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Fantasy Football Biggest Winners After NFL Free Agency 2026
Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Fantasy football is significantly affected by the NFL’s free agency. Whether it’s the player switching teams or the team adding pieces to benefit the player. These are the fantasy football winners after free agency.

Ashton Jeanty

Ashton Jeanty is in a much better situation when compared to his rookie season. The Las Vegas Raiders made significant improvements on offense, particularly on the offensive line. These improvements, combined with a new look coaching staff, should make Jeanty the fantasy star everyone expected.

Alec Pierce


Dec 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) leaves the field after losing a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Alec Pierce got PAID in free agency, solidifying himself as the Indianapolis Colts WR1. Daniel Jones will be back, leaving Pierce with improved QB play in this increased role. In another move that opened up targets for Pierce, Michael Pittman Jr was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He should be a fantasy star in 2026.

Kenneth Walker II


Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) carries the ball against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Kenneth Walker will be in a new environment in 2026, as the reigning Super Bowl MVP signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. He will finally have an opportunity to be the clear RB1, with no competition for snaps. Walker should be drafted as high as round one in fantasy drafts.

Michael Wilson


Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) runs during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

The Arizona Cardinals seem to be heading into 2026 with Jacoby Brissett as their starting QB. If the end of last season means anything, Michael Wilson could end up being an awesome fantasy piece. He had some of the best performances from a receiver all year with Brissett throwing him the ball.

Brock Purdy


Jan 17, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws downfield against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Brock Purdy is the quarterback who gained the most value after free agency, as the San Francisco 49ers added Mike Evans. This gives Purdy a true red zone threat, increasing his potential touchdown volume. This, added to the fact that Evans is a very reliable receiver in general, should boost Purdy into the next tier of quarterbacks in fantasy.

Quinshon Judkins


Nov 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (10) on the field after the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Quinshon Judkins, similar to Jeanty, is a second-year RB setup with an improved offensive line. The Cleveland Browns added multiple interior linemen in free agency and have two first-round picks at their disposal to improve the line even more. Judkins could have a huge sophomore season in Cleveland.

End Of My Fantasy Rant

The fantasy football season is still a ways away, but it’s never too early to start looking at some players who could be league winners. These guys benefited greatly from the moves their teams made in free agency.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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