Fantasy: Early analysis of every move from 2nd wave of free agency

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The second day of the NFL's legal tampering window featured a flurry of defensive deals, but there were several offensive moves with important fantasy implications.

Let's take a look at all the notable skill-position signings Tuesday - and what they mean for fantasy owners.

Tom Brady, QB, Buccaneers

Contract: Undisclosed

All reports indicate that barring a last-minute change of heart, Brady will sign on to be the Buccaneers' new starting quarterback, though it still feels like anything could happen before pen is officially put to paper when the new league year begins Wednesday. Maybe that's because of how improbable Brady leaving New England seemed just days ago.

We'll have a much deeper look at the fantasy implications for all the Bucs' stars in the coming days, but for now, know that Tampa gives the future Hall of Famer one of the best chances to succeed in his age-43 season.

Since Rob Gronkowski's retirement, Brady's numbers have suffered as he's had to make the best of a subpar group of pass catchers (not including Julian Edelman). That won't be a problem with one of the most potent arsenals in the NFL at his command, featuring two top-15 wideouts in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, as well as a tight end full of potential in O.J. Howard.

Brady may not be a perfect fit for the aggressive passing attack employed by Bruce Arians' coaching staff, but what the Bucs lose in yards per attempt they'll gain in efficiency and reduced turnovers. Brady should finish as a top-12 fantasy quarterback in 2020, unless his body gives out on him.

Philip Rivers, QB, Colts

Contract: 1 year, $25 million

Rivers' connection to Colts head coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni, dating back to their time in the Chargers organization, led to an obvious marriage in free agency. Jacoby Brissett did an admirable job taking over at quarterback after Andrew Luck's surprise retirement last year, but Rivers brings veteran presence to a team with playoff aspirations.

The 38-year-old has shown signs of decline playing with a weak offensive line in Los Angeles. He was near the bottom of the league in completion percentage on deep balls and around the red zone among starting QBs in 2019, according to Player Profiler. His overconfidence in his aging arm led to 20 interceptions.

In Indy, Rivers will get a chance to prove his doubters wrong behind one of the league's best blocking units, though his skill-position weapons won't match the talent he had on the West Coast. But the Colts offer a solid supporting cast, led by T.Y. Hilton, Parris Campbell, and Jack Doyle, and while Rivers no longer offers top-five upside, better protection will allow him to flirt with fringe QB1 fantasy numbers.

Hilton and Doyle get a slight bump from Rivers' arrival, but keep Campbell's name on your sleepers list for 2020. The sophomore can thrive hauling in the type of short passes Rivers loves to throw and using his run-after-catch ability to turn them upfield for big gains.

Jordan Howard, RB, Dolphins

Contract: 2 years, $10 million

Howard was one of the players highlighted on our recent list of free agents set to surprise with a new club. Though Miami wasn't mentioned as an ideal landing spot, the Dolphins' backfield was left without a worthy ball carrier after Kenyan Drake was traded midway through the season.

At the moment, that puts Howard in position to be the lead back on a team preparing to take a big step forward this year thanks to several big-ticket signings and a slew of upcoming draft picks. Howard isn't an elite ball carrier, so volume is key to his success. He posted top-20 fantasy stats in PPR formats over his first three NFL campaigns as a starter with the Bears, as well as during his injury-shortened half season in Philadelphia in 2019.

However, the fact the Dolphins hold six of the top 70 selections could end up being a problem for Howard's fantasy outlook, if the team decides to add a rookie back. We've seen that approach several times over the last few years with duos like Carlos Hyde-Nick Chubb or Mike Davis-David Montgomery. In each case, the rookie took over for his veteran teammate by midseason.

Howard needed to find a team with ample carries available and the Dolphins fit that description perfectly. If he survives the draft without an early-round running back joining the roster, Howard will have top-20 upside once again. Just exercise caution until the draft plays out.

Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Panthers

Contract: 3 years, $63 million

For Bridgewater to warrant fantasy consideration he needed to sign into the right situation. As a part-time starter in the Saints' system, Bridgewater put up top-12 fantasy production over a five-game stretch while insulated by a New Orleans offense that helped him maximize his skills.

In Carolina, he teams up with one of the leagues best pass-catching backs in Christian McCaffrey, a breakout star in wideout DJ Moore, and a pair of promising youngsters in receiver Curtis Samuel and tight end Ian Thomas.

New Panthers head coach Matt Rhule is an intriguing offensive mind and chose a coordinator in Joe Brady who was an offensive assistant in New Orleans in 2018 - Bridgewater's first year in the Big Easy. The familiarity with Brady's scheme can't be understated during an offseason when OTAs may be limited or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bridgewater's time with the Saints proved he can be a low-end fantasy starter with top pieces around him. Yet compared to Rivers, Bridgewater lacks the high-end ceiling that fantasy owners should be aiming for when they draft a quarterback. Finding borderline top-12 stats at the position is something that can be done in most fantasy leagues by streaming off the waiver wire week-to-week. Depending on his ADP, he's worth a late-round pick to find out if he's the future under center in Carolina - just don't overpay for a limited passer.

Jason Witten, TE, Raiders

Contract: 1 year, $4.5 million

Darren Waller was one of 2019's breakout stars and rookie Foster Moreau flashed more than enough playmaking ability - including five touchdowns - to earn himself the backup role. So why add a soon-to-be 38-year-old Witten to the depth chart?

Perhaps the Raiders are looking for a mentor for their two young tight ends. The 27-year-old Waller dealt with off-field issues before making a comeback last season and Foster is only 22 years old and coming off a knee injury.

It's also possible the Raiders are looking to add a fan-friendly face as they debut in Las Vegas. Witten is certainly that after his career with the Cowboys and his brief run in the Monday Night Football booth.

What isn't possible is Witten being fantasy relevant in 2020. He may take a touchdown or two away from Waller, but Witten's days as a fantasy starter are over.

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