
Fantasy Football show for Mar 13, 2025. More free agent signings and fantasy football outlooks for 2025! What went wrong for Dalton Kincaid last year? Could he end up being a value pick in fantasy football drafts this year? Plus, Evan Engram, Cooper Kupp, and other players discussed! Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast.
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Jason Moore
Perfect.
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Andy Holloway
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Mike Wright
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Mike Wright
Foreign.
Andy Holloway
To the Fantasy Footballers podcast with your hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore and Mike Wright.
Jason Moore
Welcome in Thursday, March 13, the fantasy footballers. Back with you. Jason Moore, The Cal Ripken Jr. Of the podcast flew in at 4am today just to make sure he didn't miss this episode.
Mike Wright
Wow.
Andy Holloway
I mean, it's. When it's part two, you can't.
Mike Wright
Right.
Andy Holloway
You know, it's a continuation.
Jason Moore
You can't just sometimes, you know, people don't come back for the sequel because their contract demands are too high. Yeah, I like Chris.
Andy Holloway
I wanted to glover you guys about that. I would, I would like more on my contract.
Jason Moore
Is Jason the Crispin Glover of the show?
Mike Wright
I mean, it makes sense.
Jason Moore
Little eccentric.
Mike Wright
Yeah. Weirdo.
Jason Moore
No. Jason legitimately flew out of town. His family's on spring break, spent 24 hours at a theme park. Yeah, not quite 24 hours at the theme park, but you know, a day did Disneyland.
Andy Holloway
Shut it down.
Jason Moore
And then.
Andy Holloway
And I'm here for good. Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's closed. I did the final one.
Jason Moore
He's going, I'm supposed to go next week.
Andy Holloway
I'm sorry, man. I shut it down.
Jason Moore
Shut it down.
Andy Holloway
I did.
Jason Moore
Oh, man. I believe the bathrooms maybe, but did.
Mike Wright
You stay till close to me?
Andy Holloway
Yeah, yeah. That is what I think.
Jason Moore
Got on a plane at four yard.
Mike Wright
Dude, you are dumb.
Jason Moore
And he's here. So we've got more free agency to talk about. We got a good quick question. A new series. We'll call it what Went Wrong? Because not every player drafted with a high ADP worked out for fantasy players last year. And so this one will be very, very interesting to dig into. What went wrong. We'll talk about a certain player today. And yeah, there's. I mean, there's been some players released and there's some veterans available and we've got some players reuniting with former homes and lots to dig into.
Mike Wright
Like Mason Rudolph.
Jason Moore
Like Mason Rudolph. The life of a unlikable backup quarterback just really it works out financially. Just that's where the running back contracts really got to roll their eyes when you know you can have the year of your life Rico Dowdle and you can go out there and you know, have maybe $3 million guaranteed to you. And then here comes rowing team captain Nathan Rudolph.
Mike Wright
Yeah. I will tell you the $8 million.
Jason Moore
To go back to Pittsburgh.
Mike Wright
The most excited person about that contract is Miles Garrett.
Jason Moore
Is it because he gets to see him twice a year?
Mike Wright
He's hoping to.
Jason Moore
Yeah. Well, he might. Right now they have no quarterback because Aaron Rodgers can't make a decision.
Mike Wright
Apparently you guys don't remember the incident.
Andy Holloway
Oh yeah, of course we do.
Jason Moore
I just didn't know that he really wanted to like re up that you wouldn't. He's a backup quarterback. He's not going to see him ever again.
Mike Wright
I'll find a way. I'll hit him on the outside.
Jason Moore
If you are interested in winning at your draft, go check out the ultimate draft kit right now. It is the pre order pricing@ultimate draftkit.com get access to the Dynasty pass being updated moment by moment. With all of these off season moves, the draft hype, the draft will be here before you know it and that's part of the UDK plus all of that@ultimate draftkit.com the quick question of the day, what went wrong? Dalton Kincaid. Dalton Kincaid, an early 5th round fantasy draft pick as the tight end 5 coming off of a tight end 11 season in 16 games played with 91 targets, 73 receptions, 673 yards. Coming into last year there was tremendous excitement for Dalton Kincaid. Stefan Diggs had departed and Kincaid was expected to maybe join the ranks of a top tier fantasy tight end. How did it work out? Tight end 28 and 13 games played, 44 for 448 and 2. What went wrong?
Andy Holloway
Yeah, I mean it was very disappointing. He was one of my favorite perceived values of the kind of five pack of tight ends that seemingly could vie for that number one spot and he didn't. And when you watch the film he didn't. He just wasn't good. He was not, you know, special in any way, shape or form. I know after the season there's been some talk whenever there's a down player it's always like oh they were injured but that's what you know they've had some talk about. He was dealing with some injuries but I mean he was, you know he caught 80% of his passes as a rookie and last year was 59% of the passes. He just wasn't good on film. He wasn't that. He wasn't producing. He wasn't breaking tackles. He wasn't getting open the same. He just. He just won that good. And when you watch it, it's like maybe he's not that guy. And Josh Allen's going to spread the ball around. I don't believe it's going to. I don't think he's going to emerge as a primary, certainly not the primary target in this offense.
Jason Moore
I would say a realistic expectation for Kincaid is probably around 75 receptions next year. I think that's about where you'd expect him to be if he was healthy through the whole year, which is not. That's not. Unless he scores 10 times, that's not going to move the needle for fantasy. He was a player that when you watch the games on a team that didn't have an established number one, you thought he could step into that role. But they took so many deep shots with Kincaid and none of them worked. He actually.
Mike Wright
Big problem.
Jason Moore
He actually ran, I believe, the most go routes, if not the second most go routes.
Mike Wright
Only Conklin ran more go routes.
Jason Moore
You know how many receiving yards he had on go routes?
Mike Wright
I should say.
Andy Holloway
How many receiving yards he had on go routes? I do not.
Jason Moore
Zero.
Andy Holloway
No.
Jason Moore
He ran the second most go routes.
Andy Holloway
Is that true?
