 Gronk given good news after surgery -- Mon May 20 11:10 pm --
No infection found in troublesome left forearm |
Rob Gronkowski came out of surgery Monday with good news for the New England Patriots. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported that he had new plates put into his troublesome left forearm, and doctors have determined the infection in the arm is gone. No further surgery is planned at this time. The team now can turn its focus to Gronkowski's other issue - chronic back pain. Gronkowski recently underwent an MRI to determine the severity of the injury and will see spine specialist Robert Watkins in three to four weeks in California for a consultation, NFL.com's Albert Breer reported. (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: The Patriots hope the back issue can be treated without surgery and the rehab process can be concurrent with the forearm. Gronk isn't in the clear by any stretch, but Monday was a positive development. There's now hope that Gronkowski can be ready for the start of training camp. Although his buy-low window may be closing, fantasy owners may be wise to trade him as he regains his value early in the season. At the very least, owners need to have a backup plan in mind.
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2014 NFL Draft could move to May -- Mon May 20 11:00 pm --
League looking into moving draft back permanently |
The NFL's effort to change its offseason calendar is starting to make some progress. NFL.com's Albert Breer reported Monday that the NFL and NFL Players Association are working toward a deal to move the 2014 NFL Draft to May. It likely would start as a one-year trial before deciding if the May move makes sense.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported that the likely target start date for the 2014 draft is May 15. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sets the date of the draft, provided it's within the agreed-upon window. May 15 would be. (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0a)
FF Today's Take: The Radio City Rockettes are scheduled to perform at Radio City Music Hall in late April, when the draft usually is held. However, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting the league will also move the new league year ahead of the NFL Combine, which is typically held in late February. The changes, which have been in the works for awhile, are designed to "keep fans' attention over a longer period" and "use the events to produce additional revenue."
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McGahee a no-show for OTAs -- Mon May 20 4:55 pm --
Only non-injured veteran not present |
The running game was missing veterans Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno. McGahee continued his practice of not showing up for the voluntary OTA sessions. Moreno was present and seems to be running well but he has not been cleared to take live reps because of the knee injury he sustained in the final game against Baltimore.
With McGahee and Moreno out, Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball got a few more reps. (Denver Post)
FF Today's Take: McGahee rushed for 1,199 yards in 2011 and was on pace for another 1,000-yard season in 2012 when he suffered a slightly torn MCL and compression fracture in his right tibia. Ball will take his job eventually, but HC John Fox is notorious for making rookies "earn it", so McGahee could have one more year of solid fantasy production in him. He could just as easily be released before training camp, making this backfield situation one of the more interesting storylines of the summer.
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Josh Gordon primed for breakout? -- Mon May 20 4:40 pm --
Second-year WR seems like perfect fit in deep-ball offense |
The game comes outrageously easy for Josh Gordon, as he glides down the field. If Gordon keeps his concentration and work ethic at NFL caliber, he could have a breakout season in the new "throw it downfield" offense. (Cleveland Plain Dealer )
FF Today's Take: Gordon's talent is through the roof, as evidenced by the fact he posted a 50-805-5 as a rookie despite being as green as possible in an offense ill-suited for his (or Brandon Weeden's) talents. Gordon and TE Jordan Cameron are almost certain to experience dramatic spikes in production working in Norv Turner's vertical-based offense, so both players need to be considered as potential top 15 (if not top 10) fantasy players at their respective positions in 2013.
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Chiefs toying with "Pistol" formation -- Mon May 20 4:30 pm --
Alex Smith may be in line for more running in 2013 |
The hiring of pistol formation guru Chris Ault as a consultant seemed to signal the Chiefs would incorporate some of that offense into their plans and, sure enough, they ran a handful of plays from the pistol in Thursday’s practice. Option plays are part of the pistol, which would mean quarterback Alex Smith would be asked to use his legs as well as his arm. Don’t forget that Smith was featured as a runner in college while playing in Urban Meyer’s offense at Utah. (Kansas City Str)
FF Today's Take: Ault created the offense while at Nevada and Smith worked almost exclusively out of the shotgun under Meyer, so the idea makes a lot of sense. Smith is a capable runner - as evidenced by his touchdown run in the playoffs against the Saints two years ago. With Jamaal Charles such a dynamic threat on the perimeter, any formation designed to help him get there is a plus. Either way, Smith is likely no better than a QB2 for fantasy purposes.
