By The Hudsonian, Joshua Hudson
Transaction: The Miami Dolphins sign WR Danny Amendola to a 2-year deal
2018 Fantasy Outlook: Apparently, it takes two wide receivers to fill Jarvis Landry’s shoes. And for less than what Landry will be paid this season. When the Miami Dolphins signed former Chiefs WR Albert Wilson to a 3-year deal, the expectation was that Wilson would man the slot in place of Landry. Then the Dolphins went out and swiped Amendola out from under the defending AFC Champion’s nose on a two-year deal.
There is nothing to like about this from a fantasy perspective. Since 2015, here are the finishes among wide receivers Amendola has: WR45, WR96, and WR45. I’ll repeat, nothing to like about this in regards to your lineup. In his entire career, he has never had a single season where he’s topped 700 receiving yards. Now, he will play some in the slot, as that’s where he operates best, but he’s a part time player at this point in his career. The Patriots did well to manage his snap counts and he had some effective games in place of an injured Julian Edelman. The only way he’s as effective in Miami is if the Dolphins are able to do the same.
Amendola is going on ten seasons in the NFL. He will turn 33 during the season. Here is where he brings value to the Dolphins — as an elder statesman who knows how to win. Here are the names and ages of the three starting wide receivers in Miami when the season starts: DeVante Parker (25), Kenny Stills (26), and Albert Wilson (26). He was brought in to provide leadership to a group of talented receivers. Parker and Stills can and have provided solid fantasy value. If they stay healthy, I expect them to be in the top 30 this season in fantasy. Amendola’s job is to help them achieve that. And to catch a few critical 3rd down passes when the Dolphins play the Patriots. Because you know, throwing shade never felt so good.