NFL Offseason: Every Fantasy Player Traded So Far | Justin Fields, Joe Mixon, Keenan Allen, Jerry Jeudy and More
We go over every fantasy player who has been traded this offseason and the fantasy implications for both redraft and dynasty owners.
Quarterbacks
Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers completely revamped their quarterback room this offseason, signing Russell Wilson for the veteran minimum, shipping Kenny Pickett to Philly and trading for Fields.
They got Fields, who some believed would fetch the Chicago Bears a first-round pick a month ago, for just a sixth-round pick that could turn into a fourth if he plays at least 51% of the snaps for Pittsburgh this season. They say if you got two quarterbacks then you have no quarterback, but I'm not sure that's true, and if nothing else they have vastly upgraded the position from where it is from.
A lot can still change, however, as of now, Wilson is expected to be the Week 1 starter. It would be a shock if we don't see Fields out there at some point this season, unless Wilson clearly wins the job in camp and plays very well all season while having the team in playoff contention.
If Fields does become the starter this season, the Steelers are a downgrade from what he would have had around him in Chicago. Right now, they have George Pickens and not much else. With that said, if they want to make him the long-term starter, we trust the Steelers as a franchise much more than we trust the Bears with his career in their hands.
Kenny Pickett, Philadelphia Eagles
Reports are that Pickett had such a negative reaction towards the Steelers signing Russell Wilson that he forced their hand into trading him to the Eagles for a pick swap in which the Steelers gave up a fourth-round pick and gained a third as well as two seventh-round picks. Shockingly, they probably got more for Pickett than they gave up for Fields and it's not close if Fields doesn't play 51% of the snaps. Pickett now says he's excited to be going to Philly where he'll be sitting behind an even better QB with less of a chance to play. This is bad news for Pickett's dynasty owners and he'll be useless in redraft leagues with an injury to Jalen Hurts.
Mac Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Patriots fleeced the Jaguars by tricking them into giving them a sixth-round pick for Jones. He is an awful quarterback who isn't worth the roster spot. In Jacksonville, he will be competing for a backup job, not a starting job.
It goes without saying he won't be taking Trevor Lawrence's job, but he's not a lock to win the QB2 job either. Jones has neither the physical talent nor mental toughness it takes to be an NFL quarterback and he can be safely dropped and ignored in all formats.
Sam Howell, Seattle Seahawks
Howell was shipped off to Seattle along with a fourth and seventh-round pick for a third and fifth-round pick. The assumption is that he will go to Seattle to backup Geno Smith, which we are sure is the plan.
It's not overly likely, but it also isn't inconceivable that Smith will lose that job at some point after failing to meet the expectations in 2023 he set in 2022. We aren't high on Howell, but he did show some upside with the Commanders. His severe lack of pocket presence and subpar decision-making is what is holding him back.
Desmond Ridder, Arizona Cardinals
It may be time to write off Ridder. After what we saw from him in Atlanta, it's unlikely he ever bounces back.
The only hope for him is he gets a shot to start if the undersized Kyler Murray goes down again. However, even if he was to be thrust into a starting role, there is no reason to believe you would want him on your fantasy team. It's time to move on.
Running Backs
Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
The Texans got Mixon for just a seventh-round pick a day after he was reportedly cut. This is an interesting move for a number of reasons.
First, while he has lost most of his explosion, he's still a back that can handle a heavy workload in a potentially excellent and run-heavy offense. There is a chance he plods his way to significant fantasy relevancy due to heavy volume and touchdown opportunities.
Second and perhaps even more important, what do we do with Dameon Pierce? Last year was a disaster for Pierce after he returned from injury and it wasn't great before that. There is a world where he wins that starting job and there is also a chance he's an afterthought. This is a situation for fantasy owners to monitor closely all summer.
Wide Receivers
Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears
Allen was a cap casualty in Los Angeles as the Chargers try to rebuild with a much more competent coach in Jim Harbaugh. The Bears gave up a fourth-round pick to get him and their new rookie QB will now have Allen and D.J. Moore on the outside, Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett at tight end and D'Andre Swift in the backfield.
That's not a bad group of weapons for a young QB entering the league. We have to assume that Allen's value will take a hit though going to a team with a rookie QB and wide receiver that is better than him at this point in his career on the other side.
Diontae Johnson, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers acquired a legitimate WR1 in Johnson for CB Donte Jackson and pick swap. He doesn't come without his baggage though. Pittsburgh was reportedly eager to him because he was a bad influence on George Pickens. They have had a long line of very good but malcontent wideouts on their team over the years.
This isn't an upgrade from what he would have now in Pittsburgh, but this is an upgrade from what Johnson has been dealing with the past few years. We can't say we blame him for being unhappy since Ben Roethlisberger left.
Adam Theilen, who isn't anywhere close to the player Johnson is, was awesome early on last season before falling off a cliff at 33 years old. Bryce Young also has room to grow and shouldn't be cast aside by fantasy owners just quite yet, at least not when it comes to being able to sustain a viable weapon. This also straps a rocket to Pickens back in Pittsburgh and you should be buying him while you can.
Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns
Everything surrounding Jeudy has been a mess since he entered the league and fewer people believe in him than ever before. If you believe in his talent, then he's not a bad buy-low candidate. However, he is a major risk if you plan on using him as a starter.
Cleveland only invested a fifth and sixth-round pick to get him and Amari Cooper is the clear WR1 there. Deshaun Watson also is yet to play anywhere near the level he played for Houston since joining the team. With questions surrounding his skill, quarterback, and opportunities, buy at your own risk.
Rondale Moore, Atlanta Falcons
Moore is a very fast receiver who has flashed at times but has otherwise failed to live up to expectations. He will get a fresh start with Kirk Cousins in Atlanta. We like the deal for the Falcons because he was acquired for Desmond Ridder, who we already touched on.
It's likely he serves as the slot option and gadget guy in the new-look Falcons' offense. There is no reason to be high on him, nonetheless, he's not someone you should just forget about. There is a chance he has value as a late-round flier or waiver pickup this year.
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