2026 Fantasy Football: Low-Key Free Agency Winners Analysis

Fantasy managers saw a ton of moves go down during the start of the 2026 free agency period. While everyone was enamored with all of the big moves, some players saw their fantasy stock get a boost. Some benefit from players moving on. Other players were not expected to have relevance due to a lack of opportunity. Now that the dust has settled a bit, we can examine the potential for players to have improved fantasy stock heading into the 2026 season.

As always, players’ values can change as we approach training camp and fantasy draft season. So it’s best to keep track of potential fantasy steals you can find as you prepare for your league draft. Just some food for thought.

Five Low-Key Free Agency Winners

Bhayshul Tuten moves up in the depth chart

The Jacksonville Jaguars allowed now-Saints running back Travis Etienne to hit free agency, removing a huge piece from the Jaguars’ backfield. They did move to sign former Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez on a two-year deal. Now the backfield looks to be a two-man front between Tuten and Rodriguez. If Tuten can level up this offseason and prove that he belongs in this backfield, he will have a significant role for the Jaguars. As the league continues to trend towards two RB backfields, Tuten’s pass-catching and big-play abilities can lead him to even better fantasy production than Rodriguez, who profiles as the big back role compared to Tuten.

Kirk Cousins, the Raiders’ Starting QB

Cousins signed with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason, which is quietly a good spot for him this season. There is still a logical concern that Cousins could lose the starting job once the Raiders feel that Fernando Mendoza is ready to go. But Cousins still adds stability to the Raiders’ offense. Last season, after taking over for Michael Penix, Cousins finished the season as a top 15 fantasy quarterback from weeks 12-17. Cousins averaged 14.7 fantasy points per game and helped tight end Kyle Pitts finish as the TE2, averaging 17.1 FPPG. If Cousins can provide that level of relief and consistency, players like Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty will be solid pickups for fantasy managers.

Kyler Murray’s New Beginning With The Vikings

Kyler Murray could be the key to getting the Minnesota Vikings’ offense back on track. Murray has been solid for fantasy wide receivers in the past and would be an improvement over JJ McCarthy. Justin Jefferson saw one of the worst seasons in production despite being drafted as a top-end fantasy receiver. Kevin O’Connell is also a deciding factor in Murray having a “return to greatness” season in 2026. O’Connell was able to get production out of both Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold during their time with the Vikings, so the hope is that the same can be said for Murray. Murray is still a good quarterback and has even better weapons than he had with the Cardinals. Adding his rushing ability to the mix makes Murray a solid, late-round target for fantasy managers at the quarterback position. Murray averaged 15.6 fantasy points per game before being put on the shelf due to injuries last season.

Jayden Reed’s Role Solidifies With Departures

The Green Bay Packers may have spots opening up at the receiver position this season. Romeo Doubs signed with the New England Patriots, and rumors are circulating that Dontayvious Wicks could be a trade target, too. Should Wicks end up being moved, this would allow Reed to reassert himself as one of the top options in the Packers’ passing game with Jordan Love. Reed is looking to bounce back after missing most of the 2025 season due to injuries. With more targets freeing up and less competition for targets, Reed could benefit from Doubs’ departure and see more action on the field.

Mason Taylor’s Locked In With Starter Role

Last season, the Jets’ offense was bad. Like, really bad. Stinks out loud badly. The Jets’ passing offense ranked dead last in the league with just 2,385 passing yards and 15 passing touchdowns. But Mason Taylor may be one of the few bright spots left over from last year. During his rookie campaign, Taylor saw 65 targets and finished with 44 receptions for 367 yards. A small sample size with what the Jets were working with. The positive note is that the Jets didn’t feel the need to add more to the tight end room. Taylor will likely assume the top spot at tight end under new/old Jets quarterback Geno Smith. The opportunity for more work in an offense devoid of viable pass catchers could allow Taylor to be an “under the radar” target for fantasy this season.