NFL Free Agency Day 2: Fantasy Football Impact (Ep. 1977)

Summary

FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode: NFL Free Agency Day 2: Fantasy Football Impact (Ep. 1977)
Host: Joey P (Joe Pisapia), with Andrew Erickson
Date: March 10, 2026

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Episode Overview

Day 2 of NFL free agency was quieter than the frenzy of Day 1, but Joey P and Andrew Erickson break down the fantasy football implications of new signings, rumors, and developments. The duo focus on under-the-radar moves, positional battles, and how these changes could affect fantasy rosters for the 2026 season, blending hard-hitting analysis with humor and skepticism about NFL rumor season.

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Key Free Agency Signings & Analysis

Rico Dowdle to the Steelers (RB)

[00:35 – 04:08]

• Contract: 2 years, $12M

• Impact on Steelers' backfield:

  • Andrew predicts a committee, with Dowdle likely assuming the "grinder" role, reminiscent of Najee Harris, which may push Jaylen Warren back into a receiving/change-of-pace position.
  • "Mike McCarthy talked about Rico Dowdle as a bowling ball full of butcher knives when they were together in Dallas." – Andrew Erickson (02:42)
  • Dowdle's light career workload (only 672 touches) bodes well for his durability and lead-back potential.

• Jaylen Warren:

  • May transition to a more specialized pass-catching role.
  • Pittsburgh’s abundance of playmakers ("a lot of mouths to feed") means someone could be fantasy-relevant each week, but usage will be fluid.
  • "In Rodgers offenses... the running backs should see enough volume to be in that RB2, RB3 conversation." – Andrew Erickson (03:42)

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Isaiah Pacheco Signs with the Lions (RB)

[04:08 – 05:59]

• One-year deal as Gibbs’ clear backup; not expected to replace David Montgomery’s fantasy value.
• Pacheco has been declining in breakaway and red zone effectiveness, likely due to injuries.
• "Pacheco just hasn't been the same guy since he got the fibula injury two years ago in 2024, hurt his MCL last year." – Andrew Erickson (04:56)
• Gibbs emerges as a top fantasy option; Pacheco relegated to handcuff status and spot duty.

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Rashad White to Seahawks? (Rumor)

[05:59 – 07:12]

• Seahawks may consider White as a temporary fill-in while Charbonnet heals.
• White’s pass-catching skill set is “good for fantasy, especially full PPR”; could be a solid RB for teams going 'Hero RB' or zero RB early in drafts.
• "Not the most efficient, explosive RB... but can play on third downs, catch passes... good for fantasy football." – Andrew Erickson (06:36)

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Brian Robinson Potential Landing Spots

[07:12 – 08:01]

• 49ers rumored to be interested in bringing back Robinson; Seahawks considered as well.
• Andrew prefers White over Robinson for Seattle due to pass-game versatility.
• "Brian Robinson... plug and play, status quo running back. I don't think he's special." – Andrew Erickson (07:46)

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Alvin Kamara Trade Rumors

[08:01 – 09:48]

• Saints signed Travis Etienne, raising speculation about Kamara's future.
• Andrew cautious: Kamara could still play in New Orleans in a third down/pass catching role, centering on where he performed best historically.
• Joey P: "I see an unhappy divorce and I see Alvin Kamara somewhere else finishing out his career." (09:48)

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Wide Receiver Signings & Rumors

Rashid Shaheed Re-signs with Seahawks

[09:48 – 12:00]

• Three-year, $51M contract.
• Shaheed is behind JSN on the depth chart; Seattle’s run-heavy scheme makes consistent fantasy relevance unlikely.
• "To me, I don't think you're really considering him in redraft. Dynasty – I think you hold, just in case." – Andrew Erickson (11:33)
• Shaheed showed high efficiency when given volume with Saints, but upside depends on Seattle’s offensive balance.

Romeo Doubs Signs with Patriots

[14:08 – 16:38]

• Four-year, $80M deal.
• Joey P and Andrew both skeptical; Doubs projects as a WR3 with “touchdown spike” potential but not a target hog.
• "I think he’s a WR3 with some TD spike upside… He’s a good receiver, but will that translate to WR15? Probably not." – Andrew Erickson (15:17)
• Patriots still in the hunt for a true WR1 (A.J. Brown trade rumors still active).

