3 Available Free Agents with Fantasy Football Value

NFL free agency began on March 13, but several big-name players have yet to sign contracts before training camp. It’s likely that these veterans and former Pro Bowlers will end up on a roster at some point, and when that happens, it could represent tremendous fantasy football value.

As a free agent, every player has a high average draft position (ADP) according to FantasyPros. Of course, the ADP will likely drop after the contract is signed. Now might be the time to maximize the value of several available free agents.

Let’s highlight three unsigned players who could make a difference in fantasy football.

Kareem Hunt

Starting with the running backs, there are two notable names: Kareem Hunt and Dalvin Cook. The 2023 season was disappointing for both players, as Hunt set a career-low with 495 scrimmage yards while Cook set a career-low with 292 scrimmage yards.

There’s a reason neither player was signed, as their decline in performance is undeniable. Cook dropped from the 10th-most fantasy points among running backs in semi-PPR leagues to the 76th-most in 2023. Perhaps it might be worth it for some to take the risk on Cook, as he’s not that far off from 2022 numbers.

I find it hard to overlook Cook’s decline, but Hunt could be a worthwhile target.

The fantasy numbers haven’t changed that much from 2022 to 2023, going from the 40th best point total to the 39th best point total. Hunt still appeared in 15 games and tallied 150 touches. By comparison, Cook only recorded 82 touches.

Hunt can still be a reliable rotational running back and has averaged at least 150 touches in two consecutive seasons.

We also can’t overlook the fact that there are some teams out there that need a running back. Training camp could be a rude awakening and force those teams to finally make their moves. That’s where Hunt comes in; with the right target, there could be fantasy value. The Los Angeles Chargers and Dallas Cowboys are two teams that come to mind.

Hunt currently has an ADP of 72.0, the lowest for a running back who could become part of a two-man rotation.

Michael Thomas

It’s difficult to put any faith in Michael Thomas right now. This is the same wide receiver who had a historic start to his career, including setting the record for most receptions in a single season in NFL history (149 catches in 2019). The records continue, as Thomas has the most receptions and receiving yards in a single game in New Orleans Saints franchise history.

Injuries have completely derailed Thomas. After finishing as the best fantasy wideout in 2019, he finished 98th in 2020, 114th in 2022, and 79th in 2023. Keep in mind that Thomas missed the entire 2021 season due to injury.

We can’t sit here and say Thomas will go to a team and become an All-Pro again, but with the right fit he could be a solid fantasy wideout.

After appearing in just three games in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Thomas was mostly healthy in 2023, making 10 appearances. During that time, he totaled 448 receiving yards and 39 receptions. That equates to 44.8 yards and 3.9 receptions per game.

His 11.5 yards per reception in 2023 was solid and not far off several starting receivers, including Rashee Rice (11.9), Keenan Allen (11.5) and Romeo Doubs (11.4). Perhaps Thomas has a little more in the tank than most give him credit for. Having played in most of his games since 2019, Thomas could be a solid second or third target if he’s healthy on the ideal team.

Hunter Renfrow

Hunter Renfrow is another receiver who quickly fell out of favor over his last few seasons.

The former Pro Bowl slot receiver averaged at least 600 receiving yards in 2019 and 2020 and recorded a career-high 1,038 yards in 2021. After scoring the 11th-most fantasy points for wideouts in 2021, Renfrow finished 93rd and 117th in his final two seasons.

He missed 7 games in 2022, but was active in all 17 contests last season. Renfrow has served primarily in a backup role over the past two years, which led to the huge drop in performance.

Similar to Thomas, his fantasy value could be solid with a high ADP. Currently, he sits at 121.0 ADP, making Renfrow a dark horse. Most likely, he would have to land in a near-perfect situation on a team in desperate need of a slot receiver. Still, he is a player to keep an eye on heading into his 2021 season.

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