Fantasy Football News

Bucs coach Bruce Arians says the team has interest in free agent RB Devonta Freeman "if the price tag was reasonable." (Source: Pro Football Talk)

Fantasy Impact: "He's asking for a lot of money and we don't have a lot of money" Arians said. The organization already has Ronald Jones, Ke'Shawn Vaughn, and Dare Ogunbowale in house. A Freeman signing is therefore unlikely but it is interesting to note the team would be willing to bring in another body. Freeman has said he is willing to skip the entire 2020 season if his asking price isn't met.

RB Raheem Mostert "could see a deal get done ahead of TE George Kittle’s," per Matt Barrows of the Athletic. (Source: The Athletic)

Fantasy Impact: "The 49ers also could ink extensions with two guys who could see new deals this year: Kendick Bourne and running back Raheem Mostert, who have outplayed their current contracts. Mostert, in fact, could see a deal get done ahead of Kittle’s," said Barrows. It was reported that the 49ers and Kittle remain "far apart" on a contract extension. Mostert is set to make $3.15 million in 2020 as the team focuses on signing the 28-year-old RB to an long-term deal. RBs Tevin Coleman and Jerrick McKinnon are entering the final year of their contracts. Mostert added weight this off-season in preparation of taking on a heavy workload. He logged 190 carries for 1,108 yards and 13 touchdowns last season (postseason included). Mostert is currently 26th among all running backs in the latest expert consensus rankings, but a contract extension could only help him rise in the RB ranks.

According to The Athletic Philadelphia, Eagles RB Boston Scott will be competing for more of an offensive role this Summer, rather than competing for a roster spot. (Source: Zach Berman on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: After a coming out party in the back half of the 2019 season, Philadelphia feels comfortable with Scott as a change of pace and third-down back for the Eagles. Miles Sanders will of course take over as the starter in Philadelphia, but Scott is certain to play in a complementary role. In his final four games last season, Scott averaged 87.5 yards from scrimmage. He’s currently ranked RB #55 in FantasyPros Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR). His value could increase if the Eagles don’t end up signing a veteran RB as has been rumored. Even with another back in Philadelphia, look for Scott to maintain standalone value as an RB4 or RB5 this season.

Rumors surfaced regarding an off-the-field injury involving new Raiders WR Henry Ruggs III. Oakland has put out a statement saying, “The Raiders are aware of a report regarding an off-field injury to Henry Ruggs III. Respecting Henry’s right to medical privacy, the team will not be commenting on the report.” (Source: Vic Tafur on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: From a number of reports, Ruggs III appears to have escaped a major thigh injury helping a friend move over the weekend. While these are just rumors, the Raiders seem to have acknowledged that something did indeed occur with Ruggs III this weekend. The rumor started as a post on a SEC fansite message board. Expect him to be ok, but also expect Ruggs III and/or the team to address the issue in the coming days.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich plans to use Mo Alie-Cox more in 2020 as both a blocking and receiving tight end. Alie-Cox played 32.9% of the Colts' offensive snaps in 2020. (Source: Andrew Walker on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The Colts allowed Eric Ebron to depart via free agency but brought in Trey Burton who will challenge Alie-Cox for snaps as the backup tight end behind veteran Jack Doyle. If the Colts go to more three wide receiver sets with T.Y. Hilton, Parris Campbell, and rookie Micheal Pittman Jr. there may not be much room for the backup tight ends to see a lot of volume in this offense. Mo Alie-Cox, who is entering his fourth season in the league, has only caught 15 passes in his career and does not need to be on your fantasy radar entering the 2020 season.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, free agent and former Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton is now expected to take his time before joining a team. (Source: ESPN)

Fantasy Impact: Rumors have swirled regarding possible landing spots for the former MVP quarterback after being released by the Panthers back in March. The thought now is that Newton will wait until teams resume regular activity in an effort to get a better understanding of his market. Teams can then get a better look at the 31-year old and see if he’s fully healthy for themselves. Newton has been linked to multiple teams including the New England Patriots, but nothing has materialized to date, and it’s unclear whether or not Newton is willing to take a backup job in 2020. Most teams seem to be set at the QB position at this point, so it’ll be interesting to see if Newton draws any interest from teams that are outwardly reporting they are comfortable with their current starter. Teams like Jacksonville with Gardner Minshew II and Washington with Dwayne Haskins come to mind.

According to every NFL head coach Mike Freeman has spoken to, it is a “foregone conclusion” that Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa will beat out veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and start Week 1 against the New England Patriots. (Source: Mike Freeman)

Fantasy Impact: It was reported earlier that the Dolphins coaching staff “wasn’t opposed to” starting Tagovailoa at “some point” during the 2020 season should he earn the role. The narrative seems to be shifting a bit, and fantasy owners are sure to feel the excitement. If the fifth-overall pick out of Alabama gets the opportunity to start right away in Miami, consider him a solid QB2 with obvious QB1 upside due to his dynamic skillset. Fantasy owners will want to wait for more clarity on this situation, but Tagovailoa’s ADP will surely be on the rise if more and more reports speak to him beating out Fitzpatrick for the starting job in Miami.

