Fantasy Football News

The New York Giants hosted Jason McCourty Friday, according to Ian Rapoport, and are exploring a possible move in the future. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: McCourty totaled 30 tackles and three passes defensed last season. He'll be 34 at the start of next season.

The Broncos have been receiving inquiries about DaeSean Hamilton, according to Mike Garafolo, and he will be moved "for the right price." (Source: Mike Garafolo on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Hamilton is the fifth receiver for the Broncos - behind Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, K.J. Hamler, and Tim Patrick - and is on the last year of his deal, so a potential trade is best for both parties. Hamilton totaled the highest yards per reception last season, according to Garafolo, totaling 23 receptions on 44 targets (12.74 YPR) for 293 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He totaled a 27.2% slot rate, as well. A change of scenery may make the receiver fantasy-relevant next season.

Per Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, Veteran WR/returner Cordarrelle Patterson is visiting the Falcons, sources say. The expectation is the sides will have a deal soon. (Source: Mike Garafolo)

Fantasy Impact: After spending the last two seasons with the Bears in which he recorded two trips to the Pro Bowl, Patterson is rumored to likely sign with the Falcons. In two seasons, the veteran recorded 32 catches and 215 yards. High upside special teams singing for the Falcons.

Per Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, veteran DE Aldon Smith is visiting the Seattle Seahawks. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Even though Smith is a player that had his seemingly stellar NFL career derailed several years due to off the field issues, the veteran DE is still drawing interest as evident from his visit with Seattle. Smith, 31-years old, is a coming off a season in 2020, where he played 16 games for the Cowboys and lead the team with 50 QB pressures, while also accounting for five sacks. Seattle has reportedly been keeping tabs on Smith for a while and would likely get a good deal on the low-risk, high-reward DE.

The Miami Herald reports that the "many around the league" believe the Falcons will take Florida TE Kyle Pitts at No. 4 overall. (Source: Miami Herald)

Fantasy Impact: This draft is considered to have a phenomenal quarterback class, but the Falcons might be content rolling with Matt Ryan for another couple of years. Meanwhile, Pitts is believed to be a truly special tight end prospect. Even if Atlanta doesn't take him, the former Gator is looking like a lock to go within the top-10.

The Buccaneers reportedly signed RB Giovani Bernard because Tampa Bay running backs struggled with drops in 2020. (Source: Greg Auman of the Athletic)

Fantasy Impact: Bernard signed a one-year deal with the Buccaneers on Tuesday. “The Bucs were easily the worst team in the NFL in drops by running backs last season,” per Greg Auman of The Athletic. “Bucs running backs had 17 drops last year. No other team had more than 12 from their backs. Fournette had seven drops on 47 targets, Jones had five on 42, and rookie Ke’Shawn Vaughn had three drops in 10 passes. Together, those 17 drops are as many as the Jets, Titans, Colts, Cardinals, and Seahawks backs combined for last season.” Bernard gives QB Tom Brady another receiving weapon and is considered one of the best pass-catching backs in the NFL. The 29-year-old rushed for 416 yards on 124 attempts and three rushing touchdowns along with 47 receptions on 59 targets for 355 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns across 16 games for the Bengals in 2020. Bernard has more value in PPR formats and is currently 62nd among all running backs in the latest expert consensus draft rankings.

Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater’s salary would increase from $10 million to $17 million if he makes the roster Week 1. (Source: Joe Person of the Athletic)

Fantasy Impact: Bridgewater reportedly was given permission to seek a trade and the Panthers are in “wait and see” mode about dealing him. He could stay on the Panthers as the backup QB to newly acquired Sam Darnold, but Bridgewater’s salary would increase from $10 million to $17 million. “The Panthers could ask Bridgewater to stay on as Darnold’s backup, at a salary lower than the $10 million he’s guaranteed to make,” per Joe person of the Athletic. “Bridgewater’s guarantee swells to $17 million if he’s on the team in Week 1, so the Panthers could let him compete with Darnold through training camp and then cut him, though that could hinder Bridgewater’s ability to find a good landing spot.” Bridgewater threw for 3,733 passing yards and 15 touchdowns along with 279 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns over 15 games in 2020. The 28-year-old is currently 28th among all quarterbacks in the latest expert consensus rankings, but that number could rise if Bridgewater is traded before the regular season starts.

Current free-agent and former Washington Football Team TE Thaddeus Moss has reportedly been claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Moss was waived by Washington recently after spending the majority of his rookie season on Injured Reserve. The Bengals will reunite QB Joe Burrow with his former college tight end in hopes of reigniting the chemistry shared between the two during their championship run at LSU. Moss caught 47 receptions for 570 yards and four touchdowns with Burrow as his quarterback and will be a familiar target in what figures to be an exciting offense, assuming both players remain healthy for the Bengals in 2021.

