An abundance of players changed uniforms this offseason, a fair number of which can impact fantasy teams from the outset. The reshuffling changed the fortunes of many, both directly and indirectly, making it most important for fantasy owners to bring themselves current with information.

Michael Turner is a headliner because he leaves a backup role in San Diego and takes over starting duties for the rebuilding Falcons. Such a move can also have a trickledown effect on new Falcons backup Jerious Norwood, who many figured would be a starter by now, and the likes of Darrien Sproles, who gets an increased role in San Diego.

Re-signings can also have an impact because they keep key players with their current teams. Derek Anderson was a major re-signing by the Cleveland Browns, who had to make a decision to award Anderson a big contract or move forward with second-year QB Brady Quinn. Anderson inherits a number of weapons and is in great position to duplicate his career 2007 campaign.

Lesser acquisitions can indirectly impact others’ fantasy fortunes. The New York Jets did a lot of work and spent a lot of money bolstering their offensive line, giving Thomas Jones a better chance for success in ‘08. Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca and fullback Tony Richardson were added to the fold, which should only help Jones find room to run.

Quarterbacks

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Rodgers is not a free agent, but he makes the list of great transactions because he finally gets his starting chance. He may not rank among the top 10 quarterbacks in fantasy, but if all the top choices are off the board, Rodgers is worth a flier. He’s got great weapons with Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and Donald Lee and a strong running game with Ryan Grant. There are few quarterbacks in the NFL with those kinds of luxuries.

Derek Anderson, Cleveland Browns
Philip Rivers and Aaron Rodgers know how Brady Quinn feels. Unfortunately for Quinn, he’ll have to wait for his shot like they did. But Cleveland fans have to applaud this move. They kept Anderson around and are giving him every chance to succeed with another great receiver in Stallworth. He will have another great fantasy season, likely as one of the top five quarterbacks off your draft board.

Running Backs

Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
Turner doesn’t arrive in the prettiest situation with the Falcons, but he can be part of the organization’s solution while becoming a feature back. Atlanta’s offensive line won’t do Turner any favors, but he’s built more for success than either Warrick Dunn or youngster Jerious Norwood. His quick, physical style will earn a majority of carries and be complemented by Norwood’s lightning quick change of pace.

T.J. Duckett and Julius Jones, Seattle Seahawks
Whether Shaun Alexander is done or not, the Seahawks aren’t taking any chances. They loaded up with these two backs. Last season, the Seahawks changed their offensive schemes and won games without Alexander’s presence in the lineup. These two signings are insurance for them in case Alexander is cut, traded or injured again.

Warrick Dunn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dunn’s best days are clearly behind him, and he returns to Tampa presumably to finish off a fine career. He will serve as a backup and change of pace to Earnest Graham in 2008, but does not figure to touch the ball more than a handful of times per game. He’s not quite handcuff material, but should be acknowledged by those who draft Graham.

FB Tony Richardson, New York Jets
Richardson isn’t going to be drafted by any fantasy owners, being that he’s only a fullback. But the last two running backs that ran behind him, Priest Holmes and Adrian Peterson, have gone on to set NFL records. Expect Peterson’s production to fall this year without Richardson in the lineup and for Thomas Jones’ to rise running behind him.

Wide Receivers

Bernard Berrian, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings made a good move, picking up a receiver in Berrian who succeeded in spite of the Bears’ ugly quarterback situation. He finished with 71 receptions and five touchdowns in 2007, lowly numbers to earn a six-year, $42-million contract. Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson did show some promise in his first year as a starter, and Berrian figures to make a nice duo with second-year WR Sidney Rice.

Donte’ Stallworth, Cleveland Browns
Signing Stallworth affected not just the Browns, but the Patriots as well. As much as his loss will take away from the Patriots offense, his presence will add to the Browns and top pass catchers Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards. He’ll divert some attention away from those two and stretch the field for Pro Bowl QB Derek Anderson. This should be an entertaining team to watch.

Javon Walker, Oakland Raiders
Walker is a key, key pickup for Al Davis. Don’t make things hard for second-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell, surround him with playmakers. This was the first step, signing a quick receiver with seemingly limitless potential if he stays healthy. If the Raiders can add some more playmakers, Walker figures to benefit tremendously.

D.J. Hackett, Carolina Panthers
Hackett has a chance to complement Carolina’s top wideout Steve Smith quite nicely and get plenty of red zone targets with his new team. He was in and out of the lineup with ankle injuries last season, but finished with 32 catches for 384 yards and 3 scores. Playing opposite Smith will have its rewards, but he needs a healthy Delhomme to truly have a breakout season.