Jason Moore
Yes. Zero receiving yards on those routes. So there was the attempt to. And this is where I will agree with you on the fact that, you know, when you make the assumption, look, he wasn't that good. Yeah. I mean, if you never build that rapport with Josh Allen, when Mac Hollins is having a game here or there, when Keon Coleman can have a big play, there was no big plays. Like, if you're going to catch 75 passes, I'm cool with that. George Kittle, that's a go. Make a big play down the field or catch seven or eight touchdowns. I don't think that that is like that range of outcomes doesn't exist for Kincaid moving forward because, you know, tight ends, it takes a while, but it was a really disappointing year. And fantasy players are going to feel burned and probably not take that shot again.
Mike Wright
It's not just he ran a much higher percentage of go routes than tight end. So he. 18% of his routes were go routes. A nine route where the NFL average for tight ends is just under 12%. So big percentage increase, which would. Normally that would be very exciting unless for some reason people are not connecting here. And then the other one, he Ran a lot of a. He ran a much higher percentage of screens which is, I mean those are fine, cheapy PPR points, but cheap for the most part. Those are not high value fantasy targets that we care about. Then you add in on top that the Bills, their rush percentage in the red zone has. It's just gone up for three straight years. Almost 55% of their. I got it. Of their plays. Like they're just, they're running more. And we, I mean we saw that with James Cook. He had a bajillion touchdowns. The snap percentage going from a 60% snap player to a 43% snap player on the season, like, and that's in games he played. That does coincide with the narrative that he was maybe hurting more than we, we knew about the general public.
Jason Moore
He did miss three games of the knee injury in the middle of the.
Mike Wright
Year and his ADP is going to be very interesting. So right now in best ball he's going as the Titan 14. So that leaves Kyle Pitts was a margin.
Jason Moore
Kyle Pitts was considerably better than Dalton Kincaid last year as a fantasy option. I want that to be stated.
Andy Holloway
That's actually like Kyle Pitts. I think that's all you need to say.
Jason Moore
Kyle Pittsburgh is a full like disappointment for fantasy players and he's still a top 15 tight end with more receptions, more yards, more touchdowns. And you know you talked about not connecting on the deep throws. I mean that reminds me of Kyle Pittsburgh athletically gifted player. Like I think, I think Kincaid is a pretty good tight end and if a team made him a focal point, if that was in the cards, I don't, I think he'd be pretty productive. Like he could have an Ingram a season if you want. He's athletically gifted enough to do that in my opinion. But I don't see that in the cards for the next handful of years. Years.
Mike Wright
Yeah.
Andy Holloway
I remember midway through the season talking about if, you know, if you're in dynasty, trade Dalton Kincaid because I don't think he's that guy and I don't think it's going to.
Jason Moore
Yeah, you had made a declaration.
Andy Holloway
Yeah. And so at this point he just doesn't have a lot of value left. You're just hoping something clicks as he gets older. I mean, you know that was an MVP season from Josh Allen.
Mike Wright
Yes.
Andy Holloway
It's like you can't ask for much more than everything he had opportunity wise.
Mike Wright
And the, so the stats here on tight ends, what season do they break out? And so I have the numbers of players drafted since 2014 and 19% of the guys who have a top 12 season the first time they do it, it's year one.
Jason Moore
He did that.
Mike Wright
He was.
Jason Moore
Yeah, he was tied at 11 year one.
Mike Wright
Yeah. So he barely. But it's like then the. There's a weird thing of tight ends breaking out in year one and then not coming anywhere close to their ADP in year two. We're going to talk about those numbers later on in the off season. But it's saying like to have a real breakout, it has to happen in your year one or year two or your percentage chance goes way, way down that you're going to be a truly viable fantasy tight end and that just historically speaking, every player is their own individual case. But if you're going to look back on history, we're not kind. It doesn't feel great right now.
Jason Moore
What flies in the face of that is just the fact that both these guys, I mean Pitts and King K both did in year one and then they dropped off. Like Pitts has had three disappointing years in a row. Like I'm staring this down, Jay. You know this everlasting debate of rookie tight ends. It's like are you Hawk and Bowers or are you Pitts and Kincaid? Right. Is it. Or are you. Are you Ingram and Ninjoku who took forever? Like those are all.
Mike Wright
Hawkinson was year two, that six.
Jason Moore
Sorry, I didn't even mean Hawk Laporta. I meant Laporta. Yeah, Laporta and Bowers. But like those are all names that are all first round tight ends and you're probably going to have two more this year.
Mike Wright
Yeah.
Jason Moore
And so you know that they can make a big impact and you know Pitts and Kincaid did in year one, but it didn't carry on into no. And neither La Porta in year one and it didn't carry on into year two as well.
Andy Holloway
Yeah.
Mike Wright
The.
Jason Moore
But Bowers probably will.
Mike Wright
Yeah, Bowers is his own guy. But it's like Angram broke out year one, then he was a hit for his ADP the next year. But both, I mean you got Pitts, Laporta, Kincaid were all not just misses, these were big misses where they, they finished two points under what you would have or more than two points under what you would have expected for their draft spot. So it was. It's been a weird thing with Titans. We don't have a huge sample obviously because a breakout in year one is not the common. It's more of a season two. So TBD here on will he be.
Andy Holloway
Someone that is you know the normal strategy, right. You take one of the stud tight ends or you draft him in the last round. Would you take Dalton Kincaid with the last round pick next year as your, as your dart throw?
Jason Moore
Yes.
Mike Wright
Yeah, if I'm going to punt, then he will be.
Jason Moore
I'll take him over a. Probably like a Ferguson style where I know the baseline is because I can just see what happens. Maybe Kincaid's more integrated into the offense for a few weeks, but you're not taking him with a guarantee. He's your starter and that's what people were doing last year.
Andy Holloway
Yeah, I think I'd rather have, I'd rather take a shot on a rookie tight end in the late rounds over, Over Kincaid.
Jason Moore
Yeah, I think that that's probably fair. We'll jump right in.
Andy Holloway
Free agent frenzy.