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Foles takes most snaps in OTA -- Mon May 20 4:20 pm --
Vick close behind; Barkley takes snaps with third team |
Nick Foles had the slight edge in quarterback repetitions with the first team. Foles took 21 snaps and Michael Vick had 15. Vick had the edge last Monday. Vick took 21 snaps to Foles’ 16 with the second team. Matt Barkley’s snaps with the third team increase dramatically over last Monday. He had 21 to Dennis Dixon’s 5 and G.J. Kinne’s 2. (Philly.com)
FF Today's Take: Obviously, we aren't going to do an update every time this happens, but it is notable that new HC Chip Kelly at least wants to create the illusion of a quarterback competition. Vick offers the most upside - real and fantasy - and allows Kelly to do incorporate more of the same principles (such as the read option) that he used in college. Vick will always be a health risk, but his fantasy upside is still very high when healthy.
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Gronk's back an issue again -- Fri May 17 3:45 pm --
May need back surgery in addition to forearm surgery |
In addition to a fourth surgery on his broken forearm, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski might need back surgery, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Gronkowski recently underwent an MRI on his back to check on a disk issue from last season according to ESPN and media reports. The injury is not considered serious, the source said. If he needs back surgery, it would be performed during the time frame he would be sidelined after his forearm surgery, which is expected next week. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Multiple media outlets are reporting this story but not everyone is on the same page. "He is going to be fine long term," a source close to Gronkowski said. "[He is] not worried about the short term, i.e., start of training camp." Gronk missed the 2009 season in college due to a herniated disk but this issue isn't related. It's another red flag for fantasy owners but we'll have to wait for more concrete news... stay tuned.
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Jets running back Goodson arrested -- Fri May 17 11:30 am --
Handgun and marijuana charges |
Jets running back Mike Goodson was arrested and charged with possession of a handgun and possession of marijuana early Friday morning in New Jersey. Goodson, who was in the passenger seat, and Garant Evans were found in an SUV that was stopped in the left lane of Route 80 in Denville, a New Jersey State Police spokesperson said Friday. Police were responding to a 911 call at 3:20 a.m. and discovered a "strong odor" of marijuana when they found Goodson, the spokesperson said. Both Goodson and Evans apeared intoxicated, the spokesperson said. (New York Newsday)
FF Today's Take: Goodson was signed by the Jets this off-season to a three-year contract and was set to be the backup to Chris Ivory. This incident will likely result in a suspension and opens the door for Bilal Powell and/or Joe McKnight.
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Coach Pagano wants more efficiency -- Thu May 16 3:00 pm --
More three- and five-step drops for Colts QB |
"We still want to be able to run the football. We’re still going to take our shots down the field, calculated. We don’t want to waste plays. We want to be efficient. The biggest difference might be a little bit more quick-game, if you will. Get the ball out of Andrew’s hands. Three- and quick five-step drops. Get it into our playmakers’ hands. A little bit more catch-and-run type of things." (Indianapolis Star)
FF Today's Take: The Colts ran a lot of seven-step drops and deep throws for Andrew Luck last season under Bruce Arians which resulted in a low completion rate (54.1%) for the rookie QB. A more efficient Luck in 2014 may lead to slightly less passing stats but he still qualifies as a low-end QB1.
