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Broncos | Jonah Elliss on pace for camp Thu May 16, 01:33 PM
Denver Broncos LB Jonah Elliss (shoulder) should be recovered from shoulder surgery in time to participate in training camp.
| Footballguys view: Elliss had surgery six months ago, so the team expects there to be enough time for him to recover to make a big impact this year on defense. He had 12 sacks in 10 games at Utah last year and could be a value as a third round pick because of the injury. |
Commanders | Damiere Byrd joining Washington Thu May 16, 01:01 PM
Free-agent WR Damiere Byrd (Falcons) agreed to terms with the Washington Commanders Wednesday, May 15, according to a source. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Byrd was with Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury in 2019 when Kingsbury was the head coach of the Cardinals. He'll compete with Jamison Crowder, Dax Milne, and Olamide Zaccheaus for a spot at the bottom of the Washington wide receiver depth chart. |
Damiere Byrd player page
Chiefs | Kansas City signs multiple picks Thu May 16, 01:01 PM
Kansas City Chiefs fourth-round draft choice TE Jared Wiley, fourth-round draft choice S Jaden Hicks, fifth-round draft choice C Hunter Nourzad and seventh-round draft choice OG C.J. Hanson signed four-year contracts with the Chiefs Wednesday, May 15. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Wiley led all FBS tight ends in touchdown catches last year. He's not a dynamic weapon in the passing game, but he's imposing at the catch point and could be part of the succession plan for Travis Kelce. He should be rostered in tight end premium and deep dynasty leagues |
Cowboys | No progress on Dak Prescott deal Thu May 16, 10:55 AM
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has experienced no progress in talks about an extension, according to sources.
| Footballguys view: The Cowboys appear to be ready to allow Prescott to hit free agency next season. They can't use the franchise tag on him, and Prescott has a no trade clause. He isn't going to get cheaper unless the team craters this season, so it's hard to see what the Cowboys strategy here is unless they are really unsure that they want to go forward with Prescott as their starting quarterback. But if that is the case, they have made no plan for the quarterback position after Prescott, so that also seems incoherent. It's hard to know what the future holds for Prescott or the Cowboys right now. |
Dak Prescott player page
Rams | Aubrey Pleasant named assistant head coach Thu May 16, 09:30 AM
Los Angeles Rams defensive passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant was named assistant head coach Thursday, May 16.
| Footballguys view: At one point, Pleasant was a rising star in the coaching ranks and interviewing for defensive coordinator jobs after Dan Campbell hired him to coach defensive backs in 2021. Before that, Pleasant was the cornerbacks coach for the Rams under Sean McVay. The Lions fired him in 2022 as the pass defense was struggling, but since then, he has helped McVay keep the Rams pass defense sound during a transition period for the franchise. He could get head coach interest if the Rams overachieve on defense again this season. |
Bears | Swift gets coaching staff excited Wed May 15, 03:43 PM
Kevin Fishbain, from the Athletic, reports Chicago Bears running backs coach Chad Morton said he's "excited" about using D'Andre Swift as a pass catcher out of the backfield.
| Footballguys view: We'll see how much Bears' OC Shane Waldron plans to throw Swift the ball. With rookie QB Caleb Williams under center, short passes can work as long handoffs as the team sets up their young passer for success. Swift will compete with Khalil Herbert for pass-catching duties in the backfield. He'll also compete with Herbert and Roschon Johnson for carries in 2024. Let's see how this shakes out in training camp. |
Commanders | Damiere Byrd works out for WAS Wed May 15, 02:13 PM
Free-agent WR Damiere Byrd (Falcons) is working out for the Washington Commanders on Wednesday, May 15, per sources.
| Footballguys view: Byrd was signed to the Texans' practice squad earlier this year, but he was not offered a futures contract. Undrafted out of South Carolina in 2015, Byrd is a seasoned veteran who can still fly down the field. The Commanders are likely to have an explosive offense with rookie QB Jayden Daniels leading the way. If added, Byrd would compete for a reserve role and special teams duty. |
Damiere Byrd player page
Titans | TEN RBs interchangeable? Wed May 15, 11:41 AM
Tennessee Titans RBs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are viewed comparatively as the duo has been working together in the offseason program. 'Both guys, you don't have to worry about in terms of counting touches in terms of handoffs, running the ball. Because they can both catch the ball fairly well out of the backfield,' running backs coach Randy Jordan said. 'So, in that respect, I am not counting touches in terms of rushes. I'm counting, 'Hey, you got 10 rushes, but you also got six catches, and that's a total of 16.' And I think they're getting a really good feel for each other on and off the field.'
