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- All Aboard the QB Carousel
The NFL has a QB development problem.
You've likely heard that phrase before and it's certainly not incorrect. There are so many factors at play that it can be hard to pinpoint a single reason as to why a once-promising prospect flames out.
On one hand, GMs want to keep their jobs. They want to ensure their high draft picks see the field and are given as much of an opportunity to succeed as possible. Coaches try to win games with the players and personnel they have available to them. Is there pressure to trot out a highly drafted player even if someone else gives the team a better chance to win?
Probably.
When Young QBs Play Too Early … Or Not
The NFL is also very much a "what have you done for me lately" business. Teams want immediate results and expect it from young players who truly aren't ready to meet those expectations.
As a biased Packers fan, that's what makes the fact that Jordan Love, a first-round round pick, sat for THREE years so impressive. Teams just can't (or won't) do that anymore.
With the new league year set to begin next week, we are likely to see a pair of 28-year-old QBs dropped by their respective franchises—Kyler Murray (already in the process) and Tua Tagovailoa.
In an age where quality QB play means so much, contracts are setting records every offseason, and teams are constantly looking for the next franchise player, it seems almost impossible that a pair of QBs in their prime would simply be let go.
To be sure, both Murray (former No. 1 pick) and Tua (former No. 5 pick) have disappointed relative to expectations. Even so, are both the Cardinals and the Dolphins confident they can find more competent play elsewhere? I suppose once contracts are factored in, it's plausible.
What does this mean for fantasy managers? Well, both QBs are firm "holds" for me. Sometimes a change in scenery is just what a player needs. We've seen recent evidence of reclamation projects turn into fantasy stars. Just ask Sam Darnold.
Could the same happen with Murray, Tua or even Malik Willis? I certainly hope so. The league is way more fun with top-notch QB play.
Whether these impending free agents are locks to start Week 1 next fall or if they have to take their lumps and serve as a backup for a season, I'm not totally out on either of these guys. The NFL will always have a need for talented QBs, and both Murray and Tua fit that description.
What about this incoming rookie class? Does Fernando Mendoza have what it takes to bring the Raiders back to relevance? Will another team reach on Ty Simpson in hopes of snagging the steal of the draft?
Enjoy the relative calm before the new league year begins and make sure to stay tuned in as Fantasy Life will have reactions and analysis for every breaking news story.
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Fantasy
Editors’ Picks
Remember those Fridays during football season when you couldn’t wait until the weekend action started? We miss them, too. With free agency and the NFL Draft right around the corner, it’s the next-best anticipation. Here’s some content to whet your football appetite …
 | Did Jeremiyah Love jump up even higher in our latest mock draft? Matthew Freedman finds a new home for the Notre Dame RB. |
 | Is there a way to compare Jeremiyah Love to Bijan Robinson? Dwain McFarland has it with the updated Rookie Super Model, and he breaks down why it’s been so effective at predicting draft prospect success. |
 | Do the Jets need everything? Pretty close. Ian Hartitz looks for offensive playmakers to fly into New York. |
Fantasy
Kendall’s Top-50 Rankings: Bijan or Gibbs at 1.01?
Get ready for the debate that will dominate fantasy circles throughout the next six months: Who to take at 1.01 between Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs? To say it’s close is an understatement. Gibbs did lose a running mate in David Montgomery. On the other hand, Bijan is also losing a TD vulture in Tyler Allgeier (more on him below). If only the answer could be both.
Kendall Valenzuela takes it to 50 in her latest rankings piece, giving us a decision on Gibbs-Bijan (for now) at the top and then going halfway to the century mark. ⤵️
Fantasy
Super Bowl MVP About To Cash In
Talk about timing with Kenneth Walker. All he did was go out and roll up 417 scrimmage yards and 4 TDs during the most recent postseason and walk away with the Super Bowl 60 MVP. Now he’s walking into NFL free agency and could be relocating from the Pacific Northwest.
Ian Hartitz broke down a loaded free agent running back class, headed by Travis Etienne and K9, that could change some franchises’ fortunes with a few signings. ⤵️
Fantasy
Around The Watercooler
The latest fantasy and NFL gossip, news, memes and more from our merry band of football nerds …
🏈 Who should be the top WR on the latest Big Board, Jordyn Tyson or Carnell Tate?
💪 Pete and cooterdoodle play keep, trade, fade … the RB edition.
👀 Is DJ Moore one of the best WRs to play with Josh Allen? Matthew reacts to the big deal.
➕ Plus, here’s Kendall’s reaction.
🏃🏽♂️ Where should Mike Washington fit with this year’s RB prospects? Running up draft boards.
😴 We can dream on these rookie landing spots. Don’t wake up Saints fans.
🤩 Luther Burden is in some pretty good company. Sign of things to come?
🏡 A TE stays home. Yup, 13 personnel is alive and well.
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