Free agent DE Jadeveon Clowney has been offered the most money by the Browns to date, according to Adam Schefter, who made an appearance Wednesday on The Next Level on ESPN Cleveland. (Source: Jake Trotter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: “I think they’ve [the Browns] been the most aggressive team with him financially,” Schefter said, and “for whatever reason he has not been willing to take it [the offer] so far.” Clowney doesn’t seem interested in Cleveland but according to Schefter they definitely seem interested in him. It’s been reported recently that the New Orleans Saints have also entered into the picture as a potential landing spot for Clowney, in addition to other teams that have been rumored to be interested in the pass-rusher, including Philadelphia, Tennessee, Cleveland, and Seattle.

Rams DB Jalen Ramsey told reporters on Tuesday morning that he would report to training camp even without a contract extension. (Source: Steve Wyche on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Ramsey is entering the final year of his contract, but feels comfortable reporting to training camp with Los Angeles regardless of his contract situation. That is a far cry from how Ramsey handled his time in Jacksonville for the latter part of his career with the Jaguars. He was traded to the Rams early in the 2019 season after publicly speaking out about his desire to be dealt. The former 2016 fifth-overall pick is set to make a cool $13.7M this season and feels confident a long-term extension is forthcoming. One of, if not the best defensive back in the game could become the highest-paid DB in NFL history when he signs his extension.

There “isn’t any traction” for a Jamal Adams trade to the Cowboys, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Adams has made it known about wanting an extension this off-season. It was recently reported that the Jets were not actively shopping Adams, but would listen to offers. The Cowboys are interested in acquiring Adams, but there “isn’t any traction” towards a deal. The 24-year-old star safety will have to “wait for an extension from the Jets like everyone else,” Rapoport added. Adams is entering the fourth year of his four-year, $22 million rookie contract. He racked up 75 tackles, 6.5 sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles across 14 games in 2019. Look for the drama between the Jets and Adams to continue until a trade or extension is completed. Stay tuned.

Russell Wilson would "love" for the Seahawks to sign free agent WR Antonio Brown, per John Clayton of ESPN 710. (Source: John Clayton of ESPN 710)

Fantasy Impact: "Brown is also close with backup QB Geno Smith, whose one-year contract with the Seahawks was finalized Wednesday," Clayton added. The Seahawks are looking to add firepower on offense and AB could potentially be an option. Brown recently switched agents this off-season to increase his chances of returning to the NFL. Seattle along with other teams will wait out the legal process before kicking the tires on him. Brown hauled four catches for 56 yards and one touchdown across one game for the Patriots in 2019. Barring something unforeseen, Brown is unlikely to be welcomed back into the NFL.

The Cowboys’ latest offer to Dak Prescott would make him the second-highest paid QB annually, per Todd Archer of ESPN. (Source: Todd Archer of ESPN )

Fantasy Impact: The Cowboys and Prescott continue to work out a long-term extension. The current offer to Prescott guarantees around $110 million, but would fall short of Russell Wilson’s $35 million annually. Both sides have till July 15th to work out a deal. Dak would have to play 2020 on the franchise tag if an extension can’t get completed. It was reported that Prescott turned down five-year, $175M contract, but that rumor was shot down by the Cowboys. Prescott had a career-year in 2019, throwing for 4,902 yards with a 30:11 TD:INT ratio across 16 games. He is currently third among all quarterbacks in the latest expert consensus rankings.

When responding to Twitter questions Doug Kyed from the New England Sports Network (NESN) suggested that Jeff Thomas has the best chance to make the roster of the four undrafted Patriots wideouts. Despite receiving the smallest amount of guaranteed money of the four Kyed believes that Thomas' raw talent will push him over the other three (Isaiah Zuber, Will Hastings, and Sean Riley). (Source: Doug Kyed on NESN)

Fantasy Impact: Julian Edelman, N’Keal Harry, Mohamed Sanu, and Jakobi Meyers have the inside track on the top four places on the depth chart. The four undrafted rookies will have to compete against at least five other veterans in order to make the roster, highlighted most notably by Marqise Lee who joined in April as a free agent (previously from the Jaguars). Given his talent Jeff Thomas is worth a stash in dynasty leagues, but don't be surprised if he spends his rookie season on the practice roster.

The Eagles are looking to add a veteran running back and interested in LeSean McCoy, Devonta Freeman and Carlos Hyde. (Source: Tim McManus of ESPN)

Fantasy Impact: The Eagles are looking to sign a veteran RB to compliment featured back Miles Sanders. Freeman and Hyde are reportedly also drawing interest from the Jets and Seahawks. McCoy believes he could be a fit for the Eagles. He recently said on NFL Network's Good Morning Football; "I'm going to keep my options open, though. I could see myself there in Philly. Like I said, that's home, so you never know." The Eagles will weigh out their options, but look for the team to bring in a veteran RB soon. Whichever RB the Eagles decide to sign poses no immediate threat to Sanders' touches/starting job.

