NFL Free Agency: Day 1 Fantasy Impact
The NFL free agency tampering period kicked off on March 10, 2025, and Day 1 delivered a flurry of moves that promise to reshape fantasy football rosters for the 2025 season. While contracts can’t be finalized until March 12, teams and players wasted no time agreeing to terms, impacting quarterback, running back, and wide receiver values. FullTime Fantasy‘s NFL Free Agency: Day 1 Fantasy Impact breaks it down.
Here’s a fantasy-focused breakdown of the biggest storylines. Also, bookmark our 2025 Free Agency Tracker.
1. Sam Darnold Lands with the Seahawks
Sam Darnold, fresh off a 2024 breakout with the Vikings (4,319 yards, 35 TDs), reportedly agreed to a multi-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks, potentially exceeding $100 million (per FTN Fantasy projections). Darnold is younger than Geno Smith and now takes over in Seattle’s re-boot.
Fantasy Impact: Darnold’s arrival in Seattle turbocharges the passing game. With Jaxon Smith-Njigba ascending, Darnold could maintain QB1 status. Smith-Njigba emerged as a viable WR1/2 down the stretch and now will be peppered with targets. Look for JSN to be a popular pick in Round 2 or 3. Kenneth Walker III might see fewer carries in a pass-leaning offense, settling as an RB2.
2. Laremy Tunsil Traded to the Commanders
The Houston Texans traded LT Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders for draft picks, bolstering protection for QB Jayden Daniels (reported by The Athletic). This move boosts Daniels’s protection, assuring his emergence into the top tier of fantasy signal-callers.
Fantasy Impact: Daniels, the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year, gets a massive upgrade with Tunsil anchoring his line. Improved pocket time could push Daniels into top-10 QB territory, enhancing his passing and rushing upside. Terry McLaurin re-enters WR1 discussions, and Jahan Dotson’s value ticks up as a flex option.
3. Najee Harris Joins the Chargers
Najee Harris, after four straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Steelers, reportedly agreed to a one-year, $9.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers (per The Athletic and ESPN). Harris has been consistent and durable, making him a terrific fit in John Harbaugh’s run-heavy offense.
Fantasy Impact: Harris slots into Jim Harbaugh’s run-first scheme, replacing J.K. Dobbins (still a free agent). Paired with Justin Herbert, Harris could see increased receiving work, elevating him to RB1 status in PPR leagues. Herbert benefits with a dependable check-down option, while Ladd McConkey holds steady as a WR2. This also impacts the Steelers backfield where Jaylen Warren becomes the defacto RB1 until they’re able to address this with free agency or the draft.
4. Davante Adams Signs with the Rams
Davante Adams, after a 2024 split between the Raiders and Jets, reportedly agreed to a two-year, $26 million guaranteed deal with the Los Angeles Rams (per NBC Sports). The Rams chose to sign the older veteran and will part ways with Cooper Kupp.
Fantasy Impact: Adams joining Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and RB Kyren Williams creates a fantasy feast. Adams could reclaim WR1/2 status, Nacua settles in the same area, and Stafford leaps into QB1 contention.
5. DK Metcalf Traded to Pittsburgh
It didn’t take long for the Seahawks to find suitors for DK Metcalf. Seattle shipped the star wideout to Pittsburgh for a second-round pick and swap of late-rounders. Subsequently, the Steelers then signed Metcalf to a five-year $150 million extension.
Fantasy Impact: Hard to gauge right now, since the Steelers don’t have a starting quarterback. However, with Mike Tomlin still running the show and George Pickens also there to absorb targets, it seems like a lateral move or downgrade for Metcalf’s 2025 fantasy prospects.
6. Chris Godwin Re-Signs with Tampa Bay
Chris Godwin, recovering from a 2024 ankle injury, has signed a multi-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (per user update). Godwin was a top-10 fantasy wideout before last season’s unfortunate injury. Therefore, it is great to see him re-sign in Tampa and have a chance to pick up where he left off. And this time making a lot more money.
Fantasy Impact: Godwin’s return to Tampa locks him in as Baker Mayfield’s top target, assuming Mayfield stays. Post-injury, he’s a high-end WR2 with WR1 upside in PPR formats. Mike Evans, if re-signed, remains a TD-dependent WR2.
7. Aaron Jones Re-Signs with Vikings
This was another best-case scenario move. Jones had the most carries of his career last season in Minnesota and stayed healthy for all 17 games. Meanwhile, the Vikings depth chart was topped by Ty Chandler until Jones agreed to return.
Fantasy Impact: Kevin O’Connell proved he values Jones. With J.J. McCarthy taking over at quarterback, it was essential to have Jones back. The veteran running back will be a strong RB2 candidate for fantasy managers to target in the middle rounds.
8. Justin Fields Joins the Jets
There was speculation that Fields would not attract starting offers. However, the Jets signed Fields to a two-year, $20 million deal that says otherwise. New York has a good ground game that will only be boosted by Fields’s elite running ability.
Fantasy Impact: It’s still to be determined if the Jets will be in the QB market with their first-round pick. This move likely means they will go in a different direction. Fields has limited upside as a passer but is one of the top rushers in the league, giving him solid QB2 potential. He also reunites with college teammate Garrett Wilson and currently he’s the only show in town for the Jets. Both the WR and TE room is incredibly thin after losing Adams, Lazard, Conklin and even Mike Williams (last season).
Day 1 Winners
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Jayden Daniels (QB, Commanders): Elite protection amplifies his dual-threat potential.
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Sam Darnold (QB, Seahawks): Prime weapons keep him in the QB1 mix.
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Chris Godwin (WR, Buccaneers): Stability in Tampa restores his WR2 floor with WR1 upside.
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Najee Harris (RB, Chargers): A fresh start maximizes his volume and PPR value.
- Javonte Williams (RB, Dallas): Nice value, but the Cowboys are still expected to draft a rookie.
Day 1 Losers
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George Pickens (WR, Steelers): The Metcalf trade slashes his targets.
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Kenneth Walker III (RB, Seahawks): Darnold’s arrival might shift focus to the pass.
- C.J. Stroud (QB, Texans): Lost his only good blocker on a line that allowed third-most sacks in 2025.
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