By Scott Engel
We all know the big stories of the fantasy football offseason. Which QBs may end up with new teams? Who the top free agents are, trade candidates, etc.? Savvy fantasy leaguers are always staying on top of other possible players’ moves, though.
Here are some players to keep an eye on during the offseason that aren’t headline-makers yet could make bigger fantasy impacts than expected in 2023. Don’t forget to monitor their outlooks as you lend some of your focus to other fantasy sports from now until the summer.
Donovan Peoples-Jones: We should naturally have better expectations of Deshaun Watson over a full season in 2023. Peoples-Jones has the potential to become a productive downfield playmaker for Watson. DPJ has averaged 16 yards per reception in his career so far, and if the Browns do not sign a WR that can be projected ahead of him on the depth chart, he will be an upside play for 2023.
Jake Ferguson: There is a good chance that Dalton Schultz will leave Dallas via free agency. Ferguson, who was recently praised by Travis Kelce as a young TE to watch, would naturally slide into the starting role in a potent passing game if the Cowboys do not choose to bring in another veteran. As noted by USA Today, Pro Football Focus graded Ferguson as the second-highest rookie TE in 2022.
Greg Dulcich: As Sean Payton takes over in Denver, he will mold Russell Wilson into a QB that depends more on his supporting cast than trying to carry the offense. Payton frequently made the TE an important part of his offensive game plans in New Orleans, and he should do the same with Dulcich, who showed a lot of promise in his rookie season.
Zamir White: It is uncertain whether Josh Jacobs will remain in Las Vegas or not. If he does switch to another team, White might get an opportunity to emerge as a lead ball carrier for the Raiders. He is a big back with some speed, and White could potentially make Las Vegas fans feel better about losing Jacobs.
K.J. Osborn: Adam Thielen has made it clear he wants to remain in Minnesota to finish his career, but he is no longer a prime playmaker. Osborn had some outstanding performances in 2022 that suggest more upside performances ahead. Osborn is heading into a contract season. If the Vikings bring in another deep threat to further challenge offenses, he could benefit from all the attention paid to Justin Jefferson and another downfield WR to clear some more room for him.
Elijah Moore: A possible QB change for the Jets might lead to the re-emergence of Moore as a significant receiving threat. Garrett Wilson deservedly gets all the headlines and a lot of defensive attention, which could lead to Moore coming through with a true breakout campaign in 2023.
Rashaad Penny: It is not out of the question that Penny could re-sign in Seattle, as Pete Carroll will always want quality depth at RB. If Penny does sign elsewhere as a free agent, though, he would likely at least compete for a significant role in a timeshare situation. He can still be a tempting risk/reward fantasy option.
Kyle Trask: Tampa Bay has a very daunting salary cap situation, and published reports have indicated that the Buccaneers do feel positive overall about Trask’s outlook. He will have a very good receiving corps to work with, so fantasy players cannot dismiss Trask as a possible sleeper. He will certainly be worth the flier in a two-QB/Superflex format if he is indeed in line for the starting QB job in 2023.
Rondale Moore: Injuries ruined his 2022 season, but a healthy Moore should have an opportunity to be an important receiver for the Cardinals in ’23. DeAndre Hopkins is expected to be traded, and Moore will likely have a chance to be a featured pass-catcher along with Marquise Brown.
Tyler Boyd: There has been published conjecture that Boyd might be a cut candidate as the Bengals look to clear some salary cap space for their most important contracts. The free agent market is thin at WR, and Boyd could see his fantasy value boosted if he gets a chance to start with another team.
Scott Engel is a fantasy football writer for The Game Day and is a member of the FSWA. Engel is also the Fantasy writer at the official site of the Seattle Seahawks.
