The Bears are trading QB Justin Fields to the Steelers for a 2025 6th-round pick that goes to a 4th-round pick, depending on the amount of time played. (Source: Ian Rapoport)
Fantasy Impact: Fields had been the focus of much speculation regarding his landing spot following Chicago's activity in the free agent and trade markets. He now joins newly-acquired Russell Wilson in the Pittsburgh QB room. Fields's fantasy value will depend on whether he is named the starter, which remains to be seen at this point. In three years with Chicago, the 25-year-old threw for 6,674 yards and a 16:9 TD:INT ratio. He also rushed for 2,220 yards and 14 TD.
Former Cardinals WR Marquise Brown has agreed to a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs worth up to $11M, according to multiple reports. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Brown, who turns 27 years old this summer, has flashed his potential and big-play ability in the NFL but has also dealt with injuries the last two seasons. In 2023, playing for a rebuilding Cardinals team, he caught 51 of his 101 targets for 574 yards and four touchdowns. In Kansas City, he's penciled into a starting WR spot across from second-year WR Rashee Rice and TE Travis Kelce to catch passes from Patrick Mahomes in an offense designed by Andy Reid. It would be hard to find a better landing spot for Brown.
The Los Angeles Chargers are trading WR Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a fourth-round pick, according to multiple reports. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The Chargers entered free agency wildly over the NFL salary cap and have been making moves throughout the week to clear space. WR Mike Williams was released, edge rushers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa agreed to restructured contracts, and now Allen has been traded. For the Chargers, their WR room is suddenly without its top two pass catchers, and new HC Jim Harbaugh will certainly want to bring in some competition for WRs Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston. In Chicago, Allen joins a revamped offense that has added RB D'Andre Swift and TE Gerald Everett to go with WR DJ Moore, TE Cole Kmet, and, presumably, QB Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Thu, Mar 14th 2:39pm EDT
By Mike Maher
Earlier this week, reports came out that Cowboys QB Dak Prescott was filing a civil lawsuit against a woman who was accusing him of sexual assault. Prescott stated he was the victim of an extortion attempt. On Thursday, the Dallas Morning News reports that authorities in Prosper, Texas are looking into the extortion claim and the alleged sexual assault incident, meaning a criminal investigation has been opened. The alleged assault took place in February of 2017 in the parking lot of a Dallas strip club. Authorities have not shared specifics but explained that the case is in preliminary stages and is considered an active investigation. Prescott's accuser is also reportedly filing a counterclaim against him. (Source: Dallas Morning News)
Fantasy Impact: It goes without saying (but we'll say it here anyway) that the NFL will monitor this situation and likely launch its own investigation. The league has shown in the past that the results of criminal or civil investigations don't necessarily impact the punishment they hand out themselves. That isn't to say Prescott is definitely in danger of being suspended or punished by the league in any way. We still don't know many details about this case. This alleged incident is from several years ago, and Prescott has been aggressive in proclaiming his innocence, going so far as to file a civil suit against the woman before any investigation was opened. For now, there is no fantasy impact. But this situation is at least worth monitoring in the coming weeks and months. In dynasty leagues, it might be worth seeing if you can trade for Cowboys backup QB Trey Lance, just in case.
The Atlanta Falcons are trading QB Desmond Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals as a part of a player-for-player swap. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Ridder went 6-7 as the Falcons' starter in 2023, but Atlanta brought in Kirk Cousins to take over. Heading into his third season, the former Cincinnati product will get a change of scenery, backing up QB Kyler Murray. He will likely compete for the QB2 gig with Clayton Tune. Ridder threw for 2,836 yards with 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season.
The Los Angeles Chargers intend to release WR Mike Williams. They would like to bring him back, but he will explore the open market. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Williams, who was set to have a cap hit of $32 million, will save the Chargers about $20 million with his release. He's coming off of a season-ending injury and will be heading into Year 8 in the NFL. He will turn 30 in October but has multiple 1,000-yard campaigns and is a boundary receiver who can threaten defenses on the outside and in the red zone. There was speculation he could be traded but will be cut instead, and the Chargers could be in on WR in this year's NFL Draft.
Joe Mixon will be traded to the Houston Texans rather than being released by the Bengals. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: In a shocking twist, the Bengals have changed gears and are trading Mixon to Houston instead of releasing him. It appears that instead of letting him test free angency, the Texans wanted to get their hands on the talented running back and secure him. He joins a great young core of CJ Stroud, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell. Their offense is taking shape and Mixon should be a big part of it in 2024. An RB1 finish should easily be in the cards.
Aaron Jones will sign a one-year, $7 million contract with Minnesota when the new league year opens up. (Source: Adam Schefter via Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Jones coming to Minnesota hurts the potential breakout of Ty Chandler, who was talked up by coaches during the 2024 combine. Jones addition doesn’t put Minnesota out of the running for adding depth via the draft, but he does give them a nice veteran option who still shows some explosiveness compared to a running back class that is largely lackluster.