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Notable Quarterback Moves

Geno Smith Returns to the Jets

[16:38 – 19:33]

• Traded for a 6th round pick; likely starter by default.
• "You just never imagined this could possibly happen—where he would actually go back to the New York Jets..." – Andrew Erickson (17:32)
• Smith is a Superflex-only option, but is a passing upgrade over Justin Fields, aiding Garrett Wilson’s outlook.
• Jets OL is underrated, though with some new holes; Joey P notes the line’s improved tackle play.

Patriots Add Elijah Vera-Tucker (OL)

[19:09 – 20:46]

• Vera-Tucker expected to start at guard; upside if healthy, adds flexibility.
• Both Jets and Patriots' lines project as "average" units; Jets potentially with higher upside due to their tackles.

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Tight End Market

Travis Kelce Re-signs with Chiefs, Dalton Kincaid/Kelsey Comparison

[20:46 – 22:29]

• Kelce: One-year, $12M.
• Dawson Knox stays in Buffalo.
• Andrew prefers Kincaid over Kelce in 2026, viewing Kincaid as a better investment, especially with Kincaid’s usage and youth.
• “If you’re not getting an elite, elite guy, then I don’t want to pay anything more than I need to. I think Kelce’s going to fall into that range where typically you don’t get a strong ROI.” – Andrew Erickson (22:03)

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QB2/Backup News

[22:29 – 22:56]

• Gardner Minshew signs with Cardinals (backup to Jacoby Brissett).
• Kenny Pickett backs up Bryce Young in Carolina.

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Rapid-Fire Rumor Mill & Miscellaneous

Brian Thomas Jr. Trade Rumor—Jags Say "No"

[22:56 – 24:06]

• Andrew: standard denials before a potential trade; talent undeniable but off-field/fit issues may prompt a move.
• “This is the first thing that happens before a player gets traded… And then we’ll turn around and get the notification that Brian Thomas Jr. was traded to this team.” – Andrew Erickson (23:04)
• Possible fits: Patriots, Commanders (reunited with Jaden Daniels).

Mac Jones’ “Astronomical” Price Tag

[24:06 – 25:53]

• 49ers value Jones highly as backup to Brock Purdy after leading the team through injuries.
• Andrew: "He's not going to bring everyone up with him... he needs to be in the right system for him to have success." (24:41)
• High backup demand in the NFL means 49ers can afford to wait for the right offer.

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• "Mike McCarthy talked about Rico Dowdle as a bowling ball full of butcher knives." – Andrew Erickson (02:42)
• “To your point, I think that this just means Gibbs is going to have the lion's share of touches in the red zone.” – Andrew Erickson (05:13)
• "I think maybe the best approach is to carry on like, [Kamara’s] not going to be part of their plans." – Andrew Erickson (08:38)
• On Geno Smith’s return to the Jets: "Time heals all wounds. And clearly Geno Smith’s jaw is now healed and he’s ready to return." – Andrew Erickson (18:03)
• "I think Doubs could lead the Patriots in targets. But will that translate to always going to be wide receiver 15 unless he scores 15 touchdowns? Probably not." – Andrew Erickson (15:26)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Rico Dowdle to Steelers: 00:35–04:08
• Isaiah Pacheco/Lions: 04:08–05:59
• Rashad White/Seahawks (rumor): 05:59–07:12
• Brian Robinson/SEAs/49ers rumors: 07:12–08:01
• Alvin Kamara speculation: 08:01–09:48
• Rashid Shaheed re-signs (SEA): 09:48–12:00
• Romeo Doubs to Patriots: 14:08–16:38
• Geno Smith returns to Jets: 16:38–19:33
• Elijah Vera-Tucker to Patriots, OL impact: 19:09–20:46
• Kelce/Kincaid TE market: 20:46–22:29
• QB Backups (Minshew, Pickett): 22:29–22:56
• Brian Thomas Jr. trade denial: 22:56–24:06
• Mac Jones trade rumors: 24:06–25:53

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Closing Thoughts

Joey P and Andrew wrap up with reminders to monitor further developments via the Fantasy Pros Free Agency Tracker, emphasizing that more moves and rumors are certain in the coming days. Their blend of sharp analysis, pointed skepticism, and comic relief makes the show invaluable for fantasy players seeking an edge as free agency chaos unfolds.

Transcript

[Joey P]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.