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Vikings move QB Webb to receiver -- Wed May 15 10:00 pm --
Cassel acquisition makes decision easy for Frazier |
Those who thought Joe Webb had no future as at quarterback should be happy, because the former Alabama-Birmingham standout has become a full-time wide receiver for the Vikings. Coach Leslie Frazier said the decision to shift Webb to receiver was made after the draft, when the team selected receiver Cordarrelle Patterson in the first round and also because the Vikings had signed free agent quarterback Matt Cassel. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
FF Today's Take: Webb played receiver as a sophomore and ran in the 4.4's coming out of college but it's doubtful he'll make any significant fantasy contribution at the position in 2013.
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QB Garrard calling it quits -- Wed May 15 4:00 pm --
Knee injury will cause veteran quarterback to retire |
Text from Garrard: "Having to call it quits. My knee is not holding up. Continuing to swell after practices. Limiting what I can do." (Adam Schein via Twitter)
FF Today's Take: David Garrard's knee just won't let him continue. Reportedly, it swells up after practice. This move thins out the competition in New York and leaves Mark Sanchez and rookie Geno Smith the favorites to handle the majority of quarterback duties in 2013.
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Raiders sign Josh Cribbs -- Wed May 15 3:50 pm --
One-year deal |
The Oakland Raiders signed wide receiver/kick returner Josh Cribbs on Wednesday.
A league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Cribbs signed a one-year deal. Cribbs, 29, nearly signed with the Arizona Cardinals, but concern over a knee injury caused the team to back out. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Cribbs took a step away from offense last season and at this point is nothing more than a return man. He finished fourth last season in average kick return yardage (27.4).
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LB Rolando McClain retires -- Wed May 15 12:20 pm --
Off-field trouble ends short career |
The Ravens placed inside linebacker Rolando McClain and former first-round pick on the reserve/retired list Wednesday afternoon, General Manager Ozzie Newsome announced. McClain signed a one-year contract with the Ravens on April 12, but was arrested just 10 days later. It was the latest in a string of off-field problems for McClain since entering the league in 2009 as the eighth-overall pick. (BaltimoreRavens.com)
FF Today's Take: The Ravens picked Arthur Brown in the second round of the NFL draft. Brown and Jameel McClain are the likely starters, with Josh Bynes and Albert McClellan serving in a backup role.
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Gabbert, Henne splitting reps -- Wed May 15 12:10 pm --
QB competition expected in Jacksonville |
The competition for the quarterback job between Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne continues to be the focus of the camp. "It’s going good," Bradley said. "We’re rotating by period. There’s a lot of competition and they’re battling it. I think once we get pads on and see how they react in different situations, it will become more clear."
(Florida Times-Union)
FF Today's Take: Gabbert averaged 182 yards and 1 TD while Henne averaged 267 yards and 1.5 TDs per game last season. Gabbert will be given every opportunity to win the job, but this competition will likely drag into August.
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Panthers restructure DeAngelo Williams -- Wed May 15 11:20 am --
Panthers now $8.46 million under the 2013 salary cap |
Just when it appeared as though 2013 would be DeAngelo Williams' final year in Carolina, the franchise's leading rusher has restructured his contract with the team. Williams, scheduled to earn $5 million in 2013 but carrying a cap hit of $8.2 million, will still earn the $5 million, but his cap number will reflect what he earns. (Charolotte Observer)
FF Today's Take: Williams contract now includes two more years (2016 & 2017) but those years were tacked on for cap relief purposes. Basically, his contract will conclude at the end of 2015. Williams fantasy value is hit or miss with Jonathan Stewart ahead of him on the depth chart and QB Cam Newton stealing touchdown opportunities. He'll be an inconsistent RB4 in fantasy drafts this summer.
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Eagles add running back depth -- Tue May 14 8:45 am --
Felix Jones agrees to a one-year deal |
Former Dallas Cowboys running back Felix Jones has agreed to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year deal, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Tuesday. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Jones will have a tough time making a fantasy impact in Philadelphia with Bryce Brown and LeSean McCoy ahead of him on the depth chart. He does possess good receiving ability which will be a plus in Chip Kelly's offense.