Jason Moore
Mike, how would you describe the free agent period in 2025?
Mike Wright
I wouldn't. I mean, I know the drop is a frenzy.
Jason Moore
It's.
Mike Wright
It's not a. I mean it's like a gentle breeze.
Jason Moore
Not a frenzy.
Mike Wright
No, I mean we all feel it. The free agency period has been slow and I, the. I guess it's just because of the free agents available. It's. It's old wide receivers or running backs. When, why would I pay a running back when I can draft one of these five or six studs, which you could go even deeper. Like a lot of draft people are saying no, There's. We got 10 plus running backs who are NFL caliber running back, so why would I pay anybody right now?
Jason Moore
I think when T. Higgins was taken off the board as an available free agent this offseason, it took a lot of the wind out of the sales because like you said, like I don't, I don't want to talk about Javante Williams at all.
Andy Holloway
Right.
Jason Moore
Like that's not a headline maker I want to talk about.
Andy Holloway
There's no Derek Henry, Saquon Barkley, big, you know, awesome offensive weapons, changing teams.
Jason Moore
Just sadness for Jason because the Rams finally made it official.
Andy Holloway
Stupid Cooper Cup.
Jason Moore
He posted his farewell yesterday on social media. If you read that eight years as a Los Angeles Rams, some people wanted to remind, I think Jason that he's only a thousand yard receiver twice in eight years that he had the one superb, outstanding season. Obviously that kind of broke fantasy football and is super bowl champion. But I think the debate is, is he done? Is this kind of. You know, Mike and I were talking yesterday, I think on the footcast briefly, just about the fact it's pretty rare for a team that knows a guy that has been that guy for, you know, Koopa cup was the number one receiver for many, many years. When they make that call that we're not bringing you back, it's pretty rare for that guy to go and find success at that same level elsewhere.
Andy Holloway
You.
Jason Moore
You might get a feeling, yeah, Adam.
Andy Holloway
Thielen was the name that immediately popped up. To me, it feels very, very similar. They didn't want to pay him.
Jason Moore
He was older. It could be. I mean, that would be the best possible outcome, would be a Thielen type of change. Yeah, but there's a lot of players too. You know, whether it's Julio or Hopkins where the team has made it, or Alan Robinson where teams have made the decision that you're done and you're done. Amari Cooper.
Mike Wright
The thing that will be incredibly difficult to reconcile is when Cooper cup first came back from his ankle injury. So they were talking weeks eight through 14, both him and Puka are on the field. I mean, over that span, Cooper cup was averaging over 15 points per game and a half point scoring format. He was the wide receiver five in that stretch. And it felt like, oh, all right, Cooper cup is back. Then week 15 of the playoffs happens for our fantasy playoffs and he's a full goose. Like, well, that was weird. How's the guy. How's a player being so productive put up a zero, A full zero.
Jason Moore
Was that also the game that Puka got like kicked out of?
Mike Wright
I do not remember the that part. I'll check Puka stats. But then the next week you're like, oh, Cooper cup, no problem. Under four points. Under four points. I mean, it went. The valve was completely turned off of. He was no longer a part of what the Rams wanted to do on offense for that stretch. And it was. It's so. It's. We're in an impossible situation.
Jason Moore
We just saw this.
Mike Wright
Oh, please.
Jason Moore
We just saw it.
Mike Wright
Who did we see it with?
Jason Moore
Stefan Diggs. We just saw the identical thing happen with Stefan Diggs in Buffalo. He was your guy. Your guy. Your guy. The valve was turned off at the end of the season. They then it's like, let's get out. Get him out of town.
Andy Holloway
And to be fair, Diggs was very good for the Texans. Obviously got injured and, you know, stopped being a Texan. But to start the season, you know, he. He came out and was very important to the offense. Didn't look washed to me.
Jason Moore
I think he was a different player, wouldn't you say? Would you say Diggs was not. He wasn't the teacher of.
Mike Wright
He was he was not in his superstar form but he was. He was still very useful for Texans.
Jason Moore
Here's the question I have for you. This will give us a lay of the land. If one is washed.
Andy Holloway
Okay.
Jason Moore
And 10 is the MVP season of Cooper Cup.
Mike Wright
Okay.
Jason Moore
So one through 10, one is washed, 10 is Premier Cooper Cup. What number do you think he is at going into next year? What. What do you think you get with a team?
Andy Holloway
Four.
Jason Moore
Oh, you're at four?
Andy Holloway
Yeah, I think he's on the downside of the career. He's pretty low at this. At this age.
Jason Moore
I thought you were going to give him about a 7 or 6.
Andy Holloway
No, he.
Mike Wright
That's just. That's his heart.
Jason Moore
Yeah, I heart said six or seven.
Andy Holloway
I love Cooper cup and I just don't like that I would have the Rams did him dirty but I'm not saying that they're wrong.
Jason Moore
I think it's a four or five. I think I'd be a four or five.
Mike Wright
I'm at a. Between a three and a four.
Jason Moore
Okay. So he can go and help somebody. Odds that you think Cooper cup will be a fantasy relevant wide receiver to.
Andy Holloway
Next year entirely depends on where he goes right now.
Mike Wright
The.
Andy Holloway
Yeah, I think he would be good in New England. No, no.
Jason Moore
With. With Drake May.
Andy Holloway
Yeah, I don't. I don't think they'll be there.
Mike Wright
Won't be enough to go around.
Jason Moore
What's the Falcon? You just posted a graphic I think up on socials. What is the other team that was mentioned with Cooper Cup? Did you say Patriots? Patriots, Seattle, Jackson. Oh, Seattle.
Andy Holloway
Yeah.
Mike Wright
Good work, Matt.
Jason Moore
Yeah, good work.
Mike Wright
Thank you for that.
Jason Moore
Nice. He spent most of the time finding the button. I could see we switched him to another button and he was looking for the button the whole time.
Andy Holloway
Yeah.
Jason Moore
Do you find the button? Could you have answered? There you go. Good work, Seattle. What do you think about of those three destinations? Put them in order of your favorite.
