NFL free agency is one of the biggest shake-ups in the fantasy football landscape, and Day 1 didn’t disappoint. With blockbuster signings, surprising trades, and key roster moves, several players saw their fantasy value skyrocket. Whether it’s a quarterback landing in a better offensive system, a running back stepping into an ideal scheme, or a wide receiver gaining a larger role, these changes will shape the 2025 fantasy football season.
Below, we’ll break down five of the biggest risers after Day 1 of free agency. These players are poised for significant fantasy impacts thanks to new opportunities, improved supporting casts, or a path to an expanded workload. If you’re looking to get ahead of your league-mates, these are names to watch closely heading into the offseason.
Free Agency Risers
Justin Fields
Justin Fields inked a 2-year deal for $40 million with the New York Jets on the opening day of free agency stepping in as the replacement for Aaron Rodgers. We all know Fields has been valuable in fantasy when playing as his points per game averages over the last three years put him at the QB8. During his final three games in Pittsburgh, Fields was breaking out with two 23+ point performances in his last three games. He is also one of three quarterbacks in the league who average over 50 rushing yards per game.
The Jets are also a good fit for Fields with talented players like Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson who are upgrades over what he had in Pittsburgh. Wilson and Fields have chemistry from their time at Ohio State where Fields threw 67 touchdown passes in 22 games. As long as Justin Fields is a starter, he is a viable option in fantasy. His rushing upside and a better supporting cast slot him in as a low-end QB1 making him a perfect pick for people who like to wait on their quarterback.
Dyami Brown
Dyami Brown is coming off the best season of his four-year NFL career, with 30 catches for 308 yards and one touchdown in 16 games. Brown took his game to another level in the playoffs, catching 14 passes for 229 yards and a touchdown in Washington’s three postseason games.
He recently just signed with the Jaguars on a one year $10 million contract after the team lost both Christian Kirk and Evan Engram. During Liam Coen’s time as an offensive coordinator and passing game coordinator he has supported multiple WR3 or higher players in fantasy football. Brown has the potential to emerge as the second option in a rejuvenated Jaguars passing game with Coen.
Najee Harris
Najee Harris has been consistent in Pittsburgh with four straight 1000 yard seasons and has never averaged below 11.5 fantasy points per game. In the last two seasons despite his conistency he has never finished higher than the RB25 due to a lack of explosiveness. Where Harris does excel is on inside zone plays where he finished 8th in explosive run rate and 15 in success rate on these type of plays.
Harris signing with the Chargers on a one year deal is an ideal fit for his fantasy football value in 2025. The Chargers rank in the upper half of the NFL in inside zone runs and will continue to utilize a power run scheme as long as Jim Harbaugh is around which both play into Najee’s strengths. The Chargers also have an imrpoved offensive line over what Najee has had to deal with in Pittsburgh as they ranked 13th in the NFL in run block win rate. If Najee Harris remains the lead-back in LA, he is an RB2 heading into next year.
Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels isn’t a free agent, but his fantasy value soared on Day 1 thanks to Washington’s aggressive moves. The Commanders traded for LT Laremy Tunsil and signed WR Deebo Samuel last week, giving Daniels a two upgrades on the offense. Already a Lamar Jackson-esque dual-threat, Daniels put up 800+ rushing yards as a rookie while throwing for 3,500+ yards and 25 TDs. With improved protection and better weapons, his ceiling skyrockets.
Daniels found himself already in the top three quarterbacks in our early season rankings but now truly has an argument for the QB1 next year with Washington’s upgrades. The Commanders still have $34 million in cap space to make more moves on the offensive line or add another receiver to make this offense even better. Jayden Daniels is in for a monster 2025 season.
Jaylen Warren
Jaylen Warren’s 2024 season was hampered by injuries but the Steelers decided to place a second-round tender on him keeping him off the open market. Warren in his career is averaging only 8.6 fantasy points per game but has seen limited work with Najee Harris being the lead-back his whole career. We know Warren’s strength is as a receiving back but we can’t ignore his career 4.8 yards per carry that is impressive. With the Steelers likely adding a check down quarterback in Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers and Warren taking on a bigger role, his stock has risen to be a high-end RB3 right now in fantasy football.
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