Fantasy football news and opinion from FFToday.com http://www.fftoday.com/rss/news.xml Fantasy Football Copyright 2009 FFToday.com Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:30:00 GMT Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:30:00 GMT webmaster@fftoday.com (Mike Krueger) http://www.fftoday.com/creative/icn_fftoday_88_31.jpg http://www.fftoday.com/rss/news.xml 88 31 Redskins To A One-Year Contract

The Redskins have signed quarterback Rex Grossman to a one-year contract. Grossman spent last season in Houston as a backup to Matt Schaub. With the Texans, he worked under the Redskins' new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and also with Washington quarterback coach Matt LaFleur, so the Redskins' staff knows exactly what it's getting. On the surface, the signing might seem like a simple replacement. The team released Todd Collins (QB, LB), its long-time backup, earlier this month, and Grossman could fill that role. (Washington Post)

FF Today's Take: The former Chicago Bears' starting QB has taken on the role of journeyman backup. If the Redskins do manage to snag one of the top quarterback prospects, Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen, with the fourth overall pick in this year's draft, Jason Campbell could suddenly become expendable.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2976 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:30:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2976 Cardinals Will Likely Compete With Leinart For Starting Job

The Arizona Cardinals have agreed to terms with free-agent quarterback Derek Anderson on a two-year contract. ESPN.com reports that the deal is for $7.25 million, which includes $3.25 million guaranteed, and with incentives, would max out at $18.25 million. Anderson, recently released by the Browns, is being brought in as the No. 2 quarterback but likely will be given every chance to compete for the starting job with Matt Leinart. (Arizona Republic)

FF Today's Take: Not a bad deal for a guy who threw just three TDs and 10 interceptions last season. At the present, Leinart has the upper hand, but considering he's been a backup for nearly three full seasons and hasn't thrown a TD pass since 2008, he'll need to raise his game to take over the starting position left by Kurt Warner's retirement. ]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2975 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:25:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2975 Saints Saints Have 7 Days To Match Offer

New Orleans Saints restricted free agent tailback Mike Bell (RB, DL) agreed to the terms of an offer sheet with the Philadelphia Eagles, his agent Josh Luchs confirmed. If the Saints want to keep him, they have seven days to match the deal. It's a one-year deal worth $1.7 million with $500,000 guaranteed, according to a league source, with incentives that could increase it above $2 million. (Times-Picayune)

FF Today's Take: If the Saints decide not to match the offer sheet, the Eagles will not owe any draft-pick compensation. Philadelphia is looking to add running back depth behind LeSean McCoy after the release of Brian Westbrook earlier this off-season.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2974 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:05:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2974 Jets Vikings "It's 100 Percent," One Source Said. "Done Deal."

According to three people with knowledge of the process, Tomlinson has decided to become a New York Jet. "It's 100 percent," one source said. "Done deal." Sources said Tomlinson is expected to announce the decision today or tomorrow. After nine years as a San Diego icon, Tomlinson was released in February. His 2009 season saw him post career-low numbers in carries and yards, but he left the franchise holding 28 team records and as the NFL's eighth-leading rusher all-time and third-leading touchdown scorer ever. In New York, he will back up Shonn Greene. (San Diego Union-Tribune)

FF Today's Take: Tomlinson visited Minnesota last week discussing the option of backing up Adrian Peterson (RB, RB) for the Vikings. In the end, he will fill Thomas Jones' shoes and share the load with Shonn Greene. Tomlinson's days as a premier fantasy back are over but he'll be worthy of a mid-round pick in re-draft leagues this summer.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2973 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:30:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2973 Broncos Browns Broncos Send FB Peyton Hills & Two Draft Picks To Browns

The Denver Broncos have acquired quarterback Brady Quinn from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for fullback Peyton Hillis, a sixth-round pick in 2011 and a conditional pick in 2012. Quinn opened last season as Cleveland's starter, was benched after 10 quarters, then got his job back. He went 2-7 in nine starts. (ESPN)

FF Today's Take: It had been rumored over the last couple days that Quinn could be released or traded especially with the addition of Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace, so this move isn't much of a surprise. Heading into camp, expect Orton to be the starting quarterback with Quinn filling a backup role.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2972 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:00:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2972 Browns Cancels Visit With New Orleans

