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The NFL lockout has put a halt on offseason moves for the time being, but at some point the lockout will end and player movement will begin. When it does, there will be a number of moves, both free agent signings and trades, that will impact fantasy player’s values.

Instead of just listing off free agents and players who are expected to be moved this offseason, I will give you players to keep an eye on throughout the summer.

Right now everything is speculation, and gauging a free agent’s value is difficult and, to a certain extent, pointless. We should be looking at the players who are currently on rosters, who will be affected by possible moves. For instance, if a talented backup like Kevin Kolb is traded to the Cardinals, how does that effect a receiver like Larry Fitzgerald?

As a matter of fact, the first player to keep an eye on this summer is none other than…..

Larry Fitzgerald: Wide Receiver – Arizona Cardinals

Last year we saw Fitzgerald’s floor (90 recs, 1137 yds, 6 tds), which is incredible given his situation. Last season alone, he played with four different below average quarterbacks (Matt Leinart, Derek Anderson, Max Hall and John Skelton), yet Fitz was still able to muster top-15 WR numbers. Look at it this way, his numbers can’t get any worse and we have seen the kind of numbers he will put up with a competent QB. Right now, the Cards are the favorites to acquire Kevin Kolb, who averaged just over 285 yards and has a 10:9 TD:INT ratio in six career NFL starts. While he is no Kurt Warner, Kolb has shown high upside in his limited action.

Plan B for the Cards would be to trade for Kyle Orton, who has put together two straight seasons of 3,600-plus passing yards and 20-plus touchdowns. If the cards could get one of these QBs, Fitz would instantly become a top-five WR, and a case could be made for the top WR, especially in a point-per-reception league. The best part is that you will be able to get the stud wideout a round or two later than Andre, Megatron and Roddy.

Best-Case Scenario: Cards acquire Kevin Kolb from Eagles via trade.

2011 Projection: 95 rec, 1300 rec yds, 10 tds

Brandon Marshall: Wide Receiver – Miami Dolphins

Marshall broke the 1,000 yard milestone for the fourth-straight season despite inconsistency and shaky quarterbacking from Chad Henne. Just like Fitzgerald, we saw Marshall’s floor (86 rec, 1014 rec yds, 3 tds). Yes, he was very hit-or-miss game-by-game in 2011, but much of that can be blamed on nagging injuries, adjusting to a new offensive/quarterback and frankly a bad quarterback in general. That could all change this summer if the Dolphins are able to acquire Kyle Orton from the Broncos. Just two years ago in Denver, the Orton and Marshall combo connected 101 times for 1,120 yards and 10 touchdowns.

It’s a shame Marshall can’t stay away from trouble off the field, since he has about as much talent as any receiver in the league. In April, the much-maligned wideout was stabbed in the abdomen by his ex-girlfriend. Marshall could avoid suspension, since he was not arrested in the incident. However, his checkered history doesn’t exactly help his case.

Make sure to keep an eye on the acquisition of a QB in Miami and the avoidance of a suspension before bumping Marshall up your draft boards.

Best-Case Scenario: Dolphins acquire Kyle Orton from Broncos via trade

2011 Projection: 100 catches, 1200 rec yds, 7 tds

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By: Justin Mertes-Mistretta – The Sports Bank

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