Amendola to fill Welker-void for Pats? -- Wed Mar 6 9:20 pm --
New England rumored to be interested in slot receiver |
The Patriots chose not to franchise Wes Welker (or anyone, for that matter) on Monday, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a plan at slot receiver if Welker is not a Patriot next season. According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, the Pats have a replacement in mind in Danny Amendola. Florio, who was a guest on the Dan Patrick Show on Tuesday morning, hinted that the Pats plan to sign Amendola next week. “[The Patriots] need to work something out by next Tuesday,” Florio said. “The problem is they couldn’t franchise [Welker] because it would cost them $11.4 million to keep him around. “The ace in the hole for the Patriots is Danny Amendola.” Amendola caught 63 passes for 666 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games in an injury-shortened 2012. (Fox Sports)
FF Today's Take: For years, fantasy prognosticators have called Amendola a "poor man's Wes Welker". We may finally get the chance to see just how well the two compare. If signed by the Patriots, Amendola's fantasy stock would skyrocket. Stay tuned.
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Reggie Bush to the Lions? -- Wed Mar 6 9:00 pm --
Rumors abound that RB could be headed to Detroit |
For the past week there has been some buzz that free agent running back Reggie Bush could be bolting South Beach for the Motor City. Bush is reportedly gaining serious interest from the Detroit Lions and he would be a perfect fit for the Lions offense. Tuesday morning on ESPN's Mike and Mike in the Morning, NFL analyst John Clayton furthered the speculation that Bush be the top target for Detroit. After discussing some upcoming free agents and the level of interest they will generate, Clayton closed out by saying Bush is one of the more interesting situations to watch but he could see him winding up in Detroit. Clayton also added that the price tag for Bush would not be too expensive. (SI)
FF Today's Take: The 28-year-old is coming off two of his most productive NFL seasons. His versatility as both a rushing and pass-catching running back could conceivably serve the Lions well.
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 Cruz drawing interest around the NFL -- Wed Mar 6 9:00 pm --
Star WR could be on his way out of New York |
Coach Tom Coughlin recently admitted to frustration at the New York Giants' inability to find common ground in contract talks with restricted-free-agent wide receiver Victor Cruz. If the Giants truly are more focused on extending receiver Hakeem Nicks' contract, will that expose their flank for another team to take a run at Cruz? NFL.com's Ian Rapoport hears there is already "a ton of interest" on Cruz, with "plenty of teams just waiting for their opening" once free agency kicks off. Just 26 years old, Cruz is a sharp route runner with explosive run-after-catch ability. In addition to top-10 production over the past two years, the Eli Manning-to-Cruz connection already boasts more touchdowns of 70+ yards than all but two combinations in NFL history. (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Cruz has been one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL since entering the league two years ago. It would be a surprise to see the Giants lose the speedy 26-year-old to another suitor.
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Dolphins, Vikes interested in Wallace -- Wed Mar 6 8:50 pm --
Miami no longer showing interest in Greg Jennings |
NFL.com's Jeff Darlington reported Wednesday that "Plan A" for the Dolphins includes a wideout group of Hartline, Davone Bess and Mike Wallace. The Dolphins know Wallace will cost a lot (probably more than what Bowe received from the Kansas City Chiefs) and they sound ready to spend. According to Darlington, the Dolphins' offseason plan "all starts" with bringing Wallace aboard (seriously, check out the piece). It sounds like they are willing to do it at nearly any cost. The Dolphins also expect the Minnesota Vikings to join the bidding for Wallace (which might make Percy Harvin available in a trade. Spicy). But the Dolphins don't sound interested in wide receiver Greg Jennings. (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Mike Wallace would give the Dolphins a receiver with game-changing speed - something they don't currently have. With Wallace, Percy Harvin, Greg Jennings, Wes Welker, and Brandon Lloyd likely to switch teams before next season, this could just be one of the best offseason classes of wide receivers in the history of the NFL.
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Wes Welker to test free agency -- Wed Mar 6 8:30 pm --
Pats top WR headed elsewhere |
New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker has no plans to re-sign with the team before first testing the free-agent market next week, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Unrestricted free agents can officially sign with other teams starting Tuesday. Welker, 31, received the Patriots' franchise tag last offseason but New England didn't issue a franchise tender to any player for the 2013 season before this past Monday's deadline. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: It's common knowledge that Tom Brady and the Patriots' run a pass-heavy offense. Though tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez receive many of Brady's targets, management will need to find someone to fill Welker's role as a quick, sure-handed receiver, especially with Brandon Lloyd rumored to be on his way out as well.