Jake Delhomme has a new NFL home, and the Cleveland Browns have another new quarterback. Delhomme, released last week by the Carolina Panthers, has agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the Browns. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter first reported the deal, and a source told Schefter that Delhomme is scheduled to make $7 million this season, including just under $900,000 in base salary. Delhomme's agent, Rick Smith, said the 35-year-old QB would sign his contract before the club's off-season conditioning program begins. (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/ne)

FF Today's Take: The Browns have been busy making QB moves this off-season, releasing Derek Anderson, acquiring Seneca Wallace, and now adding veteran Jake Delhomme to the mix. Expect Delhomme and Wallace to battle for the starting job during training camp. Also, don't be surprised if the Browns take a QB early in the 2010 draft.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2971 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2971 Redskins To Three-Year Deal Worth Up To $12 Million

Free-agent RB Larry Johnson has agreed to a three-year contract worth up to $12 million with the Redskins, according to a league source. Johnson began last season as the Chiefs' starter, but he was released after seven games following a falling out with coach Todd Haley. Johnson finished the season with the Bengals, with whom he backed up starter Cedric Benson and gained 204 yards on 46 attempts. The Redskins were looking for depth behind starter Clinton Portis, whose 2009 season was cut short by a concussion. (NFL.com)

FF Today's Take: Both Portis and Johnson are in a similar boat - both were once ranked among the top fantasy running backs in the NFL before suffering through injuries the past few seasons. Coach Mike Shanahan will probably be eager to get his former RB, Portis, going again but with his fragility, it'll be comforting knowing that they have a veteran like Johnson to fall back on, assuming he can stay healthy.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2970 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:20:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2970 Browns Three-Years, $12 million

The Browns have signed unrestricted free agent tight end Ben Watson, formerly of the Patriots, to a three-year deal worth $12 million, including $6.35 million guaranteed. Watson, who spent all six of his previous seasons with the Patriots, knows Browns coach Eric Mangini and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll from their New England days. Watson, 29, was originally a first-round pick out of Georgia in 2004. In 2009, he started seven of 16 games, catching 29 passes for 404 yards and five TDs. Overall, he caught 167 passes for 2,102 yards and 20 touchdowns. "We viewed Ben as one of the top all-around tight ends in the free agent market," Browns General Manager Tom Heckert said in a statement. "Because of his athleticism and intelligence, he has proven valuable as both a receiver and blocker during his career, and has performed well in both facets." (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

FF Today's Take: Watson is a definite improvement for the Browns at the tight end position. No Browns TE has matched the five TDs Watson accumulated last year since Kellen Winslow had five during the 2007 season.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2969 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:45:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2969 Eagles Jets Saints Vikings Former MVP To Meet With Jets

LaDainian Tomlinson left Vikings headquarters Thursday without a contract and now will be wined and dined by Rex Ryan and the Jets, who are very serious about signing the future Hall of Fame running back, according to multiple league sources. The only thing that could have short-circuited the trip to New York was an 11th-hour deal with the Vikings to back up Adrian Peterson (RB, RB). Barring that, Tomlinson will meet with the Jets, who want to team the former NFL MVP with Shonn Greene. Tomlinson reportedly left Minnesota very impressed by the Vikings but wants to talk to other teams. He reportedly has visits with other teams lined up for next week and may visit the Eagles and Saints, who have former Chargers quarterback and good friend Drew Brees to recruit Tomlinson. Tomlinson has rushed for 12,490 yards and 138 touchdowns but has seen his numbers dip severely from 1,474 yards in 2007 to 1,110 yards in 2008 to 730 yards last year. (New York Daily News)

FF Today's Take: If Tomlinson's still looking to play a significant role on an NFL team, the Jets could be an ideal fit - he's likely to get more touches playing alongside a younger, less-established RB like Shonn Greene than he would playing behind Adrian Peterson (RB, RB). However, despite the Jets lengthy post-season run this past year, Tomlinson might have a better shot at winning a ring with the Vikings or Saints.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2968 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:30:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2968 Ravens Two-Years, $8 Million

The Ravens struck a two-year, $8 million agreement with Mason on Wednesday, retaining the most consistent wide receiver in team history. He will earn $3.5 million the first year. The Ravens have made three moves this offseason, and all three have involved the wide receiver position. The result: This could be the deepest wide receiver group in team history. Last month, they signed Donte' Stallworth (one year, $900,000), hoping he can become the deep threat. Last week, they traded for Anquan Boldin (four years, $28 million), hoping he can become the No. 1 receiver. (Baltimore Sun)

