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With the 2023 regular season behind us, contracts are set to expire, and decisions will have to be made about the futures of talented NFL players. Top players on the open market will garner considerable attention, leading potential free agents to contemplate a move.
Whether it's for more money, a larger role, or a transfer to a team contending for a title, even some of the best players in the league could be on the move this offseason.
Who could use a fresh start ahead of the 2024 NFL season? Which players could provide a greater impact if they played elsewhere? Let's take a look.
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Five Players Who Could Use A Change Of Scenery
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has been tremendous out of Clemson for the past few seasons, and he's a massive reason why the Bengals have been one of the best teams in the AFC recently. However, he's set to be a free agent in 2024 unless the Bengals franchise tag him, which he might refuse to play under. Alongside Ja'Marr Chase, there isn't enough money or targets for both him and Higgins to be top options.
Staying in Cincinnati wouldn't be a horrible outcome, but a move to a team like the Chiefs could drastically increase his fantasy value if he can become the top receiver on a good offense. Joe Burrow and the Bengals have formed a very potent passing attack, and Higgins can produce there, but he needs to be somewhere else to reach his full potential.
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley just missed reaching 1,000 rushing yards in 2023 but still managed his fourth season with at least 1,200 scrimmage yards. The Giants' offense struggled throughout the season, and Barkley faced injuries on numerous occasions. Despite dealing with the third-worst run-blocking offensive line, according to PFF, Barkley maintained an average of just under four yards per carry with significant usage.
While he has missed a handful of games each year, Barkley's talent is undeniable, making him one of the most skilled backs in the NFL. A more favorable scheme and additional talent around him could help the star running back reclaim his top-five status in fantasy output. Regardless of where he plays, the volume is expected to be there, but a move away from New York is crucial for him to consistently be an elite fantasy option.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown joined the team via trade ahead of the 2022 season, and he has posted mediocre numbers in his 26 starts with the team. Kyler Murray has been sidelined for a significant portion of the last two seasons, leading to subpar quarterback play that has adversely affected Brown's performance.
In addition to Brown no longer aligning with the team's timeline, emerging talents like Michael Wilson and Trey McBride are expected to play a substantial role in the Cardinals' passing attack moving forward. Furthermore, the likely addition of Marvin Harrison Jr., potentially selected with the fourth overall pick in the draft, indicates that Brown may benefit from a fresh start elsewhere.
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry compiled another 1,000-yard rushing season in 2023, but he experienced his lowest average yards per game since 2018. The Titans struggled with a subpar passing attack last season, and the offensive line's talent wasn't sufficient to compensate for it, impacting the effectiveness of the ground game.
While there's a possibility that his volume could decrease due to his age, Henry, who is now 30 years old, could see a boost in fantasy value with a move to a team with a more potent offense that requires a downhill running back, such as the Ravens. This potential change of scenery could offer significant value for fantasy managers in the upcoming year.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis has shown significant flashes during his time with the team, but he has also had games where he seemingly disappears. While his talent is apparent, the Bills shifted towards a more run-heavy approach under offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Additionally, the emergence of Dalton Kincaid and Khalil Shakir has diminished Davis's role within the offense.
Given the abundance of talent among Buffalo's pass catchers, Davis currently lacks a consistent role in the team's offensive scheme. A move to a pass-heavy team, where he can secure a clear number two or three target position, has the potential to elevate Davis into a valuable fantasy asset.
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