The NFL's free agency period is open and this is your one stop shop for any news and analysis on some of the bigger names that will sign deals in the upcoming days and weeks. For a full breakdown on NFL free agency, be sure to check out NFL.com's Free Agency Tracker.
Johnson joins Jets
After weeks of speculation, Chris Johnson has finally agreed to a deal with the New York Jets. The speedy running back was cut by the Titans in the wake of rising salary and waning production. Now he joins a team that is oriented more toward running the football. Johnson will pair with Chris Ivory in Gang Green's newest incarnation of ground and pound and should see enough carries to be a viable low-end RB2. -- M.G.
Giants lock up Freeman
Josh Freeman will have a chance to revive his career in the Big Apple. The much-traveled quarterback agreed to a deal with the Giants after a frustrating 2013 season. You'll have to go back a way to find a time when Freeman was fantasy relevant -- he finished seventh at his position in 2010. The veteran will work as a backup to Eli Manning, but with the Giants starter in decline and recovering from recent ankle surgery, it's not insane to think Freeman could see snaps this season. Until then, there's little reason to consider Freeman in drafts. -- M.G.
Flynn re-signs with Packers
Matt Flynn will continue to wear Packers green and gold. The journeyman quarterback has agreed to a deal with the team -- one of three he played with in 2013. Flynn earned a huge payday thanks to a six-touchdown performance with Green Bay in 2011. Since then, he's been beaten out for starting jobs by the likes of Russell Wilson and Terrelle Pryor. The veteran will back up Aaron Rodgers once again and won't have much fantasy value except as a waiver wire option in the event Rodgers ever gets injured. -- M.G.
Lloyd goes back to Niners
Brandon Lloyd, who started his career in San Francisco, returns to the 49ers on a one-year deal. Once the top wideout in fantasy land (2010), he's fallen off the radar and wasn't even in the league last season. The veteran will compete for a roster spot behind Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin, and doesn't figure to have much value in 2014 fantasy drafts. -- M.F.
Panthers snag Jason Avant
In need of wide receiving help, the Carolina Panthers have agreed to a deal with veteran Jason Avant. In eight seasons with the Eagles, Avant never reached the 700-yard plateau and was generally the team's third receiving option. He joins a Carolina corps that is in need of a makeover after losing Steve Smith to free agency. Avant isn't going to be the answer -- either for Panthers fans or fantasy enthusiasts. -- M.G.
Andre Brown joins Texans
Looking to replace the production from Ben Tate, the Houston Texans agreed to a deal with former Giants running back Andre Brown. During his time with Big Blue, Brown was a quality running back, but injuries made him an unreliable option for New York and fantasy owners. Moving to Houston, he should see plenty of chances as a handcuff to Arian Foster. But his proneness to getting hurt should be enough for fantasy owners to eye Brown with caution. -- M.G.
Bucs sign Lavelle Hawkins
Lavelle Hawkins is now a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. The veteran receiver signed with the team to shore up the pass-catching group. However with just 71 catches and one touchdown in six NFL seasons, he's won't be a fantasy factor in 2014. -- M.G.
Nate Burleson goes to Browns
The Browns have added a veteran presence by agreeing to terms on a one-year with Nate Burleson. The former Lions receiver has been limited to just 15 games in the past two seasons because of injury and entering his age-33 campaign is undoubtedly on the downside of his career. He'll line up as a third receiver at best in Cleveland's offense and while he should add leadership to a young offense, he won't add much value to fantasy rosters. -- M.G.
Baltimore adds Owen Daniels
The Ravens have added another weapon to their pass attack, signing Daniels to a one-year deal. It's good news for Joe Flacco, who will now lead an offense that includes Daniels, Torrey Smith, Dennis Pitta and Steve Smith. However, it won't move him out of the QB2 tier in 2014. Once a No. 1 tight end in fantasy land, Daniels is familiar with the offense from his time with Gary Kubiak in Houston. He'll serve as a backup to Pitta and won't hold a whole lot of fantasy appeal, however. -- M.F.
