This e-mail is from FantasyGuru.com's EXPIRED/FREE OFF-SEASON member mailing list. To remove yourself from this list, check the bottom of this e-mail.
Follow us on Twitter @FantasyGuruSite
----------------------------------------

My Guru app is out for 2015!
Check the Apple and Google Play stores for the 2015 versions of our MyGuru app, it's FantasyGuru.com on your mobile device and free for 2015 subscribers!

Draft Guru ios app is out for 2015!
We're still tweaking the android version, which should be out very soon. But for ios people, access the app here! NOTE: If you like the app - new for 2015 it ranks your drafted team vs the computer and allows you to save all completed drafts - we'd appreciate a positive rating/review on iTunes!

More upgraded tools than ever in 2015!
We'll be rolling out the most substantial upgrades and enhancements to our already-powerful database than we ever have in a single year in 2015! You'll have even more tools at your disposal to dominate this year, along with upgraded Draft Guru and MyGuru apps and more!

================================================

OFF-SEASON REPORT #17
Published Online, July 8, 2015
Copyright © 1995-2015
Guru Fantasy Reports, Inc. All Rights Reserved

================================================

IN THIS ISSUE:

Off-Season Report #17: 2015's Contract Year Players

ONLINE NOW:

Offensive ID: Linehan/Garrett/Cowboys - 7/8
2015 PPR Gold - 7/6
2015 Rookie Report - 7/6
Staff/Friends PPR Mock Auction Review - 7/2
Depth Charts - 7/2
2015 Position Battles - 6/30
2015 Breakout Receivers - 6/26
Keeper/Dynasty League Rankings - 6/26
2015 IDP Top-100 - 6/24
Auction Strategies, Guidelines, & Tips - 6/22
Everything About Auctions - 6/22
2015 Off-Season Stock Watch - 6/20
2015 Season Projections - 6/19
Off-Season Wrap Podcast - 6/19
2015 Player Profiles - 6/18
2015 Auction Plan - 6/18
2015 Auction Guidelines - 6/18
2015's Values and Players to Target - 6/12
Depth Charts - 6/8
2015 Draft Plan - 6/5
2015 IDP Rookie Report - 6/4
Adrian Peterson, Age 30 - 6/4
Offensive ID: Bill Lazor/Dolphins - 5/28
TD Rates: 2015 WR Production - 5/27
Offensive ID: Lombardi/Caldwell/Lions - 5/26
Fantasy PKs and the XPT rule - 5/20
2015 Coaching Changes - 5/14
Post-Draft Podcast - 5/7
2015 Remaining Free Agents Tracker - 4/28
2015 Rookie Player Profiles - 4/24
Franchise Focus Podcasts: All 32 Teams - 4/24
NFC IDP Post-Free Agency Roundup - 4/20
Wide Receiver Height and Consistency - 4/20
Offensive ID: Kyle Shanahan/Falcons - 4/16
AFC IDP Post-Free Agency Roundup - 4/13
Offensive Identities in 2014 - 4/13
Visualizing Identity - 4/10
Coaching Identity: A Rough Visual Guide - 4/9
Pre-Draft Rookie Report Podcast - 4/8
2014's Distance Scoring Analysis - 4/6
2014's 300/100-Yard Bonus Analysis - 4/2
Wide Receiver TD Spikes - 3/31
Pre-Draft Rookie Report - 3/27
Post-Free Agency Podcast - 3/26
PPR RB Dynasty Value - 3/26
Running QBs and Their Targets - 3/20
Back to Regression - 3/12
Players to Trade/Trade For: Keepers - 3/4
2014 Catch Rate & YPT Analysis: RBs - 3/2
2014 Catch Rate & YPT Analysis: WRs - 3/2
2014 Catch Rate & YPT Analysis: TEs - 3/2
2015 Combine Recap - 2/23
2015 Combine Preview - 2/17
SOS Adjusted WR PPR Scores 2014 - 2/16
SOS Adjusted RB PPR Scores 2014 - 2/4
2014's Lessons Learned - 2/2
2014 Review/2015 Previews - 2/2