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49ers release K David Akers -- Wed Mar 6 5:30 pm --
Veteran kicker coming off his worst year as a pro |
San Francisco 49ers announced they have released K David Akers. (Adam Schefter via Twitter)
FF Today's Take: This move was expected as Akers is coming off his worse season as a pro making 29 field goals in 42 attempts for a 69% clip. His 131 FPts ranked him 9th among fantasy kickers in 2012.
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Chiefs & Bowe agree on 5-year deal -- Mon Mar 4 4:00 pm --
Use franchise tag on OT Brandon Albert |
Chiefs didn't use tag on WR Dwayne Bowe because they didn't have to. Chiefs and Bowe have reached agreement on a five-year deal. (Adam Schefter via Twitter)
FF Today's Take: This ensures Bowe will be in Kansas for the next few years and that he will be the focal point for Alex Smith and the Chiefs passing attack. Bowe will enter the 2013 fantasy season as a solid WR2 with a low-end WR1 ceiling.
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Titans decide against franchising Cook -- Mon Mar 4 2:30 pm --
Could become a free agent if agreement isn't reached |
The Titans decided against using their franchise tag for 2013 on tight end Jared Cook or any of their other pending free agents. Cook was considered the player most likely to receive the designation, but now he can become a free agent next week if he and the Titans don't agree to a new contract. Indications are the two sides are far apart. (The Tennessean)
FF Today's Take: There was some debate on whether or not Cook should be tagged as tight end or wide receiver given he plays the majority of the time in the slot or outside. The Titans would like to have Cook back but they'll be in a battle for his services once the free agent market opens on March 12th.
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Moss says goodbye to 49ers -- Sun Mar 3 7:00 am --
Veteran wideout not expected to return to San Francisco |
Randy Moss posted on his Twitter account Saturday night - "Wished we could've finished the job!!thanks for the opportunity an good luck in the future 9ers (Randy Moss via Twitter)
FF Today's Take: Moss may have a tough time finding a team to play for in 2013 and could be headed for retirement. His fantasy value is non-existent until further notice.
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Garrard close to signing with Jets -- Fri Mar 1 10:15 pm --
Veteran QB expected to be depth player for Jets |
Veteran quarterback David Garrard "anticipates putting a deal together" with the New York Jets once the team can work through some salary-cap issues, a source close to the situation tells ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. "Both sides are feeling good about a possible deal," the source said. A source familiar with the situation said he sees a deal between the Jets and Garrard as likely. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Garrard is a veteran and likely just a depth player but with the uncertainty surrounding the Jets at the quarterback position, it wouldn't be the least likely NFL occurrence to see the 35-year-old under center at some point in 2013.
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Raiders likely to deal number 3 pick -- Fri Mar 1 10:00 pm --
Oakland looking at every angle heading into the draft |
This time of year, of course Geno Smith interests the Raiders. They're also contemplating pass-rushing outside linebacker Jarvis Jones. And run-stuffing defensive tackles Star Lotulelei and Sharrif Floyd. And burner receiver Marquise Goodwin. And offensive tackles Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher. Linebacker Manti Te'o? Sure, why not? Put it this way - the Raiders are doing their due diligence and looking at every conceivable possibility. But as one NFL source told me at the Senior Bowl, the Raiders' most likely and logical move is to trade down from the No. 3 spot. ... [Showing] "interest" in Smith could be akin to general manager Reggie McKenzie building up interest, and thus, trade value, in said No. 3 pick. (CSN Bay Area)
FF Today's Take: The Raiders have a number of pressing needs. Though Carson Palmer put together a solid year, he's a good-but-not-great 33-year-old quarterback on a team that is still at least a couple years away from being a contender. There have been rumors abound that Oakland will give Terrelle Pryor a shot next season, but the Raiders may opt to go a different route and take a chance on Geno Smith in this year's draft.