| Footballguys view: We love Spears, but it hurt his dynasty stock when the Titans picked up Pollard. They're both backs who can produce as a runner or receiver out of the backfield. We see Pollard as the lead back, but Spears could push for a 50-50 role. This could be a mystery for Fantasy GMs that could unfold differently on a weekly basis. Right now, Pollard is seen as a low-end RB2 with Spears checking in as a low-end RB3/flex option in fantasy drafts. |
Tony Pollard player page
Saints | Revenge Game for Derek Carr Wed May 15, 06:57 AM
The New Orleans Saints are going to play the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season.
| Footballguys view: Derek Carr gets a chance to showcase his ability to his old team near the end of the regular season. Neither team will likely be pushing for a deep postseason run, so a little extra for this game could come from Carr trying to get revenge on his old team. As a matchup in Week 17 (fantasy championship week), Fantasy GMs should take note. |
Derek Carrier player page
Commanders | Washington to work out Martavis Bryant Wed May 15, 12:46 AM
Free-agent WR Martavis Bryant (Cowboys) is scheduled to work out for the Washington Commanders Wednesday, May 15, according to a source.
| Footballguys view: Bryant is trying to make a comeback in the NFL after not playing a regular season snap since 2018. The Commanders are looking at other veteran receivers (Damiere Byrd) who can stretch the field. We'll see if they make a move at the position before minicamp and OTAs or training camp. |
Martavis Bryant player page
Lions | GM Holmes Says Jahmyr Gibbs' Workload Will Increase This Year Tue May 14, 05:33 PM
The Detroit Lions have one of the best one-two punches at running back in the league with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, who combined for nearly 2,000 rushing yards and almost 2,400 scrimmage yards last season. Looking ahead to 2024, it appears Gibbs' workload will increase, as general manager Brad Holmes said on the "Rich Eisen Show" recently. "I definitely would expect (Gibbs) to see more of a load, but David Montgomery will still be here, too," Holmes said. "Dan [Campbell] and I love that one-two punch of him and David... I think he's got much more to offer in the passing game, so most likely you'll see an increase in that, as well."
| Footballguys view: As TSN's Mike Moraitis reminded readers, drafting Gibbs in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft was a bit of a head-scratcher when it first happened, as not only was the No. 12 pick very early to take a running back, but the Lions had just signed Montgomery earlier in the offseason. But questions about the pick diminished after Gibbs' first season, in which he tallied 1,261 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns. In addition, Gibbs was third among running backs with 5.2 yards per carry last season. More of that kind of production should keep the Lions offense near the top of the league in 2024. It should also keep fantasy managers investing RB1 draft capital to secure Gibbs' services happy as well. |
Falcons | Kirk Cousins On The Same Page With Falcons Despite Selection Of Penix Tue May 14, 04:55 PM
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins insists he's not angry with the Falcons for drafting quarterback Michael Penix. Cousins was asked on the Bussin' with the Boys podcast if there's a beef between him and the Falcons over the draft, and Cousins answered, "No, I don't think there can be. I don't think it's helpful." Cousins said his only priority is winning. "We're trying to win the Super Bowl, and it's hard enough. So let's all be on the same page, and let's go try to win the Super Bowl," Cousins said.
| Footballguys view: Cousins acknowledged that no player can assume his team won't draft his replacement. "This wasn't like a foreign concept. This is the NFL. Anything can happen," Cousins said. Still, no one expected the Falcons to spend the eighth pick in the draft on a quarterback. And, as PFT suggests, that raises a question about how patient the Falcons will be in their quest to win a Super Bowl with Cousins, and how soon they'll move on to Penix. Head coach Raheem told reporters last Friday that Cousins is cleared to participate in all aspects of what the club is doing in Phase II of their offseason program. Cousins has said that he's expecting to be "full speed" by the time training camp begins this summer. That he's capable of handling all aspects now is a positive sign that will indeed be the case. |
Kirk Cousins player page
Jets | Aaron Rodgers Gets Week 1 Return Against 49ers In San Francisco On MNF Tue May 14, 04:51 PM
Aaron Rodgers' comeback season will open in prime time, as the New York Jets will travel to the San Francisco 49ers to face the defending NFC champions on Sept. 9 on ESPN's "Monday Night Football," it was announced Tuesday morning. It was also announced Tuesday that the Buffalo Bills will play at the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night, Sept. 12, to open Week 2. The game will air on Amazon Prime.
