Rizzla takes a look at the Indianapolis Colts acquisition of Devin Funchess, and examines the fantasy context.
The Indianapolis Colts made a surprise splash in free agency by acquiring former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess. According to NFL.com Funchess signed a one year deal with $10 million guaranteed and $3 million in incentives.
When reports initially surfaced that Funchess signed a $13 million dollar, one year deal it created a bit of controversy, but when the incentive portion was revealed the deal became much more palatable. The Colts landed a big bodied possession type of receiver who doubles as a red zone threat, and may have finally found an answer across star wideout T.Y. Hilton.
Fantasy Context:
Barring any more offseason additions at receiver Devin Funchess could be on his way to his first ever 1,000 yard season. Funchess is sure to be a trendy sleeper candidate over the next month, and could see his stock skyrocket is the Colts fail to add any competition. Funcess has WR2 upside with Andrew Luck at the helm, and should settle into a matchup dependent WR3 role. Funchess is the type of big bodies receiver that Luck will fall in love with, and should become one of this favorites in the red zone. A 1,000 yard, 10 touchdown season is in the realm of distinct possibility.
Andrew Luck gets a nice fantasy boost with this news. He now has more weapons at his disposal, and should be a more consistent option going forward, Luck remains a high end QB1 who could finally realize his potential with a healthy summer.
T.Y Hilton is not affected by this news, and remains a WR2 option with weekly WR1 upside. Hilton is an underrated fantasy asset due to his boom or bust nature.
Eric Ebron figures to take a step back production wise with another big bodied target expected to play a majority of the snaps. Ebron saw an impressive 21.2 percent red zone target share in 2018, a number that is certain to fall with Funchess in town. Ebron remains a talented TE1 option, but now sees a cap placed on his fantasy ceiling.
Deon Cain is the big loser here. After a injury derailed his rookie season, Cain remained a popular sleeper in drafts that took place before free agency. Cain will now open the season no higher than fourth in the target pecking order, and will need to truly impress to increase his target share. Cain is nothing more than a late round flier in redraft and best ball formats.
