FantasyPros - Players Most at Risk of Losing Jobs After Free Agency (Ep. 1958)

Joey P here. The 2025–2026 NFL season is wrapped, free agency is coming fast, and it’s about to shake up not just where players land but the value of guys already in place. We’re zeroing in on young talent and key position groups that could swing hard once the market opens.

Jake, what’s the free agency read on JJ McCarthy after Minnesota’s rocky year and a front office reset?

They could already be out on him. The GM tied to that pick is gone, the patience is thin, and one veteran move—via free agency or trade—could push McCarthy to the sideline and restore Justin Jefferson’s outlook.

Does Sam Darnold winning a ring elsewhere crank up the pressure to move on from McCarthy?

Fans feel that, but the bigger issue is McCarthy showed no second‑year growth after the injury. He forced throws, the offense sagged, and even heavy targets to Jefferson didn’t translate.

Andrew, Woody Marks looked productive in Houston. Is that safe?

Not really. He lived on volume, ranked near the bottom in efficiency, wasn’t the receiving asset we expected, and kept getting nicked up; I expect Houston to add a back and possibly chase a big splash like Breece Hall, which would crush Marks’ value.

Jake, Washington’s backfield—how fragile is George Kroski Merit’s role?

Very. With cap room and a new play‑caller influenced by O’Connell and Ben Johnson, this screams committee; even if Merit leads, it’s probably around half the work.

Alvin Kamara has carried the Saints for years. What changes if they retool?

They’re deep in the red and Kellen Moore’s offense didn’t funnel passes to backs; Kamara hit career lows and could be reshaped into a part‑time role alongside a Moore‑friendly add like Rico Dowdle while younger runners rotate in.

A cut isn’t a slam dunk because of the contract math, but even if he stays on a restructure, the role can still shrink.

And if he’s released, there’s a real chance he just sits rather than chase a bad fit.

Buffalo’s receivers need a true headliner. What’s the ripple if they land one?

It lifts everyone. A real WR1—think a veteran like Mike Evans—would slot Khalil Shakir into a cleaner role and help Josh Allen rebound toward elite passing numbers instead of asking him to carry replacement‑level targets.

New England was scrappy, but light on star power. How does that room change?

They should pursue a top receiver for Drake May and explore younger upgrades even if it means moving on from pricier vets; a trade for someone like A.J. Brown would bump everyone else down to better‑suited roles.

Darnell Mooney in Atlanta—new staff, new scheme. Is he safe?

No. More two‑tight‑end looks and no ties to Mooney mean they could chase a different field‑stretcher and leave him battling for the WR2 job in a low‑volume setup.

Calvin Ridley in Tennessee—buy, sell, or hold?

Sell. He’s older, coming off a major injury, showed shaky chemistry with Cam Ward, and the Titans can save real money cutting him; unless a friendly coach connection rescues him, he could drift into prove‑it deals.

That whole room could be rebuilt, and any slot‑first add would siphon the gadget and volume work too.

Theo Johnson’s a fun talent for the Giants. What happens if the new regime imports a proven move tight end?

If a pass‑catcher like Isaiah Likely arrives, Johnson’s role collapses; he’s a mismatch on paper but the drops are a concern, and New York can clear cap fast to make a splash.

Jake Ferguson closed hot last year. Is he locked in as a fantasy starter?

Only if Dallas lacks a second alpha next to CeeDee Lamb; with another top receiver in the fold, Ferguson slides to touchdown‑dependent TE2 territory with a low weekly ceiling.

Lightning round. Jake, James Conner after free agency?

Depth piece. If the room gets younger and healthier, he’s more committee than centerpiece.

Andrew, Aaron Jones?

Huge cap hit at his age and health track makes a cut likely; landing elsewhere rarely spikes value right away.

Michael Penix with a new coach—concerned?

His arm keeps him viable for us, but the scheme tweak matters more for his receivers than for Penix himself.

They still need a steady veteran behind him; if he starts slow off injury, a quick hook to a familiar stopgap is on the table.

If free agency kicked off tomorrow, who are you most out on?

Woody Marks. The market and the metrics both point down.

Kroski Merit. The split feels inevitable.

And most excited about?

Kenneth Walker if he escapes Seattle for a true bell‑cow role; the right team could unleash the playoff version we just saw.

Breece Hall on almost any team but the Jets; put him in a functional red zone offense and he’s a league‑winner.

Great stuff. Stick with us all week for more free agency talk, hit the Dynasty channel, drop your comments for a shot at the Trophy Smack belt, and we’ll see you next time, kids.