UP NEXT:

Off-Season Report #18: 2015's RB Handcuffs - This week

SUBSCRIBER NEWS:

Follow us on Twitter - We highly recommend following us on Twitter @FantasyGuruSite for quick insights on any pertinent news and updates on anything of note we put out.
Like us on Facebook - If you're not on Twitter, you can also get updates from us on FB by liking us here

2015 Contract Year Players

Published, 7/8/15

If you want it put frankly, the notion of a “contract year” being a major motivating factor for a player has no real statistical backing in the grand scheme of things.

That doesn’t mean it hasn’t led to big years from players in the past; it’s just that the proof is more anecdotal than indisputable by the numbers. It’s impossible to find out which player will be affected, or to generalize and assume a player will be motivated for a big year when he’s in the final year of his contract (see: Nicks, Hakeem the last two years). Given that information, it’d be foolish to predict a player listed in this article will produce a fantasy explosion just because he wants to get paid.

But for fantasy players, the true value may be in trying to get inside the heads of teams – namely, which situations warrant deeper looks for the future. It’s important to know the contract status of big-name players for keeper and dynasty owners looking to capitalize on the right time to trade a player.

We can’t discount the fact that DeMarco Murray, Mark Ingram, C.J. Spiller, and other backs also got paid this past off-season. At the very least, these guys have shown that it’s possible for running backs to earn some dough if they show they’re worth it.

Also, this is potentially the most interesting group of free-agent QBs in quite some time. Is it really possible Russell Wilson could move on somewhere? What’s the deal with Sam Bradford?

When breaking down a player, consider his contract status way down the list of things that matter, if you even consider it at all. But for teams, opening up options for the future in anticipation of impending free agency could actually be a bigger deal.

Quarterbacks

Top Unrestricted Free Agent QBs

Russell Wilson (Sea, 26) – There seem to be two schools on Wilson: The first believes he’s an elite quarterback with “winning intangibles” who wins in conjunction with the Seahawks’ elite defense. The second believes he’s generally a solid player who is lucky to be in the situation he is with an elite roster and coaching staff. Recent reports suggest the Seahawks’ front office is in the latter category, at least publicly. Sure, at this stage, it all seems like a leverage play, as the Seahawks are trying to avoid making Wilson the highest-paid QB in football, which he and his agent will surely want. As good as most believe Wilson is and/or can be, the Seahawks do have a great supporting cast around him, and their elite depth will take a significant hit if they have to pay Wilson market value. It appears they’re trying to make Wilson realize that. But the only leverage the Seahawks really have is the franchise tag, which doesn’t give them all that much leverage in the first place because it’d be a fully guaranteed one-year contract for Wilson, averaged out at around $20 million. That likely won’t fly for the Seahawks trying to save money elsewhere. The Seahawks lack leverage if Wilson hits the open market because he’d certainly find the contract he’s looking for from one of many QB-hungry teams. That said, while the public negotiation tactics seem to have thrown Wilson’s future in Seattle into flux, we seriously doubt at this point he’ll be anywhere else. Young QBs with Wilson’s resume just don’t become available, overrated or not. This is a big year for Wilson.

Philip Rivers (SD, 33) – Rivers was the subject of some very intriguing trade rumors around draft time, with speculation that the Chargers were gearing up to make a play for Marcus Mariota. But after several weeks of rumors, which a player agent told us had substance behind them, Rivers stays put. This is an interesting situation because one of the main driving factors in the rumors is that Rivers reportedly isn’t keen on the Chargers’ potential move to Los Angeles. He doesn’t have much leverage, since the Chargers can simply franchise him, but if an extension isn’t signed soon, expect trade rumors to persist next off-season, especially if the Chargers are on the move.

