NFL Player News - Week of May 18th

LT Profits · 05-19-15, 07:39 AM

Tuesday Update

WAS - Matt Jones gives WAS depth
Source: The Associated Press
Washington Redskins RB Matt Jones will be helping take some of the load off RB Alfred Morris this season. 'If you want to commit to running the football, you [got to] have a couple guys that can tote it,' head coach Jay Gruden said.
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Another day, another Matt Jones story. He's a power player with little nuance to his game. Jones is efficient with his style (and has the capability to be a decent receiver), but we don't see him being a true bellcow back at the pro level.
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BUF - QB EJ Manuel fighting for roster spot?
Source: WKBW.com - Joe Buscaglia
Buffalo Bills QB EJ Manuel needs to show serious progress in organized team activities and training camp or he could be released before the season, in the opinion of beat writer Joe Buscaglia.
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Manuel was the team's first-round pick in 2013 with the idea that he could be the quarterback of the future. That has all changed now after two seasons of injury, inconsistency and disappointment. Manuel is big, athletic and has a strong arm but he fails to make decisions quickly (or throw accurately) as a passer. He's competing with Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor for the starting job in Buffalo.
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MIN - Norv Turner opening up offense
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune - Sid Hartman
Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner has opened up the playbook to give receivers more chances to make explosive plays, head coach Mike Zimmer said at rookie minicamp.
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We believe in Turner as an offensive coordinator. We also believe in second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. It's a good sign that Bridgewater is ready for an expanded playbook, and the Vikings have added weapons this year to the passing game like WR Mike Wallace. They could have a more robust passing game than some think in 2015.
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WAS - Matt Jones loves the offense
Source: The Associated Press - David Elfin
Washington Redskins RB Matt Jones said that he loves the offense and has a chip on his shoulder after not being used properly while in college. 'My college career wasn't what I wanted it to be (because) of the offense I was in,' Jones said Saturday, May 16. 'I love (Washington's) offense. I love getting downhill. I think that's what they drafted me for. I can add more size, more catching out of the backfield, more blocking. I feel like I can do it all and complement Alfred Morris at the same time.'
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We could see Jones get some playing time when Morris needs a breather. At this time, there's no need to think that Jones is going to have anything more than a complementary part-time role. Some have compared Jones' skill set to Marshawn Lynch (ugh), but we compare Jones to former Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis....and he's a poor man's version at that.
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MIA - QB Ryan Tannehill signs extension
Source: MiamiDolphins.com
Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill signed an extension through the 2020 season Monday, May 18. Tannehill's new deal includes four new contract years and up to $77 million in new money. The deal is worth $95.27 million over six total years, with options for 2015 and 2016 added in.
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The Dolphins secure their franchise quarterback with a new long-term deal. He's steadily improved as a pro, and Tannehill could take a big step forward in 2015. The Dolphins have put much better weapons around him this season with the addition of guys like Kenny Stills, DeVante Parker and Jordan Cameron. Tannehill should be a top-10 fantasy quarterback in 2015.
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BAL - Javorius Allen showing promise for BAL
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Aaron Wilson
Baltimore Ravens rookie RB Javorius Allen has caught the eye of the Raven's coaching staff with his work in the passing game during rookie minicamp this offseason.
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This should come as a surprise to no one. He averaged 11.3 yards per catch over the last two seasons in college at USC. Allen has good lateral agility and can create on his own in the open field. He'll work his way onto the field as a change-of-pace back for the Ravens behind Justin Forsett.
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DAL - WR Dez Bryant attends offseason program
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Jon Machota
Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant is participating in the strength and conditioning program, despite being at odds with the Cowboys regarding his current contract. 'I wanted to be here for my teammates,' Bryant said. 'In the past two years that locker room has changed. There is something special in there.' If Bryant isn't given a long-term deal, he may not practice with the team until late July when training camp begins.
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The two sides have until July 15th to reach a new long-term deal. Bryant is a top-5 receiver in the game today, and he'll be compensated as such...either by Dallas or by some other team. If he doesn't get a new long-term deal, then Bryant can play on the one-year franchise tender of $12.8 million.
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Source: footballguys.com

LT Profits · 05-20-15, 07:15 AM

Wednesday Update

NE - QB Tom Brady's appeal to continue

Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

New England Patriots QB Tom Brady will continue to appeal his four-game suspension, despite owner Robert Kraft saying the team will not appeal the discipline levied against them.