| Footballguys view: For fantasy managers, the game in San Francisco will be our first look at Rodgers in a game that matters in nearly a year. The veteran signal caller's Jets debut last Sept. 11 turned into a season-altering disaster for the Jets, as the four-time MVP tore his left Achilles on the fourth snap and missed the remainder of the season. The Jets are coming off a 7-10 season marred by quarterback instability. Rodgers has a 6-3 career mark against the 49ers. This is a homecoming of sorts for Rodgers, who grew up in California and attended UC Berkeley. In 2005, Rodgers had thought there was a chance he'd be drafted first overall by the 49ers, but they opted for Alex Smith. The Niners defense will pose a tough test in his first game back, but a strong supporting cast led by Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson works in Rodgers' favor. |
Aaron Rodgers player page
Broncos | Courtland Sutton Still Not On Hand For Voluntary Workouts Tue May 14, 04:48 PM
As 9News.com's Mike Klis reports, Bo Nix elevates the Courtland Sutton situation a notch or two. Nix is among the rookies who will join the veteran players in on-field workouts for the first time Monday, while Sutton is sending a message to the team he'd like a reworked contract -- i.e., more money -- by staying away from the team's voluntary offseason program. Sutton had not attended the team's first 16 offseason workout sessions and he wasn't around Monday for the start of Phase II's week three.
| Footballguys view: While the offseason program is voluntary for players, GM George Paton and head coach Sean Payton would undoubtedly like Nix to start working with Sutton on pass-route timing, especially during the 10 OTA practices that begin next week. Sutton has two years left on his contract with roughly $13.1 million -- $2 million of which is fully guaranteed - due in 2024 and $13.5 million in 2025, none of which is guaranteed. Sutton currently ranks No. 25 in receiver pay for 2024. For perspective, Jerry Jeudy, who, as Klis put it, "mostly played Robin to Sutton's Batman" for the Broncos the past three years, is getting $19 million this year from Cleveland. That said, even with his 10 TDs last season (tied for fourth-most in the league), Sutton ranked tied for 57th in the NFL with 59 catches and 44th with 772 yards. After deciding to eat $37.79 million of Russell Wilson's salary and $53 million in cap space this year, a reworked contract for Sutton is not on the table, at least not yet. Sutton has requested a trade, and despite receiving interest, the Broncos reportedly do not plan to trade him. Patience is the strategy for both sides. The problem is, waiting for one another out means Nix will not be throwing passes to Sutton this offseason. |
Courtland Sutton player page
Chargers | New WR Chark Says Playing With Justin Herbert A Major Positive Tue May 14, 04:47 PM
New Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark says the opportunity to play with quarterback Justin Herbert was a "big-time" attraction when he was weighing his offers in free agency. "He's a Top 5 QB in this league," Chark said of Herbert. "The way he prepares, seeing the way he works, catching passes from him. The timing has been great. Playing with a guy like that -- I've played with many QBs in my career, so being able to play with an elite guy is definitely something that I'm excited to do. I feel like he can help me in a lot of different ways."
| Footballguys view: Chark thinks his talents as a deep threat are a perfect fit for Herbert's arm strength. "Justin is the type of quarterback who elevates the guys around him," Chark added. The big question, of course, is how much throwing the Herbert and the Chargers will do under new head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who has focused on the ground game in previous stops. That said, the Chargers have made a significant change at wide receiver this offseason with the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Getting Chark and Herbert on the same page quickly would greatly boost the Chargers' offense. |
D.J. Chark Jr player page
Justin Herbert player page
Bengals | Cincinnati inks a pair of draft picks Tue May 14, 02:31 PM
Cincinnati Bengals third-round draft choice WR Jermaine Burton (Alabama) and fourth-round draft choice TE Erick All (Iowa) signed four-year contracts on Tuesday, May 14. Financial terms of the deals were not immediately disclosed.
| Footballguys view: After transferring from Georgia following the 2021 season, Burton was a high-production receiver at Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide in receiving yards and touchdowns last season. With Tyler Boyd no longer in the mix (he signed with Tennessee as a free agent), Cincinnati has an immediate need for a No. 3 receiver. In addition, Tee Higgins is heading into 2024 on the franchise tag, and his future in Cincinnati is uncertain. Given the circumstances, Burton has considerable long-term upside in this offense. Meanwhile, the big question for All is about the ACL injury he suffered in 2023 in his senior year at Iowa. The Bengals, however, feel good about his recovery as he enters a depth chart behind Mike Gesicki, Tanner Hudson, and Drew Sample. |
Commanders | Jake Fromm let go Tue May 14, 02:10 PM
Washington Commanders QB Jake Fromm was released on Tuesday, May 14.
