Well, if it wasn’t clear last year to you that Mike Wallace would no longer be a Steeler this off-season it should definitely be now. Yesterday, Mike signed a 5 year $65 million dollar deal with a Dolphins squad that went on an FA shopping spree this off-season. What, you wanted a funnier intro? Well, I would’ve gone with Mike Wallace retires to South Beach but the 60 Minute man is dead, both the the guy from the show and the man who wrote the song so you’re gonna have to make due with whatcha get. But back to the point, this is a very expensive move by the Dolphins but – in all honesty – the right one for the team. Yadda to the 3rd power, Sky, what does this have to do with fantasy? Yes, yes my friend, we’re getting there. You see, the Dolphins had already signed Brian Hartline to a 5 year 30 mil deal last week but if you know anything about last year’s Miami team, you know that Hartline is not a #1 wide receiver. Alright, technically I don’t consider Wallace one either but he does stretch the field and gives young QB Tannehill the downfield threat he was missing in 2012 and makes Hartline a clear WR2 which he should fill the role of quite nicely. In all, much like the Percy Harvin trade I talked about yesterday, I don’t see this affecting Wallace for the better or the worse but I do see it as a boon for the value of Tannehill and Hartline and maybe to a lesser extent even Davone Bess in deeper leagues. Miami hasn’t had this big of a threat since Brandon Marshall…who went to the Bears…for 5 years…and only 44 million…eh, well again I’m no analyst on how that worked out but I can assure you this bodes well for many wearing Dolphins uniforms for fantasy purposes. But of course, Wallace wasn’t the only major roster move yesterday so without further fooferah, let’s see what other signings and releases will have an affect on our world for 2013 fantasy football…
Ryan Fitzpatrick – I can’t make a joke about this because what happened was already funny enough to begin with. Prank callers somehow hooked up Mark Dominik – Buccs GM – with the Bills GM Buddy Nix who proceeded to exlpain they can’t pay that kind of money to a backup QB. That happened Monday. Fitzpatrick was released Tuesday. No word on where he’ll land yet but if he ends up in Arizona, I think I know who placed the call. Don’t worry, Bills fans. I hear Matt Cassel is available.
Darrius Heyward-Bey – Much like many of his fantasy owners in 2012, the Raiders dropped DHB like he dropped passes last year. Depending on where he goes, he could still be fantasy relevant but the main thing to learn from this is I’ll be going Streating in 2013 with Rod Streater.
Anquan Boldin – In news that was already known when Percy Harvin got traded, the Ravens traded the wide receiver that made Flacco look so good during their Super Bowl run to the team they beat in the Super Bowl for a 6th round pick. So here’s what I say ‘well, when you can’t beat them join them’ but I mean the opposite of it. This move is great for the 49ers franchise but has little fantasy relevance, hence why I didn’t tell you yesterday. You think I’d ever cheat you like that?
Martellus Bennett – Yet another TE signing as Bennett joins Cutler’s ‘chuck it to Marshall and pray’ offense with a 4 year deal. I’m looking back at the last time the Bears had a decent receiving TE – Greg Olsen – and I’m gonna say not interested.
Tony Gonzalez – The ageless wonder talked it over with his family – which I assume includes great grandkids at this point – and decided to postpone retirement another year. Who is this guy, Brett Favre? Beware of his twitpics people! Still a top 10 TE but I’d be shocked he comes anywhere near last year’s production in 2013. Just as shocked as I was last year when he did it for that matter.
Jared Cook – The Rams went to Jared! Only instead of a diamond ring they came back with a talented TE signed to a 5 year contract. When you have Locker throwing at your feet over your head into the crowd to you, you’re gonna have a hard time finding success so Bradford is a step in the right direction. Achievement unlocked: Sleeper potential that’s actually valid.
Delanie Walker – Apparently only TEs were available to sign on Tuesday. Walker replaces Cook in Tennessee. That’s all I have to say about that, really. If you don’t understand why, hit CTRL+F on this page and search ‘Jared Cook’. Or just read the blurb above. Might be easier that way.
Chase Daniel – Signed a 3 year contract with the Chiefs. Remember when everyone got excited about Alex Smith getting traded to the Chiefs? Yeah, glad you didn’t ruin all the party favors that night. If Smith doesn’t guide the Chiefs to a .500 record or better by mid to late season, prepare to Chase down Daniel in the FA pool.
