Predicting where players will go during NFL free agency and the draft is a tough business. One decision by a team or a player can lead to a domino effect throughout the rest of the league, like the Giants allowing running back Saquon Barkley to walk before he signed with the Eagles and won a Super Bowl. Early drafts on Underdog Fantasy are one way to get ahead of the market. We’re matching three veterans and three rookies with places they can have immediate statistical success at a value.
QB Aaron Rodgers: Rams
There have been a few whispers of Matthew Stafford potentially leaving the Rams, and the word is that Aaron Rodgers could slide right into Sean McVay’s offense if Stafford is traded (at a cheaper price for LA, too). Los Angeles was interested in getting Rodgers back in 2021 when he was with the Packers, but Green Bay didn’t want to trade him there. If this comes together a few years later, don’t be shocked if Rodgers throws 30+ touchdowns with high efficiency in a better spot with McVay.
QB Jalen Milroe: Raiders
Going at the very end of early fantasy drafts, if at all, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe can be an immediate star in terms of putting up numbers if he lands with the Raiders. The supporting cast would need work, but the starting role is wide open in Vegas. Milroe would transition nicely into the Raiders’ new offense under Chip Kelly, and the rushing upside is astronomical.
RB Nick Chubb: Chargers
The status of Browns running back Nick Chubb is uncertain, as he’s set to become a free agent. Chubb himself wants to remain in Cleveland, but it’s felt like the Browns might want to go in another direction. Jim Harbaugh would probably love to get a player of Chubb’s caliber after watching him face his brother John’s Ravens twice per year. The Chargers want to run the ball, and Los Angeles is the place Chubb can get back to being a workhorse another year removed from his serious 2023 knee injury.
RB Ashton Jeanty: Cowboys
Rico Dowdle performed very well for Dallas last season, rushing for 1,079 yards on 235 attempts. But he’s a free agent, and a huge role could open for the Cowboys—a franchise that’s had success with running backs like Emmitt Smith and Ezekiel Elliott over the years. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is an explosive prospect that can help transform an offense and follow recent rookies with immediate success at the next level.
WR Deebo Samuel: Steelers
Finding a place for Deebo Samuel to put up better numbers than he did during his best stretches with the 49ers probably isn’t going to happen. But he’s almost certainly heading elsewhere, and the Steelers are arguably the best landing spot to continue having a sizable role on offense. Najee Harris could leave during free agency, potentially leading to a pivot for Pittsburgh which includes getting the ball into Deebo’s hands to help set the tone in the AFC North.
TE Tyler Warren: Broncos
Broncos head coach Sean Payton has already discussed needing a “joker” on offense multiple times including earlier this month during Super Bowl week. There are plenty of options who could be available this offseason, but Denver is almost certainly the top landing spot from Tyler Warren’s perspective. The Penn State tight end can be that mismatch in middle of the field, where Payton’s had a ton of success throughout his coaching career.