Free-agent and former Pittsburgh Steelers RB James Conner (toe) will reportedly undergo a physical during his visit with the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Conner underwent surgery to repair a turf toe injury he sustained recreationally this offseason and is expected to make a full recovery by June. His visit with the Cardinals on Monday will include a physical, revealing how far along the 25-year old running back is with his recovery to allow them to feel comfortable with a potential signing. Conner totaled 169 carries for 721 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games for the Steelers in 2020 despite being featured on one of the league's worst rushing offenses. The Cardinals' addition of C Rodney Hudson could be the offensive line upgrade that will allow Conner to return to his full 2018 potential that saw him rush for 973 yards and 12 touchdowns. Continue monitoring one of the biggest names in free agency as he spends his time at the Cardinals' facility on Monday.

Current free-agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is reportedly in talks to sign a deal with the Cleveland Browns, per ESPN's Dianna Russini. (Source: Dianna Russini on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Clowney turned down an offer from the Browns last offseason and opted to instead sign a one-year, $13 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. The 28-year old defensive end only featured in eight games last season due to suffering a season-ending knee injury in November. He has since had surgery and is expected to make a full recovery by the start of the 2021 season and could soon be featured alongside Myles Garrett and Tak McKinley to create a formidable pass-rushing unit in Cleveland. Clowney failed to record a sack in 2020 but has 236 tackles, 32 sacks, 17 pass deflections, 10 forced fumbles, and an interception throughout his eight-year career. Continue monitoring the situation in Cleveland amidst ongoing rumors surrounding an imminent deal between Clowney and the Browns.

Former Cleveland Browns S Karl Joseph is reportedly signing a deal to return to the Las Vegas Raiders, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Joseph will reunite with his former team in a new city but familiarity amongst the coaching staff. The sixth-year safety out of West Virginia was the Raiders' first-round draft pick (14th) back in 2016 and is coming off of a solid 2020 season with the Browns. Joseph totaled 67 tackles, four pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and an interception in 14 games for Cleveland and will help shore up a Raiders secondary that was one of the worst in the league in 2020. He could pair nicely alongside Johnathan Abram and Damon Arnette, two of the younger and more raw talents that will benefit from Joseph's experience in multiple systems.

Philadelphia Eagles RT Lane Johnson (ankle) is "doing well" with his ankle and is expected to be cleared within the next month. (Source: Rob Maaddi on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Johnson was placed on IR during the last month of the 2020 season to undergo surgery repairing an ongoing ankle injury, limiting him to just nine games. He also stated that his relationship with Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is "fine" and that he should be cleared by the team's medical staff in a month. Continuity along the offensive line will be crucial for the Eagles to avoid another disappointing season in 2021, as they return C Jason Kelce and RG Brandon Brooks. Johnson should be healthier than he has been across the last couple of seasons, helping solidify an offensive line to protect QB Jalen Hurts.

Former BYU QB and projected second overall pick Zach Wilson reportedly has zero issues with his shoulder after undergoing surgery on it in 2019, per Ian Rapoport. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The New York Jets are rumored to be targeting Wilson with the second pick in the 2021 draft set to occur at the end of April. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Jets have received information from trusted medical sources about Wilson's shoulder having zero issues despite undergoing surgery in 2019. In 2020, Wilson threw for 3,692 yards and an incredibly efficient 33:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio and impressed many with his Pro-Day workout a couple of weeks ago. With Sam Darnold being traded to Carolina last week in exchange for three draft picks across the next two seasons, many expect the Jets to draft the BYU prospect as their next franchise quarterback.

Demarcus Robinson appeared on NFL Network's Good Morning Football Thursday. The receiver expects more targets with Sammy Watkins now in Baltimore, saying, "I'm looking for the opportunity - not for them to give me the opportunity - but go in there and take the opportunity. Go in there and show that I am a guy who can put up 1,000 yards a year and 10 touchdowns. I'm ready to make that happen. They said they've got something in store for me. I'm ready to show them." (Source: NFL.com)

Fantasy Impact: Robinson posted career highs last season. He totaled 45 receptions on 59 targets, 466 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. Although those numbers were career highs, they are nowhere near Robinson's lofty goals for this season. Sammy Watkins, however, vacates a 13.9% target share (5.5 targets per game) and Mecole Hardman hasn't lived up to his second-round draft pick expectation. So, Robinson's an intriguing dart throw late in fantasy drafts with a viable path to become the Chiefs' No. 2 receiver and third passing option in the pecking order behind Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill.

