Free agency is right around the corner so let’s break down the ideal landing spots by position. Which teams offer the best situation that could boost fantasy value for new additions? We’re looking for teams with strong existing weapons, clear vacancies and volume potential.
- Introduction to Best Ball Leagues
- Underdog Best Ball Strategy
- Erickson’s Best Ball Positional Primers
- Best Ball Roster Construction Strategy
Quarterbacks
Las Vegas Raiders
Derek Carr has been officially released and the Raiders are in the market for a new quarterback. With Davante Adams and Darren Waller as primary targets – plus Hunter Renfrow and the potential return of Josh Jacobs – the Raiders are stacked on offense and a top option for free agents in 2023. Even with all of Derek Carr‘s offensive struggles, the Raiders were 11th in passing attempts and yards and 9th in passing touchdowns. An established veteran could thrive in Vegas.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay’s offense struggled in 2022 and will likely see changes in philosophy with new offensive coordinator Dave Canales. While the Buccaneers’ new quarterback may not see the same league-leading 751 pass attempts, he will have one of the league’s top wide receiver duos in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The Bucs have some issues to work through with the salary cap but could retain the core pieces of the offense to remain in playoff contention.
Running Backs
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are in a unique situation where they can completely reset their running back group with Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Myles Gaskin, and Salvon Ahmed all free agents. Re-signing any of these backs is very possible because none warrant a large contract. But the Dolphins will likely look to revamp the position and could be a very appealing option for free agents.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have many needs to fill in the draft and running back will likely be a low priority with two young backs under contract – Chuba Hubbard and Raheem Blackshear. But D’Onta Foreman could exit in free agency. If the Panthers do not resign Foreman, they will likely look to add an additional running back in free agency. The Panthers were 10th in total rush yards in 2022 and should continue to lean heavily on the run in 2023.
Honorable Mention – Las Vegas Raiders
As mentioned in the quarterback section, I expect Vegas to sign a quarterback in free agency and franchise tag Jacobs. But in the event Jacobs exits or is traded, Vegas would be an excellent landing spot for running backs.
Wide Receivers
Kansas City Chiefs
If the Super Bowl champs have one glaring need, it’s a true WR1. In 2022, the Chiefs opted to replace Tyreek Hill with a WR1-by-committee approach – which is not an actual approach but it worked out for the Chiefs. The Chiefs could opt to stay the course and not make a significant investment at receiver. But with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman up for free agency, Kadarius Toney‘s frequent injury struggles, and Skyy Moore still in development, there is space for a new addition to thrive.
Chicago Bears
The Bears are woefully in need of support at receiver and Philadelphia has written the script for how to draft and use free agency to build around a young quarterback – all the Bears need to do is follow the Eagles. The Bears will likely address receiver in the draft but a strong veteran presence would help Justin Fields make a leap as a passer. Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney have failed to show WR1 capabilities and a new receiver could immediately push forward as the target leader.
Tight Ends
Detroit Lions
The Lions have the most glaring need at tight end after trading TJ Hockenson. The young tight ends on the roster failed to step up and any free agent would immediately step into the TE1 role. The Lions are heavy on offensive talent so while it would be difficult for a new addition to make a huge contribution, they would be a low-end TE1 fantasy option.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers are in a touchy situation where we truly don’t know which direction the franchise is heading until Aaron Rodgers makes his final decision and returns from the darkness. But Robert Tonyan is a free agent and the Packers can upgrade at tight end regardless of the quarterback situation. When the Packers traded away Davante Adams, they tried to get Darren Waller in return. And while the deal didn’t work out, the Packers tipped their hat that they are willing to invest at the position. A strong veteran at tight end could thrive in the Packers’ offense.
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