2011 player movement tracker

Senior Fantasy Writer

March 7, 2011

There are two kinds of Fantasy Football owners: Those who stay on top of the news all year long, and those who wake up the day of their draft and pretend to have a clue as to who plays on which team.

Clearly, you're the former -- you want to know where the top Fantasy-relevant players are headed. So we've devised this sortable chart that will track the movement of relevant Fantasy players this offseason.

As you might have heard, there is no labor agreement between the NFL's owners and players after the 2010 season. Because of this, there is uncertainty as to how free agency will work under a new agreement.

Last offseason, only free agents who had six or more years of service were unrestricted. Free agents with three-to-five years of service were restricted, and all others were exclusive-rights free agents. Because of the labor uncertainty, we labeled the years of service each restricted free agent has since some of them might not be restricted when a deal is reached.

Some additional free-agent notes:

UFA: Unrestricted Free Agent -- A player who can sign anywhere.*
RFA: Restricted Free Agent -- A player who can sign anywhere but original team can match offer or receive compensation from new team. (Compensation will be added upon announcement of team designations.)
EXFA: Exclusive Rights Free Agent -- A player who can only negotiate with current team.
FRAN: Franchised Player -- A player who is guaranteed a one-year deal from his original team at the average salary of the five highest-paid players at his position. If new team signs player, original team gets two first-round picks from new team as compensation.
TRAN: Transition Player -- A player who is guaranteed a one-year deal from his original team at the average salary of the 10e highest-paid players at his position. Original team receives no compensation if it doesn't match offer from new team.

*- released players also have this designation

Here's our list of players entering a contract year, and here's our list of overvalued players.

