Top NFL Free Agents / Trades and their Possible Destinations
While we wait for a new CBA so free agency signings and trades can occur, let's look at where some of the top free agents could land and their potential fantasy value there.
QB Marc Bulger, --- - Over the Hill (decreased production)
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The rumor mill is suggesting that Marc Bulger may end up with the Arizona Cardinals. In fact, there is speculation that the Cardinals already have some kind of unspoken agreement with Bulger. In any case, the Cardinals' offense needs a good shot in the arm after their 2010 season was plagued by an over reliance on rookie quarterback play. Bulger hasn't had a fantasy relevant season since 2006 when he was 29 years old. He'll be 34 this year; while Larry Fitzgerald is one heck of a No. 1 target, there isn't enough offense here to consider Bulger anything more than a deep-league QB2 who you might plug and play for a week or two in the 2011 season.
QB Matt Hasselbeck, --- - Bye Week Fill-in
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In the event that Seattle decides to let Matt Hasselbeck test free agency, a likely destination is the Tennessee Titans. Keep in mind that although Hasselbeck is far past his fantasy prime, he did lead the Seattle Seahawks into the NFC Divisional Playoffs. With Chris Johnson in the backfield, think back to Hasselbeck's days with Shaun Alexander in the backfield. Okay, he won't put up those numbers, but he's played in a run-first offense before. From week-to-week, Hasselbeck will be a fill-in starter at best. Considering that Tennessee's best receiver -- Kenny Britt -- could start the season on a suspension, there wouldn't be much potential here for one last big season.
QB Kevin Kolb, --- - Quality Backup
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Kolb appears to be on the radar for the Arizona Cardinals, but rather than rehash his potential there, let's talk about what Kolb could do if traded to the Washington Redskins. The Skins are currently left with former Miami Dolphins quarterback John Beck as the potential starter, but Kolb would be the smarter option. Kolb quickly lost his job to Michael Vick, but keep in mind that he didn't perform that well in his brief appearances. There's a lot of hype here to go along with very little production on the field. While Kolb will certainly be a trendy QB2 option for many teams no matter where he ends up next season, unless you have a sure thing as your starting quarterback, Kolb is a risky option who hasn't proven much on the field to date.
RB Joseph Addai, --- - Gamble (high risk)
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In all likelihood, the Colts are going to choose to retain Joseph Addai. Whether they do or not, Addai has proven to be a sometimes injury-prone runner on a high-powered offense that provides most of his fantasy value. He missed eight games last season and Indianapolis added Syracuse running back Delone Carter in the 2011 NFL Draft. There's a lot of risk involved selecting him this year. In any other offense, his value drops considerably since very few teams can put up points the way the Colts do.
RB Ahmad Bradshaw, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
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The New York Giants like to keep a stocked backfield, but due to Ahmad Bradshaw's fumbling and health issues, if he stays in New York expect a four-way competition for carries between he, Brandon Jacobs, D.J. Ware and rookie Da'Rel Scott out of the University of Maryland. If Bradshaw hits free agency, a potential destination is with the San Diego Chargers. Both Mike Tolbert and Darren Sproles are free agents and Ryan Mathews did very little to secure his position as the featured back. Bradshaw would provide San Diego a great second option paired with Mathews. The Chargers do heavily rely on Philip Rivers to put points on the board, but Norv Turner does have a long history of having very productive running backs in his offenses.
RB Ronnie Brown, --- - Quality Backup
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Although the New England Patriots added two rookie running backs in the 2011 NFL Draft, their track record suggests they might consider adding a veteran like Ronnie Brown. Despite having a career beset by injuries, he played in all 16 games last year. His platoon style of play fits right in with the Patriots (who could feature him alongside BenJarvus Green-Ellis). Brown still has some plays left in him. His below average production last year should be attributed to the Dolphins' poor offensive line play.