Heyward-Bey heads to Steelers
Darrius Heyward-Bey has found a new home. The speedy, but underachieving receiver has signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He'll compete with Lance Moore and Markus Wheaton for the team's No. 2 receiver spot behind Antonio Brown, but Heyward-Bey's underwhelming history isn't likely to excite fantasy owners. Nor should it. Heyward-Bey will struggle to rise above a fourth wideout on most rosters. -- M.G.
Washington lands DeSean Jackson
Jackson didn't stay on the open market long, agreeing to a deal with the Washington Redskins on Tuesday night. The move is great news for the offense of new coach Jay Gruden, not to mention the fantasy value of quarterback Robert Griffin III. However, Jackson's stock drops as a result. A top-10 fantasy wideout last season, he's now more of a WR3 with Pierre Garcon, Andre Roberts and Jordan Reed in the pass attack. That's a lot of mouths to feed and far more competition for targets than Jackson had in Philadelphia in 2013. -- M.F.
Jacoby Ford lands with Jets
The Jets have added another wide receiver to their stable, signing Jacoby Ford. The speedy pass-catcher has mostly made his bones as a special teams option during his first three seasons in the league (all with Oakland), never catching more than 25 passes in a season. Ford will make far less impact on the field -- and in the stat sheets -- than Eric Decker. It could count as an upset if he's drafted outside of the deepest leagues. -- M.G.
Britt agrees with St. Louis
A former sleeper, veteran wideout Kenny Britt has agreed to a one-year deal with the St. Louis Rams. He's been all but non-existent in fantasy land since 2010, though, as injuries and off-field incidents caused his stock to sink like the Titanic (pun intended). Now with the Rams, he'll compete for playing time with the likes of Chris Givens, Tavon Austin and Austin Pettis. Unless he somehow earns a starting role, Britt isn't going to hold much value in 2014 drafts. -- M.F.
Steelers agree with LeGarrette Blount
LeGarrette Blount is on his way to the Steel City. The former New England Patriot has agreed to a two-year deal with the Steelers. Last season, Blount was part of a Patriots rotation that counfounded fantasy owners, but the big back posted arguably his best season since his rookie campaign. Now he'll work behind Le'Veon Bell in the Pittsburgh backfield and will see the most value as a handcuff option. Blount won't come off the board as anything more than a fourth running back in most leagues. -- M.G.
Jones-Drew agrees with Oakland
Pocket Hercules has a new home, leaving the Jacksonville Jaguars for Oakland after agreeing to terms on a three-year contract. The Raiders now have two running backs with questions marks, as Darren McFadden was inked to a one-year deal earlier in the offseason. Jones-Drew, who is entering his age-29 season, is past his prime and no longer a featured runner. McFadden has been prone to injuries, missing a combined 10 games over the last two seasons due to various ailments. Together in the same backfield, fantasy owners are looking at a committee situation that will cause a lot of headaches. In fact, neither should be drafted as more than a fourth runner in most 2014 leagues. -- M.F.
Knowshon Moreno swims with Dolphins
What has been anticipated for the past few days has happened. Knowshon Morenohas agreed to terms with the Miami Dolphins. Moreno had his best season as a pro last year with the Broncos. However, he won't have Peyton Manning to lead the offense anymore. Nonetheless, he gives the Dolphins a more consistent option in the backfield after posting one of the NFL's most disappointing team rushing totals in 2013. Moreno won't duplicate last season's totals, but he'll be a RB2 option while pushing Lamar Miller down Miami's depth chart ... as well as fantasy owners' draft boards. -- M.G.
Eagles add Mark Sanchez
The Eagles have quickly replaced Michael Vick with Sanchez, who has agreed to terms on a deal with the team. He'll likely come right in and serve as the No. 2 quarterback behind Nick Foles and ahead of fellow USC product Matt Barkley. This move doesn't have a lot of fantasy impact, unless of course Foles suffers an ailment that forces Sanchez into regular-season action. When you consider how inconsistent and turnover-prone Sanchez has been at the NFL level, well, that's a situation fantasy owners hope never comes to fruition. -- M.F.
Carolina adds WR Underwood
The Panthers have added veteran wideout Tiquan Underwood, who now sits second on the depth chart behind Jerricho Cotchery. He's coming off a career (yet modest) season, catching 24 passes for 440 yards and four touchdowns as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carolina still needs more help at the receiver spot, so Underwood is no lock to retain a starting job heading into 2014. Neither is Cotchery, for that matter. Even in a best-case scenario, he wouldn't be worth more than a late-round look in deeper leagues. -- M.F.
