While Super Bowl 56 still has to be played, it’s never too early to look towards the offseason. Much will change between now and March 16, when free agency starts. However, fantasy football players are anxious to see who signs with what team and the fantasy impact. In a four-part series, I will give the best fantasy landing spot for the top free agents at each position. Restricted free agents won’t be part of this series as they usually end up back with their current teams. Also, this list will not include potential cap casualties, focusing on only upcoming free agents. So without further ado, let’s dive into it. First up are quarterbacks.
Be sure to check out all four parts of the series here.
Jameis Winston → Pittsburgh Steelers
With Ben Roethlisberger retiring, the Steelers have a hole at quarterback. Adding Winston would give them a veteran who can push the ball downfield. Before suffering a torn ACL, Winston averaged two passing touchdowns and 16.8 fantasy points per game this season with a limited supporting cast. Moreover, Winston was the QB5, averaging 19.1 fantasy points per game in his final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019. Winston would have a strong supporting cast in Pittsburgh with Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, Pat Freiermuth, and Najee Harris. Furthermore, if the Steelers re-sign JuJu Smith-Schuster, Winston would have arguably the best receiving core of his career. If Winston signs with the Steelers, he would have low-end QB1 appeal for next season.
Teddy Bridgewater → New Orleans Saints
While he has bounced around the league over the past few years, Bridgewater remains a solid fantasy quarterback in super-flex leagues. Despite missing three games because of injuries, he had a career-high 18 passing touchdowns this season. However, he was at his best filling in for Drew Brees in 2019. Bridgewater averaged 16.7 fantasy points per game in his five starts that year, scoring at least 16.3 fantasy points in three of those games. While the Saints lack a flashy receiving core, they have a few solid pieces in Marquez Callaway and Tre’Quan Smith. Furthermore, Michael Thomas will either return this season or net the Saints draft capital in a trade. With offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael on the sidelines, Bridgewater would be a solid QB2 in super-flex leagues.
Andy Dalton → Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dalton hasn’t been a full-time starter since 2019 with the Cincinnati Bengals. However, we averaged at least 15.6 fantasy points in six of his nine seasons with the Bengals, including a career-high 18.8 fantasy points per game in 2015. With Tom Brady retiring, the Buccaneers could turn to 2020 second-round pick, Kyle Trask. However, the rookie was inactive for every game this season, potentially making it easy for Dalton to win the starting job. Meanwhile, Mike Evans is under contract for next season while the Buccaneers likely make re-signing Chris Godwin their top priority this offseason. While he won’t put up top-12 numbers in Tampa Bay, Dalton would become a consistent streaming option for fantasy players.
Marcus Mariota → Indianapolis Colts
During his two years with the Las Vegas Raiders, Mariota played in only 10 games, in part because of injuries. He threw only two passes this season as the Raiders mostly used him on designed quarterback runs. However, in the one game he played in 2020, Mariota was fantastic. After Derek Carr suffered an injury early in the game, Mariota came in and scored 25.8 fantasy points against the Los Angeles Chargers. In Indianapolis, Mariota wouldn’t be the clear starter. However, Carson Wentz will be on a short leash if he returns next season. With defenses focused on stopping Jonathan Taylor, Mariota could take advantage with his legs on designed quarterback runs. Mariota could have a fair amount of fantasy value playing behind Indianapolis’ excellent offensive line.
Mitchell Trubisky → Washington Football Team
Reportedly, Washington will be aggressive this offseason trying to upgrade the quarterback position. However, if they miss out on star quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson, Trubisky would be an option. If he signs with Washington, he could turn into a solid streaming option for fantasy players. Unlike this season with the Buffalo Bills, Trubisky could challenge Taylor Heinicke for the starting role in Washington. The team has a solid set of weapons in Terry McLaurin, Antonio Gibson, Logan Thomas, and Curtis Samuel. Over his final three years with the Chicago Bears, Trubisky averaged 15.9 fantasy points per game. Like Heinicke, Trubisky can create with his legs, providing extra value to fantasy owners. While he is far from an ideal fantasy quarterback, Trubisky would provide fantasy value in Washington.
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @primetimesportstalk
Follow Mike Fanelli on Twitter @Mike_NFL2
Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