NFL Free Agents To Be (sortable)
Pos.	Player	'10 team	Status as of '11 offseason
QB	Brohm, Brian	BUF	RFA-3
QB	Bulger, Marc	BAL	UFA
QB	Clemens, Kellen	NYJ	UFA
QB	Collins, Kerry	TEN	UFA
QB	Dixon, Dennis	PIT	RFA-3
QB	Edwards, Trent	JAC	RFA-4
QB	Favre, Brett	MIN	UFA
QB	Gradkowski, Bruce	OAK	RFA-5
QB	Hasselbeck, Matt	SEA	UFA
QB	Jackson, Tarvaris	MIN	RFA-5
QB	Leftwich, Byron	PIT	UFA
QB	Leinart, Matt	HOU	RFA-5
QB	Manning, Peyton	IND	FRAN
QB	McCown, Luke	JAC	UFA
QB	Moore, Matt	CAR	RFA-4
QB	Pennington, Chad	MIA	UFA
QB	Smith, Alex	SF	UFA
QB	Smith, Troy	SF	RFA-4
QB	Stanton, Drew	DET	RFA-4
QB	Thigpen, Tyler	MIA	RFA-4
QB	Vick, Michael	PHI	RE-SIGNED
QB	Wallace, Seneca	CLE	RE-SIGNED
RB	Addai, Joseph	IND	RFA-5
RB	Bell, Mike	CLE	RFA-5
RB	Benson, Cedric	CIN	UFA
RB	Bradshaw, Ahmad	NYG	RFA-4
RB	Brown, Ronnie	MIA	UFA
RB	Bush, Michael	OAK	RFA-4
RB	Cobbs, Patrick	MIA	RFA-5
RB	Darby, Kenneth	STL	RFA-4
RB	Faulk, Kevin	NE	UFA
RB	Felton, Jerome	DET	RFA-3
RB	Foster, Arian	HOU	EXFA
RB	Green-Ellis, BenJarvus	NE	RFA-3
RB	Hamilton, Lynell	NO	RFA-3
RB	Harrison, Jerome	PHI	RFA-5
RB	Hart, Mike	IND	RFA-3
RB	Hightower, Tim	ARI	RFA-3
RB	Hilliard, Lex	MIA	RFA-3
RB	Jackson, Brandon	GB	RFA-4
RB	Kuhn, John	GB	RFA-3
RB	Maroney, Laurence	DEN	RFA-5
RB	McClain, LeRon	BAL	RFA-4
RB	Moore, Mewelde	PIT	UFA
RB	Morris, Sammy	NE	UFA
RB	Norwood, Jerious	ATL	RFA-5
RB	Portis, Clinton	WAS	UFA
RB	Reece, Marcel	OAK	EXFA
RB	Rhodes, Dominic	IND	UFA
RB	Smith, Kevin	DET	RFA-3
RB	Snelling, Jason	ATL	RFA-4
RB	Sproles, Darren	SD	UFA
RB	Taylor, Fred	NE	UFA
RB	Thomas, Pierre	NO	RE-SIGNED
RB	Tolbert, Mike	SD	RFA-3
RB	Ward, Derrick	HOU	RE-SIGNED
RB	Washington, Leon	SEA	RE-SIGNED
RB	Westbrook, Brian	SF	UFA
RB	Williams, Cadillac	TB	UFA
RB	Williams, DeAngelo	CAR	RFA-5
RB	Williams, Ricky	MIA	UFA
WR	Amendola, Danny	STL	EXFA
WR	Aromashodu, Devin	CHI	RFA-5
WR	Breaston, Steve	ARI	RFA-4
WR	Clayton, Mark	STL	UFA
WR	Doucet, Early	ARI	RFA-3
WR	Edwards, Braylon	NYJ	UFA
WR	Floyd, Malcom	SD	RFA-5
WR	Holmes, Santonio	NYJ	RFA-5
WR	Houshmandzadeh, T.J.	BAL	UFA
WR	Jackson, Vincent	SD	FRAN
WR	Jones, Jacoby	HOU	RFA-4
WR	Jones, James	GB	RFA-4
WR	Moore, Lance	NO	RFA-5
WR	Moss, Randy	TEN	UFA
WR	Moss, Santana	WAS	UFA
WR	Naanee, Legedu	SD	UFA
WR	Owens, Terrell	CIN	UFA
WR	Robinson, Laurent	STL	RFA-4
WR	Rice, Sidney	MIN	RFA-4
WR	Sims-Walker, Mike	JAC	RFA-4
WR	Smith, Steve	NYG	RFA-4
WR	Stallworth, Donte	BAL	UFA
WR	Stuckey, Chansi	CLE	UFA
