More Free Agent Moves and What They Mean for Fantasy
Dorian “The Trashman” Colbert, Rosterwatch.com

Valyncia Jennings says “No South Beach?! It’s OK Greg, just don’t go taking no love cruises on Lake Minnetonka!!!”*

*not really, but maybe.

Much has happened in the past few days regarding free agency, and it is changing the way we’re looking at fantasy this season. Here are the latest moves that are making waves:

Steven Jackson, Atlanta Falcons– The top back in Free agency, Jackson is an immediate upgrade from Michael Turner in the run game. He won’t get the gargantuan number of carries he did while in St. Louis, but he won’t need to, as he’ll be very active in the passing game. An old man in running back years at 30, Jackson still has wheels and keeps himself in tiptop condition. Don’t be surprised if we see a resurgence that places him back at first round value in drafts. If you can manage to get him in the third round of a draft, consider yourself some sort of fantasy genius.

Greg Jennings, Minnesota Vikings- This really was the only logical move by the Vikings after losing Percy Harvin in a trade with the Seahawks. Jennings immediately brings legitimacy back to the Minnesota receiving corps that was starting to look like a high school JV squad, with his solid hands and ability to get open. His recent injury history does make me nervous, but he’s the best the Vikings could do at this juncture, and Adrian Peterson is obviously the focal point of the offense anyway.

Sean Smith, Kansas City Chiefs– With DB Smith now in the fold, the Chiefs secondary looks like it has a chance of keeping division rival Denver from posting 35 in the first quarter in their matchups. It seems to me a more arduous task for KC to score enough points to keep up with anyone. Too many times did I see single digits in their scoring column last season.

Keenan Lewis, New Orleans Saints– Lewis led the league in pass breakups last season with 23 and brings to the Saints secondary a toughness that has been sorely lacking. The Saints defense is starting to look like it might be worth a spot play or two this season.

Brandon Myers, New York Giants– The Giants and legendary TE coach Mike Pope continue to roll with solid tight ends with the signing of Myers. The sure-handed former Raider led all tight ends with 50+ receptions with a 78% catch rate last year. Myers should be the starter come Game 1, and though he may not get the yardage he gained in Oakland (806 yards), Eli Manning loves his tight ends in the red-zone—and this season should be no different. He will be an easy, low-risk pick in fantasy leagues, so if you miss on one of the elites—use your picks wisely elsewhere and scoop Myers up later.

Brandon Gibson, Miami Dolphins- I’m not sure where Gibson will fit into the Miami offense. Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline will be the two receivers on the field at all times, leaving Gibson to pick up the scraps and what about Davone Bess? Looks like Jeff Ireland is planning on keeping him, too. Gibson could, in fact be a dangerous red-zone weapon on occasion, but he won’t be useful enough to draft him or play him outside of desperation.

Jake Long, St. Louis Rams– Sam Bradford can sleep a little easier knowing Long will be protecting his blindside come game day. If 2012’s down-year for Long truly was due to injury—and if he is fully healed—he will also do wonders for Daryl Richardson and Isiaih Pead in the running game.