Andy Holloway
Jacksonville, New England, Seattle.
Jason Moore
GFC at the bottom.
Andy Holloway
Yeah, I mean obviously maybe Sam Darnold is leveled up and resurrected his career and is, you know, able to be great. But I think this is a team that wants to get more to the defensive side, more to running the ball. And I don't usually view Sam Darnold as.
Jason Moore
I'll go Seattle. I'll go Seattle, New England, Jacksonville.
Andy Holloway
You like Seattle the best?
Jason Moore
I do.
Mike Wright
Why?
Jason Moore
I just don't think JSN has what it takes to fully like Brian Thomas Jr. Is it right? And so cup is very 2, 3 in Jacksonville with a Trevor Lawrence. That is Leaving question mark. So I guess I just feel like Kup would be like, that would be his Carolina deal in destination would be for target volume. For target volume.
Mike Wright
Yeah. I leaned Jacksonville at the top because I think he needs a Brian Thomas.
Jason Moore
He needs him on the other side. Okay.
Mike Wright
I think he needs it. And then. Yeah, I'll go. I'll go. Pats, I guess second for upside of the unknown of Drake May.
Jason Moore
Jason, we were talking on the forecast yesterday as well, the fact that like sitting out there on the waiver wire right now. Waiver wire on the. On free agency cup Keenan Diggs. And I was making the comment that like a team could. They could go one year on all three of the guys and bring them in and you just. You have a wide receiver room for a year. Like the Raiders don't have wideouts. Right. It's like you could bring those three dudes in the ARP team. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That would be. I think you bring those three in because you're hoping you get about one and a half receivers.
Mike Wright
But if you bring them all in, one of them.
Jason Moore
What about the Giants with Malik Neighbors on the other side?
Mike Wright
If you like the Brian superstar, Darius Slayton.
Jason Moore
Right? Yeah. And maybe Aaron Rodgers goes.
Mike Wright
I don't.
Andy Holloway
Yeah, that's a quarterback problem there.
Mike Wright
Oh, my gosh, Rogers, what is this guy doing?
Andy Holloway
Whatever he wants.
Jason Moore
We'll talk about that in a second. We'll take a break. We'll come back with some more news. This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Who is your support system? How have they changed your life? I know that I've had friends, family, pastors, support system in my life that has included therapy and my community. And it's been helpful to me. And when you think about your favorite leaders, when you think about your mentors, your idols, they do not have all of the answers, but they do know when to ask questions or to seek support from their community. We have a society that glorifies hyper independence, and it's easy to forget that we're better when we have a support system behind us. BetterHelp is fully online, making therapy affordable and convenient. And it serves over 5 million people worldwide. You can access a diverse network of more than 30,000 credentialed therapists with a wide range of specialties. And the nice thing with better help is that you can easily switch therapists anytime at no extra cost. Build your own support system with BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.comfootballers to get 10% off your first month. That's BetterHelp. H E L p.comfootballers before the break, you mentioned your frustration with Aaron Rodgers because you know we've got offers on the table from Pittsburgh. It's been reported Pittsburgh's made him an offer. It seems like the Giants have made him an offer or are very interested. And then you know he's not making a call. And Adam Schefter comes out and he seems very.
Mike Wright
That was a very funny video.
Jason Moore
Seems very frustrated with that.
Mike Wright
Mad.
Jason Moore
Yeah.
Mike Wright
Adam Schefter, if you've missed it there, I'm sure you could find it. But he's talking about Aaron Rodgers making decision and Adam Schefter seems personally attacked and personally frustrated that Aaron Rodgers has not made the decision.
Jason Moore
I believe he compared. I believe he compared making this call on his future home as a quarterback to picking a lunch destination.
Mike Wright
It's not that hard.
Jason Moore
He's like, you just pick a place.
Mike Wright
To go to lunch. I go, I am in agreement. It is not that hard. If you have an offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, you go to the Pittsburgh steelers because you're 40 something years old and you have a year or two left. You're not winning a Super bowl with the Giants. And if you're.
Jason Moore
Maybe you want to live in New York. Yeah.
Andy Holloway
But you have to because you're not winning a Super Bowl.
Jason Moore
Maybe you already have home in New York.
Mike Wright
That still is.
Andy Holloway
It'll be really interesting if he does. If he were to choose the Giants, I think that says what his priority isn't.
Jason Moore
You know who would pick teams like this is Kyle. Like if Kyle was on the free agent market, if he thought that all the like reporters were waiting for his information, he'd be like, I will hold back that information until you're upset.
Mike Wright
Kyle is not here to defend himself.
Jason Moore
No, he's not.
Mike Wright
But he knows it's true.
Jason Moore
Taking a shot. Anyways, the Broncos, they have signed their joker tight end Evan Ingram. Two year deal, just 30 years old. Last year was a complete bust. I mean just kind of a lost season.
Mike Wright
Yeah.
Andy Holloway
Hurt.
Jason Moore
But a near record breaking season the year before. We. I'm excited about this. I think Denver is right there. I mean I love Bo Nix. I think this is a huge move for the offense. I think it. Mike, you said it yesterday. It frees them up to be a focus on maybe running back or other positions in the draft where they had been rumored around the rookie tight ends. They've been looking for a joker style tight end for a while. Somebody that can go out and be versatile and run routes and take screen passes and be a red zone presence. And I think Ingram does enough of those things and then their defense is getting stronger. Weren't they the home of Mr. Greenlaw? Isn't Greenlaw a Denver Bronco now? Yeah.
Mike Wright
And Hufanga.
Jason Moore
And Hufanga, yeah. So a couple 49ers landing there as they, you know, kind of get rid of all their players. And so I think, I think Denver is like one of my favorite playoff teams next year.
Mike Wright
They're going to be fun. I am most interested to hear, Jason, because we, when we were talking about Ingram on Tuesday's show, you were pretty out on Ingram being a, still being a fantasy tight end. Are you good with the spot?
