Is Ben Tate the biggest winner this offseason?

If the combine wasn’t enough for you, free agency has surely kept your NFL juices flowing. It’s never too early to start thinking about Fantasy Football and that is exactly what we’ve done. We asked our experts:

“What free agency move will have the biggest fantasy impact (good or bad) in 2014?“

 
One name that comes to mind is Eric Decker. He didn’t make this list, but to see who did, just scroll down and take a look at who our experts think will have the biggest fantasy impact in 2014.

Ben Tate (RB) to the Browns

“Ben Tate. The dude is a top 5-10RB in-the-making, and while some fantasy owners are on board with that, it appears that there is still a grip of doubters out there right now, which is great for all who believe in Tate rising into the elite. He is an absolute steal in round 4 of any draft, redraft or dynasty, and he is still a fine late third-round selection across all formats. I wouldn’t be shocked if Tate ran for 1200+ and 10TDs, while pulling in 300 or so receiving yards. To me, any risk that comes with Tate is built into his still-currently-awesome ADP. If the Browns’ runner climbs into the 2nd-round of ADPs somehow, which is something I highly doubt, fantasy worlds will have to take another look at risk vs reward given the ADP value; however, for now, Tate is set to breakout.”
– Staff Rankings (Draft Calc)

“The most positive impact will be Ben Tate in Cleveland. With the current state of running back production being provided by aging stars and a glutton of sophomore runners, there’s a lot of room for volatility a the top of the draft this summer. Kyle Shanahan has shown a commitment to leaning on one runner from his time in Houston and Washington, so the opportunity spike is there for Tate who can also catch out of the backfield. He’ll need to stay healthy for the first time in his career, but he has far fewer question marks than players like David Wilson and Lamar Miller had going into last year. He still has immense talent and will likely be discounted from his contributions to the great Houston Dumpster Fire of 2013.”
– Rich Hribar (The Fake Football)

Josh McCown (QB) to the Buccaneers

“Tampa Bay’s acquisition of Josh McCown will have a major 2014 fantasy football implications because of the impact it will have on the team’s skill position players. McCown is a pedestrian talent who is very unlikely to improve a Buccaneers’ offense that finished 24th in offensive touchdowns last season. Vincent Jackson and Doug Martin are good enough and will see enough touches to warrant WR2 and RB2 consideration, respectively, but no self-respecting fantasy owner will be starting anyone else from this offense.”
– Mike Clay (Pro Football Focus)

Hakeem Nicks (WR) to the Colts

“One under the radar move that could have the biggest impact in fantasy for 2014 is the Indianapolis Colts signing of former New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks. Nicks was a colossal disappointment in 2013, failing to record a single touchdown reception. However, Nicks was a Top 12 fantasy receiver in both 2010 and 2011 and health has limited his impact in 2012 and 2013. When healthy, he is the type of player that can improve an entire offense, making him a player that could impact the fantasy value of the entire Colts organization. ”
– Derek Lofland (Fantasy Football Maniax)

Toby Gerhart (RB) to the Jaguars

“Toby Gerhart to Jacksonville. Many will laugh at this, but the Jaguars are still a run first offense and Jordan Todman and Denard Robinson aren’t built to carry the load. Gerhart lacks their speed, but he’s actually an excellent downhill runner who drives well with his feet and finishes runs. Adding reliable hands and blitz pickup ability, he seems to have the necessary tools to be an every down back. Believe it or not, we could be looking at a legit RB2 here with some reasonable upside if all goes well.”
– Kevin Roberts (Breaking Football)

Golden Tate (WR) to the Lions

“I love the Golden Tate signing for the Detroit Lions. Lining up as the #2 wide receiver behind Calvin Johnson is going to finally allow Tate to utilize his above average hands and yards after the catch abilities on a consistent basis. The Lions will continue to throw the ball plenty and will move Tate all over the field to create space and he’s in for a huge year.”
– Walton Spurlin (FantasySharks)

Here are a few other moves that have not been mentioned above

Rashad Jennings | Signed 4-year, $14 million deal with NYG
Eric Decker | Signed 5-year, $36.25M deal with NYJ
Steve Smith | Signed 3-year, $11M deal with BAL
James Jones | Signed 3-year, $11.3M deal with OAK
Andre Roberts | Signed 4-year, $16M deal with WAS
Emmanuel Sanders | Signed 3-year, $15M deal with DEN
Brandon LaFell | Signed 3-year, $11M deal with NE
Ted Ginn | Signed 3-year, $9.75M deal with ARZ
John Carlson | Signed 2-year, $4.65M deal with ARZ
Brandon Myers | Signed 2-year, $4M deal with TB

 
 
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Thanks to our Featured Pros for sharing their insight with us. If you’d like to get more advice from the experts, please visit their sites (click their names below) and follow them on Twitter.