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

Free Agent WR Signings - Fantasy Risers and Fallers

Phil Clark breaks down all the recent wide receiver free agent signings to determine who are risers and fallers for 2019 fantasy football leagues.

The onset of free agency has already unleashed a barrage of player movement that has altered their value and reshaped the rosters of all teams that were involved. As the weeks unfold more changes in destinations and expectations will impact your decision-making process as you manage rosters in Dynasty leagues, and prepare for the draft process in Best Ball and Redraft leagues.

The team at RotoBaller continues to provide you with up-to-the-minute analysis, statistics and thoroughly researched recommendations as each new development impacts the fantasy landscape. All of which remains part of our continuing efforts toward helping you win your leagues in 2019.

The updated fantasy values of both Antonio Brown and  Odell Beckham Jr. were examined after their well-chronicled trades. That will keep the focus of this article on signings that have occurred at the wide receiver position during the initial days of free agency. This includes analysis of which receivers appear primed for an increase in their production, and which players will experience a decline in their value due to the change in their environment.

Editor's Note: Explore RotoBaller’s Dynasty Fantasy Football hub for year-round dynasty rankings, trade tips, rookie analysis, and long-term player outlooks. Dominate your league with our sleepers, stash targets, and dynasty draft advice. Click here for Dynasty rankings and strategy.

 

Free Agency Winners

Devin Funchess, Indianapolis Colts

Even though Funchess' stock experienced a steady decline throughout 2018, he is still just 24-years old and remains one season removed from tying for seventh among wide receivers in touchdowns (8). He also led Carolina in red zone targets (15) and receiving yards during 2017 (840) while finishing second in targets (111) and receptions (63). His usage steadily declined during 2018 to the point in which Funchess only played on 32% of the Panthers’ offensive snaps from Weeks 13-16. However, his value has risen sizably due to the prospects of operating as the Colts’ WR2 while collecting passes from Andrew Luck. The 6'4", 225-pound Funchess provides Luck with an enticing weapon in the red zone, while also presenting owners with a viable option in the middle rounds of their drafts.

John Brown, Buffalo Bills

Baltimore's transition to the Lamar Jackson era quickly eviscerated Brown's role in the Raven offense after he had averaged 7.4 targets-per-game from Weeks 1-9. Now, his value elevates considerably as the result of his relocation in Buffalo. The former 1,000-yard receiver should deliver his highest output since 2015 (65 receptions/1,003 yards/7 touchdowns) while supplying a downfield presence for strong-armed Josh Allen. Any health concerns about Brown should be offset by the reminder that he performed in all 16 contests last season, even though his opportunities were virtually eliminated once Baltimore's passing game became an afterthought. Even with Cole Beasley joining a blend of receiving options that already contained Zay Jones and Robert Foster, Brown's blazing speed should equate to a favorable number of productive games during the season. This makes him a legitimate WR3 in redraft leagues, and an excellent target for anyone who is participating in the Best Ball format.

Golden Tate, New York Giants

It will be difficult for Tate to recapture the value that he attained from 2014-2017 when he accumulated 527 targets, 372 receptions and 4,224 yards. However, the four-year contract that he signed with the Giants has elevated his value considerably after the precipitous drop that it experienced late in 2018. Tate was 10th overall in targets after Week 8 and was averaging 74 YPG, but only averaged 4.25 targets and a minuscule 21 YPG from Weeks 14-16 with Philadelphia. He cannot replace the unique game-breaking capabilities of Odell Beckham Jr. But he will supply the Giants with a proficient presence in the slot, within a receiving unit that would otherwise be reliant on  Sterling Shepard and Corey Coleman, Tate should assemble respectable weekly production that will allow owners to confidently start him as a high-end WR3 or WR2 option.

Jamison Crowder, New York Jets 

The former Redskin should operate effectively as the Jets' weapon from the slot, and his quickness and route running capabilities represent a clear upgrade in talent over predecessor Jermaine Kearse. Crowder's best production was attained in 2016 when he led the Redskins with seven touchdowns while achieving career highs in receptions (67) and yardage (847). He missed Weeks 6-12 last season due to a lingering ankle issue. But Crowder won't turn 26 until June and will join Robby Anderson and Quincy Enunwa in comprising the Jets' primary arsenal of wide receiving options. He should garner a sufficient number of targets to generate respectable numbers as an outlet for Sam Darnold, which will enable him to function as a flex option throughout the year.

