Matt Bowen's eight favorite offseason moves for fantasy football

Back in March, ahead of NFL free agency 2023, I graded and ranked our top 100 available players. We saw plenty of player movement, including trades, at the offensive skill positions that will have a major impact on the 2023 fantasy football season. Now that most of the dust has settled, let's go back and revisit the key offseason activity by listing my eight favorite moves.

1. Garrett Wilson's WR1 upside with Aaron Rodgers in New York

We know the trade of Rodgers to the New York Jets is not official -- yet. But with the expectation that he will be under center for the Jets this season, we have to talk about the immediate fantasy boost for Wilson.

As a rookie in 2022, playing with a group of low-level quarterbacks in New York, Wilson averaged 12.7 PPR points per game while logging 83 receptions. He's a sudden mover -- with boundary speed -- and the dynamic ability to create after the catch. He can get loose in the open field.

Pair those traits with Rodgers, a rhythm thrower who can see it fast from the pocket and deliver the ball with precise location. This is set up for Wilson to produce as a volume receiver with big-play juice and more end zone targets (13 in '22). He'll be a borderline WR1 in my summer ranks, with the potential to knock out top 10 numbers in his sophomore campaign.

2. Ezekiel Elliott's release elevates Tony Pollard to the Cowboys' No. 1

With Elliott out of the mix in Dallas, Pollard will get a bump in volume as a dual-threat back. Last season, while sharing touches with Elliott, Pollard still averaged 15.6 PPR points per game and totaled 248.8 fantasy points (RB8).

We saw the breakout ability here, too, as Pollard produced two games with 33 points or more. And with 31 rushes of 10 yards or more, Pollard can shift gears when he gets past that second level. Perimeter speed and the rapid acceleration to burst through on inside carries.

The swings and screens out of the backfield will boost his fantasy profile, and don't be surprised if we also see Pollard schemed as a receiver with head coach Mike McCarthy now calling the plays in Dallas. I think the door is open here for Pollard to produce consistent RB1 numbers on a weekly basis in '23. My excitement for Pollard would change if the Cowboys draft Bijan Robinson or trade for a strong RB, as that would mean fewer touches for Pollard.

3. Darren Waller traded to the Giants

I'll take the receiving traits and matchup skills of Waller in Brian Daboll's schemed passing system. Waller played in only nine games for the Raiders last season due to injuries. But he did produce four games of double-digit PPR production and averaged 9.4 points per game. In New York, Waller gives the Giants and quarterback Daniel Jones a proven target with seam-stretching ability and formation flexibility.

This works with the Giants' play-action game, where Jones completed 75.3% of his throws last season, and on boot concepts in the red zone with Waller running away from coverage on crossers. And I do believe Daboll will isolate the tight end as a boundary X receiver. Give Jones the opportunity to throw the one-on-ones with Waller using his frame and foot quickness to win outside. I'm in on Waller as a top-five tight end this season.

4. Derek Carr's arm talent with Chris Olave in New Orleans

Olave is a glider, with the smooth, vertical speed to float past the top of the secondary. And we saw that last season in his route tree with the Saints, as Olave ranked fifth in the NFL at 14.2 air yards per target, with 26 targets on throws of 20 or more air yards (seventh most in the league). That fits with Derek Carr, who can make every throw required in an NFL playbook. He has the arm talent and strength to rip the ball on deep in-breakers or to cut it loose, attacking the third level of the field.

Olave should see more schemed verticals on shot plays this season. Early-down play-action, deep overs and more. And with the route traits to uncover, I expect Olave to be a prime intermediate target for Carr, too. Remember, the former Ohio State star averaged 13.2 PPR points per game as a rookie, and the upgrade at the quarterback position in New Orleans will elevate Olave into my WR2 ranks.

5. Rashaad Penny signs with the Eagles

The injury concerns with Penny are legit. He's played in just 18 games over his past three seasons. I'm still in on him, however, given the Eagles' scheme-versatile run game, one that features the best blocking front in the league.

Remember, Miles Sanders rushed for 1,269 yards last season in Philly, and Penny plays with better vision and more downhill, short-area speed. I can see it on the tape. And let's not forget that Penny has explosive-play chops as a runner too, with 19 rushes of 15 yards or more in those 18 games played.

Penny will be a part of a backfield rotation with Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott. The traits are there (if healthy) for Penny to emerge as the primary ball carrier. He'll be on my target list for fantasy drafts this summer, with the potential to emerge as a weekly RB2/flex in this offense. As mentioned about Pollard above, Penny's volume -- and therefore fantasy value -- would suffer if the Eagles decide to draft a top-flight back or trade for one.

6. David Montgomery signs with the Lions

A solid pro back with lateral juice, vision and the ability to play through contact, Montgomery will be on my fantasy radar this summer as part of the backfield rotation with D'Andre Swift in Detroit. He's an upgrade over Jamaal Williams, who scored 17 rushing touchdowns for the Lions last season. Low red zone carries here for Montgomery, who could find himself as an RB2 in your lineup.

7. DJ Moore traded to the Bears

I still see the Bears as a run-heavy team in '23, but Moore fits as a WR3 -- with potential WR2 upside -- given how he will be deployed in Chicago. In-breakers, unders, manufactured touches, plus the vertical throws on the boundary. You want the ball in his hands -- with open grass to attack. He's an upgrade for quarterback Justin Fields.

8. Samaje Perine signs with the Broncos

This one might have slipped under the radar a little, but I'd get in on Perine. The Broncos' No. 1, Javonte Williams, is coming back from an ACL injury, Sean Payton is taking over the playbook, and Denver upgraded its offensive line. Perine could see early-season volume if Williams isn't cleared to go, and he caught 65 passes over his past two seasons in Cincy. He'll be a flex option in my summer ranks.