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[Joey P]

Welcome in everybody to fantasy pros. This is the fantasy football podcast. It is me, Joey P. Joe P. Zip. Here with me again is Andrew Erickson. Day two of NFL free agency. And if day one was a tsunami, this was more like a gentle wave. I feel like a couple ripples here and there, more potential down the road and a lot of rumors flying. We're going to address some of those rumors, address some of the signings. If you missed yesterday's recap show, go back and watch it then on the YouTube channel. Subscribe to the YouTube channel. Drop your comments below and subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your pods from. So Andrew Erickson, obviously yesterday a torrent of information of signings. Lots of big stuff going on today, a little quieter, but still some important things to get to. Let's start here with Rico Dowdle, formerly of the Panthers, now a Pittsburgh Steeler wearing the black and gold. What does this mean for Rico Dowdle for on a two year $12 million contract? And what does it mean for Jaylen Warren too?

[Andrew Erickson]

I think that we're just going to see more of a committee approach potentially in Pittsburgh. Jaylen Warren, I think maybe we could see his role kind of shift back to what we saw when he was playing alongside Najee Harris. Whereas last year he kind of took over that early down role with Kenneth Gainwell playing that more of that receiving back. I think maybe you could see Warren kind of go back to the receiving role. You see Rico Dowdle kind of step in as a Naji Harris early down type of grinder running back because I mean he's boys with Mike McCarthy like this did not shock me in one bit. Where D signs a contract with Mike McCarthy as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was there in 2024 when he finally said enough's enough. No more Ezekiel Elliott. We need to give someone else the ball. And he and he fed Rico and it was backup quarterbacks in Dallas. Dak Prescott was hurt and they just Fed Rico DD and he was a monster. And we saw last year he put Chuba Hubbard on the bench. Now Hubbard got banged up but Rico Dow made sure that he forced the coach's hands where no, I am so good and so productive that you have to play me. And obviously he got frustrated with the lack of touches. So I mean he, he stated after the Panthers last game, I want to go somewhere where I can get the Lions share of the workload. So I think that he's probably going to lead the team in carries as long as he's healthy. Mike McCarthy talked about Rico Dowdle as a bowling ball full of butcher knives when they were together in Dallas. That is a quote from Mike McCarthy courtesy of Greg of the Coach Speak Index. He's only has really dangerous but only has 672 touches coming into this season. I think that he's going to be the lead back here and you're going to be Jalen Warren. More of a complimentary piece.

[Joey P]

I love the metaphor. I think it's great. It sounds very dangerous. If he's gonna be that, then everybody should be very careful tackling him. It sounds like a very dangerous endeavor. I wouldn't do it if I were you. What about Jalen Warren? Does he kind of just fade into the background now or.

[Andrew Erickson]

Well, if you look at the way that Aaron Rodgers runs offenses, you can see multiple guys.

[Joey P]

Aaron Rodgers runs the offense. It's still an F. Still an F. He's coming back.

[Andrew Erickson]

What else is he going to be dealing with this time? He's going to be the quarterback there. Look, we had two running backs last year be inside the top 20 between Kenneth Gainwell and Jalen Warren. So again someone's going to be left out here, whether it's Metcalf, whether it's Pittman. I mean there's a lot of mouths to feed in the Steelers offense and Aaron Rodgers isn't the most generous in terms of giving out his portion sometimes. So someone's going to left holding the bag. The running backs, I think just traditionally in Rogers offenses because he doesn't run, he checks the ball down. I think these guys should see enough volume to be in that RB2, RB3 conversation.

[Joey P]

All right, let's move on to the next one. Here on the docket we've got another running back going, Isaiah Pacheco. This time leaves the Chiefs as a one year deal with the Lions. So obviously David Montgomery is gone. But this feels more like just like it's Jameer Gibbs world. Isaiah Pacheco maybe gets a little Bit of a. He's like the guy that kind of gives him respite. Right. And just depth piece right here. It's not really fantasy relevant to me. Uh, do you like him as a handcuff in any sort of other situation?

