Free Agency Minor Signings 3/14 – Dynasty Reaction

Taylor Heinicke, QB ATL (B+)

The first minor signing of the day was Heinicke, who signed a two-year deal worth up to $20 million. Heinicke puts himself into a situation where he’ll have a chance to be a starter again. Atlanta has Desmond Ridder, who wasn’t highly drafted and didn’t overly perform so that he could be benched. Heinicke had moments in Washington, but it was clear he would be a journeyman type of quarterback. He reminds me a little bit of Ryan Tannehill as a quarterback. He is a decent passer with an underrated rushing upside in his game. Atlanta knows they could be competitive in an easy division. Heinicke will push Ridder for the starting job. He is a good buy in fantasy, as I believe he’ll get an opportunity to start in 2023 and maybe 2024. 

Matt Breida, RB NYG (C)

Breida is returning to New York on a one-year, $2.3 million deal. He’ll likely back up Saqoun Barkley once again. Breida didn’t have any standalone value as the backup, as he didn’t have a single game over ten fantasy points. He is a bench guy and only would have value if an injury occurs. Good chance depending on your dynasty league, that he’ll be on waivers during the season.

Raheem Mostert, RB MIA (B+) 

Another resigning player, Mostert heading back to South Beach, signed a two-year, 5.6 million dollar contract. Mostert stayed healthy in 2022 and had a very compelling fantasy season. He performed as a high-end RB3 and had five games over 12 fantasy points. Mostert is an excellent veteran to get back who knows the offensive scheme well. He is older, so there will be health concerns, as this was his first healthy season as a 30-year-old running back. He is a good RB3, but probably would use him as a throw-in piece to get a dynasty trade done.

Jeff Wilson, RB MIA (C+) 

Wilson has resigned with the Miami Dolphins on a two-year deal worth up to $8 million. I truly believed that Miami would go in a different direction at their running back position, but they decided to run it back. Wilson was decent when he was traded to the Dolphins, with six of his eight games with eight-plus fantasy points. Unfortunately, Wilson will be a boom-or-bust RB3 in fantasy as he splits weeks with Mostert—an excellent time to sell as a trade piece in dynasty trades.

Noah Brown, WR HOU (D+) 

I’m not too fond of this signing for fantasy, as Noah Brown signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans. While the Texans needed a receiver, I don’t know what role Brown will get in Houston. Robert Woods just signed there, and they have two young receivers in Nico Collins and John Metchie. Remember that Brandin Cooks is still on the roster and will likely draft a receiver. Brown had a breakout 2022 season with 550 yards, but unfortunately, half his production came in the first four weeks of the season with Michael Gallup. Brown is a decent receiver, but he may only make it as a WR4 for the team. I was hoping Brown could find a better opening to show off his talent, but I fear he’ll be, at best, a low-end WR4, and I don’t see much future value for him. 

Rashaad Penny, RB PHI (A-) 

This is a win-win situation for the Eagles and Penny, who agreed to a one-year prove-it deal. He has been a roller coaster for the dynasty as a former first-rounder that folks don’t want to give up. Penny has missed significant time over this career and only has 11 career starts. When Penny does get this opportunity, he is dominant with the ball in his hands, as he has five 100-yard games in those starts. The Eagles were one of the better-rushing teams in the league, as they were fifth in rushing yards per game. They had their injury-prone running back in Miles Sanders, who had a great season in 2022. While Penny is coming off a season-ending injury, I wouldn’t expect Penny to be a primary back but see early down work in the offense. It’s a low-risk signing with significant upside for the Eagles. If Penny is ready to go by back, he has boom/bust flex appeal, but I doubt he’ll have any long-term fantasy value. If you want to sell off from Penny, now is the time.

Andy Dalton, QB CAR (B-)

This was a surprising signing since I figured no one would want Andy Dalton, but I was wrong. Dalton signed a one-year deal up to $11 million contract. Dalton is far from a QB2 in dynasty, but he played well enough to be a plug-and-play guy in Superflex leagues in 2022. The Panthers will draft a quarterback at the draft, so the chances of Dalton starting much is slim unless they take Anthony Richardson instead. Dalton could get a few games in, but he is nothing more than a depth piece in dynasty.

Samaje Perine, RB DEN (A) 

I love this signing for fantasy football. Perine has been the more effective back in the Bengals’ backfield over the last two seasons. He signed a two-year, $3.3 million contract with the Denver Broncos. Perine performed to an RB1-level fantasy week whenever he was the starter. Perine has a great shot at having significant playing time in 2023; Javonte Williams is recovering from a nasty ACL tear that could cost him games into next season. Sean Payton knows how to use his backs, especially in the passing plays. Perine’s usage as a receiver has increased over the last three seasons showing his value in the passing game. He could become an A1 starter in 2023 and be a solid RB2 for fantasy. He doesn’t have long-term value for dynasty, but a contending fantasy owner will want to buy into Perine for 2023.

Phillip Dorsett, RB LVR, & Boston Scott, RB PHI, & Travis Homer, CHI (C)

Dorsett signed a one-year deal with the Raiders but has no fantasy relevance. Boston Scott returned to Philly on a one-year deal to be the likely third-string running back. Travis Homer signed a two-year deal worth up to $4.5 million. Homer could have some role behind Khalil Herbert as a third down back or change-of-pace guy. All three players are borderline bench players with no longer-term dynasty value.

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