Vick lands in New York
Michael Vick has a new home, signing with the Jets on a one-year deal. The team also cut ties with Mark Sanchez, so Vick is in line to compete with Geno Smith for the top spot on the depth chart. If he does land the starting role, Vick will be back on the fantasy radar as a No. 2 quarterback. It's tough to promote him as much more, however, as Vick has missed a combined 15 games over the last two seasons due to injuries. Furthermore, he hasn't started a full 16 games since 2006 ... when he was with the Atlanta Falcons. On a positive note, the potential for Vick to start is good news for the overall value of new wide receiver Eric Decker. -- M.F.
Steelers add Lance Moore
The Steelers have added some depth at wide receiver, signing Moore to help replace the void left by Emmanuel Sanders (Broncos) and Jerricho Cotchery (Panthers). A decent fantasy option for part of his time in New Orleans, Moore will be behind Antonio Brown and likely Markus Wheaton at the start of training camp. He could be worth a late-round flier in fantasy leagues if he earns a prominent role in the offense, but Moore isn't going to make much an impact in the stat sheets. -- M.F.
Texans sign Ryan Fitzpatrick
The Amish rifle has a new home, as he'll go from one AFC South team (Titans) to another (Texans). With Matt Schaubout of the picture, Fitzpatrick looks like Houston's current No. 1 quarterback ahead of Case Keenum. Of course, that's almost guaranteed to change once the team selects a signal-caller with the No. 1 overall pick in May's draft as expected. In that likely scenario, Fitzpatrick won't have much fantasy appeal. -- M.F.
Hester flies to Atlanta
One of the best return men in NFL history, Devin Hester, has left the Windy City for the comfortable confines of the Georgia Dome and the Falcons. While he has no individual fantasy value at this point, Hester does make Atlanta's defense and special teams more attractive. Still, this unit has much to prove overall to be drafted as more than a No. 2 option. -- M.F.
Campbell goes to Cincinnati
Jason Campbell will join his fourth team in four years, as he has agreed to a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran out of Auburn will come in to serve as a backup for Andy Dalton, and not to compete for a starting job. As a result, Campbell won't be worth a look in fantasy drafts. -- M.F.
Carolina adds veteran Cotchery
The Carolina Panthers are hurting for wide receivers, so the signing of Jerricho Cotchery isn't a surprise. The veteran has agreed to a contract with the team, and at this point appears to be the best fantasy receiver on the roster. That's not saying much. Cotchery has 437 career receptions in 10 seasons at the pro level, which is 434 more than the receivers under contract with the Panthers before he signed. Carolina still has more work to do at the position, but for now Cotchery has some late-round value in 2014 drafts. -- M.F.
Browns land Andrew Hawkins
The Cincinnati Bengals have decided not to match Cleveland's offer sheet for Hawkins, who changes teams but not states for the next four years. He'll move right into a prominent role for the Browns, who need a spark plug in the pass attack to complement fantasy star Josh Gordon. While small at 5-foot-7 and coming off an ankle ailment, Hawkins is a player for fantasy owners to keep an eye on during training camp. He could be worth a late-round flier.-- M.F.
Manningham goes back to Giants
After two years with the San Francisco 49ers, Mario Manningham will return to the team that drafted him ... the Giants. Once considered a potential fantasy sleeper, the veteran out of Michigan will now compete for a roster spot and is no lock to finish higher than fourth on the team's depth chart. While his experience playing with Eli Manning in the past is a positive, Manningham isn't going to be on the fantasy radar in 2014 drafts. -- M.F.
Packers retain James Starks
Starks, who is coming off a nice season in the stat sheets (5.5 YPC), will remain with Green Bay rather than leave for other opportunities. That means he'll continue to serve as the backup to Eddie Lacy, making him one of the better handcuffs in fantasy land. Johnathan Franklin and DuJuan Harris will battle for the third spot on the depth chart, but neither has much draft appeal.-- M.F.
