Five Fantasy Football Sleepers, Values: 2025 NFL Free Agent Signings

March 15, 2025

Dave Ventresca dives into which free agent signings could emerge as viable fantasy football sleepers in 2025.

NFL free agency is well underway. We have already seen several big-name players switch teams. These moves are sure to have massive fantasy football implications.

While the big names will draw most of the attention, the under-the-radar moves can sometimes have more impact than all the splashy signings. These players can emerge as viable sleepers for fantasy football. If things break right, they could help your fantasy football team in a big way.

Make sure you’re following RotoBaller on X and check out RotoBaller.com for all your fantasy football needs. Here are five sleeper free agent signings for 2025 fantasy football leagues.

Joshua Palmer - WR, Buffalo Bills

Palmer never posted elite stats during his four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. However, he recently signed a three-year, $36 million deal with the Buffalo Bills. General manager Brandon Beane has spoken this offseason about the team’s need for a true WR1. Palmer doesn’t profile as such, but he will help immensely against man coverage.

Josh Palmer gives the Bills a much-needed weapon vs. man coverage.

BUF's Average Separation Score ranks against man among 131 qualifying players:

Josh Palmer: 8th-best

Keon Coleman: 54th
Mack Hollins: 71st
Khalil Shakir: 82nd
Dalton Kincaid: 86th pic.twitter.com/DCVIuTL41K

— Fantasy Points Data (@FantasyPtsData) March 10, 2025

Keon Coleman struggled as the team’s X receiver last year and isn't great against man coverage. Palmer should work well in tandem with slot receiver Khalil Shakir.

With Josh Allen throwing passes his way, Palmer could be lined up for a career season. He is a great value pick at his current underdog ADP of 204.5 overall. Don’t expect WR1 production, but Palmer could emerge as a quality WR3 or flex play in deeper leagues.

Evan Engram - TE, Denver Broncos

Engram signed a two-year, $23 million contract with the Denver Broncos. This was arguably the best landing spot for Engram as head coach Sean Payton has spoken multiple times this offseason about finding a player who can play the “joker” role in Denver’s offense. It looks like Payton may have found his man.

On the board.@eazyengram | @Trevorlawrencee pic.twitter.com/bi0rMWv9On

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 10, 2023

His 2024 season was cut short due to injuries, but Engram is just two years removed from a PPR TE2 finish. Despite having a down year, Engram’s 2024 advanced metrics were still quite strong. Per Fantasy Points Data Suite, Engram posted a 26% targets per route run (TPRR) in 2024. This ranked fourth among 31 tight ends with at least 50 targets.

The Broncos also desperately needed to upgrade the tight end position this offseason. So Engram effectively checks two boxes for Denver. We have seen Payton heavily feature tight ends in the past, so it’s very likely that Engram will have a bounce-back season in 2025.

Justin Fields - QB, New York Jets

Fields posted a 4-2 record in six games as the Steelers’ starter last year before being benched in favor of Russell Wilson. Despite the benching, Fields still managed to provide results for fantasy gamers thanks in large part to his legs. He scored five rushing touchdowns in his six starts and finished as a QB1 three times.

Justin Fields scores his first rushing TD with the @Steelers!

📺: #LACvsPIT on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/mHjDNMx55Y

— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024

For some unknown reason, the Steelers were prepared to make Fields their starting quarterback in 2025 despite benching him last year. Apparently, Fields was having none of it and signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the New York Jets.

BREAKING: Jets signing QB Justin Fields to two-year, $40M deal with $30M guaranteed. (via @rapsheet, @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/YJVKoikwuM

— NFL (@NFL) March 10, 2025

Now that, Fields has landed a starting job, he is an immediate QB1 option for fantasy owners. However, keep in mind that he has notoriously struggled as a passer and could wind up being a placeholder for a rookie quarterback.

If you prefer to wait on a quarterback in your draft, Fields is a fantastic choice. Despite all his flaws, we know for a fact he is a great fantasy option whenever he’s on the field.

Dyami Brown - WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Brown is coming off a career year in 2024. He posted career highs in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. While that all sounds good, it didn’t amount to much production as Brown only posted a 30-308-1 line in 16 games.

What makes Brown an intriguing sleeper candidate is that Jacksonville made it a priority to target him in free agency. Based on comments from new general manager James Gladstone, Brown could be a big part of Jacksonville’s offense in 2025.

James Gladstone on Dyami Brown. pic.twitter.com/cz7DGM4NRK

— Nash Henry (@NashJagsNats22) March 13, 2025

Getting Brown involved in the short area passing game and having him work in open space could be a good move. Among 157 receivers with at least 30 targets, Brown finished third in missed tackles forced per reception (MTF/REC) per Fantasy Points Data Suite. He could really flourish in this type of role if the Jaguars stay true to their word.

Dyami Brown wide open in the back of the end zone! TD @Commanders!

📺: #WASvsTB on NBC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/ZUyUbswAte

— NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2025

Brown is a nice dart throw later in drafts as it sounds like Jacksonville may have big plans for the fifth-year veteran. He could very well set career highs again in 2025. However, Jacksonville could still add another wide receiver in the NFL Draft or free agency. This could mean Brown is a better target for best ball leagues as opposed to traditional lineup leagues.

Najee Harris - RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Harris recently signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers. The former Pittsburgh Steeler got a lot of hate during his time in the Steel City, but Harris was reliable and consistent. He never missed a game and broke the 1,000-yard mark every year in Pittsburgh. That feat puts him in unique company.

RBs with 1,000+ Rush Yards in each of their first 4 NFL seasons since 2000:

2001-04 LaDainian Tomlinson
2002-05 Clinton Portis
2007-10 Adrian Peterson
2008-11 Chris Johnson
2021-24 Najee Harris pic.twitter.com/Tg51d0fiOy

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 17, 2025

His advanced metrics have also been quite strong over the last two years. Let’s take a look at how he did in 2023 and 2024. (Data courtesy of PFF and Fantasy Points Data Suite)

2024 (Among 46 backs with 100+ carries)

18th in PFF Rushing Grade
16th in Elusive Rating
Eighth in missed tackles forced (MTF)
15th in missed tackles forced per attempt (MTF/ATT)
Ninth in yards after contact (YACO)

2023 (Among 49 backs with 100+ carries)

17th in PFF Rushing Grade
14th in Elusive Rating
Eighth in Missed Tackles Forced (MTF)
19th in Missed Tackles Forced Per Attempt (MTF/ATT)
Fourth in Yards After Contact

Harris has scored well in a variety of metrics, and it suggests he might be better than his career 3.9 yards per carry indicates. He gets an immediate offensive line upgrade in Los Angeles and could be poised for a career year.

The Chargers are likely to add another running back in the NFL Draft. So Harris may be splitting touches with another back. However, he could be an excellent flex play and could be a nice value as an RB2 if the move to Los Angeles unlocks a better version of him in 2025.

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