X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Fantasy Spin - Terrelle Pryor to the Redskins

Craig Rondinone analyzes the fantasy impact of free agent Terrelle Pryor signing with the Washington Redskins for the 2017 football season.

Terrelle Pryor was a breakout fantasy star in 2016, but that might have just been the appetizer to what he can do this season for a main course.

Many experts thought Pryor would drown in multi-millions when he hit the free-agent market after racking up 77 receptions for 1,004 yards in his first full season as a wide receiver. Instead, the converted quarterback settled for a one-year, $6 million deal with the Washington Redskins. Now, he has to prove he was not a one-year wonder who benefited from being the only receiving threat in Cleveland.

Pryor is still a raw receiver whose physical skills can make up for the fact that his route running is far from Jerry Rice-like. He has great size at 6’4”, so he can reach over smaller cornerbacks and also has the world-class speed to break big gains every time he touches the football. Considering Pryor had a 1,000-yard year in his first season as a full-time WR, and did it playing with the worst corral of quarterbacks in the NFL, the sky is the limit to what his fantasy potential can be. Here is a look at the fantasy ramifications of Pryor joining the Redskins:

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Terrelle Pryor’s Impact in Washington

Washington has almost as many injury-prone pass catchers these days as politicians. Talented tight end Jordan Reed is perpetually injured and is probably one concussion away from having to call it a career. Former first-round pick Josh Doctson caught a pair of passes last year before his season was ended by an Achilles issue. Pryor might be the only healthy receiver on the roster by Week 4.

Pryor was not brought in to be the No. 3 or No. 4 option in the Redskins passing attack. Jamison Crowder is too small to be the go-to guy, while Doctson has to prove he can stay healthy for more than a quarter.

Pryor had 1,000 yards with a Cleveland carousel of quarterbacks that included Kevin Hogan, Cody Kessler, Charlie Whitehurst (seriously), Josh McCown, Robert Griffin III and Tim Couch (I made that one up). Unlike other receivers who are only as good as the quarterbacks throwing to them, Pryor has proven he can turn quarterback lemons into fantasy lemonade.

Pryor will be coached by an offensive-minded head man in Jay Gruden and will have a quarterback passing to him in Kirk Cousins who almost threw for 5,000 yards last season. He will also have teammates who can keep defenses from double-teaming him because they will demand coverage.  Pryor only averaged 2.5 yards after catch last season, which was much less than the aforementioned Crowder and former 'Skin Pierre Garcon, but you would think that number would go up in Gruden’s offense where receivers are given opportunities to make plays downfield and in the open field.

The one negative about Pryor picking Washington is that his target total will diminish. He was targeted 140 times in 2016, while no other Browns receiver was aimed at more than 81 times. Meanwhile, the Redskins had four receivers with between 87-to-116 targets, so their offense is built around spreading the ball around, not focusing on one receiver and making him the workhorse. I’d look for Pryor to be targeted 105-120 times, although the number could go up if Reed and/or Doctson is eliminated from the equation due to injury.

 

How Will This Affect Other Players?

Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins (QB)

Cousins has had plenty of tumult to deal with this offseason between his contract status, Washington’s front office shakeup and his receiving corps losing its top two wideouts in DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon, a tandem that combined for 135 receptions and 2,046 yards last season. At least landing Pryor as a potential No. 1 WR with tremendous upside has to at least give Cousins some hope heading into the 2017 campaign.

Cousins might not have the veteran leadership among his pass catchers now that Jackson and Garcon have signed elsewhere, but the overall talent of his group may eventually turn out to be better if Pryor, Crowder and Doctson improve and Reed avoids another concussion or major injury. Cousins had 4,971 passing yards and 25 touchdown tosses in 2016. Pryor’s arrival will not cause those numbers to take a tumble, and if anything Pryor could help Cousins reach either or both the 5,000-yard and 30-TD plateaus.

 

Jamison Crowder, Washington Redskins (WR)

Crowder had 67 receptions for 847 yards and seven scores in his second season, pretty impressive considering he was Washington’s No. 3 receiver. Because of his smallish size (5’8”, 182 lb) he is perfect as a slot receiver, so Pryor will not be taking his spot, although he will be taking some of Crowder’s catches and targets presumably.

But even with Pryor in the fold, the ever-improving Crowder should see a decent amount of targets, especially if Reed and/or Doctson find more ways to hurt themselves. Pryor has a better chance of having a 1,000-yard year, but Crowder should be able to duplicate his 2016 numbers in 2017 and be an above-average option in PPR leagues.

