The San Diego Chargers re-signed restricted free agent Danario Alexander to a one-year, $1.323 million contract making him an intriguing fantasy football sleeper for 2013.
Alexander tested the market, but not many teams were willing to commit the money "DX" was looking for and considering he has undergone multiple (five) knee surgeries one can begin to understand why. Alexander spent last season putting up career numbers in every category including 37 receptions for 658 yards while seeing action in only 10 games (starting 6). Do the math, that was good for 17.8 yards a clip while adding 7 tuddies!
There in lies Danario Alexander's fantasy value, he is a big target at 6'5" and Philip Rivers looked to him early and often in the red zone. He will be the Chargers number 1 or 'X' receiver next year with Vincent Brown and Malcolm Floyd battling it out for the second spot on the opposite side of the field.
Head coach Mike McCoy told the media recently what he likes about the fourth-year receiver, "When we first got here -- looking at his yards per reception over 17 yards last year -- he did some great things," McCoy said. "It was great to see him from the first day of voluntary camps to the last day, you could see him buying into what we’re doing. You can see the reputation and really the relationship that he has with Philip (Rivers). Philip has a lot of confidence in him. They work well together. He works extremely hard and he has a great opportunity here. He’s excited moving forward. I think he likes what we’re doing here. I know he’s a big target for Philip and he’s doing some great things so we have a good group out there."
Some nice words of encouragement for future Alexander owners, not to mention that the Chargers went out and drafted the big man from Alabama D.J. Fluker to help shore up their offensive line which was putrid last season. Giving Rivers some additional time to look downfield is key to Alexander's success.
Now there is some risk here as mentioned above with some serious knee issues in his past, but given that San Diego will lean towards a pass-happy approach that only adds to DX's value. Also, one other thing to keep mind, River himself in entering a contract year and will be looking to put up some big numbers in hopes of cashing one last time at 31 years of age.
With the Chargers and hopefully a full slate of games, Alexander is worth drafting as a low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR with a mid-round pick -- and some pretty strong upside to become a legit No. 2.
