Free Agency Dynasty Fallout
Chew analyzes the dynasty repercussions of the latest free agency moves.
NFL free agency is one of the many reasons why the NFL is the best sports league to remain relevant year-round. The unofficial beginning of free agency is the legal tampering period, which is the most straightforward naming I have heard for a professional organization. Let’s recap all of the relevant or semi-relevant transactions and how they affect us dynasty/fantasy managers.
QUARTERBACKS
No top-end moves to speak of, but five teams likely filled their starting quarterback spot for 2026 in the Colts (Daniel Jones), Jets (Geno Smith), the Vikings (Kyler Murray), the Dolphins (Malik Willis), and the Falcons (Tua Tagovailoa). Danny Dimes was already staying in Indianapolis under the tag, but this secures his roster spot for the next two years. Geno reunited with the team that drafted him was not on my bingo card, but I do like the fit. Kyler to the Vikings was the worst-kept secret as another quarterback revitalizes his career in Minnesota. Willis just made sense with the Green Bay connection, and despite a small sample size, I think he could very well be the next reclamation story at quarterback. Tua to Atlanta is another one that just makes sense, with Michael Penix recovering from injury and new head coach Kevin Stefanski needing a quarterback to feed his many playmakers.
DANIEL JONES - IND ➡️ IND
GENO SMITH - LV ➡️ NYJ
KYLER MURRAY - ARI ➡️ MIN
MALIK WILLIS - GB ➡️ MIA
TUA TAGOVAILOA - MIA ➡️ ATL
The remainder of this group is the backup options, and over the past few years, it has become apparent how important this is in dynasty and superflex, especially. A top-end backup on a dynasty bench could be elevated if a starter is injured and immediately offer a startable option or a trade chip. A few of the key free agent quarterbacks still on the market include: Aaron Rodgers, Joe Flacco, Kirk Cousins, and Tyrod Taylor.
GARDNER MINSHEW - KC ➡️ ARI
KENNY PICKETT - LV ➡️ CAR
MARCUS MARIOTA - WAS ➡️ WAS
MITCHELL TRUBISKY - BUF ➡️ TEN
SAM EHLINGER - DEN ➡️ DEN
SAM HOWELL - SEA ➡️ DAL
TEDDY BRIDGEWATER - DET ➡️ DET
TREY LANCE - LAC ➡️ LAC
TYLER HUNTLEY - BAL ➡️ BAL
RUNNING BACKS
There were only so many running backs to serve as clear-cut starters at their next stop. Walker is joining the Chiefs’ backfield after years of fantasy managers waiting for Kansas City to finally get a top-end running back. Isiah Pacheco was no slouch early in his career, but lingering injuries may have dampened his production in 2025. Etienne was a surprise signing, getting big money to go to the Saints despite Alvin Kamara still on the roster. Kamara may still be dealt, but if he remains on the team, then he could revert to a third-down role where he can showcase his calling card, his pass-catching chops.
KENNETH WALKER - SEA ➡️ KC
TRAVIS ETIENNE - JAX ➡️ NOLA
The rest of this list is the spot starters, backups, and role players. A few players return to familiar cities: Aaron Jones (MIN), Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN), J.K. Dobbins (DEN), and Kene Nwangwu (NYJ). The most exciting landing spots to me are Chris Rodriguez (JAX), Emanuel Wilson (SEA), Kenneth Gainwell (TB), Rachaad White (WAS), and Tyler Allgeier (ARI). Rodriguez serves as the power element in Jacksonville and reunites with his former college coach, Liam Coen. Wilson offers a high-end backup option who can start while Zach Charbonnet recovers from a late-season knee injury. Gainwell is a great option to fill the White role in Tampa Bay, as depth was much needed in 2025 with Bucky Irving missing nearly half of the season. White should serve as the lead back, but at worst, he can secure the third-down role in Washington. Allgeier can step into the James Conner role as a powerful runner who can handle some pass-catching work. The remainder of the players are presumed backups, which, as any fantasy manager has learned, is valuable at the running back position. A few of the key free agent running backs still on the market include: Austin Ekeler, Brian Robinson, Joe Mixon, Kareem Hunt, and Najee Harris.