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Cardinals cut QB Brian Hoyer -- Mon May 13 5:45 pm --
Stanton and Lindley will backup Carson Palmer |
The Arizona Cardinals on Monday cut quarterback Brian Hoyer, who had been tendered at a second-round level, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: With the acquisition of Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton, Hoyer became expendable. Ryan Lindley is currently the teams third string QB. Hoyer played in two games last season, throwing for 330 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions.
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Pats add another receiver, Hawkins -- Sat May 11 9:00 am --
Former Titans wideout headed to New England |
The Patriots now have 12 wide receivers on their roster after signing free agent Lavelle Hawkins to a 2-year deal. (Boston Globe)
FF Today's Take: The Patriots will be releasing at least a couple of the veterans wideouts they signed as Danny Amendola and the two rookies (Aaron Dobson & Josh Boyce) are likely to make the roster. That leaves Donald Jones, Micheal Jenkins Julian Edelman (foot) and Hawkins battling for roster spots.
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Joseph Randle limited until camp -- Fri May 10 6:00 pm --
Thumb injury will have RB in a cast for 6-8 weeks |
Rookie running back Joseph Randle will be limited in workouts until training camp as he continues to rehab from thumb surgery. Randle, the rookie fifth-round pick who is supposed to come and share the load with starter DeMarco Murray, will be in a cast for six to eight weeks. (Star-Telegram)
FF Today's Take: The Cowboys knew of Randle's injury when they drafted him but it will be difficult for him to display his above average catching ability until August. Randle is expected to be DeMarco Murray's backup in 2013.
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More ground game in New Orleans? -- Wed May 8 10:00 pm --
Peyton wants better balance in offense |
For someone accused of being way too pass-happy as a play-caller at times, Saints Coach Sean Payton has been more than adamant how the Saints' rushing attack must improve for the team to rediscover its success in 2013. "There's going to be more focus this year on that ground game than any year. He said we've got to get back to running the ball, having 100-yard games non-stop. I can't wait. I'm excited and I know everybody else is excited." (Tmes-Picayune)
FF Today's Take: We'll see. The four-headed monster is down to three and Pierre Thomas should see more opportunities now that Chris Ivory is in New York. Thomas' best fantasy season was in 2008 when totaled 909 yards and 12 TDs. Drew Brees threw for 5069 yards that season.
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Edelman will miss OTA's -- Tue May 7 2:50 pm --
Patriots receiver reinjures right foot |
According to NFL sources, Patriots receiver Julian Edelman is in a walking boot after reinjuring his right foot. It was a break in his right foot that led to the 26-year-old being placed on injured reserve in December. Edelman will miss the on-field organized team activities New England is holding in the coming weeks; one source said there is an outside chance he will be able to participate in minicamp June 11-13, but it would be on a limited basis. (Boston Globe)
FF Today's Take: Setbacks are never a good sign and even though the Patriots overhauling their receiving corps, Edelman won't have a chance to improve his fantasy stock if he can't stay on the field. Hopefully, we will be able to participate fully in training camp at end of July.
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Big things expected from Browns TE -- Tue May 7 9:15 am --
Jordan Cameron has opportunity under new coaching staff |
Perhaps more than any returning player, the basketball player-turned-tight end (Jordan Cameron) stands to benefit from the change in coaches and offensive systems. Head coach Rob Chudzinski, a former college tight end and Browns tight ends coach, and coordinator Norv Turner, intend to develop Cameron into the next tight end to make plays, not just catches. (Cleveland.com)
FF Today's Take: With Ben Watson lost in free agency, Cameron's opportunity is now. Kellen Winslow, Antonio Gates and Greg Olsen have all seen success under Chudzinski. "This is an offense that has featured tight ends and tight ends have always been a big part of it," Chudzinski said of Cameron. "He has the skill set that fits." He'll be a sleeper pick this summer with TE1 upside.