| Footballguys view: As Profootballtalk.com suggested, the move comes as no surprise. The Commanders already had veteran backup quarterbacks Marcus Mariota and Jeff Driskel on the roster. They also drafted Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick, then gave undrafted rookie quarterback Sam Hartman a $245,000 guarantee giving him a great shot at making the final roster. Fromm was fifth on the depth chart, and few teams carry five quarterbacks, even on a 90-player roster. |
Jake Fromm player page
Falcons | Bijan Robinson sitting out of practice Tue May 14, 01:56 PM
Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson (ankle) is not participating in organized team activities this week due to an ankle injury, according to head coach Raheem Morris. Per Morris, Robinson is expected to be ready to take part in mandatory minicamp from June 10 to June 12.
| Footballguys view: Robinson, who ran 214 times for 976 yards and caught 58 passes for 487 yards during his rookie season, will be an integral part of new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's offense. We'll continue to watch for more, but Robinson comes in at RB3 on our Footballguys 2024 Draft Rankings and RB1 on our Dynasty Rankings. Those expectations don't change based on a minor issue in May. |
Bills | Marquez Valdes-Scantling agrees with Buffalo Tue May 14, 09:19 AM
Free-agent WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Chiefs) agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the Buffalo Bills Tuesday, May 14. The deal includes a $1.125 million signing bonus.
| Footballguys view: After recording 1,807 total receiving yards from 2020 through 2022, Valdes-Scantling failed to live up to expectations with Kansas City in 2023. Despite appearing in 16 games, he hauled in just 21 catches for 315 yards and a touchdown. Still, MVS can threaten opposing defenses with his speed, and there's something to be said for playing alongside Josh Allen in Buffalo's high-powered offense. While the Bills drafted Keon Coleman in the second round of last month's draft, adding depth was needed after the team parted ways with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. |
Marquez Valdes-Scantling player page
Rams | LAR signs six draft picks Mon May 13, 07:14 PM
Los Angeles Rams third-round draft choice RB Blake Corum, sixth-round draft choice DT Tyler X. Davis, sixth-round draft choice PK Joshua Karty, sixth-round draft choice C Beaux Limmer, sixth-round draft choice WR Jordan Whittington and seventh-round draft choice OT KT Leveston signed four-year contracts with the Rams Monday, May 13. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Coming off a productive career at Michigan, Corum is expected to complement Kyren Williams in Los Angeles. The question is whether the newcomer will become a limiting factor for Williams, who is RB8 on the Footballguys 2024 Draft Rankings. Williams finished last year as fantasy's RB7, but volume was the key to his success. At this point, Corum's possible impact is something to watch as the Rams enter training camp and the exhibition season. |
Lions | Jared Goff Gets Four-Year, $212 Million Extension Mon May 13, 06:04 PM
The Lions are signing QB Jared Goff to a four-year, $212 million contract extension that includes $170 million guaranteed, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter.
| Footballguys view: Goff now goes from former No. 1 overall pick to highest-paid Lion in franchise history. It's an excellent story for Goff, who was the afterthought in the Matthew Stafford trade and has found a home with a high-end future in Detroit. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the deal puts Goff under contract through 2027 with an option for 2028, per source. The Lions now have awarded over $444 million in contract extension this offseason to three players: Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown (four years, $120.01 million), and OT Penei Sewell (four years, $112 million). Despite his QB7 finish in 2023, Goff remains a value this year. You'll currently find him as QB16 on the 2024 Footballguys Draft Rankings. That's also his Average Draft Position in ongoing best-ball drafts on Underdog. He's not without upside at that price. |
Jared Goff player page
Eagles | OC Moore Excited To Have Saquon Barkley As Lead Back Mon May 13, 05:01 PM
The Eagles signed Saquon Barkley to be another dynamic piece going forward after the team struggled through the end of 2023. New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore said in a press conference last week that he's anticipating Barkley to excel as Philadelphia's lead rusher. "Saquon is a premier running back, first and foremost," Moore said. "We're really excited about his ability to run the football. Obviously behind this offensive line, he's done a tremendous job. They have such cohesion and done a great job up front. He's going to be a great running back."
