The fantasy football offseason has been busy as usual, and it heats up with NFL free agency and some big-time trades. This column is designed to be a one-stop shop for quick-hitting analysis of the most impactful player movement.
ESPN Fantasy writers Matt Bowen Tristan H. Cockcroft, Eric Karabell, Liz Loza and Eric Moody offer their insights into what each move means for a player's fantasy value in 2025.
Steelers trade for former Seahawks WR Metcalf
Bowen: We don't know who will be throwing the ball to DK Metcalf for the Pittsburgh Steelers just yet. Now, if the Steelers add a pocket thrower by re-signing Russell Wilson or landing Sam Darnold, then we will see Metcalf using his powerful, straight-line speed as an explosive-play threat -- with red zone upside -- in Arthur Smith's offense.
Metcalf can see perimeter targets at the third level, while also working the intermediate in-cuts and producing on slants/screens. Catch-and go.-Metcalf has topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark in two of his last three seasons, and I would have him slotted as a mid-tier WR2 in this scenario, with George Pickens as a WR3/Flex.
However, if the Steelers choose to sign Justin Fields, we should expect a more run-heavy, play-action based game plan that would push Metcalf down into the WR3 ranks.
Wide receiver
Rams to sign ex-All-Pro Adams to two-year deal
Moody: The Los Angeles Rams made a much-needed splash on offense by agreeing with Davante Adams on a two-year deal, addressing their lack of receiving playmakers outside of Puka Nacua. This move likely signals the end of Cooper Kupp's time in Los Angeles.
Adams' 2024 season was a rollercoaster, starting with the Las Vegas Raiders before being traded to the New York Jets for a reunion with Aaron Rodgers. Despite the movement, he remained as dominant as ever, finishing as the WR11 in fantasy while averaging 10.0 targets per game.
Adams is one of just four players with at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last five seasons, joining Mike Evans, Justin Jefferson and Terry McLaurin. But Adams is the only one of that group to also record eight or more touchdowns in each of those years. Over that span, he has averaged 19.8 fantasy points per game.
Adams should be a seamless fit in Sean McVay's offense, and Matthew Stafford has shown he can support two fantasy-relevant receivers. At 32, Adams still creates space, and Stafford's ability to manipulate defenses with his eyes will be a match made in fantasy football heaven. Nacua will remain a key part of this offense and continue to command significant targets, so Adams projects as a high-end WR2 in 2025.
The first domino falls: Deebo Samuel on the move
Bowen: With the Washington Commanders trading a fifth round pick for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., let's discuss how he fits in Kliff Kingsbury's offense and what to expect from a fantasy perspective.
In Washington, Samuel will be deployed as a horizontal player based on scheme. And that fits with Kingsbury's system. Look for screens here, fly sweeps, underneath drive routes and crossers. Plus, Samuel could see some carries from backfield alignments. Remember, Samuel is better after the catch than before, using his straight line power to produce in open space.
Based on Samuel's '24 tape, I do see declining play-speed. But in Kingsbury's offense, with Jayden Daniels at quarterback, the Commanders can deploy Samuels as a catch-and-run target opposite of Terry McLaurin and that puts Samuel in the WR3 mix heading into next season.
Running back
Viking re-sign RB Jones to a two-year, $20 million deal
Moody: Aaron Jones is staying with the Minnesota Vikings, signing a two-year deal with $13 million guaranteed, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jones was a solid fantasy asset last season, bouncing back from an injury-plagued 2023 to finish as a top-15 fantasy running back. Jones set career highs in touches (306) and rushing yards (1,138), proving he could still handle a heavy workload.
However, injuries have been an issue. The 30-year-old dealt with multiple ailments throughout last season, including a quad injury that lingered into the playoffs. Still, he was a key piece of Minnesota's offense, joining Justin Jefferson as the first duo in Vikings history to each record 1,500 scrimmage yards in the same season.
Looking ahead, Jones should remain a focal point in 2025, regardless of who is at quarterback. Minnesota will likely bring in another back to complement Jones, but he remains a solid mid-range RB2 for fantasy managers heading into next season.
Quarterback
Geno Smith reunites with Pete Carroll on Raiders
Moody: Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll made a move Friday night to acquire his former QB Geno Smith from the Seahawks in exchange for a third-round pick. Smith is coming off a solid 2024 season where he started all 17 games, completed 70.4% of his passes, throwing for 4,320 yards and 21 touchdowns and finished as fantasy's QB14. However, his 15 interceptions were the third-most in the league, with four of those coming in the red zone -- leading the NFL. While not perfect, Smith isn't afraid to rely heavily on his favorite target, a trend that should continue in Las Vegas with tight end Brock Bowers.
Bowers was the fantasy TE1 last season and while Las Vegas' QB play was among the league's worst last year, with Smith now likely under center Bowers' 2025 fantasy outlook remains strong. He'll likely be an early-round pick for managers. Jakobi Meyers also stands to benefit, having finished as a top 25 fantasy wide receiver in 2024, averaging 14.5 points per game. Meyers is now firmly in the flex conversation, especially considering Smith's ability to support multiple wideouts.
For Smith, his fantasy value remains relatively unchanged with the move to Las Vegas, and he is best drafted as a mid-range QB2 in superflex formats or a streamer or waiver wire option in single-QB leagues.
