Best Fantasy Football Players in Contract Years for 2023
Fantasy football draft season is just around the corner. As expected, the 2023 NFL season is shaping up to be an exciting one for fantasy football enthusiasts. Especially with a significant number of star players entering contract years. Players in contract years often elevate their performance, aiming to showcase their best abilities to secure lucrative deals in the forthcoming season. It’s tough to find specific data to back up the impact that contract years have on players. However, it’s safe to say that players have a bit of an extra reason for motivation when they’re under their final year of a contract.
Today, I’ll explore the best fantasy football players in contract years for 2023, breaking down their past performances, potential impact, and what their contract situation might mean for your fantasy team’s success. Whether you’re an experienced manager or new to the game, understanding these dynamics can provide you with a valuable edge in your league.
Free agents are per Spotrac. Updated: 8/7/2023
Quarterbacks
At the quarterback position, we have a handful of veterans such as Ryan Tannehill and Kirk Cousins. Cousins is the only one with real fantasy football upside. Obviously, this is largely thanks to star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Otherwise, it’s Baker Mayfield who is going basically undrafted in redraft leagues this year. There’s a chance he ends up being decent thanks to his solid group of wide receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Overall, not a ton to get excited about at the quarterback position.
Running Backs
The running back market has been a hot topic as of late as most running backs are wanting to get paid more. As expected, the top running backs for fantasy football purposes include many of these names. Running backs such as Jonathan Taylor, Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler, and Saquon Barkley are all in contract years. We’ll see how this running back market plays out, but these players all have a bit of extra motivation for the upcoming 2023 season.
Furthermore, we have a handful of young, talented running backs who are looking to really make a name for themselves. Tony Pollard, JK Dobbins, and D’Andre Swift are all backs who are going to want to be paid soon. Needless to say, the 2024 running back free agent group will be absolutely loaded.
Wide Receivers
At the top of the wide receiver list of contract-year players includes Mike Evans and Michael Pittman Jr. Evans is obviously much older, but Pittman has two top-20 fantasy seasons in a row to his name. Now, he gets rookie Anthony Richardson to work with and could have a big season ahead of him.
Calvin Ridley is also a name to keep an eye on as he brings a ton of fantasy football upside to the table as well. From 2020-2021 with the Falcons, he averaged 82.8 receiving yards per game. That was good for fifth in the NFL for all pass-catchers with at least 20 games played. Combine his talent with the Trevor Lawrence breakout, and he’s primed for a big season. Not to mention, he will want to lock up a long-term deal.
Tight Ends
The only real notable name at the tight end position is TJ Hockenson. After getting traded to the Vikings last year, he’s poised to have a very solid 2023 campaign as the TE1 in Minnesota. He’s just 26 years old and has plenty of football ahead of him. I fully expect him to perform well this year and lock up a long-term deal with the franchise.
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