The first week of free agency featured a couple of trades that should have a significant fantasy impact for next season.

Here's a rundown of the first several days of activity.

QUARTERBACKS

New England traded Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel to Kansas City for the 34^th overall pick in this year’s draft.  The cost signals the end of Tyler Thigpen, while Matt Cassel lands in a favorable position under new coach Todd Haley.  Most importantly, it’s a very good sign that Tom Brady is making the appropriate progress rehabbing his injured knee.

The Vikings acquired Sage Rosenfels a 4^th round pick in the 2009 draft.  It should be a good fit for Rosenfels and it was a decent price for the Vikings.  Gus Frerotte wore out his welcome in Minnesota and Brad Childress needs another quarterback to compete with Tarvaris Jackson.

The Cowboys acquired Jon Kitna in exchange for defensive back Anthony Henry.  The Lions weren’t going to keep Kitna anyway, and he’s certainly an upgrade over Brad Johnson for the Cowboys.

Kerry Collins finally wised-up and accepted the Titans 2-year offer.  He performed well, but the Titans could have certainly looked elsewhere to fill the “game manager” role.  He remains a QB3 for the 2009 season.

The Bills added Ryan Fitzpatrick to the backup-QB mix and really doesn’t deserve much attention.

RUNNING BACKS

Fred Taylor lands in New England and will be part of the Patriots running back committee.  He should certainly improve on last year’s mark of 556 yards/ 1TD, and he now has the opportunity to be relevant in fantasy football as a backup RB.

The Lions signed Maurice Morris to serve as Kevin Jones’ running mate.  Jones should still receive the bulk of attempts, but Morris can bring in added dimensions, especially on third down.

Denver signed both JJ Arrington and Correll Buckhalter to help bolster their ailing running back committee.  Both should be in the mix although the Broncos will definately add another back.

WIDE RECEIVERS

While T.J. Houshmandzadeh makes up his mind, only a couple of minor signings took place. 

The Broncos brought in Jabar Gaffney.  New head coach Josh McDaniels knows Gaffney from his time as the Patriots OC and he should have a legitimate shot to be Denver’s 3^rd wide receiver.

The 49ers signed Brandon Jones.  Last year, Jones caught 41 passes for 449 yards and 1 TD and his signing indicates that the 49ers are making plans that don’t involve Houshmandzadeh, Isaac Bruce, and Bryant Johnson.

TIGHT ENDS

Kellen Winslow Jr. was traded to Tampa Bay for two draft picks.  Winslow’s time in Cleveland was marked by a number of distracting incidents, so the new start can do him some good.  Martin Rucker takes over as Cleveland’s new tight end.

Chris Baker signed with the Patriots.  After the emergence of Dustin Keller, Baker was expendable in New York.  New England’s tight end core has struggled over the past few seasons, so Baker has a chance to regain some fantasy value.

DEFENSIVE PLAYERS:

The Washington Redskins signed top free agent Albert Hansworth and retained DeAngelo Hall.

The Eagles traded disgruntled cornerback Lito Sheppard to the Jets for two draft picks

The New York Giants bolstered their defense with linebacker Michael Boley (5-year deal).

Denver signed former Philadelphia defensive back Brian Dawkins.

Bart Scott lands a 6-year $48 million dollar contract and reunites with new Jets head coach Rex Ryan.

The Cowboys signed Keith Brooking away from the Atlanta Falcons.