Andy Holloway
This is about as good of a destination as possible. I think maybe the Chargers would have been slightly better than this for fantasy football, but, you know, they, they don't have, you know, outside of Cortland Sutton, they, they don't really have an established next target. And Sean Payton wants to use a tight end more, but he just hasn't had, you know, he's had Adam Troutman, who's not, you know, watch it. I gotta be, I gotta be careful what I say in front of Mike about Adam Troutman. Sensational football player. But for fantasy, this, this is really good. I mean, you know, I would, I would certainly rather have Evan Ingram next year than Dalton.
Jason Moore
I was gonna ask it. Yeah.
Mike Wright
Yeah, that one's easy.
Jason Moore
Taking a late round selection. Saints resigned Joanne Johnson, their tight end, to a three year deal, $30 million.
Mike Wright
He's always been 21 guaranteed.
Jason Moore
Yeah, he's just always kind of sitting there as a player that has flashes but doesn't seem to be at the level you build an offense around. So I think that's been figured out.
Mike Wright
I think that's a fair thing to say. I mean, he was, he was their leader. He was second in receptions and he led the team in receiving yards.
Jason Moore
Yeah. When that number is 548, it tells you a lot about that offense.
Mike Wright
Yeah, Juwan Johnson is. I hoped he was going to go to Denver because he, I think that he is an exciting player. Should he have got put into the right position?
Jason Moore
He is.
Mike Wright
Most people don't know who Joanne Johnson is, but he is a good player. You got 21 guaranteed to come back for the Saints. So fantasy wise, though, could happen. I would not rule it out because he's had stretches of games, not just like a game here or there, he's had stretches. So he is on the radar as a punt draft option.
Jason Moore
Fantasy Players need to understand that tight ends get a lot of money and sometimes they're not fantasy relevant tight ends. I mean true Luke Farrell just got $20 million from the 49ers. You'd be like, who's that? And that's a fair thing to say. But he was a Jags tight end and that's what Evan Ingram was. So he wasn't a fantasy relevant tight end. But they do a lot of work in the run blocking and you know, the versatility of a tight end gets paid for. But the fantasy value of every tight end is very different.
Andy Holloway
Yeah. And I mean this is, he's going to be going into year six and this is with the same team in the same system. He's never been relevant. Juwan. Yeah.
Mike Wright
So He's a top 12 guy in 2022.
Andy Holloway
Irrelevant. Ooh, he had 508 yards that year.
Mike Wright
Smack seven touchdowns.
Jason Moore
Smacks of little Jaylen Warren under 10 points per game situation. Rico Dowdle, Mike, one year. Yeah, it don't let your kids grow up to be running backs. The Panther signed Rico Dowdle one year deal, 2.75 base incentives up to 6. I mean we're all going to do that. Right. But not going to hit your incentives behind Chuba.
Mike Wright
This is not, this isn't worst case scenario. I will say that I was holding out hope that Rico could get a more of a timeshare job where he, you know, or I mean a start. If he went, goes. If he goes back to the Cowboys. Yeah, they're going to get a rookie in there, but it's like Data will have some starts I would think. But going to the Panthers, Chuba just got paid. This, this is Chuba's backfield. However, in terms of the high level insurance running backs, to me, Rico Dowdle will be way up there because if Chuba goes down with the, with the run scheme, with the offensive line and with Rico Dowdle's just the way that he runs. I think this is a, this is a sensational signing for the Carolina Panthers. Like Dowdle would do work if he were given the job.
Jason Moore
He is going to get paid a similar base salary as Javante Williams, which the Cowboys paid 3 million base but the incentives are double. So I want people to understand. Yeah, like everyone's like, oh, why would you not resign? Dowdle versus Javante, there's so many variables. Dowdle might not have been as content to be there, you know.
Mike Wright
Yeah, we don't know the behind the scenes stuff.
Jason Moore
Yeah. If they've said, hey, we're probably drafting a rookie and you're not going to be in contention for a starting. I mean you don't know. And it's double the incentive money and so yeah, Rico Delta leaves town and I don't know, probably just a depth piece.
Mike Wright
If you have Carolina talking dynasty, if you have Chuba, what are you willing to send over to try and get Rico?
Andy Holloway
Not a lot, not much at all. I don't. I think if Chuba goes down, Rico is not a star here for the Panthers unless the offense, you know, if, if Bryce Young, you know, takes another step forward and becomes a great quarterback then, then it would be far more exciting. But I don't view the Bryce wasn't.
Jason Moore
That last year I'd be more excited. I would have been but I, I think Chuba is great.
Andy Holloway
Yes, exactly. That's the thing.
Jason Moore
Yeah, Rico, Rico. I would have preferred to stay in Dallas because then if the rookie doesn't work out, Rico's pathway to those top 10 finishes is there. I feel less confident with that in Carolina because they're not as good of.
Mike Wright
An offense but Carolina ninth in EPA per rush and yes, Chuba's part of that but seventh in pro football focus run blocking greats for the like. This is an offensive line. Rico last year was ninth in success rate for rushing. He was one of five running backs to gain five or more yards on over 40% of his rushing attempts. Like I just, I don't get the Rico slander. He was not. He, he was not in elite. He's not Bijan, but not. But there's like four teams who have a Bijan type running back.
Jason Moore
I would say that his one year contract with 2.75 million tells you what we think about Rico Dow.
Andy Holloway
Yeah, yeah.
Jason Moore
We do not. It's not slander, it's the market. If teams wanted Rico, he would have gotten a deal. I mean do you think he's better than Najee Harris because he didn't get nearly the money that Najee got. Do you think he's better than Javante? He didn't.
Mike Wright
Yes.
Jason Moore
They didn't bring him back.
Mike Wright
I think he's for sure better than Javant.
Jason Moore
So they. We're not trying to be intentionally anti Rico. We're being. We're just telling you what he got paid and where he got where he's going. It's a one year deal to be a backup.
Andy Holloway
I also think you bring up a good point. If you're in a dynasty league and you've got Chuba draft season, rookie draft season is coming up and during that time, third rounders, oh, they will be so valuable because people will want whatever name is dropping in a draft. They're not actually valuable. Your third round rookie picks. So that's. That's something I would trade for Rico to get.
