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 Nature Of The Beast
Posted by BeastOrBust on Monday, Aug 01 2011  -  about 10 months ago
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Dynasty Impact: 2011 WR/TE Free Agency
We waited three months for football activity and it came back with a vengeance last week! There have been rumors about rumors, free agency signings and big trades, all with huge fantasy and more importantly Dynasty impact. In this article, we take a look at the wide receiver movement and one very large retirement. Dynasty values changed with each signing, from Sidney Rice's dash for the cash in Seattle, Randy Moss' retirement to James Jones coming back to the Pack. It's all covered here. Be sure to check back early and often this offseason as we continue to roll out new Dynasty material, including one of our biggest articles of the year...the 2011 Season Preview.



Wide Receivers

Steve Breaston
(Chiefs) - Breaston has been a fantasy tease for a few years now, showing explosive ability but always slowed by an injury. More specifically a knee injury. If he is trully healthy, this will look like a great signing for the Chiefs and add another element to their offense. The move probably pushes Jonathan Baldwin to 3rd WR duties, which might actually benefit him in the long run. It also could mean the move of Dexter McCluster back to RB and gadget player. Breaston, though, should continue to be viewed as a medium risk, medium reward WR4/5 in Dynasty leagues. He might even surprise by playing in all 16 games in 2011.

Plaxico Burress (Jets) - The story is well known at this point and now Plaxico is trying to right a new chapter. He doesn't move far, going from the Giants to the Jets after two seasons of lock up. It did wonders for Mike Vick, but Plax is 34 years old and it remains to be seen if he kept his burst. Either way, he's just a role of the dice in your Dynasty league and should make for a solid redzone target for Mark Sanchez. His best days are behind him.

Malcom Floyd (Chargers) - After flirting with a number of teams, Malcom Floyd came back to San Diego on a 2 year deal. His value will be largely unchanged, as a solid but unexciting WR option for the near future. At 30 years old to start the season, he is not someone that fantasy owners want to build around. This also pushes sneaky rookie Vincent Brown down the pecking order. Brown now has time to acclimate himself to the offense, he could see work out of the slot very early this season.

Santonio Holmes (Jets) - Holmes likely took less money to return to the Jets and form a solid connection with Mark Sanchez for the next 5 seasons. While he's not expected to put up huge reception totals (he never has), Holmes remains a solid WR2 in all formats. He makes big plays, has reliable hands and throws a block when he needs to. Dynasty value is unchanged, although improvement from Sanchize will benefit him as well.  It's clear Sanchez is going to look his way often, so expect career numbers in 2011.

Vincent Jackson (Chargers) - He's back with the Chargers on his franchise tender, as expected. Should be in line for a big payday next offseason. View him as a solid WR1 this season, but his Dynasty value is more of a high end WR2.

James Jones (Packers) - Yes, he has ideal size and solid speed, but inconsistent hands have led to underwhelming fantasy numbers. With the way Aaron Rodgers spreads the ball around, expect more of the same. Jones (and Jordy Nelson owners) would have been better off if he had taken money to become a WR2 on another team. Can't blame him for returning to what promises to be a dynamic offense for years to come, but his fantasy prospects are limited. Will eventually be passed by Jordy Nelson and possibly Randall Cobb as well.

Jacoby Jones (Texans) - Every year he's on the verge of breaking out. He has gradually improved and it might be coming one day, but do not pay for what might be. Take him on the cheap, sure, but unless Kevin Walter moves on or Andre Johnson gets hurt, he's bench fodder. His presence does put a cramp in Dorin Dickerson's style for the moment. He's merely a deep Dynasty stash at this point. Jones is a WR4/5 type with WR3 upside if he learns how to catch.

Derrick Mason (Jets) - At 37 years old, Derrick Mason is not exactly a sought after Dynasty wideout, but signing with the Jets does have some impact. It led to the cutting of Jerricho Cotchery, who might actually end up in a more favorable position. It also further buries promising rookie Jeremy Kerley on the depth chart momentarily. Mason is only viable in PPR leagues and even then, he's bench material.