Eli Manning (NYG, 34) – Eli’s agent Tom Condon basically said what we always say in this article: contracts for franchise QBs “always get done.” It’s the most interesting group of upcoming FA QBs in a while, for various reasons, but there appears to be absolutely zero reason to believe Eli will be on the move after this season. Both sides are being patient, but Eli is going to retire as a Giant.

11 more options included online! Order your 2015 subscription today to access the full article!

Other Unrestricted Free Agent QBs

Matt Flynn (NE, 30)
Chase Daniel (KC, 28)
Scott Tolzien (GB, 28)
Tarvaris Jackson (Sea, 32)
Derek Anderson (Car, 32)
Matt Schaub (Bal, 34)
Christian Ponder (Oak, 27)
Charlie Whitehurst (Ten, 33)
T.J. Yates (Atl, 28)
Jimmy Clausen (Chi, 28)
Kellen Clemens (SD, 32)
Josh Freeman (Mia, 27)
Bruce Gradkowski (Pit, 32)
Luke McCown (NO, 34)

Top Restricted Free Agent QBs

Tyler Bray (KC, 23) – A big-armed kid who doesn’t turn 24 until December, Bray hasn’t thrown a single pass in the NFL. Based on talent alone, Bray is an intriguing prospect, but his maturity has been in question. It’s very possible he’s grown up the last couple years on the Chiefs’ roster, since he has hung tough to a roster spot for a couple of years here (including being on the practice squad).

Matt McGloin (Oak, 25) – A walk-on at Penn State who managed to start several games as a rookie in 2013 as a UDFA, McGloin has already beaten the odds by getting to this point. He’ll compete with Christian Ponder to be the top backup to Derek Carr this year. McGloin doesn’t have a lot of physical ability and occasionally tries to do too much, but he’s smart and ultimately is a capable backup.

Other Restricted Free Agent QBs

None of note

Running Backs

Top Unrestricted Free Agent RBs

Matt Forte (Chi, 29) – Forte has said that he absolutely wants a new contract, but the Bears’ veteran is not holding out, and as of now it appears he plans to play out the final year of his deal. With a new coaching staff in town, Forte may not be asked to handle the ridiculous workload he’s shouldered in his career, but there doesn’t yet appear to be a serious challenger for snaps (although there are more than usual here in 2015). Forte has nearly 2500 touches in his NFL career, and honestly it appears his days of serious earning power are over. His best bet may be to continue on as a good soldier in Chicago and finish his career with the team, even if that means a reduced role in the near future.

Lamar Miller (Mia, 24) – Miller’s still young and he had an excellent 2014 season, but it’s obvious there’s just something about him the Dolphins don’t like, at least in terms of being a true feature back. Despite posting nearly 1400 yards from scrimmage last year, Miller topped 20 touches only twice in 16 games despite little talent behind him, and now he has to compete with gifted rookie Jay Ajayi for touches. The Dolphins have had issues with Miller’s “power” in the past, and he gained weight this off-season, which often is bad news for running backs. We like Miller’s explosion and production, but if he wants to be a true three-down threat somewhere, he may have to find a different spot next year. He’ll still be very young, at least. So motivation shouldn’t be a problem for him in the final year of his rookie deal.

Alfred Morris (Was, 26) – Morris has been pretty awesome in his NFL career thus far, but only once has he been a truly reliable fantasy back. Because he’s a poor receiver, he often comes out of games when his team is trailing or is in an obvious passing situation. That hasn’t changed under two coaches, and we don’t expect it to change now. Morris’ best fantasy production came in 2012, when he was a rookie and Washington won the division. He may well blow past our expectations of him this year, and nothing we say about him denies his talent as an interior runner. He may be exactly what a good, run-based team is looking for in its back, and he’d be much more appealing for fantasy if he were on a good team. Morris has said he won’t be distracted this year with his contract up, but he knows he may find some stability – and a better team – elsewhere. Competition can bring out of the best in a player, and Morris will be pushed for snaps quickly by rookie Matt Jones, a big back who has impressed HC Jay Gruden with his work in space and in the receiving game.