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Lamar Miller to play lead role in Miami -- Fri Mar 1 9:30 pm --
Second-year RB to take over starting job in Dolphins' backfield |
The Miami Dolphins aren't even hiding the fact they expect Lamar Miller to replace Reggie Bush as the team's starter in 2013. Inside the team's headquarters there's no talk about Miller competing with former second-round pick Daniel Thomas, or one of the other young tailbacks on the roster. And there's very little discussion about adding another veteran tailback once Bush signs with another team, say the Lions or the Chargers (that's the word on the street). The future of the franchise's running game is being put in the hands of the former University of Miami standout, whom the team traded up to get in the fourth round of last year's draft, which featured his stock dropping because of a shoulder injury he played with at UM. (Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel)
FF Today's Take: Miller looked promising albeit in limited action in 2012 as a rookie. The shifty 21-year-old had an impressive 4.9 yards per carry. If he can replicate that feat in 2013 with the 200 to 250 carries he's expected to receive, the Miami-native will be in line for a tremendous season.
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Flacco, Ravens agree to new contract -- Fri Mar 1 9:00 pm --
QB to become highest paid NFLer |
It's official, Joe Flacco isn't going anywhere. The Ravens were prepared to franchise Flacco if a deal wasn't completed by the start of free agency. There was no way they would let him hit the open market. NFL.com's Albert Breer reported that Joe Flacco's deal is for six years and would make him the highest paid player in the NFL - making it worth more than $120 million. The deal is expected to be finalized Sunday night or Monday morning. Flacco will be in Baltimore on Monday to sign the deal, according to Breer. (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Just because he'll be the highest paid doesn't make him an elite fantasy quarterback. Flacco is a smart leader with a strong arm and he has a slew of capable receivers, but he probably isn't even a top 10 fantasy quarterback. Don't let a Super Bowl victory and a big contract skew your opinion on draft day this summer.
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CJ2K says he'll outrush AP in 2013 -- Fri Mar 1 12:30 pm --
And thinks he'll make a run at breaking single season record |
Chris Johnson is confident of achieving big things in the 2013 season. Not only does he expect to rush for more yards than Adrian Peterson, he also believes he can make a run at Eric Dickerson's all-time single-season rushing record. The Tennessee Titans running back, coming off a 1,243-yard season in 2012, was asked on ESPN's "NFL Live" on Wednesday if he or the Minnesota Vikings' Peterson, who threatened the all-time rushing record with his 2,097 yards, would have more rushing yards next season. "Of course, '2K," Johnson said, referring to his nickname - CJ2K - which he received after rushing for 2,006 yards in 2009. When asked how confident he felt about his answer, he said he was "very confident." (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Johnson's been fortunate enough to stay healthy throughout his career, but these words should be accepted as nothing more than mere puffery. Both 27-year-old backs have exceptional ability, but Peterson gets more carries. For fantasy purposes, Peterson is much more valuable because of the number of touches he gets near the goal line. Johnson's 10 touchdowns over the past two seasons pale in comparison to Peterson's 26.
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Falcons release three, including Turner -- Fri Mar 1 11:00 am --
RB Michael Turner, DE John Abraham and CB Dunta Robinson cut |
The Atlanta Falcons cleared some salary-cap room Friday, releasing running back Michael Turner, defensive end John Abraham and cornerback Dunta Robinson. By letting the three veterans go, the Falcons put themselves $15.9 million under the cap, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: We've expected the release of Turner so this isn't a shock. Turner ranked 18th among fantasy running backs in 2012 but at 31 years of age, he's definitely on the downside of his career. The Falcons will look to add a running back in free agency (Steven Jackson?) or via the draft to go along with Jacquizz Rodgers.
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CJ2K opposed to two-back system -- Thu Feb 28 11:00 pm --
Speedy RB would prefer to shoulder the load |
The Tennessee Titans have a running back in Chris Johnson who is being paid lavishly to be the focal point of their offense. So it was interesting to hear the opinion of new Titans running backs coach Sylvester Croom, who told a Nashville radio station this month the Titans will continue to feature Johnson next season, but plan to add a second running back that can help shoulder the load. When Johnson visited NFL Network studios on Wednesday, Around The League made sure to ask Johnson about it. "Throughout all the years I've been in the league, when we get in the red-zone area they always put another guy in there," Johnson said. "I think people are making more than what it is ... But if it comes down to a two-back system, I don't agree with that."
(NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Johnson shouldn't be too worried about sharing the backfield with another running back. The 27-year-old has surpassed 290 touches in each of his five NFL seasons.
