Much like free-agent strikes can alter the trajectory of a franchise, a participant’s choice on the place he chooses to signal can change the narrative of his profession (in an excellent or dangerous method) and have a huge effect on his potential fantasy affect.
The Huddle will present an intensive breakdown of each significant reported signing (on the 4 main fantasy positions) and element what it means from a fantasy perspective. Please try our recaps on what was a really busy day on March 9 – the primary day that groups had been allowed to barter with free brokers – and a way more mellow day on March 10.
Advertisement
Note: Free brokers can formally signal a contract now (as of 4:00 PM ET on March 11). Deals (together with trades, corresponding to what occurred to Maxx Crosby on March 10) will often crumble, which is why it is very important observe that among the gamers transferring ahead will likely be within the “signed” section whereas others will likely be within the “agreed to terms” bucket.
RUNNING BACKS
Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jaguars (reportedly agreed to phrases on a two-12 months contract price $10 million)
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Washington Commanders working again Chris Rodriguez Jr. (36) rushes the ball in opposition to the Minnesota Vikings through the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
This one may really feel inconsequential, however it’s at all times essential to recollect how important connections are within the NFL. The connection right here is that Rodriguez served as Liam Coen’s workhorse again through the first of his two one-12 months stints because the offensive coordinator on the University of Kentucky in 2021. Does that imply Rodriguez strikes to the entrance of the road in Jacksonville’s backfield following the departure of Travis Etienne? Of course not. For all the development that Rodriguez made in 2025, he’s nonetheless a non-issue within the passing sport, so LeQuint Allen’s position on this offense is protected. Rodriguez can be nowhere close to the explosive athlete that Bhayshul Tuten is, so Tuten’s ascension to the lead position might be protected – as long as the fumbling points he had in school do not rear their ugly head once more in 2026.
Advertisement
What Rodriguez offers is energy, which was missing from this backfield a 12 months in the past. That makes Rodriguez the overwhelming favourite to be the popular possibility on the objective line in Jacksonville. The measurement of the contract suggests Coen most likely has extra in thoughts for Rodriguez, corresponding to serving as Tuten’s clear change-of-tempo again.
Early fantasy prognostication: Barring a shocking quantity of constructive press concerning how Rodriguez appears in camp (or how Coen intends to make use of him above and past what was specified by the earlier paragraph), the ex-Commander will most likely be drafted no sooner than the ultimate few rounds of most drafts. While a lot of Rodriguez’s workload will depend upon how sharp Tuten appears within the preseason, the final expectation needs to be roughly six to eight carries per sport for the previous – together with many of the work in brief-yardage conditions. Since he provides nearly nothing within the passing sport, Rodriguez’s upside is probably going no greater than a pleasant flex possibility even when Tuten misses time attributable to harm. With that mentioned, he ought to emerge because the clear handcuff to Tuten, which is the place most of his fantasy worth ought to lie in 2026.
TIGHT ENDS
Chig Okonkwo, Commanders (reportedly agreed to phrases on a 3-12 months contract price $30 million)
Tennessee Titans tight finish Chig Okonkwo (85) runs in a landing in opposition to the New Orleans Saints through the second quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025.
It is mildly shocking that the 26-12 months-outdated Okonkwo finds a brand new dwelling earlier than the 29-12 months-outdated (and way more completed) David Njoku, though age normally performs a key position through which gamers are scooped up extra rapidly in free company. (Njoku’s price ticket may additionally be too excessive for the group’s tastes.) For now, this signing offers the group with a viable different early within the season as unrestricted free agent Zach Ertz continues his rehab from a torn ACL late final season. Beyond 2026, he seems set to occupy Ertz’s position within the offense. In some methods, he’s a a lot youthful model of Ertz in that he brings little as a blocker however is usually a very good weapon within the quick and intermediate passing sport. Where Okonkwo differs probably the most from Ertz is the quantity of injury he can do after the catch.
Advertisement
New offensive coordinator David Blough has seen comparable tight ends in recent times (he performed with Sam LaPorta in his last 12 months as an NFL participant and was on the Commanders’ teaching workers during the last two years with Ertz round) to have a good suggestion of what he desires on the place as he prepares for his first job as a play-caller. Still, it’s a curious transfer for Washington so as to add a one-trick tight finish contemplating the offensive line remains to be coming collectively. Furthermore, the group has no certain factor at working again and Deebo Samuel seems unlikely to return.
Early fantasy prognostication: The Commanders have a lot work to do on their offense this spring, so it’s tough to determine at this level how impactful Okonkwo could be in 2026. The addition of a participant like Brandon Aiyuk would make Okonkwo not more than the third-most suitable choice within the passing sport. There can be a query in regards to the 30-12 months-outdated Blough’s competence as an NFL play-caller. He is coming into his third season as a coach (his first two had been as Washington’s assistant quarterbacks coach) following a quick NFL enjoying profession. Barring the addition of a receiver like Aiyuk, Okonkwo may conceivably push for low-finish TE1 manufacturing for nonetheless lengthy Ertz is sidelined (and that assumes he re-indicators in some unspecified time in the future), however the a lot safer guess is to view him as a stable TE2 possibility with a good quantity of upside ought to Jayden Daniels keep wholesome and Blough exceed expectations.
Honorable Mention
WR John Metchie, Panthers
Advertisement
TE Foster Moreau, Texans
Notable Players Who Re-signed
QB Daniel Jones, Colts
RB Aaron Jones, Vikings
RB Bam Knight, Cardinals
TE Jake Tonges, 49ers
This article initially appeared on The Huddle: (*3*)