Tyrell Williams, Oakland Raiders

Williams' career-best numbers were all generated in 2016 (119 targets/69 receptions/1,059 yards 7 touchdowns) as his snap counts during the past two seasons - (76.5%/80%) - have not translated into dependable weekly production. There is nothing about Williams' impending role which would indicate that an increase in consistency is imminent, as he will be working within a reshaped passing attack that will also include the monstrous presence of Brown, and newly signed J.J. Nelson. But the 27-year-old Williams receives a slight rise in value, as he should have a clear WR2 role with less competition for targets then he faced with the Chargers. He has not missed a game since 2015, and his potential as a downfield threat will result in productive performances that are interspersed with a cluster of quiet weeks. That presents Best Ball and redraft owners with a viable target as their drafts progress through the middle rounds.

DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles

The 11-year veteran migrated to the Eagles via trade as opposed to free agency. But he maintains sufficient relevance to merit a bonus discussion. Even though he has remained on the field through an entire 16-game season just twice in his career, he still offers the potential to explode for huge gains. Jackson led the league in 2018 with an 18.9 yards-per-catch average and has stockpiled 24 career touchdown receptions of 60+ yards. His strengths do not translate into a reliable weekly source for fantasy points, but that has never been an incentive for having Jackson on your rosters. His ability to provide Philadelphia with a much needed downfield threat makes him a flex option in redraft leagues, and a viable Best Ball target.

Donte Moncrief, Pittsburgh Steelers
In 2015, Moncrief was targeted 105 times, collected 64 receptions and generated 733 yards. Those remain his career highs, as he has averaged just 35 catches and 455 yards during his last three seasons while building a collection of disgruntled owners during that span. But Moncrief's one-year tenure in Jacksonville has ended, and while it may be difficult to trust him, he has landed in a favorable situation. He will have the opportunity to earn snaps and receive targets from Ben Roethlisberger. This raises his value, as he has become a contender for Pittsburgh's WR2 role.

 

Free Agency Losers

Adam Humphries, Tennessee Titans

Humphries' four-year contract with Tennessee allows the 26-year-old to instantly seize responsibilities in the slot, after accumulating 2,329 yards, 219 receptions, and nine touchdowns in four seasons as a Buccaneer. He also established new career highs in targets (105), receptions (76), yardage (816), and touchdowns (5) in 2018. But he has departed a Tampa Bay passing offense that ranked first in 2018. Buccaneer signal-callers Jameis Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick launched 625 passes which represented the fourth-highest total in the league (329 YPG). That was nearly 200 more attempts than Tennessee manufactured (437) as the Titans' passing attack ranked just 31st overall (186 YPG). Humphries is in position to ultimately finish second in targets and receptions with Tennessee. But his value has now diminished due to the ongoing limitations and constrained statistical ceiling of the Titan passing attack. All of which will keep Humphries from reaching his 2018 output.

Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills

The addition of Beasley seemingly provides the Bills with an ideal fit. He can serve as a reliable slot option for Allen while functioning in coordination with the newly-acquired Brown, and Buffalo's commitment to the ground game. However, Beasley will not only be contending with Brown for targets, but the aforementioned Jones and Foster are also candidates to pilfer opportunities.  Some of those targets could be accrued at Beasley's expense as Jones is capable of operating in the slot. Beasley's transition to the reshaped Bills' passing attack does not necessarily guarantee significant regression from a statistical standpoint, as he averaged just 67 targets, 46 receptions, and 467 yards in seven seasons with Dallas. But his value certainly has not increased, and he is not a candidate to amass sizable yardage or reception totals with any consistency. This should not compel owners to trust him on a weekly basis.

Danny Amendola, Detroit Lions

There were more dynamic options for the Lions to secure as their slot receiver. However, they did successfully locate a replacement for the void that was created by jettisoning Golden Tate to Philadelphia. Amendola will perform adequately within the structure of Detroit's evolving offense. But an increasing reliance on the run, coupled with the presence of Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones create a formidable challenge for owners to locate any rationale toward entrusting him on their rosters. The 33-year old Amendola actually led the Dolphins in targets (79), receptions (59), and yardage (575) during his one season with Miami. But that production equated to an unimpressive WR69 finish in scoring, and his output this season might not reach the numbers that he attained in 2018.

Breshad Perriman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The former first-round pick displayed a semblance of big-play capabilities by accruing 76+ yards for Cleveland in Weeks 13 and 16 and had verbally agreed to resign with the Browns. But the acquisition of Beckham prompted him to request that the arrangement be rescinded. He became a Buccaneer hours later and will be located on Tampa Bay's depth chart below Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Justin Watson. The change in venue relegates his value to late-round flier status in deeper leagues, although he may have a chance to see more targets than if he were stuck in Cleveland.

 

Notable Free Agent WRs Still Available

Demaryius Thomas
Randall Cobb
Pierre Garcon
Michael Crabtree
Mike Wallace
Chris Hogan
Terrance Williams
Rishard Matthews
Dontrelle Inman

More NFL Free Agency Analysis




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

Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy With Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
ANA

Mikael Granlund Moves to Anaheim on Three-Year Deal
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
NJ

Jake Allen Signs Five-Year Extension With Devils
VAN

Brock Boeser Remains in Vancouver on Seven-Year Deal
Conor Garland

Signs New Six-Year Deal with Canucks
Thatcher Demko

Signs Three-Year Extension with Canucks
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary Agrees to Seven-Year Extension with Capitals
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
MLB

Brewers-Mets Postponed on Tuesday
MLB

Tigers-Nationals Postponed on Tuesday
Zach Neto

Returns to Tuesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
MLB

Padres-Phillies Postponed on Tuesday
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Hunter Goodman

Back Behind the Dish on Tuesday
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day

is a Fine Play With Limited Upside at John Deere Classic
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Luke Clanton

Looks to Have Another Strong Week at TPC Deere Run
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Sacramento Kings

Dennis Schroder Set to Join Sacramento
Bo Bichette

Out Again on Tuesday
Trent Grisham

Likely Heading to Injured List
Boston Celtics

Luke Kornet Agrees to Contract With San Antonio
Jonas Valančiūnas

Nuggets Trade for Center Jonas Valanciunas
Royce Lewis

Twins Activate Royce Lewis
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Signs Massive Extension With Oklahoma City
Corbin Carroll

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
New York Knicks

Knicks Pick Up Guerschon Yabusele
Yordan Alvarez

Could Return Early Next Week
NFL

Negotiations on 18-Game Season Not Expected Until Next Year
Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner Leaves Indiana, Signs With Milwaukee
Kerry Carpenter

Shelved with Hamstring Issue
Tyler Boyd

Steelers Have Talked With Tyler Boyd
Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard Waived By Milwaukee
Darren Waller

Coming Out of Retirement to Play for Dolphins
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Retain Alexander Romanov on $50 Million Contract
Andrei Kuzmenko

Signs Up for One More Year with Kings
Morgan Geekie

Signs Long-Term Extension with Bruins
Ivan Provorov

Stays in Columbus on Seven-Year Deal
Alex Pietrangelo

Stepping Away From Golden Knights for Health Reasons
Matias Maccelli

Maple Leafs Bring in Matias Maccelli
Evan Bouchard

Inks $42 Million Contract with Oilers
Vladimir Tarasenko

Wild Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko From Detroit
Patrick Kane

Signs New One-Year Deal with Red Wings
Brad Marchand

Lands Six-Year Extension
Aaron Ekblad

Remains a Panther on Eight-Year Deal
Mitchell Marner

Heads to Vegas
Randy Arozarena

Homers Twice, Plates Four Monday
Shea Langeliers

Hits Three-Run Homer In Return From Injured List Monday
Wilyer Abreu

Belts Grand Slam and Hits Inside-the-Park Home Run
Philadelphia 76ers

Trendon Watford Lands in Philadelphia
New York Knicks

Jordan Clarkson Expected to Sign With Knicks
Zack Wheeler

Tosses Eight Shutout Innings, Punches Out 10
Santi Aldama

Remains with Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Lands in Atlanta
George Springer

Exits Early Monday With Neck Injury
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Clippers

Brook Lopez Strikes Deal With Clippers
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Hunter Goodman

Likely Headed to Injured List
Chicago Bulls

Tre Jones Remaining in Chicago
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Houston Rockets

Dorian Finney-Smith Signing With Rockets
Atlanta Hawks

Caris LeVert Joining Pistons
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF