Summary of "Fantasy Footballers Podcast 2017 - Free Agency Winners & Losers, Marshawn Lynch Rumors, News"

Release Date: March 21, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Marshawn Lynch Rumors and Implications

The episode opens with an extensive discussion on the potential return of Marshawn Lynch to the NFL, particularly speculating whether he might join the Oakland Raiders. Andy Holloway expresses his enthusiasm for Lynch's possible comeback, stating, “I would put Marshawn Lynch on my team over and over and over and over and over again” (01:49). Mike Wright remains skeptical, assigning a mere 0.5% chance to Lynch's return: “Marshall Lynch comes back 0.5%” (08:05). Jason Moore is slightly more optimistic, suggesting potential landing spots like Cleveland and Pittsburgh but acknowledges the slim chances (04:30).

Andy delves into recent reports, citing ESPN's Adam Schefter and HuffPost’s Jordan Schultz about the Raiders' interest in Lynch. Despite the buzz, Mike Wright reiterates his doubts, highlighting Lynch's age and injury history: “He just is not coming back. He's going to be 31” (08:17). Jason Moore counters by emphasizing Lynch's unique abilities and impact when active, ultimately placing the probability around 40% (16:12).

2. NFL News Briefs

• Overtime Rules Proposal: The NFL is considering shortening the overtime period from 15 minutes to 10 minutes to reduce fatigue and potential injuries for teams with upcoming Thursday games. Andy Holloway remarks, “I don’t have any problem with that” (16:50), while Jason Moore supports the idea, likening it favorably to college rules that alternate possessions until a winner is determined.

• Kamar Aiken Signs with Colts: Kamar Aiken's move to the Indianapolis Colts is labeled a "mediocre signing of the week" by Jason Moore (17:34). Despite being a productive player in Baltimore, Aiken's role in Cleveland was limited due to the presence of Dante Moncrief and Ty Hilton.

• Sean Drony to Giants: The Giants have signed Sean Drony, adding depth to their backfield alongside Bobby Rainey, Shane Vereen, and Paul Perkins. Andy Holloway notes the crowded backfield situation: “You have a lot of mouths to feed” (19:02).

3. Free Agency Winners

• Isaiah Crowell (Cleveland Browns):
  Andy Holloway identifies Isaiah Crowell as the biggest free agency winner, citing Cleveland's enhanced offensive line, which includes new signings like Kevin Zeitler and JC Treader. This improvement is expected to boost Crowell's performance: “I think the opportunity is going to be there” (23:17).

• Terrell Pryor (Washington Redskins):
  Jason Moore praises Terrell Pryor for his breakout performance and strong fit in Washington's offense. Pryor, transitioning to wide receiver, showcased his talent by catching 77 passes last season despite challenging quarterback play: “He has a really good piece” (24:36).

• Mike Wallace (Baltimore Ravens):
  The acquisition of Mike Wallace by the Ravens is highlighted as a significant fantasy boost. Although Wallace has faced criticism, his role as a primary wide receiver with Kirk Cousins underpins his potential: “Mike Wallace is a wide receiver, too this year” (34:15).

• Pierre Garçon (San Francisco 49ers):
  Pierre Garçon's move to the San Francisco 49ers is lauded due to Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system, which is expected to maximize Garçon's reliability: “He's a reliable, not a high” (36:18).

• Melvin Gordon (Los Angeles Rams):
  Melvin Gordon is considered a winner due to the departure of Danny Woodhead, allowing Gordon to regain his role as the primary running back without sharing carries: “He should be the guy again” (39:05).

• Rex Burkhead (New England Patriots):
  Mike Wright views Rex Burkhead's signing with the Patriots as a major win, anticipating increased usage in short-yardage and goal-line situations: “It's the Dion Lewis, James White and Rex Burkhead show” (43:01).

4. Free Agency Losers

• Thomas Rawls (Baltimore Ravens):
  Jason Moore considers Thomas Rawls the biggest free agency loser due to his reduced role following the signing of Derek Carr and Adrian Peterson: “His value has gone completely away from me” (45:31). Andy Holloway echoes this sentiment, emphasizing Rawls' diminished prospects: “If you're seeing all three of them [running backs]” (46:18).

• Julian Edelman (New England Patriots):
  Andy Holloway expresses concern over Julian Edelman's fantasy value being impacted by the addition of Brandon Cooks: “I just think it's a lot of mouths to feed” (48:54). Mike Wright remains optimistic but acknowledges the uncertainty: “They're not just going to say, okay, well Brandon Cooks, you're a better athlete” (49:57).

• Sterling Shepard (New York Giants):
  The signing of Brandon Marshall to the Giants limits Sterling Shepard's opportunities, reducing his fantasy appeal: “Sterling Shepard, to me, could have landed somewhere else and had a bigger role” (52:22).

• Kenny Stills (San Francisco 49ers):
  Kenny Stills' role did not expand as expected despite free agency moves, categorizing him as a minor loser: “He's just not a gainer pathetic loser” (52:52).

• Jeremy Hill (Cincinnati Bengals):
  Jeremy Hill is deemed a significant free agency loser due to the Bengals' offensive struggles and lack of support: “Jeremy Hill is a big loser” (54:46).

• Adrian Peterson and Jamal Charles:
  As veteran running backs, both Adrian Peterson and Jamal Charles are labeled losers due to their aging status and diminishing roles: “Old running backs... Adrian Peterson and Jamal Charles aren't going to go play for veteran minimums” (55:24).

5. Conclusion

The hosts wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to check out their Ultimate Draft Kit and join the Fantasy Footballers community for further insights and discussions. They emphasize the importance of free agency moves in shaping draft strategies and preparing for the upcoming NFL season.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Holloway: “I would put Marshawn Lynch on my team over and over and over and over and over again” (01:49).
• Mike Wright: “Marshall Lynch comes back 0.5%” (08:05).
• Jason Moore: “Terrell Pryor is a prove it” (24:36).
• Andy Holloway: “If you're seeing all three of them [running backs]” (46:18).
• Andy Holloway: “I just think it's a lot of mouths to feed” (48:54).
• Jason Moore: “Thomas Rawls has gone completely away from me” (45:31).

Timestamps Reference

• [01:49] - Andy discusses Marshawn Lynch’s potential value in dynasty leagues.
• [04:30] - Potential teams for Colin Kaepernick.
• [08:05] - Mike Wright assigns a 0.5% chance to Lynch’s return.
• [16:12] - Jason Moore on Marshawn Lynch’s probability of returning.
• [17:34] - Kamar Aiken signs with the Colts.
• [19:02] - Sean Drony's impact on the Giants’ backfield.
• [23:17] - Isaiah Crowell benefiting from Cleveland’s offensive line.
• [24:36] - Terrell Pryor’s transition and potential.
• [34:15] - Mike Wallace’s fantasy relevance with the Ravens.
• [36:18] - Pierre Garçon’s reliability in San Francisco’s offense.
• [39:05] - Melvin Gordon’s regained role with the Rams.
• [43:01] - Rex Burkhead’s signing with the Patriots.
• [45:31] - Thomas Rawls’ diminished value.
• [48:54] - Julian Edelman’s reduced fantasy appeal.
• [52:22] - Sterling Shepard’s limited role with the Giants.
• [54:46] - Jeremy Hill as a free agency loser.
• [55:24] - Adrian Peterson and Jamal Charles as aging running back losers.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and analyses presented in the Fantasy Footballers Podcast episode, providing valuable insights for fantasy football enthusiasts looking to navigate the complexities of free agency and player performances.