This list breaks down the top moves in NFL Free Agency we have seen from a fantasy football perspective.
Fantasy Football Impact of NFL Free Agency Moves
1. Derrick Henry to Baltimore Ravens for two years, $20M
The Ravens’ signing of Derrick Henry presents a solution to their running back woes. With a history of solid running backs plagued by injuries or a crowded backfield, Henry’s arrival brings stability and star power to the position. Henry’s track record as a workhorse back speaks for itself, leading all running backs in carries in four of the last five seasons. This aligns perfectly with the Ravens’ run-heavy offensive approach, especially with Lamar Jackson at quarterback. Last season, the Ravens led the league in rushing attempts, rushing yards and ranked fourth in rushing touchdowns.
From a fantasy perspective, Henry’s consistent workload was still going to make him a top-tier RB1, regardless of his team. With his history of finishing no lower than RB8 in PPR scoring over the past five seasons. While Henry may share some carries with Jackson or other running backs like Keaton Mitchell or pass-catching snaps from Justice Hill, his fantasy value remains intact due to his volume and scoring opportunities.
Overall, the fit between Derrick Henry and the Ravens was the best for the Ravens and fantasy football.
2. Aaron Jones to Minnesota Vikings for one year, $7M
The Minnesota Vikings’ acquisition of Aaron Jones, following his release by the Packers, fills a significant void in their running back depth chart. They released Dalvin Cook last season and his replacement, Alexander Mattison, this year.
Jones has battled injuries in recent seasons and hasn’t replicated his league-leading rushing touchdown performance from 2019, when he scored 16, and has only scored 17 from his 2020-23 combined. His strong finish to the 2023 season, highlighted by five consecutive 100-yard rushing games (including playoffs), showcased his ability to produce at a high level when healthy.
In fantasy football, Aaron Jones presents an intriguing option, likely slotting in as a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2. His success in the fantasy playoffs last season (Weeks 15-18), finishing as RB10 in PPR scoring and leading all running backs in rushing yards during that span. Ty Chandler is still in Minnesota and will likely handle pass-catching duties out of the backfield, which will impact Jones’ receiving production. Nonetheless, Jones’ arrival significantly strengthens the Vikings’ running game and offers fantasy managers a reliable option at the running back position.
3. Joe Mixon traded from Bengals to the Houston Texans
After the Bengals signed Zack Moss a day earlier, they were expected to release Joe Mixon. Then, the Texans offered a seventh-round pick, so the Bengals traded him away to the Texans, and instead of getting nothing, got a draft pick. For the Texans, acquiring Mixon provides a significant upgrade to their backfield, as he replaces Devin Singletary, who moved to the Giants to fill the void left by Saquon Barkley. Mixon’s consistent production over the past three seasons, with over 1,200 total yards and at least nine touchdowns each year, made this a great addition for the Texans.
Despite Mixon’s impressive track record, particularly finishing no lower than RB6 in PPR scoring in two of the last three seasons where he played at least 16 games, and his RB2 finish in PPR scoring from Weeks 1-9 in 2022 before his injury, his fantasy value will take a dive due to Dameon Pierce. With Pierce likely to spell Mixon as a change-of-pace back, Mixon should still see plenty of opportunities to contribute and maintain Mixon’s status as a high-end RB2.
4. Darnell Mooney to the Atlanta Falcons for three years, $39M
The Falcons’ signing of Darnell Mooney adds a much-needed difference-maker to their offense, providing a speedy WR2 to complement their existing weapons. Mooney’s ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch makes him a valuable asset, especially with newly-signed Kirk Cousins, who was seventh among all quarterbacks in completion rate over expected on throws of at least 20 yards downfield. Mooney’s performance last season, ranking 10th among all wide receivers in yards after catch per reception, and tied for 33rd among WRs, with a minimum of 50 targets in yards per reception with 13.4.
If you draft Darnell Mooney, I can see a lot of questions being asked weekly if Mooney should be your FLEX spot that week. He is a boom-or-bust WR option given the offensive weapons that the Falcons already have in Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Bijan Robinson. However, “Mooney SZN” is back in motion, and hopefully, this second-coming will be better than the 2021 version. I currently see Mooney being a high-end WR3/FLEX spot in fantasy lineups.
5. Diontae Johnson traded from Steelers to Carolina Panthers
Diontae Johnson had been very vocal about his frustrations with the Steelers’ offense, which was understandable. He is now joining the Panthers’ wide receiver room, which includes notable names like Adam Thielen and Jonathan Mingo. One of the Panthers’ main struggles last season was generating separation, which is an area where Johnson excels.
From a fantasy football perspective, Johnson’s role in the offense remains uncertain. He could potentially slot in as a WR1 or WR2 alongside Adam Thielen, benefiting from a high volume of targets, as Thielen was tied for 13th in WR targets, with 137, last season. However, his fantasy value will ultimately depend on the performance of Bryce Young and the offensive line’s ability to provide protection and take a huge step up. At this point, Johnson may be considered a WR3 or depth piece, with his value contingent on the Panthers’ offensive performance. Nevertheless, his talent and potential for production make him a player to monitor closely as the season progresses.
Stay tuned for more free agency news and articles and how it will impact fantasy football on FlurrySports!
