Beware the free agency effect on fantasy football

Every offseason there’s a shuffle of fantasy stars. Some players move to the bottom of the depth chart, but some move off to greener pastures. Here's how free agency could change the value of some fantasy RBs:

Demarco Murray, DAL – There’s no secret Demarco has been the key to many fantasy championships this year, despite his injured showing in title week.  There’s no guarantee Jerry Jones and company will re-up with Murray for the 2015 season, and without the #2 run-blocking O-line in Dallas, Murray could be banged up early. Even if he does return to the Cowboys, injuries will always be a concern, and the price tag might be too high in standard drafts.

Mark Ingram, NO – Ingram probably wont return to the Big Easy next season, and that clouds his value after a top-12 fantasy campaign in 2014. The fear for the former Alabama back is he’ll land as part of a committee, and that would limit his value for fantasy owners next year. There’s also a chance he could land in a much less productive offense, and that pushes him down a couple rounds into RB3 territory.

Branden Oliver, SD – It’s not that Oliver is going anywhere, but 4th year RB Ryan Mathews may be on the move.  The pride of Buffalo University stands to gain the most if Mathews moves on through free agency. He could easily take over as the feature back ahead of Donald Brown. As long as the San Diego offensive line is re-tooled, Oliver could be a steal for fantasy owners in the middle rounds.