The NFL’s new league year begins March 11 at 4 p.m., giving teams the green light to make free agent signings official. Several offensive players signed with new teams this free agency cycle.
While some teams have added talent with offensive impact, others have added depth to their rosters. Either way, this NFL free agency cycle could shake up fantasy drafts heading into next season. There were a lot of contests that were likely to be resolved through free agency, and some players were worse off because of it.
Trey Benson
Trey Benson was drafted in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft and eventually became the lead back for the Arizona Cardinals. The FSU product showed the speed and elusive ability to become an elite running back, and with James Conner becoming a hot cut candidate, people thought Benson would get his chance.
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That’s not how the Cardinals proceeded with free agency. They negotiated a new contract with Conner to keep him around through 2027 and also signed Atlanta Falcons powerback Tyler Allgeier.
At 25 years old, Allgeier is young enough to be considered a running back of the future, and with the money Arizona has invested in Allgeier, he should have his first shot at success. This means it’s highly unlikely that Trey Benson will ever wear a Cardinals uniform.
Alvin Kamara
Alvin Kamara has been a saint in New Orleans through good times and bad times. He left the team so rarely that he basically threatened to retire if the New Orleans Saints traded him.
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But the Saints are ready to move on. They signed Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne to lead the backfield. Etienne had a monster season of 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground, with an additional 292 yards and six touchdowns on 36 receptions.
Whether Kamara decides to stay or not, his value decreases a lot. It’s possible the Saints trade him for a good spot, but his path to fantasy relevance is no longer in his control.
DK Metcalfe
Metcalf’s move to the Steelers has already had a negative impact on his production, and it showed last season as well. He went from 66 receptions and 992 yards in the 2024-25 season to 59 receptions for 850 yards last season. This is despite him being the clear No. 1 receiver in Pittsburgh.
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Now he has a superstar talent to compete for carries. The Steelers traded for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. He had a down year, but still got 80 receptions and seven touchdowns, so he’ll take a lot from Metcalf’s workload.
The Steelers quarterback situation is also uncertain, and the retirement status of Aaron Rodgers is uncertain. Pittsburgh has missed out on numerous other quarterback options in free agency, so their best-case scenario is to bring back Aaron Rodgers. Still, the Pittman acquisition doesn’t bode well for Metcalf’s fantasy relevance.
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