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah, this one is interesting because I think when you first see you're like, okay, Dave Montgomery roll right. Let's, let's go. But then you look at Pacheco and you think this guy really isn't David Montgomery. Right. They took him off the field in red zone situations last year to put the corpse of Cream Hunt in the game to score all these touchdowns. So to your point, I think that this just man Bijan or Gibbs, if you have the third overall pick in fantasy drafts, I just feel that's, that's a tear down. Gibson, Bijan, it could be weak versus week of them trying to be okay. Who can be the highest scoring running back in fantasy this year? I think both guys are just set up so well to score so many fantasy points. I think this means Gibbs is going to have the lion's share of touches in the red zone and I think Pacheco maybe. People get carried away with things thinking this will be the Dave Montgomery role, but Pacheco just hasn't been the same guy since he got the fibula injury two years ago in 2024, hurt his MCL last year, the last two years in terms of PFF's elusive rating, he is worst in 2024 and third worst in 2025. So unless he just gets back to a healthier version of himself when he first entered the NFL. Yeah, I think that he's a handcuff at this point. And that's not to say the Lions could still add more running backs in the draft through veteran free agency. Maybe a bigger back that can actually seize a role in the red zone because it just doesn't. That's not really Pacheco as a player.

[Joey P]

All right, so Isaiah Pacheco gone from Kansas City. Obviously we all know Ken Walker. The full breakdown on Walker going there, that's on yesterday's show. Let's get to stay with the running backs for a second here too because there were some rumors going around Rashad White could be a fallback option for the Seahawks. I don't hate that. Look, a couple years ago Rashad White had a pretty good volume season. It feels like, you know, that that could certainly be what he would be in store for even it was a short term thing there until Zach Charbonnet returns to health. But I Don't hate this as a backup plan. It's not the best backup plan for losing Ken Walker. But where do you stand with Rashad White potentially going to the Seahawks?

[Andrew Erickson]

I know that people are very strong on their stances of Rashad White in terms of this guy's terrible. This guy's a horrible running back. Look, he's not the most efficient, explosive running back, but what can he do? Play on third downs, catch passes out of the backfield and that's really good for the game. We play a fantasy football, especially when it's full ppr. So maybe this means Rashad White is just going to emerge as one of those running backs where you go light at running back, you're going hero rb. You need someone that can get you through September. Rashad White ends up signing a deal with the Seattle Seahawks. He can be your guy until they turn it into a two man committee with Rashad White and Zach Charbonnet. So I do like that spot, spot as well for White to land in Seattle.

[Joey P]

All right, let's keep going on with the rumor mill a little bit here too. 49ers interested in bringing Brian Robinson back. Is that something you want or don't want? Like I would imagine Brian Robinson, we talked about yesterday being another option maybe for the Seahawks as well, to take a look at. I thought it was a really good observation by you. Are you still sticking by that? Would you rather have Rashad White or would you rather have Brian Robinson if you're the Seahawks?

[Andrew Erickson]

If I'm the Seahawks, I'd probably rather have Rashad White. I think that what he offers as a pass catcher is more dynamic than Brian Robinson, who I think is just at this point. Look, went to Alabama, plug and play, status quo running back, right? We'll get. We'll block and do what you need to do to get the yards you need that are blocked for you. I don't think he's special. At least I think Rashad White has a special trait when it comes to what he can do as a pass catcher.

[Joey P]

Fair enough. Fair enough. All right. What about Alvin Camara, guy we talked about yesterday? Perhaps we were seeing the future a little bit because Adam Schefter was reporting. There's questions around the league about whether running back Alvin Camara will be moving on from New Orleans and whether the Saints will be willing to trade him. We stoked these fires a little bit yesterday and seems like Adam Schefter is throwing some gasoline on him. So do you think that Travis ATN SIGNING DAY two Now When I ask you about it means Alvin Camara is completely gone from New Orleans.

[Andrew Erickson]

I'm still not sure again, the reason why Adam Schefer's posing this question. Because nobody really knows, right? We're all seeing, okay, they signed Trevor or Travis etn, but they're talking about it out loud. They signed Travis ETN to this big deal. And Alvin Kamara is still under contract for one more year. He revised his contract, so it's not a big of a cap hit for the New Orleans Saints. I don't. This one's tough. I guess for me, it's just. I think maybe the best approach is to carry on like, he's not going to be part of their plans. But if the team is good, Alvin Camaro is like, hey, I want to be on a good team. And. And to your point about if Camara has a limited role in this offense, when was he kind of at his best? It was when there were guys like Mark Ingram taking on the most of the carries as a rusher. Right. I think the worst way to use Alvin Khmer has actually been the last couple years when he's had to shoulder so much of this early down workload where he doesn't want to rush in between the tackles anymore. Like Camaro's, like, I want to play on third downs and catch passes like that. Like, that's what I want to do. I don't want to run up the middle anymore. So I. I think we can't completely rule him coming back again. He wants to play for the Saints. He doesn't want to play for any other team. And although ETN will be the lead guy, I could see Camara still kind of being involved as a receiver.