The Carolina Panthers are trading Brian Burns to the New York Giants for a second and fifth-round pick. (Source: Ralph Vacchiano on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: There had been trade rumors surrounding Burns dating back to last season. He recorded at least 7.5 sacks in all five seasons of his career in Carolina, including a career-high 12.5 sacks two years ago. He'll be a huge boost to the pass rush for the Giants.
The Eagles and RB Saquon Barkley have agreed to terms on a three-year, $37.75M contract. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter )
Fantasy Impact: The deal is worth up to $47.65M and includes $26M fully guaranteed. Barkley spent six years with the Giants and will now move to the division rival in Philadelphia as the team’s RB1. The veteran running back will be a highly sought after player in 2024 fantasy drafts.
Veteran QB Kirk Cousins is signing a four-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, per his agent. (Source: Mike McCartney on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Cousins was arguably the biggest domino that needed to fall in this free agency period, and with the Falcons getting a deal done, they are secure at the position for now. The Vikings will suddenly become players in the QB market with plenty of options to chase after in free agency or the draft. Cousins has averaged 4,602 yards and 33 touchdowns to 11 interceptions per 17 games over his last three seasons, pairing him with WR Drake London, TE Kyle Pitts and RB Bijan Robinson.
The Packers are expected to sign RB Josh Jacobs. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter )
Fantasy Impact: The move will pair Josh Jacobs with Aaron Jones in the Packers’ backfield. This will definitely impact both of their fantasy values in 2024 as fantasy managers will likely have to wait to see how Matt LaFleur chooses to deploy both running backs.
The Jaguars are expected to sign WR Gabe Davis to a three-year deal. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter )
Fantasy Impact: The Jaguars were able to strike early in the wide receiver marker by landing Davis. The 24-year-old wideout tallied 746 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 45 receptions last season. Davis should be a key player in the Jaguars’ offense in 2024.
The Titans are expected to sign RB Tony Pollard. (Source: Ari Meirov on Twitter )
Fantasy Impact: Pollard is coming off his second consecutive 1,000 yard season with the Cowboys. The move will give the Titans a strong duo of Pollard and Tyjae Spears as they prepare for their first season without Derrick Henry. Pollard should remain a top fantasy running back option heading into the 2024 season.
Mon, Mar 11th 12:14pm EDT
By Jesse Garcia
The Bears have agreed to terms with free agent RB D'Andre Swift on a three-year, $24M deal. (Source: Mike Garafolo on Twitter )
Fantasy Impact: Swift ends his time with the Eagles after spending just one season in Philadelphia. The 25-year-old will cash in on his career season that saw Swift post 1,049 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 229 carries. Swift will enter the 2024 season as the lead back for the Bears’ offense.
Tee Higgins has requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals after extensions talks have ceased since last year and receiving the franchise tag earlier this offseason. (Source: Adam Schefter via Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: According to Schefter, Higgins wants to remain in Cincy but after no talks of an extension have materialized, he wants to find a new home instead of playing on the franchise tag. This is huge news to the wide receiver market and no doubt teams around the league will be calling Cincinnati about their young star.
Veteran QB Russell Wilson plans to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a "team-friendly, one-year deal." (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Wilson has not yet been officially released by the Broncos, but when he is released, he will join the Steelers. Wilson can take a light contract given the hefty price the Broncos will continue to pay him while he is on another team. He threw for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns last season.
The Patriots are finalizing a deal to send QB Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to a report from ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter. The deal is expected to be for a late-round draft pick. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Jones had a disappointing season in 2023, throwing 10 touchdowns against 12 interceptions in 11 games. The Patriots moved on from HOF HC Bill Belichick this offseason, and they currently hold the No. 3 overall pick in what is expected to be a talented QB class. In Jacksonville, Jones will back up starting QB Trevor Lawrence. There is virtually no chance the Jaguars will pick up Jones's fifth-year option for 2025, so he will likely be a free agent after this upcoming season unless he agrees to an extension in Jacksonville.
The Browns have acquired WR Jerry Jeudy from the Broncos for a pair of draft picks. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter )
Fantasy Impact: The Browns were interested in acquiring Jeudy at last year’s trade deadline. The 24-year-old should provide the Browns with a much needed dynamic weapon at wide receiver. Jeudy is entering the last year of his contract but could benefit from entering into an offense without a major question mark at quarterback.
Mike Evans has agreed to a two-year, $52 million deal to stay with Tampa Bay. (Source: Adam Schefter via Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Evans has spent his entire career with Tampa, and it looks more and more likely he will finish it there. The speculation was he would enter free agency and test the market, but he is staying put with the team that drafted him. He’ll be the unquestioned top wide receiver for next season for whomever the Bucs bring in at QB, whether Baker Mayfield or a new face in 2024.