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While these four NFL players are getting a fresh start for the 2024 season, they won’t be seeing much production for fantasy team owners. Here are four free-agent movers that will struggle in 2024 fantasy football. 

Russell Wilson - QB

Pittsburgh Steelers

This one seems obvious, given that we don’t even know if Russell Wilson will be the long term starter for Pittsburgh in 2024, but let’s assume the veteran signal-caller does win the job. What evidence is there to suggest he’s going to look like his old self again? Wilson clearly seems to be in the later stages of his career and has looked nowhere close to his Super Bowl-winning self over the past two seasons in Denver or even in his last campaign with Seattle. 

As disappointing as he’s been in recent years, Wilson will likely have another down year in 2024, and that’s assuming he beats out Justin Fields for the starting job. If he can’t win the starting job, it may be the start to a slow and painful end to a career that is a tale of two halves. 

Calvin Ridley - WR

Tennessee Titans

Calvin Ridley went from Jacksonville to its bitter rival Tennessee over the offseason, looking for a fresh start and a chance to finally regain the traction he garnered in Atlanta. However, Tennessee’s quarterback situation makes many skeptical that Ridley will be able to look like his old self again. With Will Levis likely under center for the Titans, Ridley will have to adapt to an offense that likely won’t be too complex with a young signal-caller under center. 

His speed could be a factor, especially in a simple offense that will utilize lots of drag and slant routes, but having such unproven talent at quarterback could take down Ridley and the Titans as a whole. Even if Tennessee takes a quarterback in the draft, Ridley will have an inexperienced player leading him and the rest of the Tennessee offense. I don’t see a breakout season in the cards for the 29-year-old or the Titan's offense as a whole. 

Saquon Barkley - RB

Philadelphia Eagles

Call me crazy, insane, or deranged, but I don’t think Saquon Barkley's first season in Philadelphia has the looks of an All-Pro campaign. He may eclipse 1,000 yards, but there's one main issue. Philadelphia’s offensive line is now much less intimidating than it used to be. 

While Barkley is a good pass catcher, the regression of Jalen Hurts last season was concerning. With little momentum residing in Philly heading into 2024, I’ll pick Barkley as a big star destined for a disappointing season. 

Curtis Samuel - WR

Buffalo Bills

Curtis Samuel might seem like a player destined for stardom with the departure of Stefon Diggs, but following another disappointing postseason exit, Buffalo seems to be crumbling under the pressure. While elite Josh Allen has seemingly stalled out in his development, Buffalo seems to be lacking the secret ingredient necessary to make a deep playoff run. 

Samuel won’t be that secret ingredient in 2024, as I predict a poor first impression for the former Washington Commander. The Bills seem to be freefalling with the loss of Diggs, and if Samuel is expected to be the guy in the receiving corps to take on Diggs’ production, he, like the Bills, could also crumble under the pressure when his team needs him most. 

Bills fans are hoping for an unexpected breakout year, but if I were you, I’d let Samuel fall into the late rounds of your fantasy draft. He’s simply too big of a risk to get top billing.