Raiders sign James Jones
Jones will be wearing Silver & Black after signing a three-year deal with the Raiders, but it's tough to like his chances for fantasy success. While he figures to be locked in as a starter and the team's best fantasy wideout, Jones is also going to see a massive downgrade at quarterback from Aaron Rodgers to well, whoever the Raiders sign or draft. With that said, I couldn't draft him as much more than a WR4 in most leagues. Owners should downgrade Denarius Moore, Rod Streater and Andre Holmes slightly while upgrading Jarrett Boykin, who is locked into the No. 3 role in Green Bay. -- M.F.
LaFell signs with the P-Men
The Patriots have turned a weakness into a potential strength, adding Brandon LaFell soon after re-signing Julian Edelman. That duo joins Danny Amendola, Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins in what now looks like a much better core of wide receivers for Tom Brady. LaFell won't be more than the third wideout in the pass attack, though, so he hasn't gained steam from a fantasy perspective. This move does make Brady, who is coming off one of his worst fantasy seasons, a bit more attractive in 2014. -- M.F.
Broncos land Emmanuel Sanders
The rich just keep getting richer, as the Denver Broncos have agreed to terms Sanders on a three-year deal. He'll replace Eric Decker in a talented pass attack that also includes studs like Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker and Julius Thomas. Coming off his best statistical season, Sanders is a good bet to improve on his 67-740-6 line and is on the rise in fantasy land. In fact, it can now be argued that he has more value than Decker based on the fact that he'll be catching passes from Peyton Manning. Sanders is now on the WR3 radar .-- M.F.
Edelman remains in New England
Julian Edelman will be back with the Patriots in 2014. That's good news both for Tom Brady and fantasy football owners. Coming off a breakout season, the slot receiver extraordinare will continue to be one of Brady's top options in the pass attack. The return of Rob Gronkowski from an ACL procedure, not to mention the addition of Brandon LaFell, could mean fewer targets for Edelman next season. However, he's still a viable No. 3 fantasy wideout in standard leagues and on the WR2 radar in PPR formats. -- M.F.
Ben Tate signs with Cleveland
In a move that's been expected all offseason, the Browns have inked Tate to a two-year deal. It's the biggest move thus far from a fantasy football perspective, as Tate leaves the shadow of Arian Foster in Houston to become a featured back for the first time in his NFL career. While he has been a bit prone to injuries at the pro level, Tate is a young runner with upside who is a nice fit for the zone-blocking scheme of OC Kyle Shanahan. He's now on the RB2 radar and figures to come off the board in one of the first five rounds in most 2014 drafts. -- M.F.
Colts corral Hakeem Nicks
Fantasy owners might be able to welcome Hakeem Nicks back to relevance after the wideout agreed to a one-year deal with the Indianpolis Colts. That means Nicks sees an instant upgrade at the quarterback position, going from the struggling Eli Manning to budding superstar Andrew Luck. He might not immediately take over as the top option in the passing game -- that could still belong to Reggie Wayne -- but he should certainly surpass T.Y. Hilton in the pecking order. It could be enough to have Nicks challenge the low-end of the WR1 rankings by the end of the season.
Steve Smith joins Ravens
It didn't take long for Steve Smith to find a new home. The veteran receiver has agreed to a three-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens, adding an intriguing piece to offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak's scheme. Smith's best days are in the rearview mirror, but he can certainly be a productive option working in the passing game with Torrey Smith and tight end Dennis Pitta. Just don't reach too high for him in drafts. The elder Smith is likely to be a third receiver on most fantasy rosters. -- M.G.
Detroit re-signs Brandon Pettigrew
Rumored to be leaving the Motor City, Pettigrew has instead agreed to a four-year deal to remain with the Lions. Once considered a low-end No. 1 tight end in fantasy land, Pettigrew has experienced a decline in receptions, yardage and touchdowns in three straight seasons. While his return to the team deflates any upside Joseph Fauria might have had, Pettigrew isn't much more than a No. 2 option in standard and PPR formats. -- M.F.
Andrew Quarless re-signs with Packers
Green Bay's tight end slot is a little less in flux with the news that Andrew Quarless has re-signed with the team. After Jermichael Finley was lost to injury last season, Quarless was the Packers' top tight end. While his 32/312/2 stat line was nothing to write home about, they did represent career-highs for the fourth-year player. Even with Aaron Rodgers under center, there's little reason to imagine Quarless will be drafted in many leagues. -- M.G.
