Fantasy Football: Best 2023 Contract Year Players To Select
This is probably something we should do more in fantasy football, but it’s always something we overlook. A perfect example is last year with Daniel Jones and Josh Jacobs. Both had their 5th-year options declined and broke out when doubted. With that said, who are the best 2023 contract year players to select in fantasy football drafts?
QB: Kirk Cousins, Ryan Tannehill, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold (Needing extension: Tua Tagovailoa)
Do any of these names tickle your fancy? Is it possible that Kirk Cousins puts up another good season? What’s really changed outside of swapping Adam Thielen for Jordan Addison? Losing Dalvin Cook stinks but Cousins was QB7 in fantasy last year. Why can’t that happen again?
Ryan Tannehill is another interesting name to consider. The man is quite literally battling for his job. I spoke about a number of reasons why Tannehill is on the OnlyFans list this year if you want to check that out.
Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold remain two guys looking to rebuild their value. Maybe one or both grabs the job and helps raise their value.
Tua is also a big name to consider. Yes, he’s under contract next year but it’s that 5th year option. If he wants an extension, next year has to be a pop year.
RB: Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, Saquon Barkley, Austin Ekeler, Cordarrelle Patterson, Gus Edwards, Devin Singletary, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, D’Andre Swift, D’Onta Foreman, Boston Scott, Jonathan Taylor, Damien Harris, Cam Akers, JK Dobbins, Rashaad Penny, AJ Dillon
A lot of names on that list. We already know why that’s the case. Fewer and fewer teams are willing to commit high dollars and long years to running backs. There are some older guys on here that are already ranked high in fantasy so let’s skip analysis on those backs.
I think the way to go here might be targetting players from that 2020 NFL Draft class. Those guys are still young enough to where they should be in their prime and are entering the final year of their rookie contract. That’s probably the place to strike for hidden value.
Of course, the names on that list include Clyde Edwards-Helaire, D’Andre Swift, Jonathan Taylor, Cam Akers, JK Dobbins, and AJ Dillon. CEH is probably donezo and has been taken out by Isiah Pacheco. JK Dobbins is starting to make me nervous with the knee issues.
With all the drama surrounding Jonathan Taylor, it’s hard to project what’s going to happen there. That leaves Cam Akers, D’Andre Swift, and AJ Dillon. Two of the three are on my OnlyFans list for RBs. It’s something to keep in mind.
WR: Mike Evans, Odell Beckham, Corey Davis, Tyler Boyd, Kendrick Bourne, DJ Chark, Mecole Hardman, Marquise Brown, Calvin Ridley, Tee Higgins, Michael Pittman, Chase Claypool, Van Jefferson, Devin Duvernay, Gabe Davis, Darnell Mooney, Donovan Peoples-Jones
A lot of names on this list. A solid mix of vets and guys looking to cash in after their rookie contract. A bunch makes my list for OnlyFans.
Some things that stand to me are as follows:
Could Mike Evans have a surprise season? He’s never really cashed in like other top receivers. He could be motivated to do so this year. Ditto for Calvin Ridley who could rake in Jacksonville.
On the younger side, Tee Higgins, Devin Duvernay, and Gabe Davis deserve an extra look. Davis was really dealing with an ankle injury last year and he’s in the same environment as a year ago. Higgins is going to get paid regardless. The Duvernay deserves an extra look. Are we sure Odell Beckham helps you? Zay Flowers is just a rookie. Duvernay has serious speed and probably deserves more of an opportunity anyway.
TE: Hunter Henry, Tyler Higbee, Dalton Schultz, Gerald Everett, TJ Hockenson, Mike Gesicki, Austin Hooper, Robert Tonyan, Irv Smith Jr., Harrison Bryant
Could TJ Hockenson have a better year than we anticipate? The Vikings gave up a solid haul to go get him. In a contract year after Minnesota just dumped Adam Thielen, maybe Hockenson eats up those targets?
Outside of that, Irv Smith is in a big spot in a prove-it year with the Bengals. Can he finally get over those injury woes?