FF Today's Take: Boldin and Mason are similar, possession-style receivers so it remains to be seen how the targets will be dished out. Mason (73 rec, 1,028 yds, 7 TDs) was a number 2/3 fantasy wideout last season but could easily see a decline in numbers now that Boldin and Stallworth are in the mix.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2967 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2967 Bengals Four-Year, $28 Million Deal

Antonio Bryant has agreed to a four-year deal with the Bengals worth $28 million. With incentives the deal could go to $29 million. The paperwork for the deal is still being completed. The team might not announce the deal until later today or tomorrow since coach Marvin Lewis has left for the NFL Competition Committee meetings. The eight-year veteran was considered to be the top unrestricted free agent wideout. Last year with Tampa Bay, he was hampered due to two knee injuries that happened during training camp. He played 13 games and had 39 receptions for 600 yards, an average of 15.4 yards per catch, with four touchdowns. In 2008, he enjoyed a career year with 83 receptions for 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns. Bryant arrived in town on Monday and visited the Bengals on Tuesday but did not leave with a deal. Rumors abounded that Washington and Miami were also in the running. Bryant, who turned 29 on Tuesday, was drafted by Dallas in 2002 and has also played with Cleveland and San Francisco. He would give the Bengals the deep threat they are looking desperately lacking. Carson Palmer said over the weekend that he has texted Bryant in a recruiting effort to get him to come to Cincinnati. And with Chad Ochocinco entering his 10th season and entering an option year in 2011, Bryant could eventually make a bid to possibly become the team's top receiver. (Cincinnati Enquirer)

FF Today's Take: So much for Terrel Owens joining the Bengals - Bryant's signing doesn't leave enough pigskin to go around. While Owens might have been the flashier option, Bryant is in his prime at 29 and has a number of strong years ahead of him. His best season came in 2008, when he had 83 receptions for 1248 yards and 7 TDs. QB Carson Palmer could realistically return to 30 TD range in 2010 with a tandem of talented wide receivers in Bryant and Chad Ochocinco.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2966 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:20:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2966 Vikings Vikes Looking For Replacement For Taylor

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson will make a free-agent visit Thursday to the Vikings, according to Sports Illustrated. Tomlinson could be a replacement for Chester Taylor, who signed a four-year, $12.5 million deal with Chicago on Friday. Tomlinson was released by San Diego, so he wouldn't count toward the restrictions the Vikings are facing in free agency as one of the final four teams in the playoffs. Tomlinson averaged 3.3 yards per carry last season, and there are concerns about his explosiveness after nine years and 2,880 carries in San Diego. But as a third-down back, the role the Vikings must fill with Taylor gone, he could be a good fit in Minnesota. He has 530 career catches, averaging 59 catches per season. Tomlinson has lost 12 fumbles in his career, so his ability to hang onto the ball could be attractive for the Vikings, who have watched Adrian Peterson (RB, RB) lose 13 fumbles in three seasons. (St. Paul Pioneer Press)

FF Today's Take: Minnesota could be an intriguing destination for the veteran Tomlinson. Playing on an offense with fellow former MVP winner Brett Favre ("if" he does return), the Vikings can offer L.T. one thing that many other suitors will be unable to match - a legitimate chance at winning a Super Bowl.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2965 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:15:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2965 Bengals Owens: "I Think Carson Is One Of Those Underrated Quarterbacks"

Less than four hours after Antonio Bryant departed from Paul Brown Stadium, the public courtship nearly five weeks in the making officially began when Terrell Owens landed at Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport. Owens, who arrived from Los Angeles, had dinner with the coaching staff tonight and will visit the Bengals offices tomorrow. Said Owens after arriving: "There's always been the speculation and perception out there (about coming to Cincinnati) and Chad kick started it and lobbied to have me here as a teammate and I welcome it with open arms." Ochocinco started the T.O. talk during Super Bowl week in Miami. As receivers started to come off the market when free agency began last Friday, Owens started to look like a more viable option. Bryant, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Tuesday, left town Tuesday afternoon without a contract. He is still considered to be the number one option but will be visiting other teams this week. Enter Owens who had only 55 receptions for 829 yards and five touchdowns last season in Buffalo. "By my standards I didn't have a great year. Could I have done better? Yes," Owens said. "A lot of the offense, everyone's numbers were down across the board. The only person I feel had a great year was Fred Jackson. Considering the opportunities I had and I got my season was OK." While his production was the lowest in a full season since his second season in the league in 1997 with San Francisco, the 15-year veteran can give the Bengals a deep threat that they don't have right now. Last year, Owens had 10 receptions of 25 yards or more including five that went for over 40. The Bengals as a team had 12 and five respectively. While Owens has had run-ins with some of his former quarterbacks – Jeff Garcia and Donovan McNabb come to mind – the 15-year veteran said he would love to have the opportunity to work with Palmer. Said Owens of Palmer: "I think Carson is one of those underrated quarterbacks. His body of work speaks for itself. Obviously I also relish the moment I can play with a quarterback with the capability and skill set of Carson's. If this is it I'm looking forward to the opportunity." (Cincinnati Enquirer)

