Free Agency Frenzy PM edition - Broncos running game remains a fantasy nightmare
Day one evening roundup: Broncos have a new backfield, Kerry Collins stays put and T.J. Houshmandzadeh starts his tour...
The Broncos are giving the Redskins a run for their money in terms of free agency action on day one, though they are going with the volume approach, signing a wide receiver, safety, center/long snapper and two running backs. In addition, they are rumored to be adding or in the discussion to obtain a couple of high profile defenders, Eagles safety Brian Dawkins and Ravens LB Ray Lewis.
From a fantasy perspective, the Broncos backfield looks to be as maddening ever with former Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter and former Cardinals RB J.J. Arrington joining fullback Peyton Hillis. Look for Buckhalter to receiver the bulk of the carries on the early downs with Arrington to stay in his familiar passing down role and Hillis to take the short yardage touches. Ryan Torian also remains on the roster. In other words, this RBBC will negate any of them from being viewed as anything more than a flex or bye week option come draft time..
Jabar Gaffney (and new long snapper Lonie Paxton) follows head coach Josh McDaniels from New England to act as the Broncos third or fourth receiver, while former Dolphins safety Renaldo Hill joins a rebuilt secondary. Dawkins, who is rumored to have agreed to a two-year deal, though there are conflicting reports now, may join him in the defensive backfield. The Broncos are said to be in the mix for Lewis, though the Ravens will go with a full court press to keep their veteran star after losing fellow ILB Bart Scott to the Jets.
- After threatening to test the free agent market, QB Kerry Collins and the Titans agreed on a reported two-year deal that "could earn him $15 million". Collins was unlikely to find a better situation, though the Titans run-oriented offense makes him little than a QB2 or deep reserve in most fantasy leagues.
- Kurt Warner does not have any immediate plans to visit other teams. Look for the two sides to get a new deal, which will make fantasy nation very happy.
- Saints re-signed free agent LB Jonathan Vilma, who should have a stellar IDP season under new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.
- Former Seahawks running back Maurice Morris agreed to a two-year deal with the Lions. Kevin Smith remains the starter and Morris will serve as the change of pace back.
- Ravens C/G Jason Brown, considered the top offensive lineman in free agency, is reported to be close to agreeing to a deal with the Rams.
- Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh is expected to travel Friday to Seattle to meet with the Seahawks, who are looking to add another weapon in the passing game. The Eagles and Bengals are the likely other top contenders for Houshmandzadeh, who has caught at least 90 passes in three straight seasons.
- Running back Derrick Ward, who has not ruled out a return to the Giants, is expected to meet with the Bengals on Saturday. Ward is the top free agent back on the market and his all-around ability would make for a nice fit in the Bengals passing attack.
- Nate Washington on Friday met with the Lions, who along with the Titans are rumored to be the front runners for the Steelers wide receiver . He could be a surprise fantasy option this season if he goes to the Motor City and lines up across from the unreal Calvin Johnson.