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K Kasay calls it quits -- Tue May 7 8:00 am --
Will retire as a Panther |
Former New Orleans Saints kicker John Kasay will sign a one-day contract with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday and retire as a Panther, the Panthers announced Tuesday morning. The 22-year veteran kicker was an original member of the Panthers when Carolina joined the league in 1995. (The Times-Picayune)
FF Today's Take: Kasay joins former Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding as a recent retiree. Kasay played 15 seasons in Carolina and made 81.9 percent of his kicks during his career.
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Adrian Peterson wants 2500 yards -- Fri May 3 12:00 pm --
Would need to average 156.25 yards per game |
Adrian Peterson is out to set a new standard for NFL running backs. "I've got my bar set for 2,500. If I could go up to that, the record is shattered," Peterson said.
Peterson also made a similar proclamation in an interview with the NFL Network in January. Peterson came within 9 yards of breaking Eric Dickerson's mark last season, finishing with 2,097 yards, the second-highest mark of all time. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Every year we get a handful of 2000-yard predictions from overzealous rushers in the NFL and we take them with a grain of salt. It was a remarkable achievement for AP to gain 2097 rushing yards last season and obviously the stars would have to align for him to surpass 2500 yards. Good luck AP, fantasy owners will be rooting for you.
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DeAngelo on the roster "right now" -- Fri May 3 7:30 am --
Panthers' GM non-committal on running back |
GM David Gettleman was asked what rookie Kenjon Barner means to DeAngelo Williams, and specifically whether Williams would remain on the roster. His answer was that "you can never have too many good players at one position", but he would not commit to saying DeAngelo would be on the roster at the start of the season — calling the situation "fluid". (CBS - Charlotte)
FF Today's Take: Gettleman went on to say "Right now, he's on the roster," when referring to Williams. Carolina could release the running back after June 1st and the Panthers would certainly be open to a trade but neither scenario is likely.
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QB position not settled in Cleveland? -- Fri May 3 7:00 am --
Coach not ready to commit to Weeden |
So far so good.
That’s how Cleveland Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski views his quarterback situation with incumbent starter Brandon Weeden looking to hold onto the job this summer and fall. “I feel good about where we’re at right now,” Chudzinski said. “He’s been working with the first group and we’ll just see as we go forward. We’re [working] on air right now so it’s very early but I do like what I’ve see so far and we’ll see how it goes.
“Right now it’s too early to say anything one way or another.” (CBS - The Fan)
FF Today's Take: Coach is trying to keep Weeden on his toes and creating the illusion of a QB competition. With Jason Campbell providing the competition, it would be a surprise if Weeden isn't the starting quarterback come Week 1.
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WR Hawkins waived by TEN -- Wed May 1 5:00 pm --
Signed a three-year, $7.2 million last offseason |
Lavelle Hawkins majored in social welfare, but he knows math.
When he counted up all the wide receivers on the roster he knew his job with the Titans might be in jeopardy, especially considering his 2013 salary.
So he wasn’t surprised Wednesday when coach Mike Munchak informed him the Titans planned to waive him. (The Tennessean)
FF Today's Take: Hawking was a fourth-round pick in 2008 but never made a significant impact and with the acquisition of Kevin Walter in free agency and the drafting of Justin Hunter in the second round of the 2013 draft, Hawkins became expendable.
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Justin Blackmon suspended 4 games -- Tue Apr 30 3:30 pm --
Jags receiver violated substance abuse policy |
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon has been suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, the league announced Tuesday. Blackmon, who pleaded guilty to DUI last July, will be eligible to return to the team Sept. 30. He previously apologized to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for his arrest. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Blackmon posted 64 catches, 865 yards and 5 touchdowns in his rookie year and was expected to start along side Cecil Shorts in Week 1. Slot man Jordan Shipley, Mohamed Massaquoi and rookie Ace Sanders currently round out the Jags receiving corps. Expect Massaquoi to fill Blackmon's void early in the season.
