@jerseyxswap

With the absolute chaos of NFL free agency and trades this offseason, it seems appropriate to assess five players who have a chance to do big things with their new teams. That said, let’s look at five players who should thrive next year in their new situation. 

Aaron Jones 

Minnesota Vikings (RB)

Kirk Cousins' departure leaves Minnesota searching for a new starting quarterback which they haven’t done since 2018. Similar to Pollard in Tennessee, Aaron Jones will be asked to be a leader not only of the Vikings offense, but of the team as whole. Jones isn’t quite as shifty as Pollard, but Jones’s pass-catching abilities make him a force no matter the down and distance. 

Former Packers RB Aaron Jones intends to sign with the Vikings, as @DMRussini reported.

It is a one-year, $7 million deal that his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha now have confirmed. pic.twitter.com/4LFXkIoI7b

The Packers proved that when given the ball, Jones can make big things happen on every play. After being heavily underutilized by Green Bay in 2023, Jones came alive on Christmas Eve and didn't look back, making the Packers win over Carolina on December 24th the first of five consecutive 100-yard rushing games for Jones. If Minnesota heeds the cautionary tale of their division rival and plays Jones consistently, he could be in the conversation to win the rushing title and help you win your fantasy league along the way. 

Austin Ekeler 

Washington Commanders (RB)

Just like the first two players on this list, Austin Ekeler brings a steady presence and a boatload of talent to a team looking to rebuild on the offensive side of the ball. To call the Commanders 2023 season abysmal would be a massive understatement, but adding a productive veteran in Ekeler could be the first step in pointing Washington towards their first postseason berth since 2020. With former 1,000 yard rusher Antonio Gibson going to New England, the path is clear for Ekeler to step in and dominate.  

Keenan Allen 

Chicago Bears (WR)

Speaking of offenses looking for a leader, the Bears quarterback situation is currently unknown, though most signs point towards Caleb Williams coming to the Windy City. If Williams does come to Chi-Town, he’ll need a receiver to step up and help him through his rookie year and Keenan Allen could be just the man to do so. While Allen may not be in his prime anymore at 31, he brings a veteran presence and a physical playing style to a Bears team looking to establish themselves as a playoff team once again. 

The Bears are another team looking for a clear, established leader, and the veteran receiver seems to be their best candidate. With six 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, Allen is primed for a solid run with Chicago in the final few years or so of his career.

Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans (RB)

With the Titans letting Derrick Henry go to Baltimore, Tony Pollard is primed for a third consecutive 1,000-yard season. The former Cowboys starter is likely to be a headliner of the Tennessee offense and will need to step up in Will Levis' first full season as signal caller. Pollard's ability as a pass catcher also makes him a viable fantasy threat, even if he's having a sub-par day on the ground. Time will tell if Pollard's time in Nashville is productive in the long-term, but in Year one, Pollard should do big things.

The #Titans are giving former #Cowboys RB Tony Pollard a 3-year deal worth $24M, source said.

Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons (QB)

Here’s the big one.  Kirk Cousins heads to Atlanta after six seasons with Minnesota and he’s searching for a fresh start after an injury-riddled 2023 campaign. With talents like Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson to work with, Cousins has a big opportunity to take over as the premier quarterback in an admittedly weak NFC South. The Falcons will likely go toe-to-toe with Tampa Bay for a division that will be decided between Cousins and the recently re-signed Baker Mayfield. 

With a new coaching staff and talent galore, Cousins is poised for a fresh start that may launch one of the greatest career renaissance’s in NFL history. If Cousins can start the season off on the right foot and heat up as the year goes on, he’ll have a chance to rewrite the narrative of his poor primetime and playoff performances.