| Footballguys view: As PFT notes, with Moore previously in the NFC East for years with the Cowboys, he and the rest of the Eagles staff are plenty familiar with the strengths Barkley displayed with the Giants. Moore acknowledge the Eagles have great depth at the position in Kenneth Gainwell and rookie Will Shipley, but Barkley, who has rushed for 5,211 yards with 35 touchdowns and caught 288 passes for 2,100 yards with 12 TDs in 74 career games, is going to be busy this fall. We're expecting the same. Barkley is RB5 on the Footballguys 2024 Draft Rankings. |
Saquon Barkley player page
Jets | Report: Jets Counting On Aaron Rodgers To Cover For Hackett's Shortcomings Mon May 13, 04:59 PM
According to SNY. tv's Connor Hughes, the Jets made legitimate attempts this offseason to hire someone who would, essentially, replace offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Not as a new offensive coordinator, but a title above who would run the show. "The Jets had enough things they needed to address this offseason without replacing areas they're content with," Hughes wrote. "That pursuit tells me, internally, there are legitimate concerns with Hackett's ability to successfully run things."
| Footballguys view: Hughes suggested it almost feels like the Jets, coming up short in their effort to bypass the play-caller, will now count on Aaron Rodgers' ability to correct Hackett's wrongdoings. Hughes added that sources spoke of many times last summer when Hackett called a play, but then Rodgers changed it completely at the line. They figure he can do the same come the regular season. That's a lot to put on a player's plate, though -- even one of Rodgers' stature. Hughes summed up: "If there's one major concern heading into the Jets season, it's that: Hackett." Fantasy managers don't seem to have high expectations for Rodgers, but players like Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson will be leaning on the veteran as more than just their QB. |
Aaron Rodgers player page
Texans | WR Nico Collins Says Sky Is The Limit For Houston's Offense Mon May 13, 04:58 PM
After winning the AFC South and beating the Browns in the playoffs, the Texans were already heading into the 2024 campaign with higher expectations. The bar was lifted even higher with offseason moves for players like WR Stefon Diggs, RB Joe Mixon, and edge rusher Danielle Hunter. Diggs and Mixon will be joining an offense that hit its stride with QB C.J. Stroud during his rookie season, and WR Nico Collins said this weekend that the unit is going to be a handful for opposing defenses. "Oh yeah, it's going to be dangerous, real dangerous, man," Collins said via Aaron Wilson of KPRC. "The sky is the limit for us."
| Footballguys view: Collins isn't wrong. But it will also be challenging to devine the values of the receiving assets as we head into the season. You'll find Collins as WR21 on the Footballguys 2024 Draft Rankings, followed by Diggs at WR25 and Tank Dell at WR27. Collins (WR15) and Diggs (WR17) are going earlier than our rankings in current Underdog best-ball drafts. Dell's WR27 Average Draft Position aligns with our ranking. Can all three deliver fantasy WR2 to WR3 production? The offense living up to Collins' advance billing would be a step in the right direction. |
Nico Collins player page
Buccaneers | Antione Winfield extended Mon May 13, 02:06 PM
Tampa Bay Buccaneers S Antoine Winfield Jr. agreed to a four-year deal worth $84.1 million, according to sources Monday, May 13. The deal includes $45 million guaranteed.
| Footballguys view: The deal makes Winfield, who received the franchise tag in March, the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history -- the first time in modern NFL history that a safety has set this mark. As ESPN.com's Jenna Laine reported, Winfield turned in one of the finest performances of any defensive player in the league in 2023 -- tying for a league-leading six forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. He registered 122 tackles -- fourth most among all league defensive backs and second most on the team -- with six tackles for loss, 12 passes defended, six sacks, eight quarterback hits, and three interceptions. Winfield is positioned to continue delivering at a high level this year. |
Lions | Parker Hesse signs with Lions Mon May 13, 11:29 AM
Free-agent TE Parker Hesse (Falcons) was signed to an undisclosed deal by the Detroit Lions Monday, May 13, after taking part in the team's minicamp.
| Footballguys view: Hesse made eight starts and appeared in 28 games with the Atlanta Falcons in 2021-23, but he's nothing more than depth in Detroit. The Lions returned their top three tight ends from last season in Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, and James Mitchell, but had just two other tight ends under contract -- Shane Zylstra and undrafted free agent Isaac Rex. Remember, the 49ers signed Wright, a restricted free agent, to a three-year, $12 million offer sheet in March that included $6 million guaranteed. The Lions matched the offer, keeping Wright on the roster. Even with Detroit's level of commitment there, fantasy managers shouldn't be looking beyond LaPorta for viable options. |
Parker Hesse player page
Panthers | Ja'Tavion Sanders has big goals Sun May 12, 09:34 PM
Carolina Panthers TE Ja'Tavion Sanders said he wants to be 'the new face of the offense,' and head coach Dave Canales believes Sanders brings versatility to the offense. 'He's a guy, you can move around a little bit more, maybe play him in the slot a little bit,' Canales said.