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The NFLPA is going to continue with Brady's appeal. The announcement about the Patriots not appealing the NFL's ruling could work in Brady's favor. There's a general feeling that Brady will not serve the entire four-game suspension. In fact, some think he will not serve any games on the suspended list. We think two games sounds about right...stay tuned.

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WAS - Matt Jones ready to compete

Source: The Washington Times - Zac Boyer

Washington Redskins rookie RB Matt Jones said he's ready to compete with anybody who's in front of him, that being RB Alfred Morris. Jones added that he has a chip on his shoulder because of how he was underutilized in college.

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Jones is certainly getting a ton of press this offseason. He's a big back, and Jones can grind down an opponent with his relentless style. Jones is not creative or elusive at the second level of the defense, and that's why he's more of a grinder instead of a true feature back.

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OAK - RB Latavius Murray excited for new season

Source: Raiders.com - Rebecca Corman

Oakland Raiders RB Latavius Murray is looking forward to being the Raiders' starting running back in 2015. 'It's a great feeling, but every day I have to go in there knowing I need to get better every day,' Murray said. 'Every season is a new year for me and it's a year I have to go out and prove something.'

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We love Murray's natural rushing ability. He's a big back who loves to run over, around or by defenders. Murray is swift at the point of the play, and he can wear down a defense as the game goes on. His current ADP is RB20 (4.10) in 12-team PPR leagues.

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NO - QB Drew Brees not worried

Source: ESPN.com - Mike Triplett

New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees said he is unconcerned that the Saints drafted QB Garrett Grayson, his heir apparent, in the third round of this year's draft. 'I'm worried about winning a championship,' Brees said. 'Trying to be the best player I can be, trying to be the leader that I can be, that applies to how can I help get the best out of everyone who is on the team.'

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Grayson is no threat to Brees, but he certainly looks like the team's developmental quarterback of the future. We love Grayson's ability to lead, use his eyes to manipulate the defense and attack the seams of a defense. He'll likely serve as the third-string quarterback this year. Behind Brees, we should see Luke McCown and Ryan Griffin compete to be the primary backup.

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CAR - Cameron Artis-Payne to be No. 2?

Source: ESPN.com - David Newton

Carolina Panthers RB Cameron Artis-Payne is expected to win the No. 2 running back job behind starting RB Jonathan Stewart. Artis-Payne, a 2015 fifth-round draft choice, should play a significant role in the offense, in the opinion of ESPN.com's David Newton. Rookie RB Brandon Wegher and RB Fozzy Whittaker are likely to compete for the No. 3 job.

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Artis-Payne shows good patience as a runner, and he has the foot frequency to get to top speed in a hurry and avoid trash near the line of scrimmage. He's an efficient runner who wastes little motion when carrying the rock. Artis-Payne is not going to break any ankles, and he doesn't break as many tackles as his size would indicate.

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CAR - No. 2 WR job Devin Funchess' to lose?

Source: ESPN.com - David Newton

Carolina Panthers WR Devin Funchess eventually will be the Panthers' No. 2 receiver opposite WR Kelvin Benjamin, but it is unclear if the rookie will begin the 2015 season in this role, according to ESPN.com's David Newton.

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Funchess can easily create mismatches on the field because of his size (6'4" 232 pounds), but he has a lot to develop before he's a reliable starter. He dropped 20 passes over the last three years and needs to improve his focus and concentration. Funchess looks huge, but he doesn't win enough contested catches and needs to better his "my ball" mentality. The rookie will battle with WRs Jerricho Cotchery, Ted Ginn Jr., Philly Brown and Stephen Hill this summer.

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OAK - QB Derek Carr has finger injury

Source: ESPN - Chris Mortensen

Updating a previous report, Oakland Raiders QB Derek Carr (finger) has a right ring finger injury that could be surgically repaired. A return for training camp is still achievable, however, according to a source.

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Bad news for the second-year quarterback here. He'll still likely be ready for Week 1 of the regular season, but the young quarterback could certainly use the extra work. The Raiders have put more weapons around him this offseason, and building offensive chemistry on this team is important. We'll have a better timetable for his return when (if) Carr has surgery.

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ARI - WR Michael Floyd praised by HC

Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban

Arizona Cardinals WR Michael Floyd was recognized for his conditioning by head coach Bruce Arians during organized team activities.

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Floyd's numbers fell last year compared to what he did in 2013. He caught 47 passes for 841 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2014. Fantasy owners are looking for Carson Palmer to stay healthy this year, and that should help the Cardinals offense perform better as a whole.