21 more options included online! Order your 2015 subscription today to access the full article!

Other Unrestricted Free Agent RBs

Mike Tolbert (Car, 29)
Kendall Hunter (SF, 27)
Daniel Thomas (Chi, 27)
Jonathan Grimes (Hou, 25)
Cyrus Gray (KC, 25)
Dion Lewis (NE, 25)
Tim Hightower (NO, 29)
Isaiah Pead (Stl, 25)
Darrel Young (Was, 28)

Top Restricted Free Agent RBs

C.J. Anderson (Den, 24) – After his late-season explosion in 2014, Anderson enters 2015 as the Broncos’ top RB. A tough interior runner with a balanced skill set, Anderson is a perfect fit for what Gary Kubiak likes to do, and he’s reportedly earned the endorsement of QB Peyton Manning. If Anderson performs anywhere close to the level he played at last year, he will be one of the most productive runners in all of football, and he doesn’t even turn 25 until next February. The Broncos have very good competition for him in Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman, but Anderson could make it very hard for the Broncos to let him go. The problem with his status as an impending RFA is that teams may be very wary to both sign Anderson to a lucrative offer sheet and give up RFA compensation, so Anderson’s best bet to maximize his earning power is to, frankly, kick ass in Denver and get himself an extension. That’s certainly a positive situation for us in the fantasy world.

Khiry Robinson (NO, 25) – A playoff star for the Saints in 2013, Robinson couldn’t beat out Mark Ingram for volume touches in 2014, in large part because a broken forearm forced him to miss six games. He’ll enter 2015 as the top backup to the recently re-signed Ingram and the Saints also addedC.J. Spiller, so it’ll be difficult for Robinson to get significant touches, but he’s still young and is an intriguing runner, so it’ll be interesting to see what kind of tender he gets next year.

Dan Herron (Ind, 26) – Herron was a hero for the Colts last year, giving them a somewhat functional run game after the Trent Richardson disaster and Ahmad Bradshaw injury. But the Colts smartly recognized that he’s a solid, but not special, talent. He’ll enter camp behind Frank Gore for touches, and his status with the club for next year likely depends on how rookie Josh Robinson or the oft-injured Vick Ballard shows this season. Herron’s a guy who can catch the ball, so he should stick around in the league, but will it be with the Colts? One thing that will help his case no matter what is if he protects the ball better in 2015.

Benny Cunningham (Stl, 25) – Cunningham is a good receiver, tough runner, and solid protector, which means he could still play on third downs in St. Louis, even if Todd Gurley is healthy and Tre Mason continues to progress. That said, don’t expect the Rams to dedicate a lot a resources to a #3 RB here given they have dynamic young talent ahead of him. He’s likely a low tender type of guy.

Other Restricted Free Agent RBs

DuJuan Harris (Min, 27)
Daryl Richardson (Stl, 25)

Wide Receivers

Top Unrestricted Free Agent WRs

Dez Bryant (Dal, 26 – franchise player) – Dez is coming off another huge season and wants to get paid to secure his long-term future. The Cowboys slapped him with the franchise tag, which would pay him nearly $13 million guaranteed for 2015 but offers no security beyond this season. Bryant has made it clear that holding out into the regular season is definitely on the table, although Owner/GM Jerry Jones says there’s “no doubt” Bryant will be on the field for the opener. Executive VP Stephen Jones said the team will “make a push” to get Bryant signed to a long-term deal before 7/15, which is the deadline for franchise players to sign a long-term contract or play on the franchise tender. Bryant did show up for the final practice of mini-camp (in street clothes) and the team met with his agent at the end of June, so there’s still time for a deal to get done and frankly, Bryant deserves top money, as he’s arguably the best WR in the game with his 27^th birthday approaching in November. Bryant also has leverage as it pertains to the Cowboy receiving corps, since their best options after him include Jason Witten, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, and rookie Devin Street. Bryant hasn’t missed a game in the last three seasons and has at least 88 receptions, 1233 yards, and 12 TDs in each of those years. Hopefully, this issue is settled before it bleeds into training camp and possibly the regular season, and that’s what we expect to happen.