| Footballguys view: Sanders' 99 career catches in three seasons at Texas ranks first all-time among Longhorn tight ends. Carolina's tight end room now has Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, Stephen Sullivan, Jordan Matthews, and Sanders. Sanders will have ample opportunity to impress Canales and the rest of the team during organized team activities later this month and mandatory minicamp in June. None of this makes him draft-worthy for our purposes, but fantasy managers looking for potential streaming options should keep an eye out. |
Broncos | Bo Nix impressing coach Sun May 12, 09:19 PM
Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix has showcased the right combination of patience and accuracy, according to head coach Sean Payton. 'The ball comes out, and I don't want to use the term boring, that's not the right term, but pretty good decisions with each play,' Payton said. 'The efficiency with how he's operating.'
| Footballguys view: As NFL.com suggested, Denver might prefer the excitement of highlight-reel throws once the season rolls around. However, Nix is delivering a non-flashy, efficient operation in May, which bodes well while he's still getting his feet under him. It's also what the Broncos expected of him when selecting Nix with the No. 12 overall pick in April's draft. General manager George Paton said following the decision that the club believes Nix, 24 years old with 61 collegiate starts, is more "game-ready" than younger QBs. In discussing the situation on The Audible last week, Footballguys Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom made the case that Nix will benefit greatly from working under Payton. Whatever the case, the newcomer is competing with veterans Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson in what probably isn't much of a competition at all. |
Lions | Kaden Davis heads to Detroit Sun May 12, 01:52 PM
Free-agent WR Kaden Davis (Cardinals) signed an undisclosed deal with the Detroit Lions following a tryout at the team's rookie minicamp, according to sources Sunday, May 12.
| Footballguys view: Davis impressed during his tryout, and now he's working to continue that strong impression. He will compete with guys like Tre'Quan Smith and Isaiah Williams for a spot on the practice squad. |
Jets | Dan Shamash takes on new role Sun May 12, 11:48 AM
New York Jets game management coordinator Dan Shamash is now also listed as the club's special teams assistant.
| Footballguys view: The Jets are trying to make one run this year in what could be a 'last hurrah' for the coaching staff. Head coach Robert Saleh will rely on Shamash for strategic advice on situational football. Now, if only QB Aaron Rodgers can stay healthy. |
Cowboys | DAL to use committee at running back Sun May 12, 09:16 AM
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said the team will use a running back by committee approach this season, unlike the feature back approach used during RB Ezekiel Elliott's first tour of duty with the team. McCarthy said that he has not seen any drop off in the way Elliott moves but thinks it wouldn't be fair to give him a workload similar to what he saw in the early seasons of his career.
| Footballguys view: Elliott is back to lead the way, but he's going to be splitting time with Rico Dowdle. It will be interesting to see if Duece Vaughn can stay healthy and look better than he did last year as a rookie. Royce Freeman is there as well in case Elliott gets banged up or Dowdle struggles. They have some talent, but it's not a clear situation at all - and they could add another back if someone hits the waiver wire they like. Overall, this is a 'let someone else deal with it' situation for Fantasy GMs out there. |
Ezekiel Elliott player page
Bears | Rome Odunze misses practice Sun May 12, 07:37 AM
Chicago Bears WR Rome Odunze (hamstring) was absent from practice due to hamstring tightness Saturday, May 11.
| Footballguys view: Hamstring tightness is not a big deal, and the team is wisely being cautious with their first-round pick. Their other first-round pick, QB Caleb Williams, should be building a strong chemistry with Odunze later this summer. |
Patriots | Work to do for Drake Maye Sun May 12, 01:18 AM
New England Patriots QB Drake Maye is a 'work in progress,' according to head coach Jerod Mayo. 'He has a lot to work on. A lot to work on,' Mayo said. 'But I have no doubt that he will put the time in. He was here all night trying to get on the same page as everyone else.'
| Footballguys view: Interestingly, the team selected a 'work in progress' with the no.3 overall pick. It's Mayo's first year, and he's got upside as a head coach. We're curious why they selected Maye instead of giving themselves a year under Mayo just to see what they have (and what they don't have). Maye has talent, that's easy to see, but he must learn how to stay away from the 'hero ball' that plagued his game at North Carolina. |
Steelers | Roman Wilson inks contract Sat May 11, 01:39 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Roman Wilson signed his four-year rookie contract on Saturday, May 11. The financial terms were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Wilson should be able to play a big role in the Steelers offense this year because there isn't much on the depth chart after George Pickens. He'll primarily be a slot receiver, but with the speed to be a factor in the downfield passing game. |
Bears | Rome Odunze sitting out Saturday Sat May 11, 01:36 PM
Chicago Bears WR Rome Odunze (hamstring) is sitting out at rookie minicamp on Saturday, May 11, due to hamstring tightness.
