As free agency is about to start, I’ve begun some daily free agency articles on minor signings. These signings don’t blow up headlines but could be impactful during the fantasy season.
Josh Oliver, TE MIN (B-)
Breakdown of TE Josh Oliver's contract:
— vikesinsider (@vikesinsider) March 14, 2023
• $3.5M cap hit in 2023
• $7.2M cap hit in 2024
• $10.37M cap hit in 2025
If the #Vikings cut Oliver after 2024, the team will save $8M of his 2025 cap hit ($10.37M).
Essentially, it's a 2-year deal worth $12.9M. pic.twitter.com/24k6ik4XUG
This was surprising, as Oliver has agreed to sign a three-year, $21 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings. The money seems like a lot of the former third-string tight end on the Ravens. Oliver was first in PFF run blocking grade and quietly turned into one of the better inline blocking tight ends. Oliver has the athletic ability to do well in the passing game, too, as he showed up in one game last year with four receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown. This could benefit Hockenson to play in the slot more often, especially without Adam Thielen. Oliver could be a sleeper tight end to grab off waivers, as Hockenson has missed significant time in two of his four seasons.
Mike White, QB MIA (C+)
White has agreed to a two-year, up to $16 million contract with the Dolphins. It’s more of a two-year $ million deal with many incentives. It was important for Miami to get a reliable backup quarterback due to their situation with Tua Tagovailoa. It’s a little concerning with the small sample size that White showed in five games last year to give him that type of money to be a backup for the team. He does fit what Miami would want in a backup to be able to air the ball out to their elite receiver group. White had four games over 240 passing yards, with an average of 30 attempts in those games. White could be a good bench quarterback in Superflex leagues, as his chances of playing are higher than in most backup situations.
Case Keenum, QB, and Mike Boone, RB HOU (C)
Houston agreed to terms with two veteran players, Keenum in a two-year $6.25 million contract with incentives and Boone with a two-year $3.1 million contract. There is not much to say about Boone, as there has always been a little hype when he gets a chance, but also seems to get hurt or fail. Keenum could have value early on in Houston, depending on who they draft at quarterback. Keenum can start the first few games of 2023, depending on if their new rookie quarterback is ready. Keenum isn’t afraid to sling the ball around so that the passing attack could have value early on. Best to sell both players if someone finds value in their signing.
Jarrett Stidham, QB DEN (B)
Instead of attempting to stay in Las Vegas to be their starting quarterback, Stidham agreed to sign with the Denver Broncos in a two-year $10 million contract with incentives. The Raiders didn’t seem interested in bringing him back, so why not play for Sean Payton and be the backup to the aging Russell Wilson? Stidham is a depth piece for the quarterback position for dynasty leagues. Stidham did have 660 yards and four passing touchdowns as the starter in the final two games in 2022. I don’t see him starting a game during this time unless Wilson gets hurt or, not surprisingly, gets benched.
Sam Darnold, QB SFF (C+)
49ers reached agreement on a one-year deal with former Panthers’ QB Sam Darnold, per source. pic.twitter.com/rpJLf1YXxi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023
This one has raised some eyes in the community as I’ve seen many questions about Darnold signing a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. Is there a world that Darnold starts at some point? Yes. It would likely be if Trey Lance and Brocky Purdy aren’t ready and their recovery has major backfires. Darnold was bringing a somewhat younger veteran into a system that works for quarterbacks in case plans A and B don’t work out. Darnold showed some spark at the end of the season with Carolina, but I see him competing for the job only if injuries occur. It’s a good time to sell him to the Lance or Purdy owners.
Jameis Winston, QB NOS (-B)
Another surprise move was that the Saints bring back Jameis Winston on a one-year $8 million deal. Winston would go somewhere he still has an opportunity to start. Winston’s football career has hit the backup job now. Winton hasn’t been the primary starter for an entire season since 2019. Any dynasty value Winston had before yesterday has now hit a low. He is just a depth piece in case Derek Carr gets hurt.
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