David Patten, New Orleans Saints
Patten had a career year in 2007, surging around midseason to finish with 54 catches. He provides veteran leadership and a capable second option for QB Drew Brees, making him an important piece to re-sign and keep around. His reception numbers should stay in the neighborhood of 50-60, but he should be good for at least five touchdowns in 2008.

Isaac Bruce, San Francisco 49ers
He’s going to be a teacher. Otherwise San Francisco just wasted a lot of money for an aging receiver. Arnaz Battle and Ashley Lelie need a lot of guidance. Bruce can provide that and some help as a possession receiver. Expect Battle’s and Lelie’s numbers to grow, but stay away for Bruce in fantasy leagues.

Jerry Porter, Jacksonville Jaguars
What a great move. If taking a receiver from Oakland works out as well as it did for the Patriots, this should pay off for Jacksonville. Not likely, but it gives emerging quarterback David Garrard a valuable weapon in the passing game. He created much of the Jags’ offense himself in 2007 and had a career year. Bringing Porter into the equation can only add a touch of explosion to his steady and reliable fantasy game.

Troy Williamson, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville got more help for Garrard in the form of this former first-round pick, who was acquired from the Vikings a second round pick. Williamson will add some much needed speed to the fold, and he is in prime position to make due on his lofty promise. As such, he has the look of an excellent sleeper candidate.

Tight Ends

Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans Saints
Shockey leaves a hostile environment in New York for a gun-slinging offense in New Orleans that already had an exciting mix of pass catchers. He should have no problems re-capturing his 2007 form, which featured a disappointing 619 yards and 3 touchdowns, and earn a starting spot on most fantasy rosters.

Alge Crumpler, Tennessee Titans
Crumpler was a crucial pick up for the Titans. Vince Young knows how to win and should improve in his third season, but has lacked a big name receiver. That’s where Crumpler comes in. Tight ends are a mobile quarterback’s best friend, so assuming better health, Crumpler should have a great first year in Tennessee.

Ben Utecht, Cincinnati Bengals
Utecht leaves Indianapolis for Cincinnati, where he will start and provide another nice target for quarterback Carson Palmer. Utecht has shown some promise in a backup role with the Colts, so monitor his early production and look for signs of life. He’s got a lot of sleeper potential and should be available on the waiver wire in most standard leagues.

Ben Troupe, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Troupe’s had an injury plagued career, but he’s a great athlete with potential that was once considered on par with Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey. He hasn’t lived up to expectations, but with a fresh start and an offensive guru like coach Jon Gruden, Troupe should push starting tight end Alex Smith to be better. Or he might win a starting job and surprise a lot of people.

Other Notes and Acquisitions

DT Marcus Stroud, Buffalo Bills
Stroud provides depth and some beef up front for a Bills defense that overachieved and kept the team in a lot of games last season. Stroud’s arrival solidifies the Bills as one of the league’s top defenses, as he helps clog the middle. A lot of fantasy owners should pick up this defense early, the Bills aren’t likely to give up many points next season.

CB Asante Samuel, Philadelphia Eagles
Samuel is one of the top two corners in the league, certainly a great pick-up for the Eagles. The Eagles have a loaded secondary with Samuel joining Lito Sheppard, Sheldon Brown, Brian Dawkins and Sean Considine. Philadelphia will be a hard team to beat through the air and score points against, things to keep in mind for fantasy decisions.

CB DeAngelo Hall, Oakland Raiders
Talented, but troubled cornerback Hall signed with the Raiders for seven years and $66 million, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The Falcons received a 2008 second-round pick and a fifth-round pick in 2009. The Raiders were already stingy against the pass, so Hall’s signing will serve as added effect. For fantasy purposes, stopping the run will determine how useful Oakland’s defense is. Fantasy owners are not optimistic, as the Raiders are going undrafted in virtually all leagues.

OG Jake Scott, Tennessee Titans
He’s and offensive guard and you’ll rarely hear his name, but it’s a significant move regardless. Not because Scott will protect the most mobile quarterback in the league, but he’s no longer protecting Peyton Manning. The Titans took a great guard from a division rival. Even if it doesn’t make much of a difference with Young, at least it will make things harder for Manning.

The New York Jets
As a team, the Jets have filled the most voids. Richardson is mentioned above, but New York also added to its offensive line with guard Alan Faneca and tackle Damien Woody. On the defensive side, they also traded for DT Kris Jenkins, sent oft-injured LB Johnathan Vilma to New Orleans for picks and gave big money to LB Calvin Pace.

The Jets had a hard time run-blocking and stopping the run and spent some $138 million to turn weaknesses into strengths. Starting running back Thomas Jones will be the biggest beneficiary of their spending spree, with new FB Richardson and an added push from his offensive line.