Following non-stop player movement this offseason, these players on new teams are among the big winners from a 2024 fantasy football perspective.
Saquon Barkley, Eagles
While Saquon Barkley had strong showings in Brian Daboll’s offense over the past couple of seasons with the Giants, he objectively landed in a much better spot on a contending Eagles team. Opposing defenses won’t be able to stack the box and have much success with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith on the outside, and a lighter box for Barkley could mean more of his trademark chunk runs leading to yards and touchdowns. Daily NFL lineups next season should have a bunch of winners featuring Barkley on the Birds.
Derrick Henry, Ravens
Running backs might be back in full swing in 2024, with Derrick Henry arguably being among those that should draw heavy Round 1 consideration in drafts this summer now that he’s with a new team. Head coach John Harbaugh and the Ravens love to finish drives physically, and many quickly pointed out King Henry’s 20-touchdown potential with Baltimore after his signing. As is the case with Barkley, less will be on Henry’s shoulders this year while playing with a top quarterback and a championship-hopeful team.
Joe Mixon, Texans
Not only did Joe Mixon, who the Bengals were going to move on from one way or another, land with a Texans team that’s on the rise—but he also received a new contract from Houston and clearly has strong support within the building as the clear starting running back. Also, the recent addition of star receiver Stefon Diggs in Houston improves the offense overall—and Mixon might suddenly be playing for an elite unit once again.
Josh Jacobs, Packers
Las Vegas was already an excellent spot for Josh Jacobs from a fantasy perspective, as he led the NFL in rushing a couple of seasons ago and would have remained a key part of head coach Antonio Pierce’s plans for the team moving forward. However, given that Jacobs did move on, he at least landed in another phenomenal situation as the new bellcow in Matt LaFleur’s attack. Playing on the frozen tundra at Lambeau Field should help Jacobs quickly become one of the most productive late-season runners—and not fun for defenders to attempt to bring down. It’s going to look odd at first seeing Jacobs in a Green Bay uniform, but the on-field fit is exciting.
Marquise Brown, Chiefs
Former Ravens and Cardinals receiver Marquise Brown landed in a great spot with the Chiefs. He’ll stretch the field and hopes to be on the receiving end of deep balls from Patrick Mahomes, but the speedy receiver has also shown the ability to handle solid volume on the outside. And it doesn’t get much better than playing for Andy Reid. The Rashee Rice off-field situation bears monitoring, as Brown’s value could increase even more if Rice were to miss time.
Curtis Samuel, Bills
Following the Diggs trade, the receiving room is wide open in Buffalo—and Curtis Samuel might quickly become a top weapon in the offense. Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady had success with the versatile weapon in Carolina, and the potential for some rushing numbers adds to Samuel’s fantasy value. Certainly, the Bills are going to add more to the receiving group, but Samuel appears poised for a nice role in a Josh Allen-led offense.