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Matt Cassel headed to Cardinals? -- Wed Feb 27 11:30 pm --
Arizona rumored to be interested in QB |
Adam Schefter: "Look for Matt Cassel to be one of the quarterbacks on the Cardinals' radar. Cassel also will receive interest from other teams." (Twitter)
FF Today's Take: Between Kevin Kolb, John Skelton, Ryan Lindley and Brian Hoyer, the Cardinals' quarterbacks left a lot to be desired in 2012. Cassel is not elite, and some might argue that he's not even an average NFL quarterback but a change of scenery and a new offense could re-energize him.
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Breaston in Cleveland for physical -- Wed Feb 27 10:30 pm --
Veteran could bolster Browns' receiving corps |
Free agent wide receiver Steve Breaston is visiting Cleveland Wednesday for a physical, a league source told the Beacon Journal. The source spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. Breaston would be a candidate to fill the Browns' roster spot of receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, a free agent who is not expected to return. A six-year veteran, Breaston was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 19. (Akron Beacon Journal)
FF Today's Take: Breaston fell off the radar as an underutilized receiver in Kansas City last season, and while he isn't likely to produce fantasy worthy numbers in Cleveland, his addition would provide their unnamed 2013 starting quarterback with a sure-handed veteran - something that they don't currently have.
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Pats to part ways with Brandon Lloyd? -- Wed Feb 27 1:00 pm --
$3 million roster bonus looming |
The Patriots' plans for 2013 continue to take shape and Brandon Lloyd isn’t currently part of them. A league source told me at the NFL Combine that Lloyd isn’t even on the Patriots projected depth chart for 2013 despite having signed a three-year, $12 million deal last offseason. (Comcast Sportsnet)
FF Today's Take: Lloyd's personality has been an issue for much of his career and numerous reports this off-season have suggested the Patriots are tired of his act. If Lloyd is let go, which may happen sooner rather than later, you can expect the Pats to be in the free agent market for wide receiver.
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Alex Smith to KC: Deal reached -- Wed Feb 27 11:45 am --
Can't become official until March 12th |
49ers have completed a trade with the Chiefs for Alex Smith, tho can't be official til March 12. Chiefs really made a commitment to Smith (Jay Glazer via Twitter)
FF Today's Take: The Chiefs have been linked to Alex Smith for some time now and it appears the two teams may have worked out a deal at the Combine. We'll have to wait until the league year begins (March 12th) for any trade to be official but it appears Kansas City has, in part, addressed their glaring quarterback problem.
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Steven Jackson to void contract -- Tue Feb 26 1:20 pm --
Will test free agency, Falcons would be good fit |
Rams running back Steven Jackson will void the final year of his contract March 12, league sources told the Post-Dispatch on Monday. That means Jackson, the Rams’ career rushing leader, will test the free-agent market. One of the most likely suitors is Atlanta, which according to reports plans to release veteran back Michael Turner. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
FF Today's Take: This has been the consensus for some time now. Jackson is scheduled to make $7 million in 2013 and the Rams may have been forced to cut him if he elected to play in St. Louis in 2013. If the Falcons release Turner, Jackson would be a good fit bringing more speed and agility to go along with Jacquizz Rodgers.
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TE Fred Davis cleared to play -- Tue Feb 26 1:00 pm --
Redskins tight end recovering from Achilles injury |
Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis, who is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered last season, was cleared to play by Dr. Robert Anderson on Tuesday. Anderson said Davis is healing very well and will be 100 percent for organized team activities. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 12. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Davis may be cleared to play but it's hard to imagine him being fully recovered since his Achilles injury occurred last October. Given his free agent status, Davis has incentive to let other teams know his recovery is progressing well. His fantasy value remains in neutral until he finds a team and is able to step on the practice field on a consistent basis.
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Gronk has another surgery on forearm -- Mon Feb 25 8:00 pm --
Third surgery on same forearm for Pats tight end |
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski underwent surgery last week for an infection in the same forearm that he broke on multiple occasions this past season, league sources told ESPN. The infection was caught early enough that Gronkowski is not expected to miss any extended time, according to those familiar with the surgery. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: While it's concerning that Gronk has had the knife trifecta on the same forearm he should be ready for training camp in July.
