Every year, dynasty fantasy football managers look forward to the NFL Draft with bated breath. Where will the top rookies land, and how will that impact the current depth charts? Well, before the madness ensues, the NFL Free Agency period occurs, and there are a lot of potential moves that happen then. Don’t be caught sleeping! Instead, here are some players you should already be targeting that I think could see their value increase once free agency starts.
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Quarterback
Jimmy Garoppolo (QB – SF)
First of all, let’s just agree that there’s a non-zero chance that Jimmy G starts at QB somewhere next year. I don’t know if it’s in San Francisco or not, but with all of the openings in the NFL and Jimmy’s ability to take a team to the playoffs, I can’t imagine him riding the bench in 2022. This makes him a viable starter in Superflex leagues who you might be able to get at a discount while he’s still on the 49ers. Not sure how cheap he’ll be, but it’s worth asking if you’re light at QB.
Mitch Trubisky (QB – BUF)
In that same vein, Trubisky is another QB I’m targeting before free agency begins. He’s currently the backup to Josh Allen (QB – BUF) in Buffalo but he may get moved before, during, or after the draft. I don’t mind sending away a 3rd- or 4th-round rookie pick for him if the other manager wants out. At the very least, he’s a top-tier backup if something were to happen to Allen, heaven forbid. That’s still something I want on my roster.
Running Back
Saquon Barkley (RB – NYG)
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Barkley was once a surefire top-three pick in dynasty, but injuries and father time have sapped him of that value. He’s still got something left in the tank, but the question is how much, and for how long. His current manager might be fed up and wanting out, but it’s very possible that Barkley returns to form and goes up in value in 2022. There’s even talk of him getting traded, which is why now is the time to send offers, even though he’s a running back with some question marks.
Michael Carter (RB – NYJ)
On the flipside, Carter is one of the few backs with bell-cow potential that isn’t likely to see his situation change. Unlike his New York counterpart in Barkley, Carter is younger and relatively unscathed from a year in the league. On top of that, the Jets are up and coming and could take a big step this next year. Some managers may be sleeping on Carter and perhaps be willing to let him go for a package of 2nd round rookie picks even in this weaker class. It’s worth shooting your shot at least, you never know until you try.
Wide Receiver
Elijah Moore (WR – NYJ)
Next up is Carter’s teammate and fellow rookie, Elijah Moore. He had a pretty good rookie season and should see even more targets and production in 2022 as the offense settles into their rhythm more. Sure, he was expensive, and sure, everyone knows he’s going places. However, as the rookie draft season heats up, rookies will start making noise. Therefore, trading for Moore before free agency begins is something I highly recommend as managers start to catch the fever.
Mike Williams (WR – LAC)
Williams is the most likely player on this list to change teams in 2022. The Los Angeles Chargers have made it pretty clear that they don’t plan on signing him again, leaving Williams set to hit the open market in March. I try to not take a lot of risks on FA signings, largely because of all of the variables, but I trust the talent level of Williams. He was a solid WR for most of the year last year and I truly think he’ll shine wherever he lands. Go see what he costs in your league and try to buy low before he picks a new team.
Tight End
Noah Fant (TE – DEN)
Okay, obviously this one is all about the quarterback. The Denver Broncos are desperately in need of a new signal-caller in 2022 and that should help everyone on that offense, including Fant. If they get a big name like Deshaun Watson (QB – HOU) or Aaron Rodgers (QB – GB) to sign there, then this team should be a contender in the AFC immediately. No matter who it is, I like Fant’s chances to produce more than he did last year and he’s going under the radar in most leagues due to his quiet 2021. Easily worth a price check in your league.
Dalton Schultz (TE – DAL)
Last but not least is one of the more polarizing names on my list. Dallas lost Blake Jarwin (TE – DAL) to injury and Schultz gladly picked up the mantle in his absence. We aren’t sure if Jarwin will come back to retain his TE1 role or not, but I think Schultz played well enough to earn a shot at the job in camp. Depending on the blurbs that come out and how well Jarwin looks, Schultz could be a great sleeper pick with a low price. If you can buy low enough, he’s definitely worth adding to your roster if you need some upside at TE.
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