Texans re-sign Garrett Graham
The tight end position has a new fantasy sleeper in Graham, who will be the favorite to start for coach Bill O'Brien after the release of Owen Daniels. Graham is coming off a nice 2013 season with 49 catches, 545 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games (11 starts). Those numbers were good enough for him to finish 17th in fantasy points among tight ends. While Ryan Griffin will also be in the mix for offensive snaps, Graham should be the main pass-catching tight end and will be on the late-round radar in fantasy drafts. -- M.F.
Decker flies to New York
Considered the top free-agent wideout on the market, Eric Decker now has a new home in the Big Apple after signing with the Jets. This is a good move for the Men in Green, who entered the offseason with one of the weakest core of wideouts in the NFL. From a fantasy perspective, though, this move knocks Decker down several spots. A top-10 receiver based on fantasy points in each of the last two seasons, he'll now be hard pressed to return WR2 value in New York. That's due in large part to a massive downgrade at quarterback from future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning to Geno Smith. Decker will also have to face new Patriots CB Darrelle Revis twice a season, which isn't good for the value of any wideout. When you read a list of potential busts for 2014, don't be shocked to see Decker's name ... it's almost certain to be there. -- M.F.
Detroit adds Golden Tate
If Seattle is where wide receivers go to suffer statistical death sentences, then Detroit should be considered nirvana. That's the reason Tate's fantasy appeal is on the rise. He posted respectable numbers in 2013, finishing 28th in fantasy points among wide receivers despite playing in a run-based offense. That won't be the case with the Lions, who will throw the football a ton with Matthew Stafford under center. In fact, Tate is a good bet to post the first 1,000-yard season of his career. He'll be drafted as a No. 3 wideout in most leagues, but Tate could bring No. 2 value. -- M.F.
Bucs sign Josh McCown
Not that long ago, Josh McCown was out of the NFL. Now he's a sought after free agent. Well, at least he was. McCown has agreed to a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he'll presumably back up Mike Glennon. McCown hasn't been a full-time starter since 2004 and will have to compete to earn that job in 2014. Regardless, it's unlikely that either McCown or Glennon is going to be anything more than a second option for fantasy owners this season. -- M.G.
Saints extend Pierre Thomas
The Saints have given running back Pierre Thomas a two-year extension according to our Ian Rapoport. Thomas is coming off a season with a career-high 77 receptions, and he should be able to match that number as the team attempts to tradeDarren Sproles. That will keep Thomas a viable PPR option, but the darkhorse in the Saints backfield is Khiry Robinson, who played well in a losing effort to the Seahawks in the playoffs. Mark Ingram also figures to be in the mix for carries next season, too, but if you're looking for a sleeper, Robinson is your man. -- Adam Rank
Donald Brown is San Diego bound
With Ahmad Bradshaw returning to Indianapolis, Donald Brown has decided to head west. The utility back agreed to a three-year contract with the San Diego Chargers. It's a curious move for both sides considering how well Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead played for the Bolts last season. How Brown fits into the mix is a mystery and doesn't bode well for his value in 2014. However, it probably spells the end of free agent Ronnie Brown's stay in America's Finest City. -- M.G.
Jaguars sign Toby Gerhart
Is this the end of the Maurice Jones-Drew era in Jacksonville? That could be the case, as the Jags signed Gerhart to a three-year deal worth $10.5 million. The Stanford product had been in the shadow of Adrian Peterson while in Minnesota, but now it appears he'll get a chance to start and make an impact in fantasy land. While he has shown flashes of potential and averaged a ridiculous 7.9 yards per carry last season, Gerhart is still mostly unproven at the NFL level. With that said, he's still going to be on the flex-starter radar as the new lead back for coach Gus Bradley. -- M.F.
Colts re-sign Ahmad Bradshaw
Ahmad Bradshaw is staying put. The Indianapolis Colts have re-signed the veteran running back, who played just three games last season because of a neck injury. It's a bit of a surprise to see Bradshaw return to Indy, especially after the team gave up so much to trade for Trent Richardson last season. It does likely signal the end of Donald Brown's stay with the franchise. However, don't look for Bradshaw to be a major fantasy contributor. Expect him to see most of his work on third downs while Richardson remains the primary option in the running game -- for better or worse. -- M.G.