[Joey P]

I see an unhappy divorce, and I see Alvin Camara somewhere else finishing out his career. I think eventually the writing's on the wall there in New Orleans. And look, it's Kellen Moore's team now. And. And they were close. I told you the Saints were much better at the end of the year than I thought they ever could be last season. And I think they are much closer to challenging for that division than other people realize. If they have another good draft, they're going to be right in there. Tyler Shucks playing some good football. All right, let's talk about wide receivers. Rashid Shahid staying put. Resigns with the Seattle Seahawks. Three years, $51 million. Andrew, what's your fantasy takeaway from this one?

[Andrew Erickson]

It's a really tough spot for a player like Shahid to see volume. If the Seahawks do what they did last year. In terms of being the third run heaviest offense in the NFL. Then it's hard for a player like Shahid, who is an ancillary piece to the alpha that is Jackson, Smith and Jigba in this passing game for him to see enough volume for him to be fantasy relevant. So again, he was really good with the Saints during the start of the year. We looked like, okay, this guy's gonna post career highs across the board right as he hit free agency. Then obviously he gets traded and he's not really using the Clint Kubiak offense till much later in the season. Sometimes guys get traded mid season, they just don't get integrated fully into the new offense. But now it's another new offense with another new offensive play caller. It's not Clint Kubiak. So this one is just tough for me to kind of buy into because again, we talked about it with the Seahawks running backs. What. What is this offense going to look like? Like, can they be the third run heaviest offense when they have. When they have Rashad White potentially leading their backfield? Like, that would be. That. That's a problem. So maybe if I do have to turn into more of a pass happier offense or closer to league average, then maybe you could see getting a little bit more volume here. But to me, I don't think you're really considering him in redraft formats. Dynasty, I think you hold just in case the situation changed because he's a talented player. Like, I do think he has a ton of juice. He's really explosive and he showed with the Saints when they were actually providing him volume. He could be really efficient. I mean, there were times where him versus Chris Olave, you looked at them side by side just based on who's been more efficient. I mean, Shaheech was right behind Chris Olave in terms of yards per out run, in terms of receiving yards per game. So I do think he's a really talented player. But right now, the situation in Seattle with this offense is a little bit shaky.

[Daniel Cormier]

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[Julian Edelman]

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[Daniel Cormier]

Why?

[Joey P]

What's wrong?

[Julian Edelman]

Nothing's wrong. You look like a guy running on three hours of sleep and vibes.

[Joey P]

Okay. Yeah, I'm tired, kind of cranky, and very thirsty.

[Julian Edelman]

Congrats. Those are some of the potential signs of mild dehydration. And I bet your last bathroom break showed you another sign your body might be throwing you a penalty flag.

[Andrew Erickson]

So what's the play?

[Julian Edelman]

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[Andrew Erickson]

Well, take a look at me now.

[Joey P]

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[Julian Edelman]

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[Joey P]

All right, Andrew, Our New England Patriots got a wide receiver. It's not quite the one I was hoping for. It's Romeo Dobbs. And like Dobbs is an okay player. Formerly the Packers. Now four years, $80 million. I don't know if this was the best investment, necessarily. I have very mixed feelings about this. I know we want to add more wide receivers. If you're the Patriots, I understand that. However, I. I don't know what it means for Fantasy. I don't know what it means for Dobbs.

[Andrew Erickson]

I don't know.

[Joey P]

Means they. Apparently they're still in negotiations or still talking to the Eagles about A.J. brown. That was also reported. So in terms of the rumor mill, we're not out of the woods yet on that trade, necessarily. I believe it was. Cameron Wolf was reporting that earlier today that they're not dead yet, quote unquote. In terms of bringing him in so not the alpha dog wide receiver to replace Stefan Diggs, but what do you make of Romeo Dobbs in this Patriots offense?