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Pats, Brady agree on extension -- Mon Feb 25 6:00 pm --
QB takes hometown discount, signed through 2017 |
Tom Brady has agreed to a three-year, $27 million contract extension with the Patriots, a deal that will keep him with New England through the 2017 season, a league source confirmed to ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The Patriots gained about $8 million in salary cap space in 2013 on this deal that is well below market value for a top shelf NFL QB. The extra money could help the Patriots not only sign free agents this season (WR Wes Welker, CB Aqib Talib, Danny Woodhead) but allow them roster flexibility in years to come. Brady will turn 40 in 2017.
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Alex Smith trade talks heat up -- Sun Feb 24 8:00 pm --
49ers confident they can trade the QB |
The San Francisco 49ers are involved in talks to trade quarterback Alex Smith and believe they're going to be able to make a deal, league sources say. The Kansas City Chiefs are interested and the Arizona Cardinals also are thought to be. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: No deal is in place according to ESPN but it appears he will be moving on from San Francisco shortly after the league year begins on March 12th. The Chiefs or Cardinals will likely need to surrender a third or fourth-round draft pick for Smith.
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Bills' Nelson won't be tendered -- Sun Feb 24 1:05 pm --
Buffalo will have new look to receiving corps |
The Buffalo Bills will not tender wide receiver David Nelson a contract offer, making him an unrestricted free agent, a league source said Sunday. Nelson is coming off a torn ACL, which he hurt Sept. 9 against the Jets. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The Bills are expected to have a revamped receiving corps after letting Donald Jones go earlier this month. Nelson confirmed on his twitter account today that the Bills will not offer him a contract. He will become an unrestricted free agent.
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Manningham won't be ready for camp -- Sun Feb 24 11:30 am --
49ers have question marks at receiver |
On Friday, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said he didn't expect Mario Manningham, who suffered an ACL tear in late December, to be ready for the start of training camp. Kyle Williams also had a late-season ACL tear, and Randy Moss and Ted Ginn Jr. are unsigned. (Sacramento Bee)
FF Today's Take: It would be a minor miracle if Manningham is ready for Week 1. It's more likely that he would start the season on the PUP list. San Francisco interviewed rookie Cal wideout Keenan Allen at the combine and is rumored to be interested in speedy WR Tavon Austin from West Virginia.
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Alex Smith headed to Kansas City? -- Fri Feb 22 10:20 pm --
The Chiefs reportedly interested in veteran QB |
As San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh was trying to sell reporters on the idea that the 49ers could keep quarterback Alex Smith, other members of his organization were quite clear about what is going to happen to Smith as they prepared to sign players. Smith is going to get traded and probably sooner than later. Although one source said it's far too early to guess, Kansas City appears to be the most interested team. The Chiefs are unlikely to use the No. 1 overall pick on a quarterback this year because none of the top ones - such as Geno Smith and Matt Barkley - appear to be worth it. (Yahoo Sports)
FF Today's Take: Smith is coming off his two best seasons as a pro. Though he doesn't post the lofty numbers that the NFL's elite quarterbacks do, the 28-year-old is quite efficient. He completed more than 70 percent of his passes this season and threw 13 touchdown passes to just five interceptions.
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RG3 ahead of rehab schedule -- Fri Feb 22 10:10 pm --
Redskins' QB making progress in return from torn ACL |
Dr. James Andrews told NFL Network’s Ian Rapport that Robert Griffin III’s rehab after reconstructive surgery on his knee is “way ahead of schedule.” In fact, the biggest challenge has been keeping the QB from overdoing it. “We don’t have to do much except try to hold him back,” said Andrews. “Our whole mode is to do what’s best for him for his career, not necessarily what’s best for the first game next season.” (SI)
FF Today's Take: Griffin's ability to scramble and make yards with his legs is a big part of his game, so this is a great early sign for his fantasy production in 2013.
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Hakeem Nicks underwent knee surgery -- Fri Feb 22 10:00 pm --
WR was plagued by knee injury all season long |
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks went down hard on his left knee following a long reception in Week 2 and never was the same. You can say the same about the Giants' offense. Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine that Nicks has undergone arthroscopic surgery on the knee. Nicks battled the two injuries all season long. He missed three games and finished with 53 receptions for 692 yards and three touchdowns. (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Nicks was an elite wide receiver in 2010 and 2011, but took a step back in 2012 due to a nagging knee injury. Look for him to regain his old form in 2013 if he can stay healthy.