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ARI - QB Carson Palmer will wear brace

Source: FOX Sports 910 Radio - Mike Jurecki

Arizona Cardinals QB Carson Palmer (knee) will wear a knee brace this season as he continues to recover from surgery on a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

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Palmer has never been a running quarterback, so we don't think the brace will impact his game much. He's been limited this offseason, but Palmer should be ready to roll once training camp gets here.

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NYJ - NYJ to run more in 2015?

Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini

New York Jets RBs Chris Ivory, Stevan Ridley, Zac Stacy and others could be busy this season, according to head coach Todd Bowles. Bowles said the reason he hired offensive coordinator Chan Gailey is because he has a track record of being able to run the ball, at least in his college coaching days. Bowles supposedly prefers a balanced, ball-control offense, which puts more of the onus on the running backs.

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There's a huge question mark at quarterback (Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick) so it's wise for the Jets to lean on their rushing attack. Through free agency and trades they have compiled quite a group of backs led by Ivory. We believe in offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, and he could make Ivory a value add for fantasy owners. Ivory's current ADP is RB35 (8.05) in 12-team PPR leagues.

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NYJ - RB Stevan Ridley to be limited in OTAs

Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini

New York Jets RB Stevan Ridley (knee) will be a limited participant in organized team activities, which begin Tuesday, May 19.

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Ridley is still coming back from surgery to repair an ACL injury. He's going to be limited up to training camp. At that time, we could see him put in more time as he'll be closer to 100 percent. The backfield is jam-packed, especially after the Jets traded the Rams for Zac Stacy. Ridley will have to prove his value in a group that includes Stacy, Chris Ivory, Daryl Richardson and Bilal Powell.

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BUF - Sanjay Lal talks Buffalo WRs

Source: The Buffalo News - Vic Carucci

Buffalo Bills wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal discussed the team's wide receivers in great detail Monday, May 18, saying he likes the flexibility among the corps and their ability to execute on the field. Lal believes Bills WR Sammy Watkins can become a complete receiver, and he praised WR Robert Woods' ability as a route runner. Lal doesn't want to pigeonhole WR Percy Harvin as being a gadget-play receiver.

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The Bills have almost everything for a playoff run...and they certainly have a fine group of wide receivers. The talent is there, but fantasy owners need to recognize that this is going to be a run-heavy offense featuring superstar running back LeSean McCoy. Buffalo is set up with quality talent on both sides of the ball, but they still lack a good quarterback. We'll see if Matt Cassel, E.J. Manuel or Tyrod Taylor can take advantage and be decent with the star talent around them.

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PIT - Claim Devin Gardner

Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

Free-agent WR Devin Gardner (Patriots) was claimed by the Pittsburgh Steelers Tuesday, May 19.

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We're always intrigued by depth receivers on the Steelers roster as they have good eye for talent at the position. Gardner is a big target (6'4" 215 pounds) but he's incredibly raw as a receiver. The converted quarterback knows how to find the soft spots in a zone, but he needs to develop better "my ball" mentality when passes are contested. He's also just a bad route-runner at this time, but that may improve with more reps at the position.

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HOU - OLB Jadeveon Clowney on track

Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra

Updating an ongoing story, Houston Texans LB Jadeveon Clowney (knee) is doing well in his recovery from microfracture surgery. Clowney has been working hard at rehabbing the knee, according to Texans head coach Bill O'Brien.

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Clowney had better get on track or the "bust" term is going to be flying around him more than it is today. He was the number one overall pick last year, but Clowney failed to stay healthy as a rookie and made no impact. At this time, he's almost six months removed from microfracture surgery.

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TEN - David Cobb asked to drop weight

Source: ESPN.com - Paul Kuharsky

Tennessee Titans RB David Cobb has been asked by the team to drop some weight but was nor given a specific number. Cobb said he weighs 232 pounds but wants to be around 225 pounds.

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Cobb needs to lose a bit of bad weight, but he's a big back so 225 sounds about right. He's a powerful runner with natural instincts for running the ball. We like him to win the starting job for the Titans eventually as Bishop Sankey is no answer. Cobb could benefit from fellow rookie Jalston Fowler blasting open holes as the fullback. He's not an ankle-breaker, but Cobb creates his own space as a runner by running guys over and wearing defenders down.