Mike Wright
That's what I meant.
Andy Holloway
Yeah.
Mike Wright
Of like I. I'm on the. Going to be on the side of if you're ensuring in dynasty, ensuring Chuba is a smart thing to do and it will be cheap. And if Rico. If Chuba goes down, Rico will be a top 24 weekly type of a starter.
Jason Moore
Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen will return in 2025. I was waiting for it.
Mike Wright
I'm back.
Jason Moore
Yeah, he is. And he's 34, right?
Mike Wright
I don't know.
Jason Moore
Aaron Rodgers officially released. So he can go. He can go somewhere else after 49 million in dead money, dude.
Andy Holloway
49 million in dead money. I love that I saw someone posting just the, the reality that a couple years ago you had a quarterback play so bad that a team was willing to cut him and take on. What was it, 60 million dead cap for Russell Wilson.
Mike Wright
Right.
Andy Holloway
And then the Steelers are like, give me that. And now, now the jets are paying 49 million in dead cap to get rid of Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers are like, give me that.
Mike Wright
Because they have Mason Rudolph.
Jason Moore
Yeah, the Steelers, they're scrambling. They're dealing with the. Remember the Colts Wentz, Matt Ryan, Philip Rivers era. The Ravens signed DeAndre Hopkins to a one year deal.
Andy Holloway
Urge me, DeAndre.
Jason Moore
Yeah, I don't care at all. I did. DeAndre Hopkins didn't matter in Kansas City and he's not going to matter a year older in Baltimore at all. Like this is a headline maker. This is cool. You got a veteran. I mean who was. Was it DEZ Bryant that went and played in Baltimore?
Mike Wright
Oh, Baltimore is Baltimore. Soaks up all the.
Jason Moore
Julio. Did he play in Baltimore?
Andy Holloway
Was he there? I think he was for a brief.
Mike Wright
I mean OBJ was there.
Jason Moore
Maybe it was OBJ I was thinking about. Yeah, maybe that's what I was thinking about.
Andy Holloway
Yeah, this. This is good. It makes sense for all parties. DeAndre Hopkins I don't think will be relevant for fantasy, but this is good for. For the actual Ravens.
Jason Moore
So Julio did not play for Baltimore, but I did come across a 2022 article in the off season that was like ravens top landing spot for Julio Jones and Ty Hilton. So at this stage of the career, when you're in the Ty Hilton leaving Indianapolis part of your career, Baltimore's.
Mike Wright
Oh, were you Thinking of. So, yeah, Des was there, Beckham was there, Steve Smith was there for a couple of years.
Jason Moore
D. Jacks was there.
Mike Wright
And Anquan.
Jason Moore
Yep.
Mike Wright
Anquan spent some of his 30s in Baltimore.
Jason Moore
If you're 32, you should call Baltimore and. Yeah, so if you're 40 and a quarterback, you should call Pittsburgh. If you're 30 plus and a wide receiver, call Baltimore in this division. But yeah, Hopkins, he'll probably have a couple games that he catches some touchdowns and get some first downs and There you go. DeMarcus Robinson. 49ers picked up DeMarcus Robinson on a two year deal from the Rams.
Mike Wright
I mean, look, probably starting wide receiver DeMarcus Robinson.
Jason Moore
It's possible.
Andy Holloway
Yeah, it makes sense.
Mike Wright
I mean, who else?
Andy Holloway
No Debo, No. Iuk.
Jason Moore
Yeah. Pearsall and Jennings will be.
Andy Holloway
Yeah.
Mike Wright
But while Iuk is recovering, Robinson is.
Jason Moore
Going to be a starter as a wide receiver. 3.
Mike Wright
Yeah.
Jason Moore
Mac Jones two year deal with the 49ers as they complete the full circle of. Ooh, we're moving up to take Mac Jones. Just kidding. It's Trey Lance. Just kidding. We're going to get Mac Jones. Too late.
Mike Wright
Like the Steelers.
Jason Moore
I don't know.
Mike Wright
I don't think Mac Jones is an answer for anything. But if you're just scrambling to get a starting quarterback who might be able to win a couple games for you, why do I look at Mac Jones?
Jason Moore
Why pay Mason Rudolph 8 million and you could pay Mac Jones 7?
Andy Holloway
Well, I mean, they're both backup quarterback contracts, you know, and bringing back Mason Rudolph, obviously, this is a player they're familiar with. They know how he is in the locker room and they obviously liked it because they chose to bring him back.
Jason Moore
But you're right, I'm shaking my head because I.
Mike Wright
They were backed into a corner.
Jason Moore
I just. Mason Rudolph.
Andy Holloway
But Mac Jones being with the 49ers is. It's so funny to me because there were all the rumors about like Shanahan wanted Mac Jones. That was who, you know, they actually moved up for and then. And then changed and pivoted to Trey Lance. And now the fact that the 49ers signed Mac Jones makes it go. Maybe they, Maybe they had regrets.
Jason Moore
Well, they still have to. I mean, all these players leaving, they've got to pay a quarterback now.
Mike Wright
Yeah, they're burning it down.
Jason Moore
They got to pay Brock Purdy or they have to. I mean, they don't technically have to pay him this year, right?
Mike Wright
Correct. He's under contract and he's going to want.
Andy Holloway
That would be Brutal.
Mike Wright
Yeah. It says a lot to your team and future free agents that they. Things like that.
Jason Moore
The problem is the justification for paying Brock Purdy is the deals that to Lawrence have gotten. Which are outrageous.
Andy Holloway
Yeah.
Jason Moore
And so then you pay. Let me just play. You pay him $55 million a year. Oh my goodness. You pay Brock Purdy that money. You come out and you're retooling because you've lost eight to 10 players that are fundamental to your offense. And you go 7 and 10, you think you're coming in. You think next off season we're all feeling like Brock purdy's worth the $55 million.