AARON JONES - MIN ➡️ MIN
CHRIS RODRIGUEZ - WAS ➡️ JAX
EMANUEL WILSON - GB ➡️ SEA
ISIAH PACHECO - KC ➡️ DET
JALEEL MCLAUGHLIN - DEN ➡️ DEN
JEROME FORD - CLE ➡️ WAS
J.K. DOBBINS - DEN ➡️ DEN
KEATON MITCHELL - BAL ➡️ LAC
KENE NWANGWU - NYJ ➡️ NYJ
KENNETH GAINWELL - PIT ➡️ TB
RACHAAD WHITE - TB ➡️ WAS
RICO DOWDLE - CAR ➡️ PIT
TYLER ALLGEIER - ATL ➡️ ARI
WIDE RECEIVERS
Well, Alec Pierce just got PAID! The Colts quickly moved on from Michael Pittman, but instead of releasing him, they were able to trade him to the Steelers. Pittman and new teammate D.K. Metcalf form a tall duo rivaling the Panthers pairing of Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess from back in the day. Jalen Nailor is an intriguing addition by the Raiders, as he did well with limited chances in Minnesota and could earn a larger role in Las Vegas. Mike Evans has finally decided to leave Tampa Bay and join a 49ers receiver room very much in need of his services. Rashid Shaheed returns to the Seahawks after he was acquired via trade last season as the team worked towards a Super Bowl victory. Romeo Doubs leaves the collection of ancillary receivers to potentially serve as Drake Maye’s number one option. Wan’Dale Robinson is one of many former Giants who have followed Brian Daboll to Tennessee.
ALEC PIERCE - IND ➡️ IND
JALEN NAILOR - MIN ➡️ LV
MICHAEL PITTMAN - IND ➡️ PIT
MIKE EVANS - TB ➡️ SF
RASHID SHAHEED - SEA ➡️ SEA
ROMEO DOUBS - GB ➡️ NE
WAN’DALE ROBINSON - NYG ➡️ TEN
The other receivers will likely serve as third or fourth options on their respective teams. Mooney did not have a strong season in a contract year, but he has a chance to fill the void in a slim receiver room behind star Malik Nabers. I do not expect the rest of the list to be top-36 receivers for fantasy in 2026, but a few could very well have spike weeks or be elevated due to injury. A few of the key free agent wide receivers still on the market include: Christian Kirk, Deebo Samuel, Hollywood Brown, Jauan Jennings, Keenan Allen, and Tyreek Hill.
DARNELL MOONEY - ATL ➡️ NYG
DYAMI BROWN - JAX ➡️ WAS
ISAIAH HODGINS - NYG ➡️ NYG
JAHAN DOTSON - PHI ➡️ ATL
JOHN METCHIE - NYJ ➡️ CAR
KALIF RAYMOND - DET ➡️ CHI
KENDRICK BOURNE - SF ➡️ ARI
LAQUON TREADWELL - IND ➡️ IND
LIL’JORDAN HUMPHREY - DEN ➡️ DEN
OLAMIDE ZACCHEAUS - CHI ➡️ ATL
SIMI FEHOKO - ARI ➡️ ARI
SKYY MOORE - SF ➡️ GB
TUTU ATWELL - LAR ➡️ MIA
TYQUAN THORNTON - KC ➡️ KC
VAN JEFFERSON - TEN ➡️ WAS
TIGHT ENDS
Cade Otton and Travis Kelce return to their respective teams, with Kelce possibly in his final season (I know, we say it every year). Chig Okonkwo landed in a great spot to serve as, prior to the draft, the second receiving option for the Commanders. Isaiah Likely is also elevated to a big role for the Giants, as Theo Johnson can take on blocking duties in 12 personnel.
CADE OTTON - TB ➡️ TB
CHIGOZIEM OKONKWO - TEN ➡️ WAS
ISAIAH LIKELY - BAL ➡️ NYG
TRAVIS KELCE - KC ➡️ KC
There is not much fantasy excitement with the rest of this list. The players I am most excited about on this list are Charlie Kolar and Grant Calcaterra. Kolar is a high-end blocker who offers fantasy upside as a redzone threat (liked him as a rookie out of Iowa State). Calcaterra has performed admirably in relief of Dallas Goedert. Goedert’s free agent journey is still going, but Calcaterra has a chance for more opportunity in 2026. A few of the key free agent tight ends still on the market include: David Njoku, Darren Waller, Jonnu Smith, and Will Dissly.
ADAM TRAUTMAN - DEN ➡️ DEN
AUSTIN HOOPER - NE ➡️ ATL
CHARLIE KOLAR - BAL ➡️ LAC
DANIEL BELLINGER - NYG ➡️ TEN
DAWSON KNOX - BUF ➡️ BUF
GRANT CALCATERRA - PHI ➡️ PHI
GREG DULCICH - MIA ➡️ MIA
JELANI WOODS - NYJ ➡️ NYJ
JOHNNY MUNDT - JAX ➡️ PHI
KYLEN GRANSEN - PHI ➡️ TEN
NOAH FANT - CIN ➡️ NOLA
TYLER CONKLIN - LAC ➡️ DET
So you made it this far, and hopefully you enjoyed it (that’s what she said). If you wouldn’t mind sharing this in your group message with your fellow fantasy football degenerates, I would greatly appreciate it!
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