The 2024 NFL free agency period continues to roll on, but we’ve already seen plenty of moves that will shape how rosters look heading into the summer months. That means it’s time to dig deep into the updated depth charts and start getting rankings set for the best-ball and re-draft madness that’s around the corner.
We’ve already examined the biggest winners and losers among players who have changed teams, so now let’s take a look at how player movement affected those who didn’t see a change of address. Whether it’s based on talent, depth chart or a combination, here’s a guide to which player values might be moving up.
Christian Kirk, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
I’m going to bundle Kirk and Evan Engram, who both see an uptick in value with Calvin Ridley’s departure. The move opens up 136 targets, and this duo will absorb at least some of them. Yes, the Jaguars did add Gabe Davis in free agency, but he’s never seen more than 93 targets in a single season. Kirk is back to being a solid No. 2 wideout, while Engram remains a top-end fantasy tight end in 2024.
Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports
London is easily one of the biggest free-agent winners, as he goes from catching passes from Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke to Kirk Cousins. So, after two modest statistical seasons, the former USC standout is now in a position to post a breakout campaign in the stat sheets. He’s now a legitimate No. 2 fantasy wide receiver who could be a steal as a flex starter. Kyle Pitts is a winner, too.
Zamir White, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
The loss of Josh Jacobs to the Green Bay Packers creates a chance for White to be the top running back in Las Vegas. He proved last season that he can be productive in a prominent role, scoring the ninth-most points among running backs in the final four weeks of the season. In that time, he averaged 23 touches and 15.2 points. The addition of Alexander Mattison hurts, but White is still moving up.
George Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers traded away Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, which leaves Pickens as their top wide receiver. The team is certain to add another receiver in free agency or the draft, but for now it’s Pickens who figures to be the top option in the pass attack for Russell Wilson (or Justin Fields). That could line him up to have a breakout third season. He’ll be on the flex starter radar in fantasy drafts.
Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are revamping their offense under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, releasing Mike Williams and trading Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears. That opens up a chance for Johnston to emerge as one of the team’s top receiving targets for Justin Herbert. Los Angeles certainly isn’t done adding receivers (maybe even with the fifth pick in the draft), but for now Johnston is an obvious winner.
Michael Wilson, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Wilson showed some flashes of potential as a rookie, starting 12 games and posting 114.5 fantasy points. With Marquise Brown now in Kansas City, Wilson is certain to be a starter and more prominent in the Cardinals offense in Year 2. The potential for the team to add Marvin Harrison Jr. in the draft could throw some cold water on his stock, but Wilson will still have additional value regardless.
Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Denver Broncos
Mims didn’t do much as a rookie, scoring single digits in all but two of his 16 games. However, the trade that sent Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns opens up a chance for Mims to play a much bigger role as an NFL sophomore. Remember, he was a draft pick of the new regime, led by coach Sean Payton, so he should see every chance to earn more targets. Mims will be a nice late-rounder.
Will Levis, QB, Tennessee Titans
Denny Simmons/USA TODAY Network
The Titans have stocked Levis with weapons this offseason, adding Ridley and Tony Pollard to an offense that already had DeAndre Hopkins and youngsters with upside like Tyjae Spears, Treylon Burks and Chigoziem Okonkwo. Now, it’s on new head coach Brian Callahan to mold Levis into a productive, consistent NFL starter. With all of this talent around him, Levis will be a potential fantasy sleeper in 2024.
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Alright, I get it … Williams hasn’t been drafted yet. But come on, we all know he’s going to the Chicago Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. If that comes to fruition, the franchise has showered him with talent in the additions of D’Andre Swift, Keenan Allen and Gerald Everett, who joins incumbents DJ Moore and Cole Kmet. That level of talent will make Williams an attractive option late in drafts.
Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers
I’m listing Young as a winner, not only because the Panthers traded for his new top wideout in Diontae Johnson, but also because I think they’re going to add more pieces this offseason. In fact, I’m expecting Carolina to focus on its offense in the draft, giving Young a better chance to find statistical success in his second pro season.
