Fantasy Football Free Agency Recap for Friday, July 29
John Paulsen, Contributing Editor
SIGNINGS
The Eagles swooped in (sorry, couldn't resist) at the last minute and signed Nnamdi Asomugha to a five-year deal worth $60 million. Philly now has three of the best cover corners in the game in Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Asante Samuel, so DRC or Samuel may still be on the move. Regardless, it will be tough to throw on the Eagles this year. Philadelphia was shaping up to be a nice sleeper DT this season, but they are no longer flying (sorry) under the radar. On the offensive side of the ball, Vince Young signed a one-year deal to backup Mike Vick. The two-time Pro Bowler should be able to lead this talented team deep into the playoffs if disaster strikes and Vick gets injured.
In another big defensive signing, the Falcons shored up their pass rush by signing Ray Edwards for five years and $30 million. The Falcons pretty much ignored the defensive side of the ball in the draft, but Edwards should really help opposite John Abraham. Between Asomugha and Edwards, it's looking like the Packers are going to have a tough time making it out of the NFC.
Roy Williams will join the Bears and be reunited with his former OC in Detroit, Mike Martz, with whom he averaged 5.2-77-0.43 in 28 games from 2006-2007. That prorates to 83-1232-6.9 over the course of a 16-game season. Those are fringe WR1 numbers, people. We're not saying the 29 year-old should be drafted as a WR1 (more like a WR3/WR4), but fringe WR2 upside is there, especially with Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett as his major competition.
The Dolphins signed QB Matt Moore. That in of itself is (obviously) not big news, but there are implications for Kyle Orton. It appears that Miami doesn't think Neck Beard is worth as much as he thinks he is, but a deal still may get done even though the Broncos paid Orton's roster bonus today. Stay tuned.
Speaking of Denver, Willis McGahee is headed there after signing a three-year deal worth $7.5 million. This is a pretty good sign that Knowshon Moreno's job is relatively safe. Expect Moreno to start with McGahee rotating in and vulturing some goal line carries. Moreno should continue to be a nice value in PPR formats in the 4th or 5th rounds.
Mike Sims-Walker signed a one-year deal with the Rams. The potential is there for a big year with Sam Bradford and Josh McDaniels, but MSW has disappointed in the past. He's flier fodder at this point.
INJURIES
Antonio Gates admitted that the plantar fascia in his foot is not 100% but neither he nor the Charger coaching staff seem too worried about it. He said, "People think it's an injury, but it's a pain tolerance." He expects to live up to his own lofty standards. As long as Gates eventually starts practicing, we wouldn't be too worried about his production this season.
The Colts cleared Dallas Clark, Austin Collie and Anthony Gonzalez for full participation. Collie's concussion history is most worrisome, as Clark's injury (wrist) was more of a freak accident. Collie has top 10 upside, especially in PPR leagues, but he doesn't come without substantial risk. The 5th round is a good time to start considering high-risk players.
HOLDOUTS
Matt Forte decided to report to camp while he works on a new deal which tells us that the two sides aren't very far apart...DeSean Jackson's holdout could reportedly last a while, but we're not too worried about it. The Eagles aren't loading up for a Super Bowl run with the intention of doing it without their most explosive player...Titans GM Mike Reinfeldt has decided he's not going to discuss a new contract with Chris Johnson until the RB reports to camp. Ruh-roh.