Teams can name their franchise players from now until March 4th, just two weeks away, and free agency opens up one week after that. That's right, there is no offseason, just enough time between the Super Bowl and the next season for people to go to Disneyworld.
The full list of free agents can be seen at this link. Note that a number of the players currently listed as unrestricted free agents will either be franchised or signed before free agency begins -- Joe Flacco, Jairus Byrd. Those guys are not going to be available to the highest bidder.
But some interesting players will be out there, due to teams with salary cap concerns or inclined to spend their money elsewhere. From a fantasy perspective, here are some of the top ones.
Dustin Keller. Keller is a very capable receiver who in 2011 caught 65 passes for 815 yards and 5 TDs. That was with the Jets; imagine if he signs with a team with a better quarterback and offense. Set aside Keller's injury-plagued 2012 season during New York's train-wreck campaign. In 2013 he could be a viable fantasy starter in the right offense.
Felix Jones. Don't get me wrong, I realize Jones has done nothing but disappoint in Dallas. But he has some ability and could benefit from a change of scenery, especially if he signs on with a good offensive team without a clear starter at running back. There are several of those teams out there, perhaps ones more inclined to emphasize the run than Dallas. Granted Jones will probably get hurt even if he wins a starting job, but....
Kevin Smith. Like Felix Jones, he has some ability, but has been held back by injuries. Still, it always seemed a little odd when Detroit just buried him on the depth chart last season, and imagine if Smith were to find himself in a better offense -- Green Bay, say.
Greg Jennings. Jennings is probably going to be No. 1 receiver somewhere. Miami is often mentioned, but that's strictly because of the coaching connection and obvious need on the part of the Dolphins. What if the Saints showed an interest? Hard to believe Jennings will end up as a better fantasy prospect elsewhere than he was catching passes from Aaron Rodgers, but you never know.
James Casey. The Texans had Casey playing fullback, a sad waste of his pass catching ability and overall athleticism. If a team like the Packers were to cut ties with Jermichael Finley and sign Casey, people would take notice of his receiving talent in a big hurry.
Austin Collie. Brandon Stokley can't go on forever, so maybe the Broncos sign Collie to step into that No. 3 and slot receiver role.
Dwayne Bowe. Reportedly, Kansas City wants to bring him back; also reportedly, teams are worried about his attitude if he signs a big-money deal. Who knows what's true or not, but that latter story might be entirely media-generated, or put out there by some team hoping to keep his contract demands modest. Bowe's a very talented receiver hamstrung by poor quarterbacking throughout his career.
Reggie Bush. Bush exceeded expectations in Miami; he was a legit starter for them the last two seasons. His availability seems to be strictly because Miami likes Lamar Miller, who it spent a high pick on a year ago. Bush could certainly be a viable fantasy starter in a good offense next season.
Wes Welker, Danny Amendola. I'm listing them together because they're similar players; maybe one will sign with the Patriots. Both should be PPR gold no matter where they end up.
Martellus Bennett, Brandon Myers. Bennett was a solid starter for the Giants last year. In some place like Tampa Bay or Washington, he could be a fantasy starter again. The same is true of Myers, who was a surprisingly good pass catcher in Oakland.
Rashard Mendenhall, Mike Wallace. Wallace will go somewhere and be a No. 1 receiver. How about New England, which could say goodbye to Brandon Lloyd? Mendenhall is nothing special, but again, in the right offense he could be an interesting starter for someone.
Fred Davis. Davis carries injury and suspension risks, but he's there with Keller has the best tight ends available. Somebody will give him a contract and a chance to be a top receiver next season.
--Andy Richardson