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HOU rookie wideout to have big role -- Tue Apr 30 1:10 pm --
DeAndre Hopkins could start opposite Andre Johnson |
"It's gonna be a very competitive situation but we took him there because we expect him to play very, very early." Kubiak on WR Hopkins. (Houston Texans via Twitter)
FF Today's Take: Kubiak has tipped his hand that he expect DeAndre Hopkins to be a starter opposite Andre Johnson but with DeVier Posey recovering from an Achilles injury, Kubiak doesn't have much choice. Hopkins will have fantasy value this season but unless the Texans change their offensive philosophy, this will be the Foster and AJ show until further notice.
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Blount buried on depth chart -- Tue Apr 30 11:30 am --
Patriots RB may have difficult time making the roster |
With the NFL draft now over, let's reset the Patriots roster with a projected depth chart at each position. Depth charts are always fluid, and we expect these to change in the coming weeks and months as we learn more about the additions to the roster and their roles. Quick hit: An area of depth got deeper with the addition of LeGarrette Blount. He’s a niche player -- not an every-down back -- and the Patriots have a nice stable of talent in the backfield. (ESPN Boston)
FF Today's Take: Should Blount make the team, he's likely to have a role as a short-yardage and/or goaline back. Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen will likely receiver the bulk of the carries out of the Patriots backfield with a little Brandon Bolden and Leon Washington mixed in. Blount's fantasy value is minimal at this point.
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Quick, Givens expected starters -- Tue Apr 30 9:00 am --
Tavon Austin to be used all over the field |
At the moment, Brian Quick and Chris Givens project as the starting outside receivers, with Austin in the slot. The Rams could pair those three up in two tight end sets with Cook and Kendricks in what would be an empty backfield. Three- and four-receiver sets figure to see more use at the Edward Jones Dome than they have since the days of Mike Martz. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
FF Today's Take: The Rams have rebuilt their offense and while Quick and Givens will be noted as starting receivers, Tavon Austin out of the slot may have have the most fantasy value of the three, especially in PPR leagues. Expect him to be used in a Percy Harvin-type role, from the slot receiver position, out of the backfield as a running back and on special teams as a returner.
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Jets release Tim Tebow -- Mon Apr 29 9:15 am --
Off the fantasy radar |
One year after bringing Tim Tebow to Broadway, creating a nationwide fascination that slowly evolved into a salacious controversy, the New York Jets made the long-anticipated move Monday of releasing one of the NFL's most popular players. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The Jets brought in David Garrard and drafted Geno Smith in Round 2 over the weekend giving them a glut of quarterbacks (6) on the roster. Tebow has proved to be a below-average quarterback in this league. Perhaps a position change should be considered. He is off the fantasy radar.
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Bucs trade Blount to Patriots -- Sat Apr 27 4:00 pm --
In exchage for RB Jeff Demps and seventh round pick (229) |
The Patriots traded running back Jeff Demps and a seventh round pick (229) to Tampa Bay for running back LeGarrette Blount. (Boston.com)
FF Today's Take: Blount was a fish out of water in Tampa Bay last year but will add depth to the Patriots running back group. Stevan Ridley is sitll in line to get the bulk of the carries and fantasy points but this move doesn't strengthen his fantasy value.
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Jets acquire RB Ivory from Saints -- Fri Apr 26 9:00 pm --
Saints receive a fourth-round pick |
In a much-anticipated move, the New Orleans Saints traded running back Chris Ivory to the New York Jets for a fourth-round pick during Friday night's portion of the NFL draft. "It's an opportunity for me to really get the carries that I deserve," Ivory said Friday night. "I put the work in every day and every week. I just feel like it's my time." (Times Picayune)
FF Today's Take: Ivory will get his wish and become the lead back in the Jets offense with Mike Goodson and Bilal Powell playing supporting roles. He'll have RB2 value but a rebuilding Jets team with minimal weapons and a potential rookie under center could put a damper on his numbers.
