10 Fantasy Players That Will Have A New Team in 2011
Every season we have players changing teams.
2011 will be no different but with a looming lockout it’s hard to gauge how much player movement we could see, or even if we will see any at all. For better or worse, as long as there is no CBA there won’t be any transactions.
One thing that’s certain is that there will have to be some changes. Both sides seem to be in agreement that some sort of rookie wage scale will need to be implemented. This may drastically alter how a team looks at acquiring need positions, especially the most important one of all: quarterbacks. It might make sense for a team to acquire a veteran signal caller now, but if a salary structure for rookies is in place, an NFL team could be much more willing to gamble on a rookie with a higher draft slot. If the gamble wouldn’t mean a financial disaster, like the Raiders saw in JaMarcus Russell, why not draft and develop a college kid for the long term rather than let the potential huge cap hit force you to think short term?
Of course players will want to alter the current rules for unrestricted free agency and the use of franchise and transitional tags. A drastic change in the current systems for free agency and tags could also affect how this off-season progresses.
Hopefully these issues will be ironed out soon and the regular off-season can begin. Assuming they are, here is a list of ten veterans who are most likely to make a big fantasy impact in 2011, but with a new address.
DeAngelo Williams (RB)- It’s rare for a back of William’s caliber to be on the open market. Anyone who remembers his amazing 2008 breakout campaign can attest to the talent that the former Carolina tailback is capable of. Williams also understands the importance of not being overused. Throughout his career he has split carries and will likely remain open to a rotation with a new team. The Panthers two back backfield has helped ensure that DeAngelo Williams has relatively fresh legs for a soon to be 28 year old NFL running back. Potential home: Redskins, Dolphins, Colts, Broncos
Kevin Kolb (QB)- Kevin Kolb has it all. He’s NFL ready, has experience in a complex West Coast offense, would be happy to start for any team, and at 26 is entering his prime. Any team that might be willing to gamble a top pick on a rookie quarterback might be better off trading for a more seasoned veteran that’s ready to play now. Slotted to make only $1.39 million in 2011, any potential new employer would likely have to agree to a new contract upon agreeing to trade for Kolb. Potential home: Seahawks, Cardinals, Bengals, Vikings
Sidney Rice (WR)- When the Vikings elected not to use their franchise tag on Sidney Rice it allowed him to become an Unrestricted Free Agent. He should be a hot commodity for any team looking for a sizable downfield threat to stretch the field. The hip injury that cost Rice most of 2010 is not considered to be an issue. The Vikings will likely try to re-sign Rice, but he will certainly be courted by several other teams: Potential home: Patriots, Bengals, Redskins, Vikings
Willis McGahee (RB)- Agent Drew Rosenhaus recently stated that the current Baltimore tailback isn’t likely to restructure his contract. There’s no chance the Ravens will bring back a $6 million back-up tailback, so McGahee will become an Unrestricted Free Agent free to sign elsewhere. There should be interest in a back with McGahee’s impressive size, receiving and short yardage skills, and the fact that he’s been relatively underused for a 29 year old tailback. Potential home: Dolphins, Cowboys, Redskins, Patriots
James Jones (WR)- Jones has said that his top priority is to start in the NFL. As long as Donald Driver is still lined up opposite of Greg Jennings, that isn’t likely to happen in Green Bay. The Packers would love to have Jones back, but plenty of other teams will be interested in a 6′ 1″ 218 lbs. receiver who is about to enter his prime and just collected a Super Bowl ring. Potential home: Chiefs, Bears, Panthers, Cardinals
Steve Smith (WR)- The Panthers are about to start a major rebuilding project and will be looking for an infusion of youth. Smith has said that he wants to play for a winner and since he will turn 32 before the 2011 season begins he isn’t likely to want to stay in Charlotte for a long term overhaul
. He makes a likely trade target for teams that need a proven and tough veteran receiver. Potential home: Falcons, Chiefs, Rams, Bears
Carson Palmer (QB)- The long time Bengals QB has said that he would retire rather than play another down for the club. It seems impossible that they will be able to reconcile their differences, so Palmer is a potential trade candidate. Unfortunately he hasn’t been the same player since Tommy John Surgery zapped his arm strength and turnovers have began to pile up. Still there are teams that may feel he makes sense as a short term upgrade, or as a mentor to a younger quarterback. Potential home: Cardinals, Titans, 49ers, Seahawks
Terrell Owens (WR)- Cincinnati’s gamble for the much maligned receiver didn’t pay off in the win column, but T.O. proved that he can still play at the NFL level. When Carson Palmer began to force the ball to Owens he had a downright dominant stretch that saw him briefly be the top wideout in fantasy football. At 37, no one expects that kind of production, but he can still help teams looking for a sizable red zone target. Potential home: Jaguars, Raiders, Browns, Rams
Darren Sproles (RB)- The drafting of Ryan Mathews and emergence of Mike Tolbert signaled the end Darren Sprole’s stint with the Chargers. The tiny Sproles remains an excellent third down receiver and could bring an instant spark to any team in need of an upgraded return game. Potential home: Rams, Buccaneers, Dolphins, Steelers
Randy Moss (WR)- No one could have predicted the terrible season that Moss would have in 2010. He was a top three fantasy receiver going into the year, but managed to essentially be kicked off of two different teams and sit on the bench for a third. There will be huge concerns about Moss’s desire to play any longer, but he’s still capable of being a deep threat and playmaker for a winning team with a strong locker room. Potential home: Patriots, Falcons, Jets, 49ers



Great article!