 

Corey Coleman, Cleveland Browns (WR)

Coleman was quickly anointed as Cleveland’s No. 1 receiver early last season when he darted out of the gate with 173 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the Browns’ opening two contests. But Coleman then went down with an injury, and that is when Pryor became the top target in Cleveland’s porous passing attack. When Coleman returned he never became a fantasy force again and was probably dropped in millions of fantasy leagues.

Cleveland signed Kenny Britt this offseason, but Coleman could re-emerge as Cleveland’s best receiver. The former first-rounder has big-play ability and just needs a QB who can consistently put the ball in his bread basket. Newly-acquired Brock Osweiler, who killed DeAndre Hopkins’ fantasy value this past season, is not the answer. Pryor signing with Washington opens up opportunities for Coleman, but it is meaningless unless Cleveland’s hapless front office couples Coleman with a halfway decent signal caller.

 Keep tabs on Rotoballer's NFL page for the latest reaction and analysis to free agent moves in order to stay ahead of the game.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Carolina Panthers

Jaycee Horn Misses Wednesday's Practice
Marcus Mariota

Dealing with Leg Injury
Jimmy Garoppolo

Looking Good in Camp
Kyle Monangai

Working with The Second-Team Offense
Mack Hollins

Getting First-Team Reps in New England
Ricky Pearsall

Dominating Training Camp Practices
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

the RB1 in New York?
Emeka Egbuka

Standing Out In Training Camp
Tetairoa McMillan

has "Shown Flashes of Greatness"
Michael Wilson

Wearing Non-Contact Jersey
Jonnu Smith

Back at Practice on Wednesday
Marquise Brown

Not Expected to Need Ankle Surgery
Jordan Addison

Won't Appeal Three-Game Suspension
MarShawn Lloyd

the RB3 on First Unofficial Depth Chart
Jordan Love

Talks Up Rookie Matthew Golden
Romeo Doubs

' Top-End Speed Reaching New Level, Creating More Separation
Aaron Jones

Listed as RB1 on First Depth Chart
T.J. Hockenson

Practices on Wednesday
Justin Jefferson

Still Not Practicing
Malik Nabers

"Part of the Plan" for Malik Nabers to Miss Practice Time
J.K. Dobbins

First on Depth Chart, RJ Harvey Listed as No. 5
Zack Wheeler

Pushed Back to Sunday With Shoulder Stiffness
Roman Anthony

Agrees to Eight-Year Extension
NBA

Richaun Holmes Moves to Panathinaikos on Two-Year Deal
Maverick McNealy

Attempts to Bounce Back at Memphis
Bennedict Mathurin

to Become Regular Starter for Pacers
Darius Garland

Cavaliers Not Rushing Darius Garland Back
Kurt Kitayama

Could Get Hot at Memphis
PGA

Sungjae Im a Volatile Risk at FedEx St. Jude
Riley Minix

Signs New Two-Way Deal with Spurs
Harry Hall

Playing Well as Playoffs Approach
Chris Boucher

Signs One-Year, $3.3 Million Deal with Celtics
PGA

Chris Gotterup on Impressive Run Heading to Memphis
Georges Niang

Returns to Utah
Harris English

Ready for the Playoffs
Bud Cauley

Trying to Reverse Course at Memphis
Daniel Berger

Hoping to Contend at FedEx St. Jude
Luke Keaschall

Launches First Career Home Run
Scottie Scheffler

Continues Dominance Ahead of TPC Southwind
Collin Morikawa

Eyes Major Bounce Back at TPC Southwind
Michael Kim

Looking to Find Rhythm at TPC Southwind
PGA

Victor Hovland Eyeing Another Strong Finish at TPC Southwind
Ben Griffin

Brings High-Upside Value to TPC Southwind
Shea Langeliers

Has Three-Homer Evening Tuesday
Matt Fitzpatrick

Staying Red-Hot Entering TPC Southwind
Patrick Cantlay

Eyeing Another Strong Finish at TPC Southwind
Ludvig Aberg

Needs a Complete Week at TPC Southwind
Roman Anthony

to Return on Wednesday
Gleyber Torres

Scratched from Tuesday's Lineup
DAL

Anton Khudobin Announces Retirement
Miro Heiskanen

Back at 100 Percent Ahead of New Season
Matthew Tkachuk

Expected to Miss Start of Season
Nick Lodolo

Reds Place Nick Lodolo on Injured List With Finger Blister
NHL

Jimmy Vesey Moves Abroad
ANA

Sam Colangelo Signs Two-Year Extension
NYI

Matthew Schaefer Signs Entry-Level Contract with Islanders
NBA

Brandon Boston Jr. Inks Deal with Fenerbahce
NBA

Jeff Dowtin Jr. Joins Six-Time EuroLeague Champions
NBA

Lonnie Walker IV Agrees to Three-Year Contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv
Neemias Queta

