3 Available Free Agents With Fantasy Football Value
The NFL's free agency kicked off on March 13th, yet several notable players remain unsigned ahead of training camp. More than likely, these veterans and former Pro Bowlers will eventually end up on a roster, and when they do, terrific fantasy football value could be present.
As free agents, each player is carrying high average draft positions (ADP), per FantasyPros. Of course, once signed the ADP will likely drop. Now could be the time to maximize the value for several available free agents.
Let's highlight three unsigned players that could make a difference in fantasy football.
Kareem Hunt
Starting with running backs, there are two notable names available: Kareem Hunt and Dalvin Cook. The 2023 season was underwhelming for each player as Hunt had a career-low 495 scrimmage yards while Cook finished with a career-low of 292 scrimmage yards.
There's reason that each player has remained unsigned as their slip in production is undeniable. Cook went from totaling the 10th-most fantasy points among running backs in half-PPR leagues to the 76th-most in 2023. Perhaps taking the risk on Cook could be worthwhile for some as he's not that far removed from 2022's numbers.
I have a hard time overlooking Cook's fall off. Hunt, on the other hand, could be worth targeting.
The fantasy numbers didn't change that much from 2022 to 2023, going from the 40th-most points to the 39th-best total. Hunt still appeared in 15 games while reaching 150 touches. Compare that to Cook logging a measly 82 touches.
Hunt is still capable of being a reliable rotating back and has reached at least 150 touches in back-to-back seasons.
We also can't overlook that there are some running back needy teams out there. Training camps could prove to be a rude awakening, forcing these squads to finally make their moves. This is where Hunt comes in; with the right destination, fantasy value could be present. The Los Angeles Chargers and Dallas Cowboys are a couple of teams that come to mind.
Hunt currently has an ADP of 72.0. That's as low as it gets for a running back that could become apart of a two-man rotation.
Michael Thomas
It's difficult to trust Michael Thomas with anything right now. This is the same wide receiver that had a historic start to his career, such as holding the record for the most receptions for a single season in NFL history (149 catches in 2019). The records go on as Thomas has the most receptions and receiving yards in a single game in the New Orleans Saints' franchise history.
Injuries have completely thrown Thomas off track. After finishing as the top fantasy wideout in 2019, he has ranked 98th in 2020, 114th in 2022, and 79th in 2023. Keep in mind that Thomas missed the entire 2021 season due to injury.
We can't sit here and say Thomas is going to land with a team and become an All-Pro again, but with the right fit, he could be a solid fantasy wideout.
After playing in only three games over the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Thomas was mostly healthy in 2023 with 10 appearances. During this stretch, he totaled 448 receiving yards and 39 receptions. That's good for 44.8 yards and 3.9 receptions per game.
His 11.5 yards per reception in 2023 was solid and not far from several starting receivers, including Rashee Rice (11.9), Keenan Allen (11.5), and Romeo Doubs (11.4). Perhaps Thomas has a little more in the tank than most are giving him credit for. After playing in his most games since 2019, Thomas could be a solid second or third target if healthy with the ideal team.
Hunter Renfrow
Hunter Renfrow is another receiver that quickly fell out of grace over his last handful of seasons.
The former Pro Bowl slot receiver reached at least 600 receiving yards in 2019 and 2020 and logged a career-high 1,038 yards in 2021. After finishing with the 11th-most fantasy points for wideouts in 2021, Renfrow ranked 93rd and 117th his last two seasons.
He missed 7 games in 2022 but was active for all 17 contests last season. Renfrow was pretty much in a backup role over the last two years, leading to the huge drop off.
Similar to Thomas, his fantasy value could be solid with a high ADP. He's currently 121.0 in ADP, making Renfrow a deep sleeper. More than likely, he would have to end up in a near-perfect situation with a team that desperately needs a starting a slot receiver. Still, he's a player worth keeping tabs on considering his 2021 campaign.
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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.