Andy Holloway
I think that just that will depend on how he plays. If they win fewer games. But Brock is playing well. I think we'll give him some grace. They are still the highest super bowl odds for the division. The 49ers post dropping all of their players.
Jason Moore
They're just really.
Mike Wright
They're just taking suckers at the Rams. Yeah, I'd go on the Rams.
Jason Moore
That's. That's.
Mike Wright
I was really genuinely.
Andy Holloway
I was super shocked. Yeah.
Jason Moore
You're saying not nfc but just NFC west out of the West. Well, I wouldn't have put Seattle in there and I wouldn't have put Arizona in there. So I guess it would have been between.
Mike Wright
Someone's got it.
Jason Moore
I would have put the Rams in there. All right, we'll take a quick break. We got some more signings to talk about things to debate this Dealers signed Kenny Gainwell, the Colts signed Khalil Herbert, The Eagles signed A.J. dillon and the Bills re signed Ty Johnson who kept showing up in fantasy football towards the end of the year that run heavy offense. Any comments on those backups buddies?
Mike Wright
Nope. These are other. I mean Ty Johnson's a guy that every once in a while if you're really desperate you could throw in there. But there's other guys will be probably insurance. I guess the Kenny game will one is. What is that? What is the Steelers running back room going to actually look like? Are they willing to turn over go back to the old Tomlin system of one back with Jalen Warren? I don't. I don't know that that's the case. So maybe Kenny Gainwell.
Andy Holloway
Yeah, I also.
Jason Moore
Did you sign A.J. dillon and Dynasty?
Mike Wright
Did I get him?
Jason Moore
Did you sign him? Mike, you can't quit these guys.
Mike Wright
Dude you gotta you chillin. There is no chill. This is always grinding the wire boys.
Andy Holloway
You know of all those backup jobs I would say Khalil Herbert for fantasy would be the one that I would be most interested in because like the Ty Johnson, he's going to be involved but that's a three headed timeshare and you know, whereas I feel like in Indianapolis you've got Jonathan Taylor who has, you know, a rich injury history.
Mike Wright
Yeah, it's very wealthy.
Andy Holloway
And so if he, you know, if he misses time, that's, that's a good spot for an insurance back.
Jason Moore
Kyle Juszczyk also meeting with the Steelers. Just so you go juice. So you know, juice with another opportunity potentially. The. We had some other signings. Mike Williams, we're back, baby. One year deal with the Chargers. He's only 30, feels like 40.
Andy Holloway
Oh gosh. That's. He, he feels like he retired four years ago.
Jason Moore
It's. It's a place, you know a quarterback he's familiar with. Right. We could get Mike Williams back there. He could do something.
Andy Holloway
Yeah.
Jason Moore
If they don't add another year will be relevant.
Andy Holloway
Post his ACL as well. So that's good.
Jason Moore
Mvs, one year deal with the Seahawks. Cardinals resign. Zay Jones, Dolphins. Nick Westbrook, Akine where he can go score a touchdown, one pass a game. Van Jefferson, one year deal with the Titans. K.J. osborne to the commanders. Back to the commanders. Mario to back to the commanders.
Andy Holloway
This is what you're talking about, Mike.
Jason Moore
I know. I just felt like I was like people were turning off the podcast. I had read those names.
Andy Holloway
This is not a friend.
Jason Moore
It's not a frenzy.
Andy Holloway
This is the light breeze. But also it smells like sewer breeze. You know what I mean? This isn't like an ocean breeze where you're oh, I love that smell.
Mike Wright
This smells.
Jason Moore
You're going to the blockbuster movie and they just keep playing the trailers.
Andy Holloway
Yeah, you're.
Jason Moore
They never stop the trailer. They never put the movie.
Andy Holloway
You're looking up and you're like, who am I downwind of right now?
Mike Wright
Like looking at who's left.
Jason Moore
Yeah, let's talk about them because speculating on them is more interesting.
Mike Wright
They're still interesting names. I mean especially Cooper Cup. Yeah. Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, which. The problem with this list is they're interesting names because they once upon a time were top tier NFL players and now it's. Are they anywhere close? But I. J.K. dobbins, I think his signing is still. It would be interesting.
Andy Holloway
Yeah. Nick Chubb is very interesting to me.
Mike Wright
Man. Nick Chubb, can he ever make it back?
Jason Moore
Probably not.
Mike Wright
That's where that's probably not.
Jason Moore
And these are some of the reasons why these signings haven't happened. Is that we're entering the tier of free agents where you might want to see what happens in the draft or you might want to build a game plan around. Yeah, you know, what are you going to do? Like Keenan Allen probably doesn't want to go to camp.
Mike Wright
That's a fair point. He might just chill and wait for someone to need him in the summer.
Andy Holloway
Is he in bulk bulking season right now? Is he back?
Mike Wright
Didn't we have that last year?
Andy Holloway
Yeah, last year he was bulking up, man.
Mike Wright
We had fat Keenan Allen. Everyone was so worried.
Jason Moore
If you, if you like logged into a fantasy league that had shut down back in like 2019 and you logged back in to see what your roster was, it would say Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Cooper Cup, Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, Russell Wilson at quarterback. These are the free agents left. It's the 2019 fantasy extravaganza. So, you know, I'm very. I'm the most interested at seeing where Cooper cup goes. Yeah, a wide receiver of these, of these names. But that's. I mean, I'm not excited about. I mean maybe J.K. dobbins if it was a completely like. If J.K. dobbins goes to the Giants.
Mike Wright
Okay.
Jason Moore
Do you care? Is that a place you care? The Raiders.
Mike Wright
The Raiders. I do.
Andy Holloway
The Raiders.
Jason Moore
I care more. Or do you not care about either until the draft happens? Because they. He just doesn't profile as toting the Rock.
Mike Wright
The fact that we are this far away from the opening of free agency and the opening of the league year is concerning for all those running backs of starting jobs seem there's very few available and I think these guys. It's going to be wild.
Jason Moore
Yeah. Yeah, I agree. So that is the remaining lowercase frenzy. Thank goodness for the foot clan.
