Dynasty Twitter Observations: Saquon Barkley and Dalvin Cook on New Teams?

Another week and Aaron Rodgers is STILL in Green Bay. But fret not, several other high-profile players could (or could not) be on the move as teams prepare for the NFL Draft. Below are a few of those players and the tweets that address them.

Giant Problem

The Giants don’t have much of an interest in signing Saquon Barkley to a long-term deal at this point, I’m told. They tried and failed because the sides weren’t close. The $10.1M franchise tag is a good deal for them and they’re content to leave things that way for now.

— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) April 12, 2023

For those who thought Saquon Barkley would be the running back to turn the tide of no long-term contracts for the position, think again – at least for now. The Giants made their choice when it came to who to extend after signing quarterback Daniel Jones to a new deal in the off-season. That left the franchise tag for Barkley, which would net him a $10.1 million salary for one season but nothing more. Barkley, understandably, would like more long-term security and thus the stalemate.

From his perspective, he’s earned a new contract. Since being taken second overall in the 2018 NFL Draft – the highest any running back has been taken since 1995 – he’s played as advertised (when healthy). He totaled over 2,000 yards from scrimmage his rookie season and another 1,400 his sophomore season before tearing his ACL early in his third season. It was a grind to come back from that but he returned to form this last season, with another 1,600 yards and ten touchdowns. It also showed the league that he’s well past the effects of the torn ACL and can be a starter for any team in the league.

Dynasty Impact: Barkley’s dynasty managers would love for him to stay in the place where he’s produced three top-ten fantasy seasons and currently sits as the fifth-ranked running back in our DLF rankings. The Giants would like that too after his price comes down.

But no matter if Barkley stays or goes, his dynasty value should remain unchanged. He’ll either continue his elite fantasy production in New York or he’ll be given a ton of money from another team who will undoubtedly feed him the ball. It wouldn’t even matter whereas any team willing to financially commit to Barkley will be obligated to use him and use him a lot. This is a rare win-win situation so don’t let a little posturing affect your assessment. He’ll be one of the best wherever he goes.

Be Like Mike

#Patriots clearly view Mike Gesicki as an extension of the WR room.

They’re also “taking a closer look at Jordan Addison (USC) and Jonathan Mingo (Ole Miss)” per @Jordan_Reid.

Mac Jones’ arsenal is going to be so much better than 2022. Add Bill O’Brien and Pats could be, dare… https://t.co/oQ5mS9Jp8v pic.twitter.com/pe2cgCZm4a

— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) April 13, 2023

Expectations for Mike Gesicki have been relatively high ever since he was the second tight end taken in the 2018 NFL Draft. Drafted 42nd overall, his career got off to a slow start before he started to meet those expectations, averaging 684 yards in three years to go with 13 touchdowns in that time. So it was a little disappointing for Gesicki managers when the Dolphins’ top two receivers – newly acquired Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle – totaled over 3,000 yards and 15 touchdowns between them. For his part, Gesicki managed just 32 receptions for 362 yards, both of which were his lowest totals since his rookie season.

For Gesicki and his dynasty managers, the move to New England in the off-season is a chance at a fresh start.

Dynasty Impact: As far as the terms of the deal, the Patriots are paying Gesicki $9 million this season which puts him at the top of the Patriots’ roster in terms of cap hit. He will be paired with new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, who was his coach at Penn State. There are also a ton of targets up for grabs with the departure of receivers Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor and tight end Jonnu Smith.

In short, there are a lot of things to like about Gesicki in New England. He’s ranked just 19th in our DLF tight end rankings which seems too low when you consider some players ahead of him might not even be starting next year (looking at your Greg Dulcich). Using the DLF Trade Analyzer, you can acquire Gesicki (in non-TE-premium leagues) for about a third-round rookie pick. That’s a cheap enough price for a rebuilding or playoff dynasty team.

Cooked

Asked if Dalvin Cook will be on the roster this season, Adofo-Mensah didn't say yes. "Conversations are always ongoing with him. We're trying to be solutions-oriented and always try to put the roster together within our constraints." Cook's 2023 cap number is $14.1m.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) April 13, 2023

Between the quote above and the re-signing of running back Alexander Mattison, all signs are pointing to a new team (or a new deal) for Dalvin Cook. The four-time Pro Bowler is still one of the most productive running backs in the NFL, and fantasy leagues, but the cost for Minnesota is becoming prohibitive. They’re already up against the salary cap and will need to make some financial moves to accommodate it.

For Cook, every year he continues to produce is also a year closer to falling off the running back age cliff. 2023 will be his age-28 season and will be coming off over 1,000 carries in the last four seasons. Of course, dynasty managers have been anticipating his drop-off for two seasons now and yet he keeps on chugging.

Dynasty Impact: Despite the drop in value, Cook is still garnering good returns on the dynasty trade market. Using the DLF Trade Finder, there were several deals this month where first-round rookie picks are involved. This seems like fair value for both sides. If your dynasty team is in win-now mode, a late first and then some are fair for an RB1 that could lead your rushing attack this season and possibly the next.

If you’re a rebuilding team and have Cook on your roster, you absolutely should get value now before it’s too late. You may have to wait until closer to the season so we can get clarity on who he will run for in 2023 but wherever it is, he should produce for your dynasty team.