[Andrew Erickson]

Not dead yet. I wish I could say the same thing about all my Caleb Johnson dynasty shares. I really, I really wish I could. Come on, really up Caleb Johnson, we're leaving the light on. It's not like we didn't talk about him, but yeah, it's not looking good for, for our guy from Iowa State. That being said, with Romeo Dobbs, I think that he is a wide receiver three, a fantasy wide receiver three with some touchdown spiked upside because we've seen him thrive in Green Bay as a red zone guy, right? That's really where Jordan Love has gone to him the most times we've seen him pop up for monster games, especially in the playoffs. He's had some big games. That game against Dallas where he caught three red zone touchdowns, I believe in that 40 to 40 overtime tie was a crazy game. So he's stepped up to the occasion when asked upon it. Now Green Bay, we know they don't feature one guy like they don't have a number one wide receiver. Unfortunately the Patriots for what we saw last year kind of did the same thing. It wasn't, hey, we got to feature this particular player. Stefan Diggs was the number one guy. He's gone from this offense. So there is a terms of, there's a lot of vacated targets. So I think Dobbs could lead theoretically the Patriots in targets. But will that translate to always going to be wide receiver 15 unless he scores 15 touchdowns? Probably not. So that's the way I kind of see it. I think he's a good receiver. I think it's a, I don't, haven't really looked too much at the contract with some of these other wide receivers. So to your point, it does seem like it is a lot of money for Romeo Dobbs. But yeah, I haven't, I haven't looked at exactly the specifics of you know, is it really a four year deal? Because like the digs one we all knew was kind of fugazi where it's like no, this is a one year deal, it's not actually three years. So what about, what about you? Anything else you feel about with Dobbs?

[Joey P]

I, I don't love it. Again, we don't know the particulars yet about the ins and outs of these contracts. So if it's depending on how much money is guaranteed and what the outs are and the cap hits and all that stuff, I mean I like getting, you know, some Professional help there. But I might need professional help if they don't get a big time wide receiver for Drake May. Like Drake May needs a big time wide receiver. More on the Pats later in the show too. We got some more stuff coming up on them. I want to transition though. Because if you thought the jets season couldn't get any worse last year, guess what, kids. The prince that was promised returns home. The prodigal son is back in New York where concrete jungle, where dreams are made of Andrew Erickson. Geno Smith is back with the jets for a sixth round pick. What are your thoughts on Geno Smith? Because it's feels like he's the starting quarterback right now, right? It's pretty much that's what we're gonna get, right? Geno Smith in 2026?

[Andrew Erickson]

Yes. It's one of those things where you just never imagined this could possibly happen. Where he would actually go back to the New York jets when the last time we heard of him at the jets, he was what? Remember he got punched in the jaw and it, it was just like a total mess where. And it makes sense like if you just on paper, right? Like, hey, the jets really need a quarterback. You're looking okay. Well, this guy's already played for the jets, so he can't, he can't go back to this team. But then you look down the line. All these quarterbacks have already played for the jets and they've all been disasters. Joe Flacco.

[Joey P]

Yeah, Gino.

[Andrew Erickson]

It's just. But maybe just so much. Again, time heals all wounds. And clearly Geno Smith's jaw is now healed and he's ready to return.

[Joey P]

Especially the wound to his jaw. I feel like Jet fans feel like they just got punched. Could you imagine Jet fans today?

[Andrew Erickson]

No. They're breaking out the Gino Smith jerseys.

[Joey P]

Oh, they got him in the closet. They got to take him out of the mothballs, air him out a little

[Andrew Erickson]

bit, I guess, for me. Look, Geno Smith, you're not going to be drafting him in any one quarterback league in Super Flex. You're just. Okay, he's going to start games for my team now. I think this is still good though for Garrett Wilson because I think that Geno Smith is a better passer than Justin Fields. Again, it's not a high bar to pass, but I think Geno Smith can complete more passes per game than Justin Fields did. And that's good for Garrett Wilson.

[Joey P]

And they got A.D. mitchell now too.

[Andrew Erickson]

Mitchell.

[Joey P]

They got Mechi there too. I mean, all of a sudden you've got a little bit to work with.

[Andrew Erickson]

Part of why Geno Smith was so bad. Last year, the offensive line for The Raiders was 32nd in the NFL. The jets offensive line I think is underrated. Now they've lost a couple guys on the interior. John Simpson, Elijah Vera Tucker, who we're going to talk about.

