The 2004 NFL offseason is shaping up to be one of the more memorable in recent history. Several big-name players were released in line with the start of the league's free-agency period, while others found themselves involved in blockbuster trades.

The biggest story is obviously the deal that sends Clinton Portis to the Washington Redskins for Champ Bailey and a second-round pick in 2004. The transaction should be completed on Wednesday. Both players have reached contract agreements with their new teams, worth a reported $113.5 million combined.

The 'Skins have also acquired Mark Brunell, who suddenly finds himself surrounded by a glut of talent on offense. Considered waiver-wire fodder in most Fantasy leagues at the end of last season, Brunell is suddenly a very appealing option. The addition of Portis coupled with wide receivers Laveranues Coles and Rod Gardner could make Brunell a viable No. 1 on Fantasy teams.

The Dallas Cowboys are close to putting a blue star on the helmet of Keyshawn Johnson. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports the two sides have come to terms on a restructured, incentive-laden deal that is the first step in making the Johnson-for-Joey Galloway deal a reality.

The release of Jeff Garcia creates an opportunity for Tim Rattay, who will take over as the starting quarterback in San Francisco. Rattay threw for an average of 211 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions in three starts last season, but the expected trade of Terrell Owens hurts his value. With Tai Streets considered a hot commodity on the free-agent market, Rattay might be left to depend on Brandon Lloyd, Cedric Wilson and Arnaz Battle as his top wide receivers.

The three have started a combined five games at the NFL level.

Rattay is still worth a late-round selection as a No. 2 Fantasy quarterback, but he won't be worth starting weekly as part of a 'Niners squad that is suddenly in rebuilding mode. Lloyd lacks real-game experience, but pure upside makes him an interesting option on Draft Day.

As for Garcia, he could land with any numbers of teams, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might have the most interest. Speculation that the team is looking replace Brad Johnson has been widespread, and Garcia's knowledge of the West Coast offense makes him a perfect fit in coach Jon Gruden's system.

Easily the most valuable player in the Bay Area from a Fantasy perspective, Kevan Barlow has a new contract and the top spot on the 49ers depth chart. The release of veteran Garrison Hearst transforms Barlow into one of the top 10 running backs in Fantasy Football. He proved he could be a quality No. 1 in the final four games of 2003, averaging 108 rushing yards with five total touchdowns as the starter. He does need to work on his blocking and must take better care of the football, but Barlow should put up big numbers.

Another running back for owners to keep an eye on is Justin Fargas, who could be the starter in Oakland now that Charlie Garner has opted out of his contract. He doesn't have much experience at the NFL level, but Fargas could thrive under new coach Norv Turner. Players like Emmitt Smith, Stephen Davis, LaDainian Tomlinson and Ricky Williams all found success in Turner's system, which makes Fargas an even more interesting option.

Lions running back Artose Pinner should be in the mix now that James Stewart is gone, but his lack of durability is cause for concern. Team president Matt Millen will be looking hard at Virginia Tech's Kevin Jones and Oregon State's Steven Jackson with the No. 6 pick in April's Draft, so Pinner's value could be swallowed up before spring minicamps.

The New England Patriots released Antowain Smith last month, and both Kevin Faulk and Mike Cloud are unrestricted free agents. Re-signing Faulk is a possibility, but the Super Bowl champs are likely to sign or draft a featured back. The team has expressed some interest in Garner, and Duce Staley is also available.

Another team that is taking a hard look at Staley is the Cowboys, who desire an upgrade over Troy Hambrick. Staley's age (29) makes him less appealing in the long term, but he certainly can be a 1,200-yard back in the offensive system of coach Bill Parcells. With Johnson close to joining the roster, the 'Boys could suddenly have a good number of valuable Fantasy players on offense.

The news conference Tuesday announcing the retirement of Ed McCaffrey instantly made Ashley Lelie a breakout candidate. Possessing great speed and upside, the third-year receiver will move up the Fantasy rankings and emerge as a hot commodity in drafts.

Searching for a sleeper tight end? Look no further than San Diego's Antonio Gates. The release of Stephen Alexander creates a great opportunity for the Kent alum, who showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season. Considering the lack of quality players at his position, Gates has to be considered a top 10 Fantasy tight end.

The release of Kordell Stewart will allow Rex Grossman to graduate from clipboard holder to the starting quarterback in Chicago. His lack of experience will mean plenty of growing pains, but Grossman's potential to post good numbers against lesser defenses makes him worth a late-round flier.

Former Heisman trophy winner Carson Palmer finds himself in a similar situation in Cincinnati. Despite not taking a snap as a rookie, Palmer has leapfrogged Jon Kitna on the depth chart and will start the season under center for the Bengals. He has plenty of talent surrounding him on offense but like Grossman will endure some hard times in his development as an NFL quarterback.

Insider notes

  • Dolphins quarterback Jay Fielder restructured his contract this week and will remain with the team. He will be given the opportunity to compete with A.J. Feeley for the starting job during camp, but he's more likely to enter the season second on the depth chart. Neither quarterback warrants a prominent role on Fantasy teams, but the winner of this competition is worth a late-round flier on Draft Day.
  • The Cincinnati Bengals have given a qualifying tender offer to restricted free-agent running back Rudi Johnson. The team desperately wants to keep him after his breakout 2003 season, but the presence of Corey Dillon makes this a dicey situation for Fantasy owners. The Bengals are open to offers for Dillon, but there are virtually no teams interested.
  • The Tampa Tribune reports the Chicago Bears have signed free agent running back Thomas Jones, who is expected to compete for the starting job with Anthony Thomas. New coach Lovie Smith wanted a more versatile running back involved in his offense, and Jones apparently fits the bill. He could develop into a good No. 3 Fantasy back in larger leagues, while Thomas' value is suddenly in limbo.
  • Broncos running back Mike Anderson has decided to restructure his contract and will remain with the team. A former 1,000-yard rusher, Anderson suddenly becomes an intriguing Fantasy option with Portis out of the picture.

Trench mailbag

Russ Gartha, Detroit: I play in a 12-team league that uses a serpentine draft. What do you think is the best draft position: the No. 1 pick, the No. 12 pick or a spot in the middle?

M.F.: The chance to get Priest Holmes is tough to bypass, but I've always believed being in the middle of the pack ensures the most well-rounded roster. You're almost guaranteed to get two quality running backs in the first two rounds and will never have an extended delay between selections.

Ken Hudak, Alpharetta, Ga.: With the departure of Norv Turner, what can we expect from Ricky Williams in 2004?

M.F.: Williams remains the centerpiece of the Dolphins offense, as new coordinator Joel Collier will have to depend on his superstar to bolster the load. His high carry total last season could decrease his value slightly, but Williams is still a lock to post 1,200 yards and eight to 12 touchdowns.

You can e-mail your questions to Michael Fabiano at gridguru@commissioner.com. Be sure to put Attn: In the Trenches in the subject field. Please be aware that due to the large volume of submissions received, we cannot guarantee personal responses or answers to all questions.