FF Today's Take: Best case scenario, if Owens does end up signing with Cincy, is that he gives Palmer a strong, 6'3" throwing option on deep routes. Worst case scenario, and perhaps the more likely of the two, is that the Bengals' locker room isn't big enough for both Owens and Ochocinco's sizeable egos, and the offense implodes causing the Bengals to miss the postseason. ]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2964 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:00:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2964 Chiefs Two-Years, $5 Million

Kansas City signed running back Thomas Jones to a two-year deal worth $5 million, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Jones was released by the Jets last week after being due a $3 million roster bonus on top of a $2.8 million base salary this season. He and the Jets failed to reach a compromise on restructuring his contract; the team wanted him to take a pay cut. After spending Tuesday with the Washington Redskins, Pittsburgh Steelers free-agent running back Willie Parker is scheduled to visit the Chiefs on Thursday, a league source told Schefter. The Chiefs are looking long and hard at veteran running backs. They also met with Justin Fargas on Tuesday, according to a league source. (ESPN)

FF Today's Take: While fantasy owners don't want to hear this, the Chiefs needed a solid backup to Jamaal Charles. Jones set career highs in yards (1402) and touchdowns (14) in 2009 and will be solid backup to Charles who exploded down the stretch and will still likely be a top-20 pick in fantasy drafts this summer.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2963 Tue, 9 Mar 2010 21:10:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2963 Browns Seahawks For Late-Round Draft Pick In 2011

Mike Holmgren moved a little bit of his West Coast offense East on Monday when he traded for his former protege, Seattle backup quarterback Seneca Wallace. The Browns surrendered a late-round pick in 2011 for Wallace, a league source told The Plain Dealer. That means the Browns still have 11 picks in 2010, including nine in the first five rounds. Wallace, 29, is expected to come in as a backup, meaning the Browns could still deal for a starter. But Wallace can play other positions, including receiver and returner. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

FF Today's Take: This all but spells the end for Derek Anderson who is due a $2 million roster bonus on March 19th. Mike Holmgren is obviously familiar with Wallace's skills from their days in Seattle but it's likely Wallace will fill a backup role to Brady Quinn or perhaps a current free agent. ]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2962 Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2962 Eagles Eagles Prepared To Keep All Three QBs

The Philadelphia Eagles have decided to exercise a $1.5 million roster bonus for Michael Vick, signaling they will likely keep the quarterback along with Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb, according to several reports. The bonus, which was to kick in Tuesday unless they released him, would be part of Vick's $5.25 million salary for next season. Eagles coach Andy Reid, in an interview Friday with a Philadelphia radio station, said there was "a pretty good chance" the Eagles would keep all three quarterbacks for next season, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. "I haven't changed my opinion, and I don't think they have, either," Reid said on WPEN-FM, referring to the Eagles' front office. "They've agreed, and mentioned some of the same kinds of things I've said -- that Donovan's our quarterback." (ESPN)

FF Today's Take: Unless a team comes along with a sweetheart deal for Donovan McNabb, it appears the Eagles will keep all three QBs in 2010. The Eagles brass is content with making another run with McNabb under center, but fantasy owners should value Kevin Kolb in fantasy drafts this summer as he will get the majority of playing time, not Vick, should McNabb miss time due to injury.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2961 Mon, 8 Mar 2010 15:30:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2961 Cardinals Ravens Arizona Recieves 3rd & 4th-Round Picks