[Joey P]

Let's talk about Veritucker too, because he goes to the Patriots there. So what do you think of him? What do you think of what that offensive line looks? I. I understand, you know, injuries were a big part of Elijah Vera Tucker the last season or so. So what does that look like for the Patriots in terms of addition? To me, it seems like a upside play. Like I'm okay with it. If he's healthy, he's a good player. The question is, is he healthy or will he be healthy in 2026? But what do you make of that jets offensive line now? The Patriots offensive line.

[Andrew Erickson]

So the jets definitely have the superior tackles, right? They have two young first round picks kind of bookending the sides of the offensive line. We'll see what they do with the rest of the interior. Whereas the Patriots, that's where you're most concerned. It's Will Campbell. Okay, good start to his rookie year. Really bad finish to his rookie year. He's still going to be left tackle. And then you have Morgan Moses, who's not getting any younger, as your starting right tackle. Like Bear Tucker. Again, he does have some versatility, but from what I understand, he's going to be penciled in as one of the starting guards with Jared Wilson kicking inside to be center after they traded Garrett Bradbury. So I think both offensive lines can probably be in the average tier. I think I probably give a little bit more upside to the jets because I think I just have more confidence in their tackle positions. So, yeah, as long as, you know, Smith got some time. Look, last year, as bad as you know, Smith was seventh in completion rate from a clean pocket in 2025. So when he had time, he was able to complete passes. And that's not the case with what we saw last year with Justin Fields. So I think that just getting a quarterback like a veteran with Smith, it's good for Garrett Wilson, good for Breeze hall to kind of just keep the train on the tracks as opposed to going totally off the rails. Where the owner said it, right, we can't even complete a pass on offense. That's not gonna be the case with Smith.

[Joey P]

All right, Chief Stydon, Travis Kelsey, one year, twelve million dollar contract. Also Dawson Knox, staying put there with the Bills. Any takes on these guys? I mean this, they're just returning to their teams, but obviously a little bit different circumstances. We put it to you this way. Who would you rather have in 2026? Would you rather have Travis Kelsey or would you rather have, let's see, well, Dawson knocks out really a fantasy tight end per se necessarily. Would you rather have Dalton Kincaid or Travis Kelsey in 2026?

[Andrew Erickson]

I would still rather have Dalton Kincaid. I think that if he's healthy, he can be the target leader for the Buffalo Bills. We've seen him be targeted at a really high rate the last couple seasons, being really efficient. I mean, the problem with Dalton Kincaid, yes, Dawson Knox does limit his ability to play a full complement of snaps, but I think the fact that Dalton Kincaid has been playing with a torn PCL the last two years has not really helped him get on the field more. So I would still go with Kincaid, Travis Kelsey, to me, he's going to end up going in that. And Fitz kind of described it perfectly in his write up for Travis Kelsey on the Fantasy Pros Free Agent Tracker. Again, all the articles for all the guys are all written there. He kind of talked about how he's going to be drafted as that low end tight end one in Redraft and that's the exact range. I don't want to draft tight ends and that 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 because you're kind of paying up a little bit more when you could just wait till the end of your draft and just take a flyer on one or two guys as late round dart throws. And I feel like that's a better investment because if you're not getting a elite, elite guy, then I don't want to pay anything more than I need to. I think Kelsey's going to kind of fall in that range where typically you don't get a strong ROI at the tight end position.

[Joey P]

All right, the Cardinals signed Gardner Minshew, formerly of the Chiefs, to a one year, $8 million contract. And they've come out and said that Jacoby Brissette is our starter. So Minshew is going to back him up and then Kenny Pickett will back up Bryce Young in 2026. One year, $7.5 million contract for him. We've pretty much hit everything. Two rumors I want to get to. The first is Adam Schefter said the Jaguars have, quote, no interest in trading Brian Thomas Jr. So Andrew, I expect him to be trading the next 48 hours.

[Andrew Erickson]

Well, this is the first thing that happens before player gets traded is all the coaches, all the beats say they have no interest in trading this player. There's no way they're going to trade Brian Thomas Jr. And then we're going to turn around and we're going to get a notification that Brian Thomas Jr. Was traded to this team. Right. This is what always happens. So I would not take, I would take these reports with a grain of salt. Clearly, the Jaguars have soured on Brian Thomas Jr. Whether it's because of the injuries, whether he doesn't fit Liam Cohen's offense. Again, the talent is undeniable. We all saw it his rookie year, but clearly there was something that went the wrong way in 2025 where things get off the rails with him. So if you're a team and you're calling, hey, I'll trade you a third round pick for Brian Thomas Jr. I don't know, maybe the Jaguars will listen.