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Source: footballguys.com

LT Profits · 05-21-15, 07:08 AM

Thursday Update

NE - Commissioner to hear from QB Tom Brady

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Updating previous reports, New England Patriots QB Tom Brady's appeal will not be affected by the team's decision to accept their sanctions. Commissioner Roger Goodell said he wants to hear from Brady directly in regards to the deflation of footballs in the AFC Championship.
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The league seems very open to a reduction of Brady's suspension...if they get a little cooperation from the superstar quarterback. This whole situation is far from over, but we'd be shocked if Brady ended up serving all four games of his suspension. Two games sounds about right, and there are some who think he's going to get the suspension completely eliminated.
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NYJ - QB Geno Smith is starter
Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini
New York Jets QB Geno Smith is the starting quarterback and will not see competition in training camp, according to offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.
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Gailey doesn't beat around the bush here. Smith showed better last season, and he finished 2014 strong with a 358-yard, three-touchdown performance in Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins. While some may not be confident in Smith, we feel that he'll be the best he can be under Gailey. During his coaching career, Gailey has built a reputation for getting the most out of quarterbacks like Kordell Stewart (Steelers) and Tyler Thigpen (Chiefs). The Jets are going to run the ball a lot, and that should help keep things balanced for Smith and the offense.
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WAS - RB Alfred Morris auditioning for new team?
Source: Spotrac.com
Washington Redskins RB Alfred Morris enters the final year of his current deal, according to Spotrac.com. The Redskins selected RB Matt Jones in the third round of the NFL draft, which could signal an impending departure of Morris in 2016.
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Everyone seems to be high on Jones at this time, but we'll have to see the rookie wait for his turn this year as Morris is still the top back for Washington. Morris has been a rock-solid starter for Washington over the past few years. A sixth-round pick out of FAU in 2012, Morris has 3,955 rushing yards so far in his pro career. His numbers were slightly down in 2014, but Morris is still a decent RB2 for fantasy owners. Morris has a current ADP of RB14 (3.11) in 12-team PPR leagues.

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OAK - QB Derek Carr injury update

Source: ESPN - Chris Mortensen
Updating a previous report, Oakland Raiders QB Derek Carr (finger) is experiencing numbness in his right ring finger. He hopes to avoid surgery through rest and rehab, and no one close to the situation appears to be overly concerned, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

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The injury was first reported as being minor, and we'll have to wait and see if surgery is needed. The longer any sort of surgical procedure is delayed, the longer the recovery process going into training camp. At this time, Carr should be ready to heal and kick off training camp with his teammates....stay tuned.

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BUF - OC says QB EJ Manuel won't be cut
Source: The Buffalo News - Vic Carucci
Buffalo Bills QB EJ Manuel has a firm believer in offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who has said Manuel will not be cut in camp if he doesn't show progress.
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The talk about Manuel getting cut was a bit surprising, but anything can happen in the NFL. Teams can move on from young quarterbacks if things aren't moving in the right direction. Manuel has raw natural talent and athleticism, but he needs to improve (and quicken) his decision making and accuracy as a passer.

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NO - TE Josh Hill projected to start for Saints

Source: NFL.com - Gregg Rosenthal

New Orleans Saints TE Josh Hill is slated as the starting tight end this season with TE Jimmy Graham now in Seattle. TE Benjamin Watson could give Hill a run for his money, however.

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Watson isn't the same player he used to be while Hill is a player on the rise. His final year in college at Idaho State, Hill led the NCAA in receptions (70) for a tight end. He was an undrafted free agent for the Saints in 2013, and he's been working hard to impress in Graham's shadow. Hill only had 14 catches last year, but five of those were for touchdowns. He's a mid-range TE2 with low-end TE1 ability and opportunity.

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- Potental 2016 free-agent WR class stout

Source: Spotrac.com

The upcoming group of potential free-agent wide receivers includes four of the positions most dominant players, including Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant, Denver Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas, Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green and Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones, according to Spotrac.com. All four players are engaging in contract discussions on some level with their current teams.

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This is making the assumption that Bryant and Thomas don't sign new long-term contract before the July 15th deadline for franchise-tagged players. We think both Green and Jones could get franchise tagged next offseason if they don't get extended some time before then.

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CHI - RB Matt Forte in last year of contract
Source: Spotrac.com
Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte is entering the final year of his current contract, according to Spotrac.com. Forte turns 30 years old Dec. 10 and could struggle to find a full-time role in 2016 if he is unwilling to take a drastic pay cut from his current $9.2 million salary. Forte's receiving skills will endear him to a team, but he may be required to share carries.

