@nflrums

As the dust settles on another whirlwind NFL free agency period, fantasy football managers are left eagerly dissecting the flurry of player movements. The offseason frenzy has injected fresh intrigue into the upcoming fantasy season, from blockbuster signings to under-the-radar acquisitions. Let’s see some of the top signings and how they fit with their new teams.

Kirk Cousins, QB - Atlanta Falcons

Last season's stats: 8 games (Achilles Tear), 2,331 Yards, 18 TDs, Five interceptions

Four years, $180 million; $100 million guaranteed

Grade: B+

The Falcons needed someone to throw passes, and they went and got one. Kirk Cousins is 35, coming off an Achilles tear, and is still somehow an upgrade for the Falcons. The Falcons have had weapons but never fully capitalized on them. We've seen the flashes from their core players, Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London, but inadequate play at the quarterback position has certainly held them back. 

Will Cousins be even remotely as good as he has been in the past? The Falcons are willing to take that risk, and I would assume they draft a quarterback this year to learn behind Cousins.

Things are looking up in ATL ?

How far can Kirk Cousins and the Falcons go next season? ? pic.twitter.com/ok4B4LEtXg

Derrick Henry, RB - Baltimore Ravens

Last season: 17 games, 1,167 yards, 12 touchdowns

Two years, $16 million

Grade: A-

The king has found a new home. Derrick Henry is one of the most dominant running backs we have seen in the last decade. 6’2 250lbs of straight muscle. Many people are saying that Henry may be over the hill and might not provide enough spark to the Baltimore offense into the Super Bowl. I agree. Henry may very well be over the hill, but I don’t believe he is at the bottom of the hill. 

This situation Henry landed in has provided him with an excellent opportunity. Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson has always drawn the attention of multiple defenders when the Ravens offense is on the field. Similarly, Henry has also drawn the attention of multiple defenders. Not only is it going to be a difficult for defenses to focus on both players, but the Ravens are running a lot of read-option plays, which forces the defense to choose between the quarterback and running back most of the time. 

So, who are you going to choose? Leave Henry one-on-one with a linebacker? Good luck. Meanwhile, they also have budding receiver Zay Flowers running routes and one arguably the best tight end in the league, Mark Andrews, who will be back next year. We could be witnessing something special in Baltimore.

D’Andre Swift, RB - Chicago Bears

Last season: 16 games, 1,049 yards, 6 total touchdowns

Three years, $24 million

Grade: C+

The Chicago Bears have officially traded Justin Fields and sent a clear message that Caleb Williams will be their quarterback of the future and number one draft pick this year. The move to sign D’Andre Swift was interesting as he now joins the backfield of Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson. Many people *cough me cough* in the fantasy football community were looking forward to Roschon Johnson getting a run at the starting position for Chicago with Williams entering the fold. 

At best, we are probably looking at a committee, but I do think the move helps ensure their position with some depth in the event of injury. Swift was once revered in the fantasy football world as a running back with league-winning upside. I feel those days might be a thing of the past, but Swift did show last year that he could still contribute heavily to a team’s ground attack. However, the Eagles offensive line last year was certainly better than what the Bears have to offer.

Tony Pollard, RB - Tennessee Titans

Last season: 17 games, 1,005 yards, 6 touchdowns

Three years, 21 million

Grade: B

The Titans offense is a big question mark for sure, but signing Tony Pollard to bridge the hole left by Derrick Henry feels like the right move. Pollard and Tyjae Spears will split touches next year, and the Titans have not stopped there. The Titans also signed Calvin Ridley to add another weapon for Will Levis. 

Pollard finished last year with 1,005 rushing yards and six touchdowns, so by no stretch is he a lock to be an overwhelming bellcow in this offense. Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins, and Treylon Burks make up the receiving room, which is probably enough for third or fourth place in the division.