Demaryius Thomas (Den, 27 – franchise player) – Thomas has had a strong start to his career in Denver and is looking to cash in, but the Broncos have dug their heels in and stuck by their move to make him their franchise player. While that would pay Thomas almost $13 million in 2015, he wants a long-term deal and instead of risking his future, Thomas has been absent from the team’s off-season workouts, much to the chagrin of GM John Elway. Back in April, Elway told reporters, "To be dead honest with you, I see absolutely zero value with him being away from here. If he gets hurt here, he’s covered. If he gets hurt somewhere else, he’s not." While Elway and the team have remained steadfast in their strategy, NFL Network reported thatPeyton Manning isn’t happy the team has yet to get Thomas under contract since it’s costing him precious off-season reps (Thomas even missed the annual trip to Duke with Manning and the receiving corps). In three years with Manning, Thomas is averaging 99/1494/12 and is coming off his best season (111/1619/11) in five years with the team. With the departures of Eric Decker and Julius Thomas over the last two off-seasons, the Broncos receiving corps isn’t as deep as it used to be, so any further absence for Thomas would be a concern.

Julio Jones (Atl, 26) – Although he’s clearly outplayed his contract, Jones hasn’t caused any waves heading into the final year of his deal. He’s been present at the team’s off-season workouts and told ESPN a holdout would be “selfish.” Jones’ representatives have been working with the team on a new deal, and we’d expect it to get done before the season is over, if not before it even begins. After the draft, GM Thomas Dimitroff said Jones’ contract was a priority, so the Falcons have made it clear to Jones how much he means to them, which he has proven in his first four years with the team. While he’s dealt with injuries, specifically a broken foot that limited him to just five games in 2013, Jones has been one of the best receivers in the game over the last three years, including 104/1593/6 in 15 games last season. He’s only 26 and should continue to play at a high level in new OC Kyle Shanahan’s offense, so the Falcons would be wise to get him locked up before another big season raises his price tag even more.

A.J. Green (Cin, 27) - The Bengals decided not to use their franchise tag on Green and he heads into the 2015 season on the last year of his deal. This seems somewhat strange to us, since Green has been a superstar from the day he set foot into the NFL and the numbers back it up. He’s posted 1000-yard seasons in each of his four seasons and has amassed two seasons with at least 97 receptions and 1350 yards. While Green admitted he’s not worried about money, we’re wondering what’s taking so long for the Bengals to lock up their best player of the last four years. Green had some injuries issues last season, but he’s missed just four games over his career. Green will be 27 at the end of July and has to be considered one of the best commodities at the position because of his combination of youth and talent. If there’s no new deal by Week 1, you’d have to think he’ll be a tiny bit more motivated than usual.

Alshon Jeffery (Chi, 25) – After a slow start as a rookie, Jeffery has turned into Chicago’s top receiver over the last two seasons and has a firm grasp on that spot after the Bears traded Brandon Marshall to the Jets. While Jeffery has blossomed into a great WR, the new regime doesn’t appear to be in a hurry to give him a new deal, according to Fox Sports. Jeffery will have to prove himself to the brass and HCJohn Fox to earn a long-term deal, as the Bears have a ready replacement in rookie WRKevin White should things turn sour. If he has another big year and White takes his lumps as a relatively raw rookie, Jeffery’s position will be pretty strong next March when free agency kicks off.

T.Y. Hilton (Ind, 25) – Hilton’s contract status has been a hot-button topic since the team used their 1^st-round pick to take Phillip Dorsett in this year’s draft. Instead of paying up for Hilton, the Colts appear to have a pretty obvious back-up plan in Dorsett, who is a similar player to Hilton, but necessarily be asked to play a huge role in the offense this year. Owner Jim Irsay said a new deal for Hilton would eventually happen, possibly before the start of the regular season, so reports of the Colts preparing for life after Hilton may have been premature. While he’s clearly benefitted from playing withAndrew Luck, the two have good chemistry and the team may not want to mess with that, even with the addition of Andre Johnson this off-season.