WR	Weems, Eric	ATL	RFA-3
TE	Boss, Kevin	NYG	RFA-4
TE	Daniels, Owen	HOU	RE-SIGNED
TE	Fells, Daniel	STL	RFA-4
TE	Lewis, Marcedes	JAC	RE-SIGNED
TE	McMichael, Randy	SD	UFA
TE	Miller, Zach	OAK	RFA-4
TE	Scaife, Bo	TEN	UFA
TE	Shockey, Jeremy	NO	TO PANTHERS
TE	Thomas, David	NO	UFA
K	Akers, David	PHI	TRAN
K	Barth, Connor	TB	RFA-3
K	Bryant, Matt	ATL	UFA
K	Crosby, Mason	GB	RFA-4
K	Cundiff, Billy	BAL	RE-SIGNED
K	Dawson, Phil	CLE	FRAN
K	Folk, Nick	NYJ	RFA-4
K	Graham, Shayne	NE	UFA
K	Hartley, Garrett	NO	RE-SIGNED
K	Longwell, Ryan	MIN	UFA
K	Mare, Olindo	SEA	UFA
K	Prater, Matt	DEN	RFA-4
K	Rayner, Dave	DET	RFA-4
K	Reed, Jeff	SF	UFA
K	Suisham, Shaun	PIT	UFA
K	Vinatieri, Adam	IND	UFA
DL	Avril, Cliff	DET	RFA-3
DL	Babin, Jason	TEN	UFA
DL	Coleman, Kenyon	CLE	UFA
DL	Edwards, Ray	MIN	RFA-5
DL	Ellis, Shaun	NYJ	UFA
DL	Johnson, Charles	CAR	RFA-4
DL	Kiwanuka, Mathias	NYG	RFA-5
DL	Ngata, Haloti	BAL	RE-SIGNED
DL	Seymour, Richard	OAK	RE-SIGNED
LB	Anderson, James	CAR	RFA-5
LB	Bradley, Stewart	PHI	RFA-4
LB	Bulluck, Keith	NYG	UFA
LB	Burnett, Kevin	SD	UFA
LB	Carter, Andre	WAS	UFA
LB	Cooper, Stephen	SD	UFA
LB	Davis, Thomas	CAR	UFA
LB	Dumervil, Elvis	DEN	UFA
LB	Greenway, Chad	MIN	FRAN
LB	Hali, Tamba	KC	FRAN
LB	Hawk, A.J.	GB	RE-SIGNED
LB	Harris, David	NYJ	FRAN
LB	Jackson, D'Qwell	CLE	RE-SIGNED
LB	Jones, Dhani	CIN	UFA
LB	Leber, Ben	MIN	UFA
LB	McClain, Jameel	BAL	RFA-3
LB	Morrison, Kirk	JAC	UFA
LB	Peterson, Mike	ATL	UFA
LB	Posluszny, Paul	BUF	RFA-4
LB	Roth, Matt	CLE	UFA
LB	Ruud, Barrett	TB	UFA
LB	Spikes, Takeo	SF	UFA
LB	Session, Clint	IND	RFA-4
LB	Tulloch, Stephen	TEN	RFA-5
LB	Vrabel, Mike	KC	UFA
LB	Wimbley, Kamerion	OAK	RE-SIGNED
LB	Woodley, LaMarr	PIT	RE-SIGNED
DB	Asomugha, Nnamdi	OAK	UFA
DB	Atogwe, Oshiomogho	STL	TO REDSKINS
DB	Babineaux, Jordan	SEA	UFA
DB	Bailey, Champ	DEN	RE-SIGNED
DB	Barber, Ronde	TB	RE-SIGNED
DB	Carr, Chris	BAL	UFA
DB	Cromartie, Antonio	NYJ	RFA-5
DB	Elam, Abram	CLE	RFA-5
DB	Goldson, Dashon	SF	RFA-4
DB	Grimes, Brent	ATL	RFA-4
DB	Harper, Roman	NO	RFA-5
DB	Houston, Chris	DET	RFA-4
DB	Jackson, Tanard	TB	RFA-4
DB	Joseph, Johnathan	CIN	RFA-5
DB	Landry, Dawan	BAL	RFA-5
DB	Manning, Danieal	CHI	RFA-5
DB	Marshall, Richard	DAL	RFA-5
DB	Mikell, Quintin	PHI	RFA-5
DB	Page, Jarrad	NE	RFA-5
DB	Pollard, Bernard	HOU	RFA-5
DB	Sanders, Bob	IND	TO CHARGERS
DB	Taylor, Ike	PIT	UFA
DB	Washington, Fabian	BAL	UFA
DB	Weddle, Eric	SD	RFA-4
DB	Wright, Eric	CLE	RFA-4
DB	Zbikowski, Tom	BAL	RFA-3

