Fantasy: Ideal landing spots for top QB, RB free agents

What makes free agency so exciting? It's the promise of greatness that lies in every player hitting the open market.

A new team generates hope that a star player can be the missing piece vaulting it into Super Bowl contention, that a backup can finally get the volume they deserve, or that a third-stringer can find a coaching staff capable of maximizing their talents.

Oftentimes, the grass can quite literally be greener thanks to a new contract, and while we know that not every free-agent journey ends in triumph, anything is possible a week before the new league year kicks off.

So with that inspiration, this article isn't setting out to predict where free agents will sign, but instead where they would ideally end up if fantasy value was the most important factor in their decision.

Ideal landing spots

• QB/RB
• WR/TE

Quarterbacks

Nick Foles - Jaguars

We're starting off with a move that actually appears to be on the verge of materializing. The Jaguars boast an underrated young receiver corps and a strong offensive line that was plagued by injuries a year ago. Foles can be the leader this team desperately needs while getting a chance to be a full-time starter with QB2 upside.

Tyrod Taylor - Redskins

With Alex Smith's career in doubt due to injury, Taylor offers short-term relief as a risk-averse dual-threat quarterback. The 29-year-old has a history of top-10 fantasy QB performances dating back to his time in Buffalo, and though his passing stats aren't likely to win you many weeks, his rushing ability could still make him a streamable fantasy option behind Washington's solid offensive line. Remember, Josh Johnson was the QB13 for a three-game stretch during the fantasy playoffs last season.

Teddy Bridgewater - Saints

It's sad to say, but Bridgewater's path to fantasy success in 2019 would involve re-signing in New Orleans followed by Drew Brees getting hurt at some point in the year. Since returning from injury, Bridgewater has yet to show he can lead an offense. With the Saints, he'd have the benefit of familiarity with the offense and one of the best supporting casts in football, including an offensive line that could give him time as he settles in.

Other options

Ryan Fitzpatrick's magic routine only lasts a few games at best, regardless of the jersey he's wearing. A backup job in a loaded offense like the Giants' or Panthers' would give him a chance to be in the streamer conversation if Eli Manning or Cam Newton were to miss time. ... Josh Johnson's fantasy relevance at the end of the year was largely due to the element of surprise. Don't bank on him getting an opportunity to start anytime soon, though a QB-desperate club like the Dolphins could give him an opportunity.

Running backs

Le'Veon Bell - Chiefs

Bell will be linked to a variety of running back-needy teams, and few offer a combination of a high-powered offense and available cap space. The latter would normally rule out the Chiefs, but if we're to believe this video featuring Bell and Chris Jones, it's a possibility. Any concerns about Bell after his year-long holdout would immediately be forgotten in a Kansas City offense that scores at will.

Tevin Coleman - Eagles

The Eagles struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack after Jay Ajayi went on injured reserve. With Ajayi hitting free agency, Coleman would step in as a dynamic lead back behind one of the game's best offensive lines. Josh Adams would be the perfect complement to Coleman, as someone who can bring power while not threatening his spot atop the depth chart.

Mark Ingram - Ravens

Ingram would provide the Ravens with a more versatile north-south runner than current starter Gus Edwards, who saw just two targets in 2018. As a member of the Saints, Ingram had three straight seasons with at least 46 receptions. If the 29-year-old is looking to escape the tandem backfield in favor of a full workload, the run-only Lamar Jackson offense is the place to find the volume that could make him a top-15 fantasy back once again.

T.J. Yeldon - Saints

If Ingram departs the New Orleans' offense, Yeldon would be an excellent replacement as Alvin Kamara's new wingman. Yeldon could actually end up being the overlooked back in this year's free-agent crop, despite performing well as a temporary starter every time Leonard Fournette was sidelined due to injury. With the Saints, Yeldon could match Ingram's production as a top-25 fantasy back, while having league-winning potential if Kamara went down.

Latavius Murray - Jets

Murray is apparently in the hunt for a starting job, though he may have to wait till the free-agency music stops before he finds an open chair. If the Jets swing and miss on bigger names like Bell and Coleman, an unhappy marriage with Murray could turn him into a zero-RB darling fueled by volume.

Adrian Peterson - Raiders

If Marshawn Lynch doesn't return to the Raiders then he won't be returning at all. Assuming Lynch calls it a career, Peterson would be wise to take over his job under a head coach in Jon Gruden who loves older players. The Raiders' offensive line remains a strength and rumors are swirling that the team is trying to add a big-name talent on offense like Antonio Brown or Kyler Murray. Peterson's age makes him a risky asset, but RB2 fantasy numbers are still within reach.

Other options

Jay Ajayi has to overcome a torn ACL suffered midway through the season, so don't be surprised if he's this year's C.J. Anderson as a late-season signing on a contender. ... Speaking of Anderson, another go-around with the Rams would be optimal especially with the recent news of Todd Gurley's ongoing knee issues. ... Spencer Ware was blessed by playing in the Chiefs' offense and his best chance at success would involve a return to Arrowhead mixed with a Damien Williams injury - unless of course, Bell shocks the world and signs in Kansas City on a team-friendly deal.

Ideal landing spots

• QB/RB
• WR/TE