23 more options included online! Order your 2015 subscription today to access the full article!

Other Unrestricted Free Agent WRs

Brandon Tate (Cin, 27)
Darrius Heyward-Bey (Pit, 28)
Andre Caldwell (Den, 30)
Ryan Broyles (Det, 27)
DeVier Posey (NYJ, 25)
Vincent Brown (Ind, 25)
Seyi Ajirotutu (Phi, 28)
Junior Hemingway (KC, 26)
Damaris Johnson (Hou, 25)
Kyle Williams (Den, 27)
Tandon Doss (Jac, 26)
Josh Morgan (NO, 30)
T.J. Graham (NYJ, 26)
Austin Pettis (SD, 27)
Keshawn Martin (Hou, 25)
Jordan Norwood (Den, 29)
Marc Mariani (Chi, 28)
Terrelle Pryor (Cle, 26)
Joe Morgan (NO, 27)
Kris Durham (Oak, 27)
Preston Parker (NYG, 28)
Trindon Holliday (Oak, 29)
Damian Williams (Stl, 27)
Jacoby Ford (Ten, 28)
Clyde Gates (Ten, 29)

Top Restricted Free Agent WRs

Andre Holmes (Oak, 27) – Holmes is back with the Raiders after signing his RFA tender and finds himself in a battle for the #4 WR spot with Kenbrell Thompkins, according to CSN Bay Area. He’s had chances to play a bigger role, but has failed to take advantage of those opportunities. He’s probably their best deep threat of the bench, so he has a very good change to emerge as the #3 and a guy who gets on the field a fair amount of the time.

Marlon Brown (Bal, 24) – Brown has flashed a little in two seasons with the Ravens, but he hasn’t been consistent enough to carve out a regular role. He’s been a red-zone factor in the past but didn’t have a red-zone target in 2014, despite being a big option at 6’5”. Look for him to be the team’s #3 WR in 2015.

Other Restricted Free Agent WRs

Chris Hogan (Buf, 27)
Stephen Hill (Car, 24)
Greg Salas (Det, 27)
Jeremy Ross (Det, 27)
Kenbrell Thompkins (NE, 27)
Ricardo Lockette (Sea, 29)
Griff Whalen (Ind, 25)
Russell Shepard (TB, 25)

Tight Ends

Top Unrestricted Free Agent TEs

Antonio Gates (SD, 35) – With both Gates and Philip Rivers entering contract years, we were already looking at a potential changing of the guard in San Diego, and that could be coming sooner than expected at the TE position. Gates has been suspended for the first four games of the 2015 season for PEDs, and while Ladarius Green so far hasn’t developed enough to threaten Gates’ starting job, he’s going to get enough action to prove himself over the first month of the season. We don’t expect Gates to land a long-term deal wherever he ends up in 2016, but if he stays healthy after the suspension (47 of 48 games the last three seasons) and has another good year, he’ll still have plenty of value for 2016. Will it be with the Chargers, though, especially if Green (also in a contract year) proves himself?

Coby Fleener (Ind, 26) – Fleener has performed at a decent level over the last three seasons, but he took a good step forward in 2014 and had his most efficient performance of his three-year career, although his catch rate is still way too low at 55.4%. With both Fleener and Dwayne Allen entering contract years, it’ll be interesting to see how the team values them, especially since they also have to worry about T.Y. Hilton hitting the market and paying Andrew Luck what should be the largest contract in NFL history. Fleener has proven to be more durable and a more valuable asset than Allen, but he still has room to improve, which would certainly help his value in his contract year.

