Brandon LaFell

Once he stepped in for an injured A.J. Green in 2016 to produce 862 yards and six touchdowns, most though LaFell had developed a clear role on the team. The odd part was that even though John Ross didn't play, LaFell took a big step back and finished with just 548 yards and three touchdowns. My belief is that Ross plays a lot more this year, forcing LaFell to lose some much-needed snaps for production. He's someone you snag if Green were to get hurt again, but that's about it.

Brandon LaFell released by Bengals

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo is reporting the Cincinnati Bengals have released WR Brandon LaFell on Thursday.

Fantasy Impact

Per LaFell's agent Jonathan Feinsod, the veteran wideout's camp has been "lobbying for his released for some time now and appreciate the Bengals granting our request." In two years with the team, LaFell has been a quality No. 2 receiver, at best, playing his best ball in lieu of A.J. Green back in 2016 when the former Pro Bowler missed six games. However, with a healthy Green last season, LaFell's numbers regressed. And while John Ross barely saw the field in 2017, the Bengals did spend a top 10 draft pick on him and need to feature him opposite Green. LaFell's release will also open up opportunities for wideouts that include Cody Core, Tyler Boyd, and Alex Erickson. For LaFell, it wouldn't surprise me if he landed back in New England, where he posted a career-best -- by far -- 74-953-7 stat line in 2014.