There has been, what seems like, a new signing every five minutes over the last day or two. Players are in a new environment with new teammates, new systems, and new coaches. Some also have decided to stay where they are.

With that in mind, how the major free agent signings/trades will affect fantasy drafts over the next month and a half is a question many fans have at the top of their to-do list, so I’ve put together a post for the fantasy fans to help in figuring everything out.

1. DeAngelo Williams (Panthers) – Williams could have gotten more of a lead role if he decided to leave to teams he was rumored with, such as Miami or Denver. Instead, he got a monster contract to stay in the glutton that is the Carolina backfield. I hate this move as far as fantasy value goes, as Williams will now continue to share a load of carries with Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson. He will also have a rookie quarterback in Cam Newton or a near rookie in Jimmy Claussen calling the shots. Opposing defenses will not fear the passing game of the Panthers and key in on the running game. This is not what you want from an injury prone, carry sharing running back. I would not draft Williams as my number one back unless you stacked yourself at other positions with your first couple picks.

Bottom Line: Nice player, but not worth a high round pick.

2. Donovan McNabb (Vikings) – McNabb is not the fantasy stud he was about four years ago and any fantasy player should  know this. McNabb should not be drafted as a number one quarterback on any roster, in any format. Even in deeper leagues. However, in a 14 or 16 team league, I think you could do worse than McNabb as a backup. At least until Christian Ponder takes over, if he does at all.

Bottom Line: Keep him as a backup and you’ll be fine.

3. Reggie Bush (Dolphins) – Bush has been one of the single most overrated fantasy players in history, but there will always be someone who thinks “This is the year” and takes him early, only to find out the hard way that it never happens. Bush is a running back that has never run for 700 yards in a season and now he’s playing on grass with a quarterback far less talented than Drew Brees. Translation… stay away.

Bottom Line: He will be drafted in your league. Make sure you are not the one doing it.

4. Sidney Rice (Seahawks) – Rice has all the talent to be a top 10 wide receiver in the NFL. The problem is he spends almost as much time in the training room as he does on the field. He is a very risky pick for that reason alone. He did have one good year in Minnesota, but that was with Brett Favre as the quarterback. He struggled with Favre’s backup (and his fellow teammate in Seattle) Tavaris Jackson. A lot of people might think that since they have a rapport with each other they’ll be successful on the field, but that’s not the case. In many leagues, Rice may be drafted as a #2 receiver, but I would not be comfortable with him as anything better than a #3.

Bottom Line: If he falls you may get value. If you not, he may kill you. Draft wisely.

5. Kevin Kolb (Cardinals) – The worst kept secret finally became a reality today when Kolb was dealt to the Cardinals. He has the skill set to be a successful quarterback in this league, but the problem is that his sample size is so small that it’s almost impossible to predict how he’ll play this year. He has potential to be a top 10 quarterback for you given the talent  he has around him, but the possibility exists that he’ll be the next Scott Mitchell. I would draft him as a #1 QB if, and only if I was the last one to be drafting a quarterback.

Bottom Line: If you go with Kolb, draft your backup right after, just as insurance.

6. Matt Hasselbeck (Titans) – Hasselbeck is a talented guy, but as his career has gone on he’s had trouble staying healthy. That said, he has some good talent around him in Tennessee and would be a nice backup for you in most formats if that’s your only option. Otherwise, he’s not worth it.

Bottom Line: Keep a lookout on the weekly injury report to make sure he is still alive.