Lance Moore (Saints) - Drew Brees spreads the ball around to just about anyone on the field, but Lance Moore is a sneaky play. He's a solid PPR receiver that fits perfectly in the New Orleans offense. Marques Colston gets a knee surgery every offseason and Robert Meachem is a deep threat that has never put it together, leaving opportunity for Moore to be the safety valve. Long term upside is limited, but he's a great bench WR with WR2 potential in a career season.

Santana Moss (Redskins) - On the downside of his career, Santana is known for inconsistent play from game to game and even season to season. He resigned with the Redskins and as their defacto WR1, he'll be a solid play in 2011, even with the question marks at QB. If you can find a buyer, though, make your move now. Speed is the first thing to go and that's what Santana's game is predicated on.

Sidney Rice (Seahawks) - The most physically gifted WR on the open market, Sid Rice will be just 25 years old this season. Problem is, Rice has a problem staying healthy and he's coming off of major hip surgery last summer. Oh and there is one other small problem, the Seahawks QB situation. Whether it's Charlie Whitehurst or Tarvaris Jackson, you can be sure that even Rice will have a tough time getting to some of their passes.  If he can get back to his 2009 form, Rice is a no doubt WR1, but it's going to take another QB under center to get him there. Now's an ideal time to buy low on his talent, but remember the risks.

Mike Sims-Walker (Rams) - With ideal size and enough speed to be effective, Mike Sims-Walker should be better than his numbers suggest. He's battled injuries his entire career and was ultimately cut by the receiver starved Jaguars (not usually a great sign). He lands a one year deal with the Rams and he has the talent to break through the receiver clutter in St. Louis. If he can get Josh McDaniels and Sam Bradfords' attention, MSW could be back on the fantasy map. You might be able to find a buyer once he has a few solid games to start the season. In the long run, you'll be glad you sold early.

Roy Williams (Bears) - A perenial disappointment, Roy Dub was finally cut by the Cowboys this summer. He was reunited with Mike Martz, with whom he had his best statistical season way back in 2006. He's a bench player / bye week fill-in at best, but a slight rejuvenation is possible in Chicago. They need a big bodied receiver to go along with Johnny Knox, Devin Hester and Earl Bennett and could get regular redzone looks from Jay Cutler. Devin Hester's value is falling and Earl Bennett will be fighting for his piece of the smaller pie, but Knox could benefit if defenses pay Williams even a little attention.

Tight Ends

Kevin Boss (Raiders) - Boss was never considered a top Dynasty TE, but he was a reliable back-up TE in deep leagues. As the Giants young receivers continued to emerge, though, there was less need for Boss as a pass catcher. The Raiders badly needed another TE option with Zach Miller departing to the Seahawks, which means the Bossman is stepping into a fantasy friendly situation. He could surprise this year with career highs across the board.

Todd Heap (Cardinals) - His days as a TE1 are long gone, but Todd Heap did enjoy a return to fantasy relevance last season with the Ravens. He was cut this summer and signed with the Cardinals, which could bump up his short term value as Kevin Kolb's checkdown. Long term though, Heap is just keeping the seat warm for talented rookie Rob Housler and should be viewed as no more than a back-up this season. Dynasty value is severely limited.

Zach Miller (Seahawks) - Zach Miller has been an underrated option during his four NFL seasons. He was in the midst of a major breakout last year until an injury caused him to slow down. He still ended up with 60 catches, 685 yards and 5 TD's. His short term outlook takes a hit because he'll be catching passes from either Charlie Whitehurst or Tarvaris Jackson in 2011, but the Seahawks have the makings of a very solid passing attack. Buy low if someone is selling. He'll make for an above average TE2 at worst.

Greg Olsen (Panthers) - Olsen was on the verge of a breakout until tight end unfriendly playcaller Mike Martz came to town last year. Patient Dynasty owners could be rewarded though, as Olsen was dealt to Carolina this offseason. He has the size and skillset to be a TE1, but right now you should be able to get him for a back-ups price tag. He's just 26 years old and hungry to prove himself in 2011.  Could he become Cam's most reliable target this year?





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