[Joey P]

Maybe they'll be interested then.

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah, right.

[Joey P]

Maybe they're. They have no interest in what they've seen. Maybe if people up the interest. Look, I mean, look, the Pats are certainly going to be looking. So if they can't get the A.J. brown deal done, maybe Brian Thomas, you know, younger guy who used to play

[Andrew Erickson]

with Brian Thomas Jr. In college. I know Andrew Does Jaden Daniels. Imagine that in that commander's offense. Oh, baby. Yep. We cooking with gas.

[Joey P]

Yeah, look, that wouldn't be a bad landing spot too. Washington certainly needs some help. Last one here. Mac Jones. Apparently the asking price for him is, quote, astronomical according to Diana Rossini. I don't know if we hear the words astronomical price and. And Mac Jones in the same sentence very often, but would you pay that astronomical price for Mac Jones considering what this QB class is this year and how many teams are still looking for quarterback help because there's still a ton of them out there. And you think that the 49ers just see him as just way too valuable in terms of the backup plan there if anything should happen to Brock Purdy, considering how well he played last year,

[Andrew Erickson]

I do think they really value him highly because of those reasons. Right. This team got eviscerated by injuries and still managed to get as far as they did. And they know M. Jones fits their quarterback system perfectly. And I think that teams need to be aware that if you take M. Jones, we saw him his last years on the Patriots when the supporting cast was terrible. He's not going to bring everyone else up with him. That's just not the type of quarterback he is. And that doesn't mean he's a bad quarterback overall, but he needs to be in the right system for him to have success. So I think I'm the 49ers. I'm just going to sit on Mac Jones and be like, no, until we get blown away, we're just going to keep this guy because what do we see with quarterbacks? Joe, do you know how many quarterbacks started a game last year in the NFL?

[Joey P]

Started? It's in the 80s, isn't it?

[Andrew Erickson]

62. 62.

[Joey P]

Oh, I think it's the played. The started is lower. Yes, yes, yes. I want to say played was in the 80s.

[Andrew Erickson]

So although we have 32 starting quarterbacks, there's going to be a lot more teams that are going to need quarterbacks at different times during the year. And what does that mean for Mac Jones? Price it's going to keep going up and up and up because the demand is going to raise. So I think the 49ers are kind of being smart. Like, don't, don't blow your load so early. Like, come on, like, you got to keep Mac Jones.

[Joey P]

What are you going to do? Are you going to give us picks and players for Mac Jones or are you going to go get Kirk Cousins?

[Julian Edelman]

Right?

[Andrew Erickson]

Huh?

[Joey P]

Yeah, we'll see. We'll see what the future holds for Mac Jones. And for free agency, make sure you subscribe to the channel. Stay with us. And of course you can also use the Free Agency Tracker live right [e-mail] tracker. You can see up to the minute updates on every single movement here in the NFL. Again, the live free agency tracker is only a fantasypros.com tracker and we'll update it minute by minute as all the news breaks here. Andrew, great stuff is always recapping, keeping us all ready to go for 2026 with all the first takes here on all these free agents. And there'll be more tomorrow, I'm sure as well. That'll do it for us. But the story of the game goes on. For Andrew Erickson, I'm Joey P. We'll see you next time, kids.

[Andrew Erickson]

Thanks for listening to the Fantasy Pros Fantasy Football podcast. If you love the show, the best free way to support us is by

[Joey P]

leaving a positive review on apple [e-mail]

[Andrew Erickson]

review or on Spotify. Follow us on X Instagram and TikTok Antasypros and subscribe to our YouTube channel at YouTube.com fantasypros.

[Chelsea Handler]

This is Chelsea Handler from Dear Chelsea, after the big game. Like most people, I kept thinking about the commercials, and there was one that stayed with me. It was from the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, and it wasn't loud or flashy. It showed a Jewish kid being targeted at school and another student who chose not to ignore it. As someone who was Jewish, that moment felt very real to me. Not dramatic, just familiar. And what struck me was how clearly it showed that hate doesn't always announce itself, but the impact is still huge. If you saw the Blue Square spot during the big game, it's worth thinking about. And if you want to show support, sharing the Blue Square is one small way to do that.

[Joey P]

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[Joey P]

This is an iHeart podcast guaranteed human.