Julian Edelman's chronically troubled knee is putting his career in jeopardy, according to the Boston Herald. The outlet writes: According to a source familiar with Edelman’s situation, it’s doubtful he will be able to play the entire 2021 season. The knee has already hampered him for the better part of two years. (Source: BostonHerald.com)

Fantasy Impact: Edelman played through the pain in 2019 - totaling 100 receptions on 153 targets, 1,117 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. Last season, though, he was limited to six games. With the guarantee of missed games, the additions of Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, and the Patriots' run-first scheme - it looks like 2019 was Edelman's swan song as a fantasy-relevant receiver.

The Chicago Bears have been discussing a trade involving Anthony Miller with a slew of teams, according to Ian Rapoport. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Miller totaled 49 receptions on 76 targets, 485 receiving yards, and two touchdowns last season. The 26-year-old had just two games over 60 receiving yards. Depending on destination, a change of scenery may give Miller sleeper appeal in fantasy football.

Matthew Stafford is part of the Rams' long-term plans, according to Rams General Manager Les Snead. The latter appeared on the11 Personnel Podcast Wednesday, saying, "I don’t think we did (the trade) thinking two years. Based on his age, you can legitimately think five to seven, eight years if you look at what Drew (Brees) has done." (Source: The Athletic )

Fantasy Impact: Snead doubled down, adding, "With quarterbacks of his pedigree, a lot of those guys have played into their late 30s, for sure. So that was definitely the vision with (Stafford).” Although there was no extension in place when Stafford was traded, Snead confirms the eventual plan is to hand him one. For fantasy football purposes, consider the quarterback a no-risk, all-upside draft target - currently in tier 3 as QB13 in FantasyPros' Expert Consensus Rankings.

The Ravens had trouble recruiting wide receivers this offseason. Sammy Watkins is the one big name they were able to bring in, and he fully expects the offense to transform in 2021. The former Chiefs pass-catcher said that he believes Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who has drawn criticism for the team's passing game, will move players around and truly open up the offense. It's worth mentioning that the two spent time together with the Buffalo Bills in 2015 and 2016. (Source: The Athletic)

Fantasy Impact: Specifically, Watkins said, "I just can’t wait. He’s going to utilize us in so many different ways. He’s got a complex offense. I know the world hasn’t been seeing that yet, but he’s definitely going to open it up this year, run the ball and do, I’m pretty sure, all types of things with this offense.” There has clearly been conversation between Watkins and Roman, and you can't help but wonder if the former's signing with Baltimore was contingent on knowing the team's plans. No matter the scenario, it is refreshing to see that at least one Baltimore receiver has his offensive coordinator's back. The Ravens have had a dynamic offense but lacked an elite passing game, so perhaps there is reason to believe they will take that next step in 2021.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, after trading up to the Number 3 overall pick, the San Francisco 49ers are likely to select Alabama quarterback Mac Jones in the 2021 NFL Draft. (Source: 49ers on NBCS on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: When asked on ESPN Radio Tuesday morning who the 49ers would select at Number 3 overall, Schefter confidently stated, “It’ll be Mac Jones.” San Francisco traded up to obtain the 3rd overall pick from the Miami Dolphins just a couple weeks ago, and it sounds like they have their eyes set on the former Alabama quarterback. The rumor mill will continue to swirl as to which quarterback Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch decide to ultimately go with, but Schefter at the moment believes it’s going to be Jones, not Justin Fields and not Trey Lance.

Raiders running back Kenyan Drake and head coach Jon Gruden both commented on Las Vegas' pursuit of the running back in a recent interview with ESPN.com. The former explained his appreciation for the team's aggressive courting of him and the opportunity to play alongside Josh Jacobs while the latter confirmed his fascination with Drake's playing style. (Source: ESPN.com)

Fantasy Impact: "He can run it, catch it and return it," said Gruden, once again offering up strong praise in regards to Drake's versatility. "He's a threat to make a big play with or without it." Meanwhile, Drake said that once his "name kind of got going [in free agency], Gruden was just head and shoulders above everybody, in terms of interest in my ability to kind of come in and be a playmaker in a lot of facets of the game." Drake, who could see time as both a running back and receiver, had a career year in 2020, rushing for 955 yards and 10 touchdowns over 15 games. He added 25 catches for 137 yards. The 27-year-old ranks 30th among running backs in the latest expert consensus draft rankings.