Vernon Davis takes fantasy hit with return to Washington
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Here are the fantasy ramifications of the Washington Redskins re-signing TE Vernon Davis:
Vernon Davis back in the fold to complement Jordan Reed, plus a healthy Niles Paul = strong. Gruden didn't seem to think it would happen.
— Mike Jones (@MikeJonesWaPo) March 8, 2017
The 2016 season was Davis' most productive since 2013, as he recorded four-year highs in receptions (44), yards (583), and touchdowns (two). He played in all 16 games, as he moved up the depth chart following a preseason injury to TE Niles Paul and in-season injuries to TE Jordan Reed. With both his teammates returning to the fold for 2017, Davis may have difficulty replicating his production.
Uncertainty surrounding QB Kirk Cousins will be another hurdle for Davis to overcome. The team has said it would be just fine with QB Colt McCoy running the offense, but Cousins proved in the last two seasons to be a top-10 quarterback. It's difficult to imagine Washington receiving similar production from McCoy or any of the other names rumored to available.
In Davis' favor is the team's depleted receiving depth. WR Pierre Garcon signed with the San Francisco 49ers, while WR DeSean Jackson could soon follow him out of town. This would leave Jamison Crowder and sophomore-to-be Josh Doctson as the only noteworthy receivers on the roster.
Davis won't be worthy of consideration in any fantasy format as things currently stand. He would gain immense value should either or both of Reed or Paul be released or suffer an injury at any point. Davis could again emerge as an excellent daily fantasy bargain play if he's able to obtain a starting role at any point this season.