Pierre Garcon to see a fantasy resurgence - but don't expect WR1 numbers
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Here's a look at the fantasy impact of free-agent WR Pierre Garcon signing with the San Francisco 49ers:
When Pierre Garcon finalizes deal with 49ers, as expected, league sources believe he will make $16 million in first year.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 8, 2017
Garcon will head to San Francisco to be reunited with new head coach Kyle Shanahan, who served as the Washington Redskins' offensive coordinator for Garcon's breakout season in which he caught 113 passes for 1,346 yards and five touchdowns.
Garcon is coming off the second 1,000-yard season of his career. He has never caught more than six touchdowns in a single year, something he has done three times.
While the 49ers remain without a single quarterback on their roster, Garcon immediately takes over as the No. 1 receiver. He led Washington in receptions (79), targets (116), and yards (1,041) last season, but three players had more receiving touchdowns than his three.
Garcon received just 13 red-zone targets last season, caught five, and turned one into a touchdown. He had five red-zone touchdowns on 17 targets in 2015 and two on nine targets in 2014. His extremely low touchdown potential limits his fantasy appeal almost solely to PPR leagues.
As part of a 49ers offense needing to throw the ball at a high rate - regardless of who plays quarterback - he has the potential for more than 100 receptions and 1,000 yards. He should be viewed as WR3 in PPR leagues with a drop to WR4 in standard formats.
(Photo courtesy Action Images)
Impact on the running game
Garcon joins RB Carlos Hyde as the only fantasy relevant players currently under contract for the 49ers. Garcon's struggles in the red zone offer more touchdown promise for Hyde, who has rushed for just 13 touchdowns through 34 career games over three seasons. Hyde averaged 4.6 yards per career last season and 4.3 yards for his carry.
A legitimate possession receiver playing alongside him for the first time in his career will help create more total yards and touchdowns. Hyde should be viewed as low-end RB1 and should be off the board early in the third round.