The Ravens made a bold move to improve their passing game, trading for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin. It is believed the Ravens sent third- and fourth-round picks to the Cardinals in exchange for Boldin and a fifth-round pick. According to ESPN, Boldin has agreed to a new four-year, $28 million contract. It is believed the Ravens beat out the Kansas City Chiefs for the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver. The Ravens were interested in trading for Boldin last season, but the Cardinals were demanding first- and third-round picks. Their asking price reportedly dropped this offseason because Boldin will turn 30 this fall and enters the final year of his contract. (Baltimore Sun)

FF Today's Take: Boldin has averaged 83 receptions and 6 touchdowns in his career and with Derrick Mason an unrestricted free agent, Boldin could become the main receiving target for Flacco and the Ravens in 2010. The team also added Donte Stallworth last month to improve depth at the position.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2960 Fri, 5 Mar 2010 21:30:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2960 Bears DL Signs Six-Year Deal With Chicago

The Bears and Julius Peppers finalized a six-year deal to bring the top free agent in 2010 to Chicago, according to a source. Peppers was looking for at least $12 million a year in the early part of the contract. The agreement could be worth $40 million over the first three years. The 6-foot-7, 283-pound Peppers is a five-time Pro Bowler who recorded 10.5 sacks with two interceptions and five forced fumbles last season. "If we bring in Julius Peppers, that could help us a lot," Bears defensive end Alex Brown said Thursday on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "The guy's a monster, he's an animal. He's the biggest guy and fastest guy I think I've ever seen. "He's as gifted as [linebacker Brian] Urlacher, I think. He's just about 30 pounds heavier. He's unbelievable." (ESPN.com)

FF Today's Take: The Bears have made a huge splash on the first day of NFL free agency, first acquiring Chester Taylor and now Julius Peppers. The addition of Peppers gives the Bears' defense a stud on their front line in what is shaping up to be a very competitive NFC North.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2959 Fri, 5 Mar 2010 20:20:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2959 Bears Four-Year, $12.5 Million Deal

Chester Taylor has agreed to terms on a four-year contract worth $12.5 million, according to a league source. Taylor will be guaranteed $7 million, an unprecedented amount for a running back who turns 31 in September. But Taylor has only started one full NFL season, gaining 1,216 rushing yards in 2006, before Adrian Peterson (RB, RB) took over as the Minnesota Vikings' No. 1 tailback. Taylor, though, remained a valued part of the Vikings offense, and he completed his four-year, $14.1 million with the club. (Chicago Sun-Times)

FF Today's Take: It appears Taylor's being brought in to shoulder some of Matt Forte's heavy workload. Taylor is a complementary-type RB who's also a capable receiving option out of the backfield. He's averaged 40.2 receptions per year over his last five seasons.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2958 Fri, 5 Mar 2010 20:00:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2958 Lions DL Signs Four-Year Deal

Coach Jim Schwartz got his man today when the Detroit Lions agreed to a four-year deal with defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch. He did it with an aggressive personal touch, expressing confidence in Vanden Bosch and assuring him that the Lions have a larger rebuilding plan. Schwartz showed up at Vanden Bosch's house in Nashville, Tenn., as the free-agent market opened at midnight. Schwartz was Vanden Bosch's defensive coordinator for four years with the Titans. "Kyle was our No. 1 priority in free agency," Schwartz told si.com. "I sat in his driveway and waited until midnight ET to send him a text and tell him I was there. I think he is going to be a perfect fit for our defense, not only as a player but as a leader for our young players." Vanden Bosch got the message. "He said, 'I could be anywhere in the country right now, but I am here because you're the guy I want,' " Vanden Bosch told the Tennessean. "Talking with him about the direction they are going, I am excited about it. I am excited about getting to a new team and with a new city. It will be a new challenge for me." Vanden Bosch, 31, went to three Pro Bowls the past five years with the Titans, after beginning his career with the Cardinals. His production has slipped the past two seasons -- from 12 sacks in 2007 to 4 1/2 in '08 to three in '09. But Vanden Bosch went from 12 1/2 sacks in 2005 to 6 1/2 in '06, then back up to 12 in '07. Schwartz told Vanden Bosch he sees him as more than a mentor who can establish his system in Detroit. (Detroit Free Press)

FF Today's Take: With Burleson and now Vanden Bosch, the Lions have been among the most active buyers on the opening day of NFL free agency. Vanden Bosch joins an inexperienced Lions' pass rush that ranked 29th in the NFL last season with just 26 sacks. The veteran should help increase pressure on opposing quarterbacks.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2957 Fri, 5 Mar 2010 19:20:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=2957