Miles Sanders is expected to see “15-to-18” touches per game, said NFL Insider Adam Caplan. (Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Caplan predicts Sanders will see 12-13 carries and an expectation of three-to-four catches per contest. The Eagles reportedly have been searching for a RB to compliment Sanders. Devonta Freeman and Carlos Hyde are two of the backs the team has been linked too. Sanders is the heavy favorite to lead the backfield in touches. The 23-year-old ran for 818 yards on 179 carries and hauled in 50 receptions for 509 yards with six touchdowns across 16 games in 2019. Sanders is a PPR machine and is currently 12th among all running backs in the latest expert consensus rankings.

The Dolphins have reportedly received calls from other teams about QB Josh Rosen. (Source: Mike Giardi on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: The Dolphins are in “no hurry” to trade Rosen, per Mike Giardi of the NFL Network. It was reported that Miami hasn’t given up on Rosen’s development and the team believes there’s a chance the 23-year-old QB could succeed in the NFL. Rosen struggled mightily in 2019, throwing for 567 yards and a 1:5 TD:INT ratio across six games. He expects to be third on the QB depth chart behind Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tua Tagovailoa. Rosen is merely a dart throw in dynasty league formats.

In addition to offering a deal to free agent RB Devonta Freeman, the Seattle Seahawks have also engaged in conversations with Carlos Hyde, another veteran free agent running back. (Source: Mike Silver on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Philadelphia was rumored to have interest in Hyde as well. It sounds like Seattle and Philadelphia are looking for help in the ground game. The Seahawks under Pete Carroll have been known as a team that wants to establish the run the run first, and hit you with play action when you’re least expecting it. Hyde or Freeman would add some insurance and veteran leadership to a backfield that has two guys coming off injuries (Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny) and a rookie in DeeJay Dallas. If they’re unsure about the health of Carson and Penny, then Hyde or Freeman makes a whole lot of sense especially early on in the season. Hyde is coming off one of his best year’s as a pro last season with the Texans, rushing for 1,070 yards and six touchdowns. It was the first time in his career that he’s rushed for over 1,000 yards in a season. Expect these two veterans to land with NFL teams sooner rather than later.

James Conner, one the final year of his rookie contract, said that it would be hard to leave Pittsburgh, the team that drafted him in 2017. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Drafted in the third round of 2017, Conner did little as a rookie but his opportunity arose in 2018 when superstar Le'Veon Bell held out for a contract dispute. Conner stepped up to the occasion and turned in 113 scrimmage yards per game and 13 touchdowns in 13 games. Unfortunately though, he was unable to reproduce those numbers in 2019 due to a litany of injuries to him and his quarterbacks. The Steelers drafted Benny Snell last year and Anthony McFarland Jr. this year, both in the fourth round. While neither of them seem equipped to take Conner's role as the Steelers' lead back, it appears as though the Steelers are testing the waters to move on from the oft-injured Conner after the 2020 season. Conner's wishes to stay would be great for his longterm value. He is listed as our 24th overall running back. Whwile this news shouldn't affect his value in redraft leagues, it makes his dynasty appeal a bit brighter. The Steelers have one of the best offensive lines in the league and Conner has proven that he can thrive behind them.

S Marcus Maye unlikely to sign second contract with the Jets, per Rich Cimini of ESPN. (Source: Rich Cimini of ESPN.com)

Fantasy Impact: Maye is entering the final season of his rookie contract, but the Jets are unlikely to re-sign him. After being limited to just six contests in 2018 due to a shoulder injury, Maye suited up for all 16 games in 2019, racking 65 tackles and one interception. The Jets are looking extend star strong safety Jamal Adams and selected Ashtyn Davis in the third round, making Maye the odd man out in the Jets defensive backfield. Maye is currently outside the top-60 among all DBs in the latest expert consensus rankings.

Cardinals' Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury expresses confidence in second-year receivers Andy Isabella, Hakeem Butler and KeeSean Johnson as his reasoning for passing on 2020's deep wideout class. (Source: azcardinals.com)

Fantasy Impact: "We liked a lot of the receivers in the draft," Kingsbury said, "but we also like the guys we took last year." The Cardinals passed on receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft as the team is confident with Andy Isabella, Hakeem Butler, and KeeSean Johnson. "Hopefully things go as planned," Isabella said. "We get a shot on the field, we start making plays and things start to take off." Isabella hopes to find a bigger role in 2020, but will likely be fourth on the depth chart behind DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk, and Larry Fitzgerald. The Cardinals' 2019 receiver class will try to carve out a role in an offense that employs four-receiver sets.