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Manning courting Freeney to join DEN -- Wed Feb 20 8:15 pm --
But Broncos's pass rush not an area of need |
The Indianapolis Colts are done with Dwight Freeney, but it doesn't appear the defensive end will lack for suitors when he hits the open market. Freeney said Wednesday that former Colts teammate Peyton Manning already has been recruiting him to join the Denver Broncos. "He sent me a text and he just said, 'Hey man, don't worry, come play with me in Denver,' " Freeney told "PFT Live." "I don't know how serious it was but, you know, it's good to hear some of your former teammates still follow you, they care and they want to see you succeed." Freeney expressed doubt that Denver has a spot for him with defensive end Elvis Dumervil and linebacker Von Miller entrenched. (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Freeney shouldn't be a serious consideration for those in IDP leagues. His tackle totals are always low and at 33, he might lack the burst he had in his more youthful days that saw him achieve double-digit sack totals in seven of his first nine seasons in the league.
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Falcons urge Gonzalez to keep playing -- Wed Feb 20 8:05 pm --
Veteran TE reportedly wavering from intent to retire |
The Atlanta Falcons will engage quarterback Matt Ryan in negotiations to extend his contract this offseason, but sources said Tuesday that persuading tight end Tony Gonzalez to return has become a higher priority at the moment. The Falcons have been exerting tremendous pressure on Gonzalez to make one more Super Bowl run, and sources said he's wavering from his intention to retire for the first time. While he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, Gonzalez said at his locker after Atlanta's season ended in the NFC Championship Game that if he were to return he would be interested in playing only for the Falcons. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Judging on his production in 2012, Gonzalez has still got it. Whether or not he still wants to play could be a different story. This one could last deep into the offseason, as the veteran contemplates retirement from a storied 16-year NFL career.
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Dolphins taking aim at FA Mike Wallace -- Wed Feb 20 8:00 pm --
Speedy WR could be on his way out of Pittsburgh |
With dynamic offensive playmakers a desperate need, the Miami Dolphins have pegged the Pittsburgh Steelers' Mike Wallace as their top choice to fill a gaping void at wide receiver, the South Florida Sun Sentinel's Omar Kelly reported Tuesday, citing multiple sources. Green Bay Packers wideout Greg Jennings has been the soon-to-be free-agent receiver most often linked to the Dolphins, given his familiarity with coach Joe Philbin from Philbin's days in Green Bay. However, Jennings' injuries and age could be deterrents, even if he would be a cheaper option. (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Wallace leaving town is not a done deal by any means, but if he does leave then the Steelers' will need to address his vacancy at receiver either through free agency or at the NFL draft. The team that acquires Wallace's services will get an inconsistent but elusive playmaker with a higher top gear than virtually every other player in the league.
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Chiefs release Breaston and Boss -- Tue Feb 19 7:00 pm --
Breaston signed five-year, $22.5 million deal in 2011 |
The Kansas City Chiefs have released wide receiver Steve Breaston and tight end Kevin Boss as part of their roster overhaul under new coach Andy Reid and general manager John Dorsey. Breaston was lured to Kansas City in 2011 by former coach Todd Haley and general manager Scott Pioli, and signed a $22.5 million, five-year deal. (AP)
FF Today's Take: Despite a lack of talent in the receiving corps, Breaston was inactive for numerous games in the 2012 season and no reason was ever given for Breaston not seeing the field. He'll likely catch on elsewhere (reunion with Todd Haley in Pittsburgh?) assuming his health is intact.
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Eagles want high pick for QB Foles -- Sat Feb 16 8:05 am --
Would require a first or second round pick |
If new Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid has designs on reuniting with Nick Foles, he's going to have to knock the socks off of the Philadelphia Eagles with a big-time offer. NFL sources tell The Associated Press that the Eagles have yet to discuss trading Foles and would require a first- or second-round pick to even consider it. The Philadelphia Daily News offers a similar report from its own source, maintaining that not only is the team not looking to deal Foles, but that they want to keep him.
Savvy readers may ask how the Eagles could set the price at an early-round pick if the front office has yet to even volley the idea of a Foles trade. It doesn't compute. A more likely scenario is that the team's brass has taken note of Reid's interest and has set the asking price accordingly high. It's standard operating procedure for the Eagles, who originally set the price on Donovan McNabb at a pair of first-rounders in 2010 before settling for two lesser picks. (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Foles' strong performances last season were sporadic but he finished the year strong. The Chiefs' quarterback situation is precarious at best and there's no doubt that Reid likes Foles, but there are a number of other teams that could be players, including the Cleveland Browns.
