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Weekly Rundown: DJax and CJ2K

chris-johnson-unhappy-titans-signed-shonn-greene-566x377After a one-week hiatus and a trip to the NFL Hall of Fame, I'm back. Free agency is really winding down, but a few stories dominated this week's headlines. Here's the rundown.

 

Mr. DJax Goes to Washington

After several weeks of rumors and speculation about DeSean Jackson, the Eagles unceremoniously parted ways with the veteran receiver. The move set off a firestorm with Jackson seeing interest from numerous suitors. Though, in the end, Washington was the only franchise to pony up to Jackson, giving him a three-year, $24 million contract with $16 million in guaranteed money.

Mike Clay did an excellent job of breaking down what this means for the Eagles and Washington franchise for fantasy purposes.

With Jackson joining Pierre Garcon, Washington now has one of the league’s most formidable wide receiver duos. This topic sparked an interesting debate on our Facebook page as to which duo is the league’s best. Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery was the majority answer, and it’s tough to argue against them, especially in Marc Trestman’s offense.

Still, Jackson and Garcon are squarely within the top 5, and give Jay Gruden a strong one-two punch that should put Robert Griffin III on the comeback trail. His fantasy arrow is pointing up.

 

CJ2K Sent On His Way

In a much more expected move, the Titans released RB Chris Johnson on Friday. This move saves Tennessee $6 million against the cap.

One of only seven running backs to ever top the 2,000 yard mark for a single season, Johnson has drawn the ire of many fantasy owners over the last four seasons. While he sometimes dances a little too much and won’t grind it out between the tackles, it seems as though the criticism is unwarranted.

Over the last five seasons, Johnson has not missed a single game, playing over 800 snaps in four-of-five seasons. That sort of durability is rare at the running back position, but largely goes unnoticed when people discuss Johnson.

He’s also caught at least 35 balls and topped 1,400 total yards and 1,000 rushing yards in each of his six seasons in the league.

Johnson may not be the sub-4.3 burner he once was several Combines ago, but he still has wheels. In the right landing spot, Johnson will certainly remain on the fantasy radar in 2014.

There have been several teams rumored to have interest, but a clear favorite has yet to emerge. At this point, the Jets, Bills, and Falcons top the list with a few dark horse teams like Denver and St. Louis floating around the rumor mill.

 

Quick Slants

Green Bay plans to feature Eddie Lacy in a more balance offense. Can you say “top 5  fantasy running back”? … Buffalo acquired WR Mike Williams from the Bucs for a sixth-round pick. There's a chance the Bills could move on from WR Stevie Johnson. … Baltimore agreed to terms with TE Owen Daniels. The veteran's TE1 days are behind him, but he'll still see his share of snaps in Baltimore's two tight end sets. … Speaking on tight ends, Kyle Rudolph thinks he's the best in the league at the position. While that distinction certainly goes to either a guy named Graham or Gronkowski, Rudolph is poised for a breakout season under new OC Norv Turner. … NaVorro Bowman doesn't expect to see the field until mid-season. The IDP stalwart is recovering from ACL and MCL surgery. He's a candidate for the PUP list. … Champ Bailey signed with the Saints. There's no IDP value here, but the veteran gives the improved New Orleans defense a coach on the field who still has a little gas left in the tank. … Darian Stewart is expected to start for the Ravens. He'll almost certainly be in the free safety role, meaning another vote of confidence for Matt Elam's 2014 IDP stock.

 

Around the Site

If you haven’t been keeping up, we’ve posted over 70 reactions to the key free agency signings. Click here for links to all of our free agency content.

Pat Thorman looks at Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins heading into 2014.

It's never too soon to talk IDP. Charles Ashe does just that with a look at a potential sleeper for 2014.

For those looking to get an early jump on rankings, our redraft rankingsdynasty rankings, and dynasty IDP rankings are all freshly updated.

 

Editor's Note: Be sure to check out our new Mock and Companion Draft Tool! Utilizing our updated player projections, run a quick mock draft and see where this year's crop of free agents are coming off the board in early fantasy football drafts.


Jeff Ratcliffe is the Assistant Managing Editor and resident IDP maven of PFF Fantasy. 

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