike McDaniel, and he could even see a few more red-zone opportunities. As a result, I see this as a positive move for his fantasy value. Expect Edmonds to be on the flex radar.

MORE: Fantasy impact of Cardinals re-signing James Conner

Sunday, March 13

Cardinals re-sign TE Zach Ertz (three years, $31.65 million)
The Cardinals locked up their pass-catching tight end, landing Ertz after a successful run with the team since being traded from Philadelphia last season. In 10 active games in Arizona, he tied former teammate Dallas Goedert for the fourth-most fantasy points among tight ends on the strength of his 71 targets, 49 catches and 490 receiving yards.

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Of course, Ertz did a lot of his damage while DeAndre Hopkins was out of action. The good news for his 2022 value is that A.J. Green and Christian Kirk are both free agents, and chances are one or both will not be back with the Cardinals. As it stands, I like Ertz as a borderline No. 1 fantasy option at his position entering his age-31 NFL season.

Cowboys re-sign WR Michael Gallup (five years, $62.5 million)
One day after the Cowboys traded Amari Cooper to the Browns, the team re-signed Gallup. It’s certainly a deal that will make Dallas fans (like myself) wonder what the team is doing, as Gallup is coming off a torn ACL and has been inconsistent in the stat sheets. In fact, his yards-per-catch average and touchdowns have declined in each of the last three seasons. Still, Gallup’s fantasy stock rises with Cooper out of the mix.

In fact, he could become as much as a borderline No. 2 or 3 fantasy wideout if there are no setbacks in his knee rehabilitation. At worst, he’ll be the third option in what has been a prolific passing game behind CeeDee Lamb and Dalton Schultz (or second in a best-case). Don’t be surprised if Gallup is on the same fantasy level as Cooper in 2022.

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Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on Sports Illustrated and a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) Hall of Fame. Click here to read all his articles here on SI Fantasy. You can follow Michael on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for your late breaking fantasy news and the best analysis in the business!