Working Back From Knee Surgery
Johnny Juzang

Links Up with Timberwolves
Ricky Council IV

Joins Nets on One-Year Contract
Aaron Judge

To Return To Yankees On Tuesday
Michael King

Could Make Next Start With Padres
Michael Soroka

To Go On Injured List
Nick Lodolo

Exits Early With Blister
Roman Anthony

Dealing With Back Tightness
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Not a "Buyout Candidate"
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Still Undecided About Future in Milwaukee
Max Muncy

Activated and Starting on Monday
Grayson Rodriguez

to Undergo Season-Ending Surgery
Isaac Paredes

Won't Have Surgery, Hoping to Return This Year
Daniss Jenkins

Agrees to Two-Way Deal Wth Detroit
Washington Wizards

Jaylen Martin Waived by Wizards
De'Aaron Fox

Inks Extension With Spurs on Monday
Tatsuro Taira

Gets Submission Win
HyunSung Park

Undefeated No More
Mateusz Rębecki

Mateusz Rebecki Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 108
Chris Duncan

Wins Three In A Row
Elves Brener

Loses Three In A Row
Esteban Ribovics

Returns To The Win Column
Nora Cornolle

Gets Dominated At UFC Vegas 108
Karol Rosa

Outclasses Nora Cornolle
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 23rd at Open Championship
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied for 34th at Open Championship
Xander Schauffele

Finishes Tied For Seventh at Open Championship
Hideki Matsuyama

Finishes Tied for 19th at Wyndham Championship
Si Woo Kim

Misses The Cut at Wyndham Championship
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

Suffers TKO Loss
Austin Riley

Braves Place Austin Riley Back on Injured List
Neil Magny

Gets Back In The Win Column
Danny Silva

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Kevin Vallejos

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Charges Back to Sixth at Iowa
Chase Briscoe

Finished Second Despite Being Trapped a Lap Down and Causing Two Wrecks
Brad Keselowski

Arguably Had the Best Drive at Iowa but Finished Third
Austin Dillon

Earns a Quiet Top Ten at Iowa
Kyle Larson

Poor Pit Strategy and Clash with Teammate Foil Kyle Larson at Iowa
William Byron

Stretches His Fuel to His Second Victory of 2025 At Iowa
Ryan Blaney

Continues A Strong Run of Success At Iowa
Ryan Preece

Eventful Race at Iowa Results In A Top-5 Finish
Denny Hamlin

Struggled Massively At Iowa
Tommy Edman

Likely Going on 10-Day Injured List
Austin Riley

Leaves With Abdominal Pain
Aaron Judge

on Track to Return Tuesday
Max Muncy

Could Return as Early as Monday
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Play for Iowa Lineups?
Denny Hamlin

Is A Top Driver to Consider for DFS At Iowa
Ryan Blaney

Is A Favorite to Go Back-To-Back With Iowa Victories
Tyler Reddick

has Plenty of Upside for Sunday's Race at Iowa
Carson Hocevar

What Should Fantasy Players do with Carson Hocevar at Iowa?
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher Worth Rostering For Iowa DFS Lineups?
Ty Gibbs

Could Be A Solid DFS Option for Iowa
Logan Henderson

Recalled, Starting Sunday
Ryan Preece

Offers Plenty of Upside For DFS Lineups At Iowa On Sunday
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger Will Start in the Top 10 for the Second Week In A Row at Iowa
Austin Dillon

Could Austin Dillon Be A Decent DFS Option for Iowa?
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell Worth Rostering for Iowa DFS Lineups?
Zane Smith

Should DFS Players Roster Zane Smith At Iowa?
NHL

Jakub Lauko Returns to Czechia
Nicholas Robertson

Signs One-Year Contract with Maple Leafs
Alex Laferriere

Kings Re-Sign Alex Laferriere to Three-Year Deal
Duop Reath

Has Salary Guaranteed by Portland
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Agrees to Contract Extension with the Lakers
Jaden Springer

Signs Exhibit-9 Deal with New Orleans
Julian Champagnie

has Salary Guaranteed by San Antonio
Conor McGregor

Enters UFC Testing Pool
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF