NFL Rumors: Friday, June 23rd
NFL trade rumors generate excitement among football fans and also impact the world of fantasy football. The potential movement of star players like Stefon Diggs and DeAndre Hopkins, along with the contract negotiations involving Saquon Barkley, create uncertainties and opportunities for fantasy owners. Understanding the implications of these rumors and being prepared to adapt strategies accordingly can provide a competitive edge in fantasy football leagues. As the offseason unfolds, fantasy managers will need to watch and react to developments and their subsequent impact on player values.
Stefon Diggs Trade Possibility
Let’s dive into an intriguing trade rumor involving Stefon Diggs, the standout Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills. While the Bills haven’t made any official statements about trading Diggs, there are reports suggesting that they might be open to it if the right offer comes along. This potential trade carries some significant implications for fantasy football owners, considering Diggs is widely regarded as one of the top wide receivers in the league. If he were to be traded to another team, we’d have to reassess his value and adjust our draft strategies accordingly.
Fantasy Impact
Now, the question arises: should we change our draft strategy when it comes to selecting Diggs? Currently, he’s being drafted as the fifth wide receiver off the board, and even if he were to switch teams, he’d probably maintain a considerable portion of his value. So, it seems like there’s no need to panic just yet.
However, there’s another player we should keep in mind amidst all this trade chatter – Gabe Davis. In his third season, Davis showed significant improvement and finished last season as the WR36. He received 93 targets in 15 games and became Josh Allen’s go-to deep threat. If Diggs were to be traded, Davis could take a big leap forward and become a more prominent factor. It’s definitely something worth considering.
Of course, it’s important to remember that the likelihood of Diggs actually being traded remains relatively low. But, in Best Ball leagues, it might be worth taking a calculated risk and selecting Davis a round earlier than his ADP.
DeAndre Hopkins Potential Move
DeAndre Hopkins is the most sought-after free agent wide receiver. Hopkins has shown interest in teams like the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans, but rumors persist his real desire is to join a contender such as the Kansas City Chiefs or Buffalo Bills.
Fantasy Impact
For fantasy managers in the midst of drafts, this situation presents a challenge. We have to figure out how to value Hopkins before he makes his decision on where to play. If he ends up with the Patriots or Titans, he would likely become the go-to receiver on a team that doesn’t heavily rely on passing. On the other hand, if he chooses the Chiefs or Bills, he might play second fiddle in the passing game, at best. Either way, Hopkins should still get enough opportunities to finish as a WR2.
It seems like the Patriots are the front runners to land Hopkins at the moment. This potential move could have some impact on JuJu Smith-Schuster’s fantasy performance. However, we haven’t seen significant changes in JuJu’s ADP in June. That’s probably because he’s already being drafted at his floor. Even if New England does acquire Hopkins, it’s unlikely to have a major effect on Smith-Schuster’s draft value.
Kareem Hunt to the Broncos
The Denver Broncos are the favorite to sign former Pro Bowl running back Kareem Hunt, previously with the Cleveland Browns. The addition of Hunt to the Broncos’ roster could create a crowded backfield, affecting the fantasy outlook of other running backs on the team as well.
Fantasy Impact
Currently, the Broncos already have Javonte Williams, Samje Perine, and Troy Jones Jr. on their roster. Adding Hunt to the mix would make things even more uncertain. It’s like that situation we saw with the Ravens backfield last season, where you never knew which running back would emerge as the top guy each week.
However, if Hunt does join the Broncos, he would still have some fantasy value, albeit with limited upside. Williams would likely remain the lead back, with Perine and Hunt sharing backup duties. Hunt would essentially become a depth option for fantasy benches, not someone you’d rely on heavily for production. It’s important to note that Williams is already being drafted as a RB3, so his value probably wouldn’t change significantly with this potential addition.
The biggest loser in this scenario would be Perine, who has been a popular pick in Best Ball drafts. Hunt would severely cap Perine’s upside. It’s something to keep in mind in drafts if you’re using a Zero RB approach and relying on mid-round running backs to lead your team.
Saquon Barkley’s Contract Negotiations
The New York Giants and Saquon Barkley face a crucial deadline to reach an extension agreement by July 17. Failure to do so would result in Barkley playing the season under the franchise tag. The uncertainty surrounding Barkley’s contract situation adds an extra layer of complexity for fantasy owners.
Fantasy Impact
Barkley isn’t completely ruling out the idea of a holdout. There’s a slim chance that the Giants might even trade him before or during the season, fearing they could lose him next year without getting anything in return. Personally, I have a feeling that New York will give Barkley what he wants, but it’s always prudent to consider the uncertainty that comes with a high draft pick and how it could impact your fantasy team. If Barkley decides to hold out, it would be a major blow to fantasy managers who have him on their roster. Currently, he’s being selected in the second round of Best Ball drafts. Although Barkley has enormous potential, I’m shifting my focus to other running backs drafted in the second round, like Jonathan Taylor, Nick Chubb, or Derrick Henry, who offer a bit more stability at this point.
Dalvin Cook Sweepstakes
There’s been a lot of talk about Cook possibly joining either the Miami Dolphins or the NY Jets, two teams in the AFC East that are on the rise. Cook himself has even said that he thinks the Dolphins would be a perfect fit for him. But, let’s not forget about the appeal of playing alongside Aaron Rodgers either.
Fantasy Impact
No matter where Cook ends up signing, he’s gonna be the clear number one running back in a strong offense. I’m a bit puzzled by his current ADP, which is 81st overall on Underdog. Once he actually signs with a team, that ADP is gonna shoot up like crazy. So, I’m definitely taking advantage of this huge discount and drafting Cook now.
Now, if Cook does end up with the Jets, that’s not great news for Breece Hall. His current value in the third round would definitely take a big hit. But, I’m feeling pretty confident that Cook will go to the Dolphins, so I’m gonna keep drafting Hall without worrying too much about the risk.
As for the Miami Dolphins, David Achane has the highest ADP among their RBs, currently in the 10th round. I think that’s a fair price to pay, whether or not Cook joins the team. So, I’m not going to adjust my draft strategy for him.
