In the turbulent waters of NFL free agency, standout signings can make or break teams. This past offseason highlighted several impactful acquisitions that transformed franchises. The Green Bay Packers struck gold with Josh Jacobs, who, after a rocky stint with the Raiders, rushed for 1,329 yards and played a pivotal role in playoff contention.

The Minnesota Vikings found value in Andrew Van Ginkel, who excelled with career-highs in multiple categories, while the Philadelphia Eagles made a savvy move by signing Zack Baun, who quickly became a defensive stalwart and earned All-Pro honors.

Derrick Henry, signed by the Baltimore Ravens, proved the running back position still holds value, leading to an AFC North title, while Saquon Barkley’s move to the Eagles not only brought him individual accolades but also helped propel the team to championship contention.

Davante Adams' tenure with the New York Jets is nearing its end after just 11 games, with reports suggesting he may be released or traded. The Jets are reportedly fielding trade calls for the three-time All-Pro wide receiver, but a release seems more likely due to his significant cap hits of $38.3 million in both 2025 and 2026. Releasing him would incur an $8.36 million dead cap hit in 2025, but save the team nearly $30 million.

Adams, who was traded from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Jets before the trade deadline, caught 85 passes for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns across both teams last season, marking his fifth consecutive year with over 1,000 receiving yards. With a potential release on the horizon, several teams could benefit from acquiring a receiver of his caliber, including the Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Commanders, all of whom have expressed interest in bolstering their receiving corps.

In the dynamic world of fantasy football, knowing when to sell a player can greatly impact your team's success. There are notable players who, despite their recent successes, carry red flags that could suggest declining futures. For instance, Kyren Williams of the Los Angeles Rams, although a workhorse, faces potential threats from quarterback Matthew Stafford's age and injury history, along with a decline in his rushing average. Similarly, Josh Jacobs of the Green Bay Packers enjoyed a strong 2024 season but is nearing an age cliff, combined with the Packers' historical committee approach at running back, suggesting it's wise to consider trading him now.

Young talents such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba might also be on the block; with Seattle's offense transitioning, his value may not reach its current peak again. Puka Nacua's case raises similar concerns; despite his elite performance, the uncertainty of the Rams' quarterback situation could hinder his future production. Even Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints faces competition from emerging talents. Selling these players at their peak value could yield significant returns while considering the risks of their respective situations.

The running back position in the NFL is experiencing a revival after a challenging offseason. Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles and Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens have both had remarkable seasons. Barkley, with a three-year, $37.75 million contract, rushed for over 2,000 yards and earned the 2024 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award while leading his team to the Super Bowl. Henry, on a two-year, $16 million deal, also impressed with 1,921 yards, a record for players aged 30 and above. Other notable performances include Josh Jacobs of the Green Bay Packers, who rushed for 1,329 yards, and Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions, who led the league with 20 scrimmage touchdowns. As the salary cap is projected to increase, the coming offseason could see running backs securing more lucrative contracts.

The Las Vegas Raiders, once led by Josh Jacobs, are now facing a dire rushing crisis. After finishing the previous season with a disappointing rushing record, they have sunk to the bottom of the league this year. Blame has been placed on their current running backs like Zamir White, Alexander Mattison, and Ameer Abdullah, yet the root of the problem precedes their arrival. The Raiders' failure to establish a formidable ground game has hindered their quarterbacks' effectiveness, echoing issues seen in their quarterback carousel over the past seasons.

Looking ahead, the Raiders must take a hard look at their draft strategy. Holding the sixth overall pick, they face a critical decision between selecting a quarterback from a weak class or a potential game-changing running back. Given their history and current standing, the latter may be the wiser choice. Strengthening their rushing attack could alleviate pressure from their quarterbacks and improve overall offensive productivity.