Got a free agency question, or a Fantasy question? Stop thinking and start typing -- send it to dmfantasyfootball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: 2011 Player Movement in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state and we'll respond to as many as e-mails we can.

Griffin to be ready by camp?
Robert Griffin III, QB, WAS
11:54 AM

News: Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan suggested Thursday that quarterback Robert Griffin III has a chance to be ready for the start of training camp. "We're hoping," he said. "He's working extremely hard." Shanahan also said he wouldn't be comfortable starting Griffin without some offseason or preseason work. Griffin was spotted by NFL Network dropping back on passes to receivers while wearing a helmet along with a brace on his right knee on Thursday.

Analysis: It would be incredible for RG3 to be ready to go by late July, less than seven months after getting hurt. If the Redskins approach the injury with the long-term picture in mind then they might not rush him back unless they were convinced he was totally healthy. That seems risky, but for now any positive progress is great for prospective Fantasy owners. Here's a gameplan: Draft Griffin with a pick in Round 7 or 8 and pair him with Carson Palmer in the final rounds. Palmer has a great early-season schedule and the Cardinals take on the Panthers in Week 5 when the Redskins are on bye. We'll keep you posted on RG3.

Shanahan: Garcon had surgery
Pierre Garcon, WR, WAS
1:41 PM

News: Mike Shanahan disclosed Thursday that wide receiver Pierre Garcon had chest surgery this offseason, but the Washington Times clarified it as a minor procedure on his labrum, which is in the shoulder . It appears Garcon is not a candidate to miss any serious playing time, however. "I think he's really unbelievable. He's come back so fast ..." Shanahan said of his receiver. "lifting weights he shouldn't be able to lift."

Analysis: Garcon is also still battling a toe injury that capsized much of his first year in D.C. As long as he's healthy for the start of the season he's got plenty of upside to offer Fantasy owners. Garcon finished last year averaging 14.4 yards per catch, the second-highest average in his career, but he had a four-year-low 44 receptions with a three-year-worst four scores. Staying healthy is obviously the most important thing he can do to keep him relevant in Fantasy Football but one recurrence of the toe injury could wipe out several games. If he can stay upright -- and assuming quarterback Robert Griffin III is healthy with his knee -- Garcon can be considered a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver worth a mid-round pick.

Casey has knee surgery
James Casey, TE, PHI
11:42 AM

News: USA Today reports that Eagles tight end James Casey will undergo arthroscopic surgery to clean out loose cartilage his right knee and will be out of action for the rest of the spring. A team spokesman said Casey should be ready to go by the start of training camp. Casey signed a three-year deal with $14.5 million as one of the first additions for the Eagles in a busy opening few days in free agency. The former Texans fullback/tight end is expected to play a key role in coach Chip Kelly's offense.

Analysis: Casey had career-highs with 34 receptions, 330 yards and three touchdowns last year, numbers that could spike with the Eagles because of the expected design of the offense and the up-tempo style that will result in more snaps. Like any player getting used to Kelly's offense, Casey would surely benefit from more reps through the rest of organized team activities and minicamp, so being sidelined for the next month isn't ideal. Still, if all goes as well as planned, Casey should get plenty of time on the field in July and August as long as he's healthy. He's not worth drafting in most leagues, but Casey is someone to monitor as a potential waiver wire addition if he's fine as expected following this procedure.

Manning to CBS: My arm is stronger
Peyton Manning, QB, DEN
11:34 AM

News: In an exclusive Q&A with CBSSports.com NFL Columnist Pete Prisco, Peyton Manning admitted to being nervous about his arm as far back as June 2011 when he had a hard time throwing at all, then again last season when he forced some things in a road game at Atlanta. But a year removed from rehabbing his arm, Manning sounds confident in his skills. "I feel much more comfortable than I was last year. I am stronger than I was last year. I am throwing the ball better now in May of 2013 than I did in May of 2012 -- significantly better," he said. "I got better throughout the season. I am not doing the monthly update reports anymore. I am past that."

Analysis: The Broncos will attempt to move into a more up-tempo approach this season and added Wes Welker to an already stacked receiving corps. Manning should be in for a very good season, perhaps even better than the one he had last year. Manning is a candidate for 300 yards and at least two scores every week. He should be considered an elite passer worth a pick between the middle of Round 2 and the end of Round 3, depending on your league's size and scoring system.

Richardson misses practice
Trent Richardson, RB, CLE
10:57 AM

News: Browns coach Rob Chudzinski comfirmed running back Trent Richardson missed practice Thursday with a lower leg muscle pull. "It's precautionary," Chudzinski said. "We are holding him out. He may miss minicamp in a week and a half. I'm not sure, we'll just take it day-by-day."

Analysis: The Browns can't take chances with their prized running back, particularly since he'll be featured in an offense that will lean heavily on him. Richardson established himself as one of the top young running backs in the league last season with 267 carries for 950 yards with 11 touchdowns and another 51 catches for 367 yards and a score. He should be able to better those stats this season as long as he's healthy. You're taking him with a Top 5 pick.

