The 2021 free agency period is about to start we take a look at the top 5 players best landing spots. The new NFL league year starts on March 17th and with that comes the start of Free Agency. The confirmation that the lowest ceiling for the salary cap will be $180m dollars offered some relief to cash-strapped teams. But it still left several clubs in cap hell. The unique situation caused by the global pandemic could lead to one of the most interesting free agency classes for years. With teams scrambling to get talent in the building and to get under the cap.
As the days close towards the “legal tampering” period some of the top talent will find themselves locked in by the franchise tag. But current signs certainly suggest that a host of intriguing fantasy football options will be on the move come March. Here are five of the top players who may hit the market and the ideal landing spots for each:
The purpose of this article is to look at the best landing spot for fantasy. That is slightly different to the best landing spot for real-life. But we are a fantasy site, so that’s what we cover!
2021 Free Agency Top 5 Landing Spots: WR
Allen Robinson
If there is a fact that cements Robinson’s star power it’s the fact that the 6,000 yards, he’s produced across his career have come catching passes from Blake Bortles, Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles. His ability to produce consistently with, being kind, substandard Quarterback play, has made him on of the most underrated receivers in the league. There are rumors that the Bears may look to franchise Robinson. But realistically, if they do it’s likely it’ll lead to a trade.
There are differing views on what would be best for Robinson. Baltimore is seen as a popular destination and it’s certainly possible that he could help improve Lamar Jackson’s proficiency in the passing game. After years of trying to elevate Quarterbacks the ideal scenario for ARob though is probably to land somewhere with a passer who can elevate him. A return to Jacksonville to pair with Trevor Lawrence looks like a very attractive option. But if Green Bay can find a deal to pair him with Aaron Rodgers. Robinson would have genuine WR1 potential.
Ideal landing spot(s): Packers, Jaguars
Chris Godwin
At the Bucs Superbowl parade, Head Coach Bruce Arians made a promise that Godwin “wasn’t going anywhere”. But, despite that bravado, the Champions have a steep climb to keep the 4th year man out of Penn State. The team needs to resign Shaq Barrett and Lavonte David, as well as find an answer at defensive tackle with veteran Ndamukong Suh out of contract. Tom Brady is also likely to push to retain Antonio Brown. An extension needs to be reached with Left Tackle Donovan Smith.
All of that will quickly eat up the small amount of cap room available. As of right now, it’s probably 50/50 over whether Godwin will return. If the 25-year-old manages to wrestle free, then he looks like the ideal solution to Baltimore’s receiving woes. He fits the Ravens personality and plays in a way that will be a huge help in terms of supporting Lamar Jackson and in freeing up speedster Marquise Brown.
Ideal landing spot(s): Ravens
Kenny Golladay
Few teams in the NFL are in worse shape than the Detroit Lions. The Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia-inspired hollowing out of the roster has left a poor squad that is $8m over the cap. As well as very few easy moves to open cap space. That’s going to make it tough to retain many, if any, of their free agents. So that should mean Kenny Golladay is on the move, either as a free agent or in a tag and trade scenario.
If Golladay leaves Detroit, he would have no shortage of suitors but one that particularly stands out is Indianapolis. The addition of Carson Wentz gives the Colts the opportunity to revive the career of the former Eagles QB. But the key in doing that will be putting the right weapons beside him. Nobody would fit the bill better than Golladay. Wentz likes receivers with a big catch radius, and particularly flourished in the early days with Alshon Jeffery and also found success with bigger tight ends. Golladay is an outstanding contested-catch receiver. Golladay has a 58% contested catch win rate over the past 3 seasons. Putting him amongst the very best receivers in that area – if the Colts can attract him to Indy he’ll be a huge help in getting Wentz back on track.
Ideal Landing Spot(s): Colts
2021 Free Agency Top 5 Landing Spots: RB
Aaron Jones
It’s easy to forget that as recently as 2018 many dynasty owners and Fantasy Football observers were on the verge of quitting on Aaron Jones. Mike McCarthy’s pig-headed refusal to feature his explosive running back was enormously frustrating. That led to many owners just giving up on the former UTEP man. Those who stayed the course have been handsomely rewarded since McCarthy was run out of town. Back to back seasons with nearly 1,500 yards and 30 touchdowns across those years have made him a top-end fantasy asset and a star in the NFL. The question now is just how much the Packers share that outlook.
To keep Jones they will have to pay him and that will mean significant moves to create the cap space. It certainly would be no surprise if the Packers simply decide to let him walk. If they do there will be a lot of interest. Teams like the Jets and Dolphins will undoubtedly have interest. But there is one landing spot would catapult Jones into the fantasy stratosphere- San Fransisco. The 49ers have the cap space and the opportunity that would be perfect for Jones. It will require a move away from the cheap, committee-based approach they’ve favored during the Shanahan years- but Jones may simply be too good to ignore.
Ideal Landing Spot: 49ers
2021 Free Agency Top 5 Landing Spots: TE
Hunter Henry
The free agent market for Tight Ends doesn’t look too exciting this spring and that bodes extremely well for Hunter Henry of the LA Chargers. Henry’s career has been blighted by injuries but when he’s been on the field he’s been productive. He’s a great red zone weapon and an outstanding receiving tight end. With almost nobody else in the market Henry will attract a lot of attention but his best move might well be to stay put in LA. With Justin Herbert’s arrival the Chargers could be set for a dramatic step forward next season and Henry could well develop into a long-term target for Herbert.
Ideal Landing Spot: Chargers
But what do you think about these landing spots? Let us know, you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We are going to be providing you with dynasty content all offseason.
Image Credit: Mike DiNovo – USA TODAY Sports