Much like my other piece highlighting players to acquire before free agency, this is almost entirely speculation on my part. No one can really predict what will happen when it comes to teams signing players, but based on how 2021 went, here are some players I am actively trying to move in the leagues where I roster them.
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Quarterback
Prescott is a strange case for me. He should be a solid, top-tier, QB1 option, but he just doesn’t feel that way. He finished 7th in points and 8th in points per game, but I don’t see free agency helping his value much. The team is likely to lose Michael Gallup (WR – DAL) and could see a production drop from Amari Cooper (WR – DAL) who will be entering his Age 28 season. Add in Ezekiel Elliott’s (RB – DAL) struggles and the Cowboys’ offense might be one to avoid for me.
The entire New England Patriots offense could be very different than what we saw in 2021. The top receiving targets were Kendrick Bourne (WR – NE) and Jakobi Meyers (WR – NE), and neither of them finished in the top 28 among WRs for fantasy. Jones finished as QB18 but I’m more inclined to think that’s his ceiling than his floor. It might be a good idea to sell him now on his 2021 hype and before the Patriots are quiet in free agency, thus lowering his upside further.
Running Back
Put down your pitchforks, I’m not saying Mitchell is bad or anything. I just think the 49ers find someone else to help bolster their running back room. It could even come from within with Raheem Mostert (RB – SF) if the team decides to bring him back. It might be good to strike while Mitchell’s value is high enough to get something solid in return and not even worry much about the potential changes in March. Don’t sell low yet, but definitely send out some higher offers to RB-needy teams and see who bites.
As I mentioned earlier, Zeke scares me a little. I’m definitely not alone either as it feels like a vast majority of the fantasy community is quickly jumping off the Zeke bandwagon this offseason. He could return to his 2020 form and be a solid week-to-week performer again, but the odds are slim for a running back doing that these days. Tony Pollard (RB – DAL) is right on his tail as well, so if you haven’t sold Zeke yet your time might be running out. Otherwise, be prepared to have him retire on your roster as his value continues to drop.
Wide Receiver
Deebo has had a wild ride in terms of fantasy value since entering the league. He started as a potential flier going in the middle round, then he got hurt. In his absence, teammate Brandon Aiyuk (WR – SF) took over and dominated in 2020. Deebo returned in 2021 and his value shot up. He’s currently valued as a WR1, and his potential to rise further is capped. I’m getting out now if I can rather than waiting for the 49ers offense to change again and tank what value he’s gained. He might sustain it, but I’m fine pivoting to a less risky option while I can.
I was tempted to leave Moore off of this list, largely because I think he’s QB-proof, but he’s still got a lot of question marks around him. He’s young, and he produced relatively well last year given the chaos that surrounded him. But finishing 18th in PPR and 26th in PPR points per game is not a ride I want to take again. It’s possible that the Panthers sign a big-name quarterback in free agency, but I doubt it. Regardless of who’s under center, Moore is likely the one to suffer most. I don’t hate the player, I just hate the outlook. I’m out before his value plummets.
Tight End
If you still roster Gronk then you like playing with fire. I also assume you have another tight end waiting in the wings on the off chance that he decides to retire tomorrow. That being said, I would try to move him to another roster while his future is still uncertain. Perhaps there’s someone in your league that wants to add some risk and will be willing to give you a 2nd or 3rd round rookie pick in return. If not, hold him and see what happens. Either way now is the time to shop him. Every day that passes is another day his value isn’t zero and is another chance you have to trade him away.
This one almost hurts my soul. Almost. Thomas was supposed to be a great tight end option last year but injuries derailed that optimism. He played in 6 games but finished as TE17 in PPR scoring while missing a major chunk of the middle of the season. After coming back he suffered a torn ACL that put him out for the year. It’s entirely possible that he returns to 100% by week 1, but he’s someone I’m all but done with at this point. The injury alone worries me, but that team has a lot of big issues, both on and off the field, and I just can’t trust Thomas in 2022, even as a streamer at this point.
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Andrew Hall is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Andrew, check out his archive or follow him @AndrewHallFF.