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Forte is going to once again have a large role for the Bears as their lead back. The Bears have improved their offensive line this offseason, and new head coach John Fox loves to run the ball. Forte is RB5 (1.07) in 12-team PPR leagues that are drafting now, and his ADP should stay the same as we get closer to the regular season.

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MIA - RB Lamar Miller entering contract year

Source: Spotrac.com

Miami Dolphins RB Lamar Miller enters the final year of his rookie contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2016, according to Spotrac.com. Miller appears poised to headline the free-agent running back class with another strong season and could be playing for a big contract.

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The Dolphins have prepared for life without Miller with the addition of Jay Ajayi (Boise State) in the 2015 NFL draft. Miller cracked 1,000 yards rushing last year and he bulked up to around 225 pounds this offseason to hold up to the punishment he'll take as the lead back. Another good year could mean Miller gets a big payday in 2016.

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SD - Make two roster moves
Source: NationalFootballPost.com - Aaron Wilson
Free-agent QB Chase Rettig (Packers) was signed by the San Diego Chargers Wednesday, May 20. Subsequently, QB Cole Stoudt was released.
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Rettig had a solid career for four seasons at Boston College, completing 685-of-1,242 attempts (55.25) for 8,263 yards and 52 touchdowns. He left BC ranked third all-time in completions, fourth in passing yards and fourth in touchdowns. He's a camp arm for the Chargers and that's it.
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Source: footballguys.com

mpaschal34 · 05-21-15, 07:24 AM

so tired of hearing how great michael floyd is GOING TO BE. time to put up or shut up.

LT Profits · 05-22-15, 07:14 AM

Friday Update

DAL - RB Ben Tate working out for Dallas

Source: ESPN.com - Josina Anderson

Free-agent RB Ben Tate (Steelers) is working out for the Dallas Cowboys Thursday, May 21.
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Tate would be an interesting addition to the Cowboys' backfield. Currently, Darren McFadden can be penciled in as the starter but he's been so injury prone during his pro career that Dallas better have quality options behind him. Tate bounced between three different teams last year (CLE,MIN,PIT) and has gotten little interest on the open market.

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IND - WR Andre Johnson comfortable in offense

Source: ESPN.com - Mike Wells

Indianapolis Colts WR Andre Johnson has made a 'pretty seamless' transition to the offense, and he has a strong grasp of the playbook, according to head coach Chuck Pagano. Johnson took snaps with the starters during organized team activities Wednesday, May 20.

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Good news for dynasty owners looking for a last season or two of production from Andre Johnson. We know he's fading, but he still nearly topped 1,000 yards last season despite a pretty bad quarterback situation in Houston. He looks to be in good position for a bounce-back year in Indianapolis with Andrew Luck throwing the ball and his current ADP hovers around the mid-fourth round for redraft purposes.

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IND - RB Frank Gore transitioning smoothly

Source: ESPN.com - Mike Wells

Indianapolis Colts RB Frank Gore was made a 'pretty seamless' transition to the Colts' offense and is displaying strong knowledge of the playbook, according to head coach Chuck Pagano.

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Gore is a huge upgrade over what passed for a run game over the last few years in Indianapolis, whose last 1,000 yard rusher came in 2007. Gore is coming off of four straight 1,100 plus yard seasons, and has topped the 1,000 yard mark in eight years of his decade long career. Right now Gore's ADP is in the late third, but we feel he could give you RB2 value very easily.

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SD - Phillip Rivers to receive extension?
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers and the Chargers are optimistic about a long-term extension. Rivers had been the subject of trade rumors prior to the NFL Draft.
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Oh how things change pretty quickly around here. Some felt Rivers was as good as gone earlier this year, and now it looks like he could be staying with the Chargers for the foreseeable future. Stay tuned.
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NYJ - RB Stevan Ridley to be ready for training camp
Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini
New York Jets RB Stevan Ridley (knee) should be healthy enough for training camp as he continues to recover from knee surgery. Head coach Todd Bowles said Ridley is not ready for team drills, but participated in positional drills.

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Ridley is going to have to wait to prove himself until training camp. The veteran back will have to prove his value over guys like Chris Ivory and Zac Stacy. The Jets should run the ball quite a bit in order to help keep defenses honest for third-year quarterback Geno Smith.