McFadden staying with the Raiders
In what should be considered somewhat of a surprising move, the Oakland Raiders have re-signed Darren McFadden for one year and up to $4 million. The talented runner has been somewhat of a disappointment both for the Silver & Black and fantasy owners, due in large part to his proneness to injuries. McFadden has never played in more than 13 games in a single season, and he's missed a combined 19 games since 2011. So despite the fact that he's 26 and Rashad Jennings (Giants) is out of the mix, it's hard to trust McFadden as more than a No. 3 or 4 fantasy runner. -- M.F.
Jennings lands in New York
Rashad Jennings will be wearing blue next season. Big Blue, that is. The versatile runner tweeted that he'll be signing with the Giants, a move that could be a good one for his 2014 fantasy value. Incumbent starter Andre Brown is a free agent, while David Wilson is coming off spinal fusion surgery and is no lock to be at 100 percent. Jennings, who has little wear and tear on him, finished in the top 25 in fantasy points among running backs with the Raiders last season -- and he did it despite the fact that he started just eight games. Unless this turns into a full-blown committee, Jennings should have a shot at RB2 value in an offense that leans on the run.-- M.F.
Brandon Myers headed to Tampa
After one season in New York, tight end Brandon Myers is flying south to Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers agreed to a two-year deal with the veteran, who was a disappointment in 2013. He took a major step back from a breakout 2012 with the Oakland Raiders and it remains to be seen what impact he could have in an offense that made a temporary fantasy option out of Timothy Wright last season. It could be difficult for Myers to reach the potential that seemed in his grasp just two seasons ago. -- M.G.
Roberts lands in Washington
The Washington Redskins have agreed to terms with Andre Roberts on a four-year deal. A versatile wideout who can play both outside and in the slot, Roberts figures to enter training camp as the starter opposite target-machine Pierre Garcon. While the Redskins will throw the football enough under the guidance of new coach Jay Gruden, Roberts is no guarantee to emerge into a reliable fantasy asset. In fact, he shouldn't be drafted as more than a No. 4 wideout in most leagues. -- M.F.
Titans add Dexter McCluster
In a move that could officially signal the end of Chris Johnson in Tennessee, the Titansagreed to a deal with former Kansas City speedster Dexter McCluster. McCluster seemingly has been on the verge of breaking out for his entire four-year career. That break out has yet to happen. Now he goes to an offense that could have room for him as a change-of-pace back alongside Shonn Greene. Don't go crazy on draft day, however. McCluster won't rank as anything more than a bench option in most leagues and should remain on the board until the late rounds. -- M.G.
Broncos sign Andre Caldwell
If the Broncos do indeed lose Eric Decker, they seem to have his potential replacement all lined up. Denver re-signed Andre Caldwell to a two-year deal, making him the de facto replacement in the passing game. Caldwell averaged slightly more than three fantasy points per game last season, but he also saw just 29 targets. Look for both of those numbers to increase next season as Caldwell creeps into the ranks of WR 3/4. -- M.G.
Texans release Owen Daniels
The Houston Texans have parted ways with Daniels, a former fantasy starter who missed most of last season due to a broken leg. His absence leaves a gaping hole at tight end for the Texans, who could decide to re-sign free agent Garrett Graham and slot him into a starting role. A name fantasy owners should remember, though, is Ryan Griffin. He looked good in the last few weeks of 2013 and could be a nice sleeper candidate if allowed a chance to compete for a prominent role. As for Daniels, he could wind up in Baltimore as the immediate backup for Dennis Pitta. -- Michael Fabiano
Lions sign Bell to extension
The Detroit Lions got out ahead of the curve to make sure running back Joique Bell wouldn't hit the open market. The two sides have agreed to a two-year extension worth $7 million. Bell stays in Detroit where he had his most productive professional season, posting 1,197 scrimmage yards and scoring eight touchdowns. He became a much bigger part of the offense late in the season and should remain as one of fantasy football's best RB handcuff options playing alongside Reggie Bush. -- Marcas Grant