| Footballguys view: You never want to see hamstring and your wide receiver's name in the same sentence, but if Odunze can make it through OTA's and camp without any further incidents, we won't worry about this. |
Commanders | Jer'Zhan Newton may need procedure Sat May 11, 01:34 PM
Updating a previous report, Washington Commanders DT Jer'Zhan Newton's (foot) foot injury is not in the one that was surgically repaired, but he may need a procedure to correct it, head coach Dan Quinn said on Saturday, May 11.
| Footballguys view: Newton was a borderline first round pick and the Commanders took him with the fourth pick of the second round. This sounds like an issue that could affect him into training camp, which could derail his chances of making a big impact in year one. The good news for Washington is that they already have the best defensive tackle combination in the league, so Newton isn't essential in their 2024 plans. |
Vikings | J.J. McCarthy has smooth debut Sat May 11, 12:32 PM
Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy's rookie minicamp debut 'went smoothly,' ESPN's Kevin Seifert wrote on Friday, May 10. McCarthy had a few incompletions and an interception during 7-on-7 drills but was good otherwise.
| Footballguys view: Ideally for the Vikings Sam Darnold will stay healthy and play well enough to start most, if not all of the season, which will give McCarthy time to develop in the incubator. The main concern in his draft profile was a lack of experience, so the more time they can give him to prepare for his first NFL start, the better. |
Raiders | Thayer Munford may start at RT Sat May 11, 12:25 PM
Las Vegas Raiders OT Thayer Munford Jr. has a chance to start at right tackle in 2024, with head coach Antonio Pierce saying on Friday, May 10, that the job is Munford's 'for the taking.'
| Footballguys view: The Raiders have three starters on the offensive line set, but it's not clear who will play right tackle and one of the guard positions. There should be some good competition at both spots with the additions in free agency and the draft this offseason. |
Antonio Pierce player page
Raiders | Jackson Powers-Johnson plays LG Sat May 11, 12:12 PM
Las Vegas Raiders OG Jackson Powers-Johnson saw time at left guard on Day 1 of rookie minicamp on Friday, May 10.
| Footballguys view: Powers-Johnson should be a day one starter on the interior line for the Raiders. Like all rookies, there could be some bumps in the road of transition to the NFL, but the second round pick and widely regarded pro-ready player should improve the Raiders offense. |
Lions | Sione Vaki lives up to billing Sat May 11, 09:54 AM
Detroit Lions RB Sione Vaki was a 'beast on special teams' during the first day of rookie minicamp, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com, and general manager Brad Holmes said Vaki was the best special teams player in the 2024 NFL Draft.
| Footballguys view: Vaki was also listed exclusively at running back after being a two-way player and all-Pac 12 safety at Utah. If multiple injuries strike in the Lions backfield, remember his name. |
Giants | G-Men counting on Malik Nabers Sat May 11, 09:54 AM
New York Giants WR Malik Nabers is expected to have a big role and needs to learn the playbook as quickly as possible, head coach Brian Daboll said during rookie minicamp.
| Footballguys view: It would have been more surprising to hear that the Giants were going to take it slow with Nabers. He'll likely be catching passes from Drew Lock Week 1, which makes it a little riskier to take him at his early best ball draft ADP in the third round. |
Raiders | Brock Bowers looking for big plays Sat May 11, 09:54 AM
Las Vegas Raiders TE Brock Bowers said one of his strengths is making plays after the catch. 'One of the things I do best is the yards after catch and being able to get vertical after I get the ball,' Bowers said.
| Footballguys view: The Raiders reportedly used Bowers all over the formation in his rookie minicamp debut. His athleticism was also apparent according to beat writers. This is relevant because Bowers didn't test at the combine, casting a little bit of doubt about his measureables. Expect Bowers to answer those questions quickly as a big part of the offense in his rookie year. The quarterback situation and competition for targets isn't ideal for Bowers fantasy value, but he's still worth taking in the top 10 tight ends in redraft leagues and top five of rookie drafts in dynasty leagues. |
Broncos | Denver, Bo Nix reach agreement Sat May 11, 09:54 AM
Denver Broncos first-round draft choice QB Bo Nix agreed to terms on a four-year contract with the Broncos Friday, May 10, according to a source. The deal includes a fifth-year option, but financial terms were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Nix is in a different situation than #8 pick Michael Penix and #10 pick J.C. McCarthy. They have Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold ahead of them, so their development will be patient and deliberate. The Broncos would have to turn to Jarrett Stidham if they don't start Nix, so expect the rookie to start Week 1. The Broncos aren't replete with skill position talent, so it could be a rough start to Nix's career if Sean Payton and he can't work any magic with the playbook. |
Raiders | Aidan O'Connell to receive first snaps Sat May 11, 09:54 AM
Las Vegas Raiders QB Aidan O'Connell will initially work with the first-team offense when offseason workouts begin, according to head coach Antonio Pierce.