Ladarius Green (SD, 25) – While hyped by some to have a break-out season in 2014, Green failed to make an impact and originally was entering his contract year with very little buzz behind him. Still, OC Frank Reich told the Union-Tribune San Diego, “I’d be shocked if he didn’t have his most productive year.” Well, that was before Antonio Gates was suspended for the first four games of the year for PEDs, which will almost certainly throw Green into a prominent role early. We need to see it to believe it, for sure, but with both Green and Gates set to hit free agency after this season, this is a major opportunity for Green to establish himself as the TE of the future here.

Vernon Davis (SF, 31) – Amazingly, Davis is already heading into his 10^th season and is coming off his worst year after complaining about his contract last off-season. Davis said he wasn’t a factor in the offense because of the gameplan, and we’ve been told the team has made it a priority to change that in 2015. The timing is good for Davis entering a contract year, but he still has to rely on Colin Kaepernick, which is a risky proposition. Unless Davis has readjusted his stance on his value, we doubt he gets paid what he thinks he’s worth, especially since he’s been in the league for so long. A bounce-back year would drive his value back up and make him an interesting free agent in 2016, although it’d almost certainly be on a short-term deal.

6 more options included online! Order your 2015 subscription today to access the full article!

Other Unrestricted Free Agent TEs

Michael Hoomanawanui (NE, 27)
Andrew Quarless (GB, 25)
James Casey (Den, 31)
Zach Miller (Chi, 30)
Daniel Fells (NYG, 32)
Craig Stevens (Ten, 31)
Gary Barnidge (Cle, 30)
Logan Paulsen (Was, 28)
Adrien Robinson (NYG, 27)
Kellen Davis (NYJ, 30)
John Phillips (SD, 28)
Anthony McCoy (Sea, 27)
Cory Harkey (Stl, 25)
Dorin Dickerson (Ten, 27)
Rhett Ellison (Min, 26)
James Hanna (Dal, 26)
Dante Rosario (Chi, 30)
Bear Pascoe (Chi, 29)
David Ausberry (Det, 28)
Brandon Bostick (Min, 26)

Top Restricted Free Agent TEs

Josh Hill (NO, 25) – Hill could be the player who benefits the most from the departure of Jimmy Graham, but doesn’t have anywhere near the natural ability of Graham, so expectations shouldn’t be too high. It’ll be his first real chance at a starting role, so he certainly has motivation to succeed in a contract year.

Larry Donnell (NYG, 26) – Donnell came out of nowhere to take the starting TE job for the Giants last season and enters this year as the unquestioned starter. Unfortunately, he’s missed time in OTAs with Achilles’ tendinitis, which is costing him valuable reps. He wasn’t the most consistent player last year and faded in the second half of the year, so he’s no lock to have a repeat performance, especially with Victor Cruz coming back from his knee injury and Shane Vereen stealing targets out of the backfield. But as he told us during the 2014 season, his relationship with QB Eli Manning was a work in progress, and if healthy he should be more comfortable with his QB and this offense.

Tim Wright (TB, 25) – Wright is already back in Tampa Bay less than a year after the Buccaneers traded him to the Patriots. New England cut him loose in June and the Bucs claimed him on waivers, so he’ll be back to the #2 TE spot behind Austin Seferian-Jenkins. We’re not expecting a significant role for Wright, but he’s an athletic TE, who can be a big target in the red zone. Obviously, he doesn’t have a lucrative future playing behind ASJ.

Joseph Fauria (Det, 25) – Fauria isn’t a lock to make the Lions’ roster, as he continues to battle an ankle injury he suffered in a freak accident early last season. If he sticks with the Lions, he won’t be anything more than their #3 TE.

Other Restricted Free Agent TEs

Richard Gordon (KC, 28)
Chase Ford (Min, 25)
Orson Charles (NO, 24)
Michael Egnew (Pit, 25)

FantasyGuru.com’s Joe Dolan and Matt Camp contributed to this report.

To unsubscribe, click here

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

FantasyGuru.com: Off-Season Report #17 (2015's Contract Year Players)

2015 Contract Year Players

No comments:

Post a Comment