Welker expects catches to drop
Wes Welker, WR, DEN
10:55 AM

News: The Denver Post reports that new Broncos receiver Wes Welker doesn't expect to reach his average for receptions, which was 112 over the past six seasons with the Patriots. "If I have to catch 112 balls, that probably means we're in trouble," Welker said. "(The catches) are not the goal," Welker said. "The goal is to go out there and help your team win games. However many catches that is, however many blocks that takes, however many routes I've got to run, whatever. I think we all feel the same way about that." The report says that in New England, the Patriots don't feature their outside receivers. In recent years, they have become a tight end-slot attack. Not so the Broncos. For all the questions about Peyton Manning's arm strength last year, he threw enough outside the numbers to help Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker develop into one of the NFL's top receiver tandems. "I mean, we have two really good guys. We can't ignore them," Welker said. "If one guy is catching 112 balls, the defense is focusing in on that guy. We want defenses focusing on everybody and having to worry about everybody. That was one of the main reasons I came here."

Analysis: Now, before you downgrade Welker, keep in mind it's not like the plan calls for him to go from 112 catches to 50. Manning won't forget his friends, but he won't ignore the new guy, either. Welker's Fantasy value definitely takes a hit going from New England to Denver, but he remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver worth a pick in Round 4 or 5 in standard leagues. In PPR formats, look for Welker to be drafted as early as Round 3 since he should still be around 85-plus catches despite the drop-off with the Broncos.

Harvin to get time at running back
Percy Harvin, WR, SEA
10:46 AM

News: The Seattle Times reports that new Seattle receiver Percy Harvin is already making an impact. "His talent level is unbelievable, off the charts," said quarterback Russell Wilson. "He brings an explosive mentality to the game, which a lot of our guys already have. But to have him is truly tremendous. He's a guy that's been one of the best football players in the National Football League for the past several years." Harvin, 24, has averaged 1,800 total yards in four seasons and was on pace for 2,400 yards in 2012 — which would have led the NFL — before an ankle injury ended his season. In those nine games, he had 62 catches — 12 more than any Seahawk — for 677 yards. He also had 96 yards rushing and 574 yards on kickoff returns, including a 105-yard touchdown return. The Seahawks plan to use him similarly. He'll likely line up in the slot as his regular spot, but figures to get used outside, as well, and should see his share of handoffs and kickoff returns. "I'll be moving around — pretty much all around," said Harvin. "There'll be a little bit of running back coming up. But right now, we're just trying to get the foundation set, just running the base plays, and we'll see where it goes from there."

Analysis: We're excited about Harvin in Seattle because he should be able to remain highly involved on offense with better talent around him. Harvin remains a solid No. 1 Fantasy receiver, and he's worth drafting in Round 3 or 4 in the majority of leagues, especially if he continues to see time in the backfield.

Rodgers: Cobb could catch 100 passes
Randall Cobb, WR, GB
10:37 AM

News: ESPN reports that Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has high expectations for third-year receiver Randall Cobb this season. Last year, Cobb made an enormous jump in his second NFL season. With Greg Jennings out with a torn abdominal muscle, Cobb played 733 snaps and caught a team-high 80 passes for 954 yards and added eight touchdowns. Rodgers thinks Cobb can do more. "I think Randall Cobb is a guy who could be a 100-plus catch guy every year," Rodgers said.

Analysis: We don't think Rodgers is far off with Cobb, who could take the next step in his career in his third season. The Packers as a team have high expectations for Cobb, and we like him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option. Plan on drafting Cobb in Round 4 in the majority of leagues, with his value slightly higher in PPR formats.

Williams played 'scared' in '12
Ryan Williams, RB, ARI
10:08 AM

News: Cardinals running back Ryan Williams told the Arizona Republic that he was more concerned about his knee than his play last season, saying he played scared. Williams came back from a torn patella tendon suffered in 2011 and wasn't ready for the physical punishment that comes with playing running back. Per the story, he got nervous when then-quarterback Kevin Kolb would call '39 toss' because it exposed his right side and his injured knee. The lack of confidence left him "pretty much scared all last year to get the ball in my hands." He added hurting his shoulder was a "blessing" because it allowed him time to get his knee feeling good. Now he says he's not scared anymore. "This is the healthiest I've felt in the past two years," Williams said. "It feels good to be able to run like myself, instinctive and not having to think about what I’m doing, just going out and doing it. I've been working real hard, so things are looking good. My stars are aligned this year."