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Vikings say Harvin won't be dealt -- Sat Feb 16 7:50 am --
WR frustrated with offense in Minnesota |
The Minnesota Vikings have no intention of trading wide receiver Percy Harvin, general manager Rick Spielman said Friday. Spielman refused to comment specifically on Harvin's contract situation, citing his usual policy about any Vikings player or coach. Spielman said team officials, as always, will meet next week at the NFL scouting combine with the agents for every player, which of course includes Harvin's representative, Joel Segal. Spielman declined to address the possibility of negotiating a new deal for Harvin, who will be in the final year of his contract in 2013. As for the potential of a holdout, should Harvin's deal not be extended, Spielman said, "He's not going to get into hypotheticals" about that. "Percy Harvin is under contract and we expect him, just like all of our players under contract, to be here," Spielman said, (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The Vikings have a spectacular running game thanks to Adrian Peterson, but their passing game is lacking. They've tried to get Harvin more involved by using him on kickoff returns and occasionally have him rush the ball, but his production would likely be much better on a team with an elite quarterback in a pass-heavy offense. There is no doubting his ability however, and if he can stay healthy his talents alone warrant placing him among the top 20 fantasy wide receivers, though he remains a cut below the truly elite due to his unideal situation in Minnesota.
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Colts release Freeney, Collie -- Sat Feb 16 7:30 am --
Will fill the gap with younger, less injury-prone players |
The Indianapolis Colts released seven-time Pro Bowler Dwight Freeney and wide receiver Austin Collie on Friday, the team announced. Freeney, who turns 33 next week, played all 10 of his NFL seasons with the Colts, and has 107.5 sacks in that time span. Freeney is the franchise’s all-time sacks leader. He converted to outside linebacker and only recorded five sacks and 12 tackles in an injury-plagued season. (SI)
FF Today's Take: The Andrew Luck era has brought with it a multitude of changes thus far. The rookie quarterback wasn't the only first-year player on the Colts to contribute last season: tight ends Coby Fleener and Dwayne Casey factored into the offense, running back Vick Ballard was the team's top rusher, and the emergence of T.Y. Hilton as an elusive wide receiver made Austin Collie expendable. On defense, 2010 first-round pick Jerry Hughes showed that he is a capable outside pass rusher which likely made the decision to release Dwight Freeney a little easier.
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Packers release Charles Woodson -- Sat Feb 16 7:00 am --
36-year-old would still like to play, and for a contender |
The Green Bay Packers released veteran defensive back Charles Woodson, the team announced Friday. Carl Poston, the agent for Woodson, first told NFL.com that the club would be releasing his client. "They're getting ready to release him. It's part of the business," Poston said. "I just talked to him. He sounds like he has a lot of football left. He'd like to play for a contender, win another Super Bowl." Woodson was set to make $9 million in 2013 and would've counted for $10 million against the Packers' salary cap. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The Ravens could be one potential landing spot for the veteran, with rumors swirling that Ed Reed could be on his way out of Baltimore.
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Titus Young to be waived by STL -- Fri Feb 15 2:10 pm --
Receiver released 10 days after being claimed |
Head coach Jeff Fisher said that the Rams will be waiving WR Titus Young later today. (StLouisRams.com)
FF Today's Take: Per Fisher, the Rams spent 4-5 days with Young after claiming him off waivers and have decided to go in a different direction. It appears the a dramatic attitude adjustment is needy if Young plans on having any kind of career in the NFL.
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Bills re-sign Tarvaris Jackson -- Fri Feb 15 11:30 am --
Jackson and Fitzpatrick will have battle for starting QB job |
Backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson has re-signed with the Buffalo Bills.
Jackson signed a one-year deal that could be worth up to $4.5 million, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Head coach Doug Marrone says he's informed Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jackson that he intends to have both compete for the starting job. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: The new head coach will soon realize Jackson lacks sufficient accuracy as an NFL quarterback. In 7 season's Jackson has compiled a 59% completion percentage with 38 TDs and 35 INTs. If it's a true competition, we expect Fitzpatrick to be on the field Week 1 as the starter.
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