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Bess headed to Cleveland -- Fri Apr 26 8:00 pm --
Teams swap draft picks |
The Miami Dolphins have traded Davone Bess to the Cleveland Browns, and a league source says the veteran receiver has agreed to a three-year extension with his new team. Browns traded their fourth-round pick (No. 104) and fifth-round pick (No. 164) to the Dolphins for Miami's fourth-round pick (No. 111) and a seventh-rounder (No. 217). (Sun Sentinel)
FF Today's Take: Bess was set to enter the final year of his contract in 2013 and suddenly found himself in a crowded receiving corps with Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson. Bess will battle David Nelson for third receiver duties in Cleveland.
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Packers sign Rodgers to extension -- Fri Apr 26 5:00 pm --
Keeps the quarterback in Green Bay through 2019 |
Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers have agreed on a five-year, $110 million contract extension, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Rodgers will make $40 million in 2013, a league source told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen. The deal will add five years on top of the two years Rodgers has remaining on his contract and will keep Rodgers in Green Bay through the 2019 season, a source told Schefter. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: This move has been expected for one of the top quarterbacks in the league. Rodgers has been a fixture at the top of fantasy football draft boards since 2008. He's thrown for at least 28 touchdowns in five straight years averaging over 25.5 FPts per game during that time.
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Jets looking to move up in Round 2 -- Fri Apr 26 3:00 pm --
May be targeting QB Geno Smith |
The New York Jets have made calls to multiple teams Friday to try to move up from the 39th overall pick, seventh in the second round, to draft a quarterback, league sources tell ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The Jets addressed the defensive side of the ball in Round 1 with CB Dee Milliner and DT Sheldon Richardson but are in need of a young QB. Geno Smith, Matt Barkley and Ryan Nassib are still on the board as Round 2 begins with the Jets holding the 7th pick in the second round behind other QB needy teams like Jacksonville and Philadelphia.
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Geno Smith will attend day 2 -- Fri Apr 26 10:30 am --
West Virginia QB has change of heart, back to the green room |
West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith will return to the green room at Radio City Music Hall for day two of the 2013 NFL draft, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Smith, who is regarded as one the top three quarterbacks in the 2013 draft class, did not hear his name called during the first round on Thursday night and Smith had actually left the building before the Dallas Cowboys made the penultimate pick in Round 1. (Yahoo)
FF Today's Take: Smith's handling of adversity has been a concern for teams and it appears he's taken some good advice in an attempt to put those concerns to rest. It's likely his name will be called tonight during Round 2. The Eagles, Jaguars, Cardinals and Jets all have a legitimate need for a young QB.
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Rams move up, grab WR Austin -- Thu Apr 25 7:10 pm --
Tavon Austin, first receiver taken in 2013 draft |
The St. Louis Rams got help for quarterback Sam Bradford, trading up eight spots with Buffalo and taking West Virginia wide receiver Tavon Austin with the eighth overall selection in the NFL draft. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Austin essentially fills the void left behind by Danny Amendola. It also suggests the team has plenty of confidence in Brian Quick. Austin should contend for the team lead in receptions, receiving yards and TDs in his rookie season while also giving the Rams a big boost in the return game. Fantasy-wise, Austin's floor should be a WR4 in all leagues. The Rams now sport a receiving lineup of Quick, Chris Givens, Austin and TE Jared Cook.
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WR Alexander signs tender with SD -- Thu Apr 25 3:20 pm --
One-year, $1.323 million |
Restricted free-agent wide receiver Danario Alexander signed his contract tender with the San Diego Chargers on Thursday, the team announced. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Alexander averaged 10.8 FPTs in 10 games for the Chargers last season and picked up the slack for the non-existent Robert Meachem. Alexander has battled chronic knee problems in his short career but will be an intriguing fantasy prospect as a projected starter in 2013.
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