| Footballguys view: This shouldn't be a surprise, as O'Connell was actually pretty good for a fourth round rookie last year and that's with a midseason coaching change. If O'Connell is good enough to beat out Gardner Minshew, he should be better for Davante Adams and the rest of the Raiders offense fantasy value than Minshew. He should be rostered in superflex dynasty leagues. |
Titans | JC Latham agrees to deal Sat May 11, 09:54 AM
Tennessee Titans first-round draft choice OT JC Latham agreed to terms on a four-year contract with the Titans Friday, May 10. The deal includes a fifth-year option, but the financial terms were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: The Titans offensive line was a big sore spot in recent years, and helped contribute to the downfall of GM Jon Robinson and head coach Mike Vrabel. Latham will be the cornerstone of the new look unit. The team was hoping for Notre Dame's Joe Alt at pick #7, but the consensus #1 tackle in the class went to the Chargers at #5 instead. Latham is a massive and a people-mover in the running game, but he might be best suited at right tackle or even guard as a pass protector. |
Commanders | Four rookies sign contracts Sat May 11, 09:54 AM
Washington Commanders third-round draft choice WR Luke McCaffrey, fifth-round draft choice LB Jordan Magee, fifth-round draft choice S Dominique Hampton, and seventh-round draft choice DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste signed four-year contracts with the Commanders Friday, May 10. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: McCaffrey is Christian's little brother and Ed's son. Those bloodlines matter in the NFL, but so does his outstanding all-around athletic profile from the combine. He originally came to college as a quarterback, so the Commanders must believe that there's extra upside in McCaffrey's outlook. Don't expect a big splash this year, but if 2022 first round pick Jahan Dotson doesn't click with a new regime, McCaffrey could be an important target for #2 overall pick Jayden Daniels in a year or two. |
Buccaneers | Bucky Irving, Elijah Klein signed Sat May 11, 09:54 AM
Tampa Bay Buccaneers fourth-round draft choice RB Bucky Irving and sixth-round draft choice OG Elijah Klein signed four-year contracts with the Buccaneers Friday, May 10. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Irving is undersized and had a poor combine, but the same could have been said of Kyren Williams in 2022. For now, Irving is no threat to Rachaad White's fantasy value, but he should get more work as the backup to White than Chase Edmonds did. In the long term, Irving could surprise with his elusiveness and tackle-breaking ability. He's worth a third/fourth round pick in dynasty rookie drafts. |
Patriots | New England inks three draft picks Sat May 11, 09:54 AM
New England Patriots sixth-round draft choice CB Marcellas Dial, sixth-round draft choice QB Joe Milton III and seventh-round draft choice TE Jaheim Bell signed four-year contracts with the Patriots Friday, May 10. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Bell has speed and run after catch prowess, but he's only an H-back/move tight end and not a consistent blocker, so he fell to the seventh round. If he makes the Patriots roster, he could find playing time in an offense devoid of playmakers. |
Jaguars | Gabe Davis limited Sat May 11, 09:54 AM
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Gabe Davis (knee) has been limited during offseason workouts because of a knee injury that he suffered during the 2023 season, according to head coach Doug Pederson.
| Footballguys view: Davis's 2024 fantasy outlook was immediately dimmed when the team took LSU receiver Brian Thomas in the first round. Thomas has size and speed to be a deep threat outsid, which is Davis's calling card. If Davis isn't healthy going into training camp, Thomas could be a big part of the pass offense this year, and he could be even if Davis is healthy. Davis is only a late round consideration in fantasy drafts. |
Gabe Davis player page
Browns | Five draft picks under contract Sat May 11, 09:54 AM
Cleveland Browns third-round draft choice OG Zak Zinter, fifth-round draft choice WR Jamari Thrash, sixth-round draft choice LB Nathaniel Watson, seventh-round draft choice CB Myles Harden and seventh-round draft choice DT Jowon Briggs signed four-year contracts with the Browns Friday, May 10. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Thrash has the speed to threaten as a downfield receiver, but he's a bit of a finesse player who may struggle to shake more physical coverage in the NFL. He'll compete with 2022 sixth round pick Michael Woods II, former Raven James Proche, and former Buc Jaelon Darden for the Browns #6 receiver spot. |