Analysis: In the story coach Bruce Arians noted that Williams has his mobility back and is someone to watch when the pads come on. Williams has to fight for playing time after the Cardinals drafted Stepfan Taylor and Andre Ellington and signed Rashard Mendenhall. For now he's no better than a late-round flier but if he looks good in camp and runs with confidence then we could see him getting a decent amount of work.

Harbaugh: Crabtree will play in '13
Michael Crabtree, WR, SF
8:45 AM

News: 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated that Michael Crabtree's torn right Achilles will not cost him the entire season. With surgery already done, it is believed Crabtree will return within six months. Linebacker Patrick Willis said Crabtree went down after making a "simple, normal cut" after going in motion and before starting his route during 7 on 7 drills. "Crab is one of those tough guys. He can get hit hard, and he'll bounce right back up," Willis told the San Jose Mercury News. "Yesterday he stayed down a little longer than normal. You say a little prayer and hope it wasn't as bad as it looked. Unfortunately it is."

Analysis: Crabtree was expected to post ridiculous numbers in 2013 after becoming Colin Kaepernick's go-to receiver last year and his promise to dedicate himself to being the Niners' top receiver this year. Eventually he should return and contribute to the Niners but the earliest it seems he could be back is Week 12 at Washington. If you draft Crabtree with what would now be a late-round pick, you'd have to dedicate a bench spot to him for most of the regular season with no guarantee you'd get him in your lineup at 100 percent, if at all. We'd rather spend the same late-round pick on Anquan Boldin or maybe even A.J. Jenkins knowing both will see a lot of work in San Francisco with Crabtree sidelined.

More Updates

1	Peyton Manning, DEN, QB
2	Drew Brees, NO, QB
3	Tony Romo, DAL, QB
4	Cam Newton, CAR, QB
5	Tom Brady, NE, QB
6	Aaron Rodgers, GB, QB
7	Robert Griffin III, WAS, QB
8	Russell Wilson, SEA, QB
9	Andrew Luck, IND, QB
10	Michael Vick, PHI, QB
All Rankings

1	Adrian Peterson, MIN, RB
2	C.J. Spiller, BUF, RB
3	Marshawn Lynch, SEA, RB
4	Alfred Morris, WAS, RB
5	Frank Gore, SF, RB
6	Arian Foster, HOU, RB
7	DeMarco Murray, DAL, RB
8	Jamaal Charles, KC, RB
9	Stevan Ridley, NE, RB
10	LeSean McCoy, PHI, RB
All Rankings

1	Calvin Johnson, DET, WR
2	Dez Bryant, DAL, WR
3	Demaryius Thomas, DEN, WR
4	Brandon Marshall, CHI, WR
5	Wes Welker, DEN, WR
6	Eric Decker, DEN, WR
7	Reggie Wayne, IND, WR
8	Steve Smith, CAR, WR
9	Victor Cruz, NYG, WR
10	Marques Colston, NO, WR
All Rankings

1	Rob Gronkowski, NE, TE
2	Antonio Gates, SD, TE
3	Aaron Hernandez, NE, TE
4	Jason Witten, DAL, TE
5	Greg Olsen, CAR, TE
6	Jimmy Graham, NO, TE
7	Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE
8	Dwayne Allen, IND, TE
9	Kyle Rudolph, MIN, TE
10	Delanie Walker, TEN, TE
All Rankings

1	Matt Prater, DEN, K
2	Stephen Gostkowski, NE, K
3	Shaun Suisham, PIT, K
4	Adam Vinatieri, IND, K
5	Blair Walsh, MIN, K
6	Nick Novak, SD, K
7	Garrett Hartley, NO, K
8	Jason Hanson, DET, K
9	Mason Crosby, GB, K
10	Josh Brown, NYG, K
All Rankings

1	Steelers, DST
2	49ers, DST
3	Broncos, DST
4	Chargers, DST
5	Seahawks, DST
6	Bengals, DST
7	Bills, DST
8	Patriots, DST
9	Texans, DST
10	Packers, DST
All Rankings