Andy Holloway
I flew back for this.
Jason Moore
Yeah.
Mike Wright
I told you you're dumb.
Jason Moore
Yeah, I mean next year, next year, next week we have trending or ending. We've got Liar, Liar, we got a mailbag. And you'll get a bonus episode, a bonus mailbag show@jointhefoot.com if you want to check that out. Otherwise that is going to do it. That is going to do it. Cooper Cup. Let me know where you're headed. Aaron Rodgers. Make a decision. Talk to you next time.
Mike Wright
Goodbye.
Andy Holloway
Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast. Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter the FFballers.
Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "What Went Wrong? + MORE Free Agent Frenzy!" (03/13/2025)
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
On March 13, 2025, The Fantasy Footballers delivered an insightful episode titled "What Went Wrong? + MORE Free Agent Frenzy!", blending in-depth analysis of underperforming fantasy players with a comprehensive overview of the recent free agency landscape. Hosted by the expert trio—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright—the episode delves into the disappointments of the previous fantasy season and anticipates the moves that could shape the upcoming league.
Jason Moore kicked off the episode with enthusiasm, highlighting the continuity of the show:
Jason Moore [00:54]: "Welcome in Thursday, March 13, the Fantasy Footballers. Back with you. Jason Moore, The Cal Ripken Jr. Of the podcast flew in at 4am today just to make sure he didn't miss this episode."
The hosts introduced a new segment titled "What Went Wrong?", aimed at dissecting high-draft-pick players who failed to meet fantasy expectations.
The focal point of the segment was Dalton Kincaid, an early fifth-round pick who failed to live up to his high draft position.
Jason Moore outlined Kincaid's faltering performance:
Jason Moore [04:12]: "Dalton Kincaid, an early 5th round fantasy draft pick as the tight end 5 coming off of a tight end 11 season in 16 games played with 91 targets, 73 receptions, 673 yards."
Despite initial excitement surrounding his potential to replace Stefan Diggs and elevate to a top-tier fantasy tight end, Kincaid's 2024 season was underwhelming:
Andy Holloway [05:25]: "He was dealing with some injuries but I mean he was, you know, he caught 80% of his passes as a rookie and last year was 59% of the passes. He just wasn't good on film. He wasn't that. He wasn't producing. He wasn't breaking tackles. He wasn't getting open the same."
Jason Moore projected a conservative outlook for Kincaid's future:
Jason Moore [06:30]: "I would say a realistic expectation for Kincaid is probably around 75 receptions next year."
The hosts analyzed the strategic missteps, pointing out Kincaid's over-reliance on deep routes without yield:
Jason Moore [07:15]: "He ran the second most go routes. So there was the attempt to... he didn't connect on the deep throws."
Concluding the discussion, Mike Wright and Andy Holloway expressed skepticism about Kincaid's future value, suggesting that fantasy managers might regret their investment.
Andy Holloway [10:42]: "You're just hoping something clicks as he gets older."
Transitioning from player disappointments, the hosts delved into the free agency period of 2025, assessing notable signings and their implications for fantasy football managers.
A significant topic was Amari Cooper's unexpected retirement after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Rams:
Jason Moore [16:43]: "Amari Cooper... the problem with this list is they're interesting names because they once upon a time were top-tier NFL players and now it's... are they anywhere close?"
The hosts debated the rarity of seasoned receivers finding success post-retirement, drawing parallels to Adam Thielen.
Aaron Rodgers became a central figure as his future remained undecided, prompting frustration from both the hosts and the fantasy community:
Jason Moore [24:35]: "If one is washed and 10 is the MVP season of Cooper Cup, what number do you think he is at going into next year?"
Mike Wright criticized the mishandling of Rodgers' free agency:
Mike Wright [25:04]: "He could go to the Pittsburgh Steelers because you're 40 something years old and you have a year or two left. You're not winning a Super Bowl with the Giants."
The discussion highlighted the complexities of Rodgers' potential destinations and their respective fantasy impacts.
The signing of Evan Ingram by the Denver Broncos was examined for its potential upside:
Jason Moore [26:54]: "I think this is a huge move for the offense."
Andy Holloway praised the Broncos' strategic acquisition:
Andy Holloway [27:07]: "This is about as good of a destination as possible."
The hosts concurred that Ingram's versatility could bolster Denver's offensive dynamics, making them a formidable playoff contender.
The re-signing of Juwan Johnson by the New Orleans Saints was discussed, albeit with caution regarding his fantasy relevance:
Mike Wright [28:31]: "Juwan Johnson is... good player. You got 21 guaranteed to come back for the Saints."
While acknowledging Johnson's capabilities, the hosts advised fantasy managers to view him as a punt option rather than a primary target.
Rico Dowdle's move to the Carolina Panthers sparked analysis on his role and fantasy value:
Mike Wright [30:08]: "Rico Dowdle will be way up there because if Chuba goes down with the run scheme... Rico would do work if he were given the job."
The discussion underscored Dowdle's potential as a valuable backup and insurance option in dynasty leagues, contingent on his utilization and team strategy.
The episode further explored miscellaneous free agents and their standings:
As the episode neared its conclusion, the hosts teased upcoming segments:
Jason Moore [46:24]: "We'll talk about them because speculating on them is more interesting."
They also promoted their next episodes, including Trending or Ending and Mailbag segments, encouraging listeners to engage with additional content via jointhefoot.com.
This episode of The Fantasy Footballers provided a balanced mix of retrospective analysis and forward-looking projections. By dissecting the reasons behind certain players' underperformance and evaluating the landscape of free agency signings, the hosts equipped fantasy football enthusiasts with the knowledge to make informed decisions for the upcoming season. Whether grappling with the fallout of high-draft picks like Dalton Kincaid or navigating the murky waters of player movements like Aaron Rodgers and Amari Cooper, The Fantasy Footballers continue to be an indispensable resource for winning fantasy leagues.
For more insights and to join the Fantasy Football community, visit jointhefoot.com and follow The Fantasy Footballers on Twitter.