Here are all the wide receivers you can expect to see in your fantasy lineup that changed teams this off-season.
Fantasy Starters
Brandon Marshall
Old team: Denver Broncos
New team: Miami Dolphins
Contract: Traded from Denver, Signed 5-year deal
2010 Outlook: The Brandon Marshall saga is finally over in Denver after he was traded to Miami on April 14. Marshall joins a Miami team that prefers to run the ball under head coach Tony Sparano, although, the team has already stated their new wide receiver will be heavily involved this season. Marshall’s fantasy value remains steady as top-10 wide receiver and he could finish with his fourth consecutive 100+ catch season.
Anquan Boldin
Old team: Arizona Cardinals
New team: Baltimore Ravens
Contract: Traded from Arizona, Signed 4-year deal
2010 Outlook: Anquan Boldin finally got his wish to be traded from Arizona this off-season. Boldin inherits the top wide receiver position for the Ravens and young gunslinger Joe Flacco. Flacco is no Kurt Warner, however, the team will be creative in their ways to get Boldin the football in space. Boldin still has several huge seasons left in the tank, and although his value does take a hit in leaving Arizona, Boldin will still finish amongst the top-20 wide receivers in 2010.
Fantasy Depth
Antonio Bryant
Old team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New team: Cincinnati Bengals
Contract: Signed 4-year deal
2010 Outlook: The Bengals gave some initial thought this off-season to signing Terrell Owens to join Chad Ochocinco, but finally targeted Antonio Bryant early in free agency. Bryant may finally have found a home after being on several teams in his career thus far. The presence of Ochocinco, rookie Jermaine Gresham, and the Bengals commitment to the running game with Cedric Benson does limit Bryant’s 2010 value. Bryant makes a solid reserve option in start three wide receiver leagues.
Santonio Holmes
Old team: Pittsburgh Steelers
New team: New York Jets
Contract: Traded from Pittsburgh, Free Agent in 2011
2010 Outlook: Facing a four-game suspension, the Steelers dealt the often troubled wide receiver Santonio Holmes to the Jets for a fifth round pick (Pittsburgh selected OT Chris Scott – Tennessee). Holmes joins a crowded depth chart with Braylon Edwards and Jericho Cotchery to compete for targets from quarterback Mark Sanchez. Rex Ryan has already gone on record stating that the offense will be more balanced in 2010, however, it is more likely the Jets will continue their commitment to the ground game with Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson.
Nate Burleson
Old team: Seattle Seahawks
New team: Detroit Lions
Contract: Signed 5-year deal
2010 Outlook: Nate Burleson joins the Lions after an inconsistent stop in Seattle. Burleson has shown the ability to become a solid starting wide receiver in the NFL, but has never been able to maintain his production. Burleson will start over last season’s free agent flop Bryant Johnson and could catch several passes each game. Burleson is nothing more than a top reserve in the deepest of leagues.
Intriguing Back-Ups
Terrell Owens
Old team: Buffalo Bills
New team: Free Agent
Contract: N/A
2010 Outlook: Terrell Owens still does not have a team yet, but he has indicated that he wants to continue his NFL career. Owens may not sign with a team until training camp when injuries strike. Owens can still get it done at 36 even if he comes with some serious baggage to his new team.
Guys to Watch in Dynasty Leagues
Matt Jones
Old team: N/A
New team: Cincinnati Bengals
Contract: Signed 1-year deal
2010 Outlook: Matt Jones is likely on his last chance in the NFL. Marvin Lewis was willing to give him a shot, and he can still make an impact. Jones makes the perfect dynasty league stash at this point if he can turn it around and flash the ability he displayed to be drafted in the first round in 2005.
Ted Ginn Jr.
Old team: Miami Dolphins
New team: San Francisco 49ers
Contract: Traded from Miami, 2 years remaining on contract
2010 Outlook: Ted Ginn was traded to San Francisco prior to the draft after the Dolphins grew tired of his poor production. Ginn still believes he can become an elite receiver, although in reality, he is strictly a return specialist at this point. Ginn has immense value in leagues that reward return yardage. His first round status still warrants him a roster spot in dynasty leagues that he can finally turn it around.
Nothing to See Here
Torry Holt
Old team: Jacksonville Jaguars
New team: New England Patriots
Contract: Signed 1-year deal
2010 Outlook: Torry Holt is behind Brandon Tate on the depth chart at this point. Holt’s knee condition is deteriorating quickly and there is a good chance he does not make the Week 1 roster.
Bobby Wade
Old team: Kansas City Chiefs
New team: Washington Redskins
Contract: Signed 1-year deal
2010 Outlook: Bobby Wade will be a camp casualty for new head coach Mike Shanahan.
Reggie Brown
Old team: Philadelphia Eagles
New team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Contract: Traded from Philadelphia, 4 years remaining on contact
2010 Outlook: Reggie Brown needed a fresh start after struggling with Philadelphia to begin his career. Before the draft, Brown looked like he could have a chance to start for the Buccaneers. That was before Tampa Bay drafted Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams. Brown does not have much fantasy value.
Josh Reed
Old team: Buffalo Bills
New team: San Diego Chargers
Contract: Signed 1-year deal
2010 Outlook: Josh Reed’s signing by the Chargers was directly related to the potential holdout of Vincent Jackson. If Jackson does indeed holdout until Week 10, Reed could see some action in the passing game. It is more likely that Reed have little impact as the fourth wide receiver.
Arnaz Battle
Old team: San Francisco 49ers
New team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Contract: Signed 3-year deal
2010 Outlook: Arnaz Battle was signed for his special teams prowess, he will have no impact in the Pittsburgh passing game in 2010.
Antwaan Randle El
Old team: Washington Redskins
New team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Contract: Signed 3-year deal
2010 Outlook: Antwaan Randle El is not the same player in his second tour of duty with the Steelers. He could be used as the slot receiver, but his value will be limited with Pittsburgh going back to a power running attack.
Jerheme Urban
Old team: Arizona Cardinals
New team: Kansas City Chiefs
Contract: Signed 2-year deal
2010 Outlook: Jerheme Urban is strictly a depth receiver at this point. He could see some time in the slot, but it appears that duty will be handled by rookie Dexter McCluster.
Kassim Osgood
Old team: San Diego Chargers
New team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Contract: Signed 3-year deal
2010 Outlook: Kassim Osgood finally got his wish for a chance to play wide receiver and not have to focus on special teams. He will have a tough time beating out Mike Thomas and Jarett Dillard for playing time.
Donte Stallworth
Old team: N/A
New team: Baltimore Ravens
Contract: Signed 1-year deal
2010 Outlook: Donte Stallworth agreed to join the Ravens after sitting out last season. His likely role is going to be a deep threat to open things up for Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason.
Ruvell Martin
Old team: St. Louis Rams
New team: Seattle Seahawks
Contract: Signed 1-year deal
2010 Outlook: Ruvell Martin may have a chance to make the Seahawks team based on his special teams ability. The fact that he couldn’t make an impact last season on the Rams is very telling.
Hank Baskett
Old team: Indianapolis Colts
New team: Philadelphia Eagles
Contract: Signed 1-year deal
2010 Outlook: Hank Baskett is back in Philadelphia and he will find the depth chart very crowded. Baskett is a likely camp causality with all the weapons the Eagles have on offense.
