There were several moves made this weekend that carried fantasy football impact, and the latest of them perhaps had the most of all. Veteran running back LeSean McCoy signed with the Kansas City Chiefs — joining former head coach Andy Reid — after being released by the Buffalo Bills. What does the move mean for McCoy’s fantasy football value and the running backs already on the Chiefs’ roster, Damien Williams and Darwin Thompson? Our writers provide their take.
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What Does LeSean McCoy’s Signing Mean for Damien Williams & Darwin Thompson’s Fantasy Football Value?
Andy Reid and the Chiefs didn’t wait very long before snagging McCoy off waivers. McCoy now reunites with the coach that drafted him back in 2009. While it seems like Damien Williams is still the starter, McCoy will be nipping at his heels. There’s a short leash for every running back in Kansas City, and Reid won’t hesitate to go to the next man up, especially with his familiarity of McCoy.
– Mike Tagliere (@MikeTagliereNFL)
McCoy has a golden opportunity to jump back onto fantasy radars on one of the most electric offenses in the NFL. He has familiarity with Andy Reid and his offensive schemes so he will no doubt be more than an extra body. This pick up by the Chiefs does hinder Damien Williams and Darwin Thompson’s fantasy value, but I do expect Williams to still have RB2 value. McCoy averaged a dismal 3.2 yards-per-carry last year under an atrocious Bills’ offense, but if there is any hope for a resurgence, this is it. Expect to see McCoy used as a pass-catcher in the backfield and to carry some additional PPR value.
– Nic Turner (@sportzbandit)
I honestly don’t know what to make of this. I’d be quick to say it is a nice retirement send-off except for the fact that they are giving McCoy $3 million guaranteed. It is possible he is now the lead back in Kansas City. Then again, it is possible he is just being overpaid to be part of a committee he is probably the third-best option in.
– Marc Mathyk (@Masterjune70)
It didn’t take long for a team to scoop up veteran LeSean McCoy. His skill set is exactly what head coach Andy Reid looks for in a running back. It’s unclear how things will shake out with him and Darwin Thompson potentially duking it out for the second position on the depth chart. It’s hard to imagine McCoy, who averaged an abysmal 3.2 yards per carry last season, beating out Thompson and Damien Williams for the job, but the Chiefs did pay up to secure McCoy with a $4 million contract, $3 million of which is guaranteed. McCoy is worth a speculative add in deeper leagues if you have the bench space.
– Taylor Lambert (@TaylorSLambert)
LeSean McCoy will reunite with Andy Reid and play a meaningful role in the Chiefs’ rushing attack. He will most likely be part of a committee with Damien Williams and his $3 million guaranteed ensures McCoy a roster spot. He averaged a career-low 3.2 YPC, but his familiarity with Andy Reid’s offense was one of the main reasons McCoy chose the Chiefs over other clubs. He offers a nice pass-catching option for Patrick Mahomes and will have a decent role in the Chiefs’ explosive offense. This hurts Williams’ fantasy value more than anything, as the Chiefs brought McCoy in as more than just an insurance policy. Williams will get the first crack as the starter, but McCoy will eventually eat into his playing time and prove he has something left in the tank. Darwin Thompson’s fantasy value also takes a hit as he will most likely move to third on the depth chart. This could be a messy backfield to decipher this season, but whoever wins the job will have tremendous fantasy value in such a fantasy-friendly offense.
– Brad Camara (@beerad30)
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