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CAR - WR Kelvin Benjamin nursing injury

Source: The Charlotte Observer - Jonathan Jones

Carolina Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin (hamstring) is nursing a strained hamstring he suffered last week, according to a source. Benjamin is not likely to participate in organized team activities next week.

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Benjamin had an exceptionally good rookie season, enough to drive his early ADP up into the third round. If rookie Devin Funchess can duplicate Benjamin's first season just a little, Benjamin will have an easier time with opposing secondaries. We know Cam Newton likes him, and that goes a long way towards building opportunity and production. We like him as a lot as a WR2 for your fantasy team.

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MIA - QB Ryan Tannehill contract breakdown

Source: The Miami Herald - Armando Salguero

Updating previous reports, Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill will earn $12.2 million in 2015, but only $745,000 of it will be in base salary. His 2016 base salary of $9.34 million is fully guaranteed. In 2017, the Dolphins will have five days into the league year to decide whether to fully guarantee his $17.47 million base salary, which essentially gives the Dolphins an opt-out if Tannehill struggles to meet expectations over the next two seasons. His contract contains no guaranteed money in 2019 and 2020, other than the prorated signing bonus, so Miami could save $17 million in 2019 and $18 million in 2020 by releasing him.

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So this is really a 2-3 year contract with no guaranteed money in the back half of it. The onus continues to be on Tannehill to prove he is a franchise quarterback. The Dolphins had to get something done, because even as an average quarterback, Tannehill is one of only 15-20 sure-fire starters in the NFL. His ADP in redraft is right in the middle of drafts - around round nine or ten - and we see him as just outside QB1 status.

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- RB Ray Rice's record cleared

Source: SportsCenter

Free-agent RB Ray Rice (Ravens) had his legal record cleared of the domestic violence charge after finishing a pretrial diversion program as part of the conditions of his sentencing for the 2014 legal matter.

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This might clear his legal record, but his public reputation remains heavily tarnished. Will teams add Rice and take the public relations hit? Rice was struggling a bit before all this happened, how much does he have left in the tank? At this time, Rice has an ADP of RB65 (13.07) in 12-team PPR leagues.

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SF - RB Reggie Bush wants to return punts

Source: CSNBayArea.com - Matt Maiocco

San Francisco 49ers RB Reggie Bush has expressed his desire to the San Francisco 49ers coaching staff to return punts this season. 'I told the coaches I wanted to return punts again. And they were excited about it,' Bush said. 'We're still working at it, still chipping away. And we're looking forward to being and all-around great special teams.'

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Bush will be playing a part-time role behind starter Carlos Hyde, so there's no great concern about wearing him down. He's quick and dangerous in the open field, and Bush can provide the 49ers special teams with some punch as a return man. In return-yardage leagues this could bump his current ADP of RB43 (9.08) in 12-team PPR leagues.

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SF - RB Carlos Hyde nursing injury

Source: CSNBayArea.com - Matt Maiocco

San Francisco 49ers RB Carlos Hyde (leg) is nursing a leg injury and did not practice Thursday, May 21. A timetable for his return was not disclosed.

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There's no word about what specifically this mysterious leg injury is. We'll know more if Hyde continues to miss time as offseason workouts continue. With Frank Gore moving on to the Colts, Hyde is set to be the bellcow back for the 49ers in 2015.

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ATL - Justin Hardy to be No. 3 WR for ATL?

Source: NFL.com - Gregg Rosenthal

Atlanta Falcons WR Justin Hardy is projected as the Falcons' No. 3 receiver behind WRs Julio Jones and Roddy White, according to NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal.

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With Harry Douglas in Tennessee, the Falcons needed to add another wide receiver to the mix and that's why Hardy was their fourth-round pick. Coming out of East Carolina, Hardy is a smart player who does the little things well. He'll come back to the football after sitting down in a zone. Hardy can also reach for passes and pluck them out of the air naturally. He's got large hands and a long wingspan that help him play bigger than his size.

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DAL - RB Felix Jones to work out
Source: DallasCowboys.com - Bryan Broaddus
Free-agent RB Felix Jones (Steelers) is working out for the Dallas Cowboys Thursday, May 21.
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With oft-injured Darren McFadden the lead back, the Cowboys are looking to make sure they have enough backups. Jones is coming off of some staggeringly mediocre seasons with Dallas and Pittsburgh, so it's tough to see him having much impact with the Cowboys. If added, Jones would be reunited with McFadden, his former college teammate at Arkansas. Just add Peyton Hillis and you'll have the trio of Razorback teammates.
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Source: footballguys.com