The 2024 version of NFL free agency has not disappointed. We’ve seen significant bag alert deals ranging from savvy under-the-radar signings to huge splashes by teams trying to get back into playoff contention. And RBs are back.
The player movement has created massive implications across the fantasy football landscape, with values rising and falling faster than ever throughout the 2024 fantasy football rankings.
Here we break down the biggest fantasy football winners and losers from 2024’s NFL free agency action. And below we dive into a few notable names.
- 2024 NFL Free Agency Signings Tracker
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 NFL Draft Guide
- 2024 Best Ball Fantasy Football Draft Kit
2024 NFL Free Agency Winners & Losers
Quarterbacks
- Bryce Young (QB – CAR)
- Will Levis (QB -TEN)
- Sam Darnold (QB – MIN)
- Caleb Williams (QB – FA)
Given the underwhelming state of the 2024 free agent WR class, there aren’t many quarterbacks that gained significant weaponry at the WR position. Or at least gained additional firepower, as the majority of the top potential FA WRs — Mike Evans, Michael Pittman Jr., etc. — returned to their old teams. So, by default, Anthony Richardson and Baker Mayfield are winners.
As is Bryce Young, who has gained reinforcements in the WR room after the Panthers traded for Diontae Johnson.
Johnson was seventh in ESPN’s open score last season. Adam Thielen ranked 12th. D.J. Chark Jr. ranked 133rd and rookie Jonathan Mingo ranked 152nd — second-worst in the NFL.
The Panthers also bolstered their OL with guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt. The Panthers shelled out two of the three largest OL contracts during the 2024 free agent period.
The Titans added Calvin Ridley for Will Levis, along with some marginal additions across the OL. But given they will either draft another WR or OL starter in the upcoming draft, Levis’ supporting cast will continue on the upward trajectory.
The Rams also did a great job to improve the strength of their OL to protect Matthew Stafford. They re-signed guard Kevin Dotson and signed guard Jonah Jackson from the Lions. The Jets also upgraded at two of their starting OL positions (OG, RT). Good for Aaron Rodgers.
The interesting quarterback name to bring up here is Kirk Cousins. Given the hype train surrounding the Atlanta Falcons, his rankings and average draft position (ADP) will rise. But I am not exactly sure that situation is that much better for Cousins’ standalone fantasy value. Sure, the situation looks great… but we don’t have to imagine the impossible to see how this doesn’t pan out.
For more on Cousins, read my total debriefing of the signing.
The elephant in the room revolves around Cousins’ injury. The main narrative around this is he will be fine and there’s nothing to worry about. Ok. Maybe there is nothing to worry about. But if everybody is not considering there’s no chance his Achilles injury hinders him in production or games available in 2024… well, it’s more advantageous to factor that into the equation and be lower on Cousins than consensus.
Second, is the brand-new situation. Zac Robinson’s system should be familiar for Cousins (stemming from the Sean McVay tree) but he is a first-time OC and play-caller. Even as great as Bobby Slowik was for Houston as a first-time OC and play-caller he had his lumps. He also had a historically great rookie QB that likely masked parts of the offense.
Third is chasing last year’s touchdown numbers. Cousins led the NFL in TD passes (18) before his injury. He was the fantasy QB6 overall, averaging just under 20 points per game. But this isn’t necessarily a good thing as we project into next season. Quarterbacks that bust are often the passers who experience TD regression the following season.
The injury, a brand-new situation, zero rushing upside and a high TD rate from 2023 are all red flags indicating Cousins will likely be more fantasy bust than fantasy stud in 2024.
I identified these critical factors as major red flags last season in my 2023 bust guide.
During my early QB rankings piece for 2024, I brought these factors to light again: Injuries, new coaches/receivers, lack of rushing upside, TD regression, etc.
And the fact that Cousins was still under 20 points per game even after leading the league in TD passes, suggests his production can be found elsewhere at a fraction of the cost.
My biggest true winner must be Sam Darnold, with him in the driver’s seat to be the Vikings’ starting QB in 2024. Minnesota added Darnold on a one-year deal worth $10 million. He spent last year as the 49ers’ backup QB after beating out Trey Lance in training camp.
The last time we saw Darnold start, he provided a spark to a lifeless Carolina Panthers offense over the team’s last five games during the 2022 season. The former first-round selection tied a bow that season, averaging 18.1 fantasy points per game as the QB13 from Weeks 12-17. Overall, 8.2 yards per attempt in 2022 marked a career-high. Darnold is far from elite, but among the former first-round castoff QBs available on the market, he was probably the best short- and/or long-term option. There’s a reason the Vikings signed him immediately after Cousins landed in Atlanta.
Darnold will only be 27 by the time the season starts, so perhaps the story with him as an NFL quarterback isn’t finished. If he’s in a favorable system, he can be an average QB for fantasy purposes. Note that Nick Mullens and Joshua Dobbs as Vikings QBs last season combined for four top-12 finishes. Kirk Cousins had five. Ergo, a Vikings QB finished as a top-12 QB in nine of the 17 games played last season (56%). Same as Brock Purdy, Dak Prescott and Lamar Jackson. All QBs that were “good” fantasy QBs in 2023.
By default, Jarrett Stidham is also a “winner” given he is currently the Broncos’ starting QB. Gardner Minshew also looks primed to usurp Aidan O’Connell as the QB1 in Las Vegas given the two-year, $25 million contract.
And presuming the Bears select Caleb Williams No. 1 overall, the rookie is landing in a pretty nice spot with Keenan Allen on Chicago’s roster.
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