Fantasy implications of offseason NFL movement: Wilson to Giants and Diggs to Patriots.

The NFL offseason is always an exciting time for fans, as rumors swirl, trades are made, and teams make moves to improve their rosters. This year, two blockbuster moves have generated massive fantasy football buzz: Russell Wilson’s trade to the New York Giants and Stefon Diggs’ unexpected move to the New England Patriots. Both of these transactions have significant implications for fantasy football, as they change the dynamics of two key offenses. Let’s break down what these moves mean for fantasy football players in 2025 and how they impact the players involved, as well as the fantasy landscape as a whole.

Russell Wilson to the New York Giants: What Does This Mean for Fantasy?

Russell Wilson has had a tumultuous couple of years since leaving his long-standing home with the Seattle Seahawks. After a rocky stint with the Denver Broncos, which culminated in a disappointing 2024 season, Wilson has now been traded to the New York Giants. This move marks a major shift in the Giants’ offense, one that has important implications for both Wilson’s fantasy value and the rest of the players on the team.

1. Russell Wilson’s Fantasy Value in New York

For fantasy managers, Wilson’s move to New York is an intriguing one. Wilson, historically one of the most reliable dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL, has faced criticism in recent years for his performance, particularly in Denver. However, Wilson’s fantasy ceiling has always been tied to his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs. Despite the struggles in Denver, he remains a capable fantasy starter if he can return to form.

In New York, Wilson enters an offense that is built around a strong running game and a quarterback-friendly system. Head coach Brian Daboll, who led the Giants to a playoff appearance in his first season, has established an offense that emphasizes play action, intermediate passing, and using the quarterback’s mobility to extend plays. This is a system that could play well to Wilson’s strengths.

Wilson’s mobility could be key for the Giants, as the offense has been built around a ground-and-pound attack with Saquon Barkley. The Giants’ offensive line, while not elite, is adequate, and Wilson should have room to move in and out of the pocket, creating additional opportunities for fantasy production. Wilson could see a resurgence in both rushing yards and touchdowns, something that he struggled to do in Denver under Nathaniel Hackett’s system.

However, Wilson’s success in New York will largely depend on his ability to return to his old form as a downfield passer. The Giants do not boast a top-tier wide receiving corps, but they have a solid group of pass catchers, including the young and talented wideout, Kadarius Toney, and the veteran Darius Slayton. The addition of a reliable pass-catching tight end would also give Wilson a safety valve, which would enhance his fantasy value.

2. Impact on Saquon Barkley’s Fantasy Value

The Giants’ offense has historically been built around the run game, with Saquon Barkley being the focal point. Barkley had an outstanding season in 2024, and fantasy owners were hoping for more of the same heading into the next season. The arrival of Wilson has the potential to elevate Barkley’s fantasy value further, although it also brings some level of risk.

On one hand, Wilson’s presence could help Barkley by drawing attention away from the running game. With a quarterback capable of creating plays with his legs and throwing deep, opposing defenses will have to respect both the run and pass options. This could lead to fewer defenders in the box and more space for Barkley to operate, especially on play-action passes where Wilson could fake the handoff and launch a deep ball. The potential for explosive plays on the ground, combined with Wilson’s ability to spread out the field, gives Barkley an opportunity to rack up yardage and touchdowns.

However, there is a downside to this pairing. If Wilson returns to form as a more pass-heavy quarterback, it could shift the offensive philosophy away from the run game. While Wilson’s mobility should still open lanes for Barkley, the offensive balance will be something to monitor. Fantasy managers will want to see how Wilson and Barkley mesh in the early games of the season to better understand how the touches will be divided.

3. Impact on New York’s Receiving Corps

The receiving corps in New York has long been a question mark. Outside of a few flashes from Toney, the Giants have struggled to find consistency at the wide receiver position. However, Wilson’s arrival should immediately give the group a boost. Toney, in particular, could see a rise in his fantasy stock. Toney has shown flashes of brilliance but hasn’t been able to put together a full season due to injuries. If Wilson is able to take advantage of Toney’s deep-speed ability, he could emerge as a potential fantasy starter.

Slayton, the veteran receiver, also stands to benefit from Wilson’s arrival, as he’s a deep-threat receiver who could see more targets in the passing game. The deep ball, which has always been Wilson’s strength, could help elevate Slayton into a valuable flex option in fantasy leagues.

However, it’s important to temper expectations. Wilson’s chemistry with his new wide receivers will take time to develop, and if Toney or Slayton don’t step up early, it could hinder Wilson’s overall fantasy production. Tight end Daniel Bellinger is another player worth monitoring, as tight ends have been an integral part of Wilson’s success in previous offenses.

Stefon Diggs to the New England Patriots: Fantasy Fallout

Stefon Diggs has been one of the most consistent wide receivers in fantasy football since joining the Buffalo Bills in 2020. However, in a shocking move this offseason, Diggs has been traded to the New England Patriots, a team that has long struggled to develop a reliable wide receiver corps. This move has significant implications for Diggs’ fantasy value, the fantasy value of other Patriots players, and the league as a whole.

1. Stefon Diggs’ Fantasy Outlook in New England

On one hand, Diggs is one of the most talented wide receivers in the NFL, and his ability to put up big numbers is well documented. Diggs is a dynamic route runner, capable of making explosive plays at all levels of the field. In Buffalo, he had an incredible rapport with quarterback Josh Allen, and his production was among the best in the league.

In New England, Diggs will have a different quarterback in Mac Jones, a promising but unproven young signal caller. Jones has shown flashes of ability but has struggled with consistency. However, Diggs could elevate Jones’ game, similar to how Diggs elevated Allen in Buffalo. The Patriots’ offense, under offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, could provide more structure for Jones to succeed, especially with a clear number-one receiver like Diggs. O’Brien’s system, which is more tailored to a strong passing game, will give Jones more opportunities to utilize Diggs in a way that wasn’t previously possible.

From a fantasy perspective, Diggs’ value takes a hit in New England due to the uncertainty surrounding the offense. While he is still a top-tier talent, his upside may be capped unless Jones takes a major leap in his development. Diggs will likely be a WR2 in terms of fantasy rankings, with the potential to be a WR1 depending on how quickly Jones and Diggs establish a rapport.

2. Impact on Mac Jones’ Fantasy Value

The biggest beneficiary of Diggs’ arrival could be Mac Jones. Jones had a disappointing 2024 season, with the Patriots’ offense struggling to find any rhythm. The addition of a top-tier wide receiver like Diggs will immediately provide Jones with a security blanket, a true No. 1 target to lean on. Jones’ fantasy outlook rises considerably, as Diggs can stretch the field, create separation, and make big plays that weren’t possible with the Patriots’ previous receiving corps.

Jones becomes a potential late-round target in superflex or deep leagues, with the hope that Diggs’ presence will help him take a step forward. However, Jones will still need to prove that he can consistently deliver the ball to Diggs, especially in high-pressure situations. His fantasy value hinges on his ability to improve in year three.

3. Impact on the Rest of the Patriots’ Offense

The arrival of Diggs will likely have a trickle-down effect on the rest of the Patriots’ skill players. Wide receivers like Jakobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne are no longer the focal points of the offense. Meyers, in particular, will lose targets with Diggs taking over as the top option, but he could still serve as a solid WR3 or flex option. Bourne, on the other hand, may see a reduction in fantasy relevance altogether.

The tight ends, Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, could also see a reduction in targets as Diggs commands a larger share of the passing game. However, if Jones struggles to develop chemistry with Diggs early in the season, the tight ends may remain important secondary targets.