NFL Player News - Week of 3/5/18

[LT Profits]

Courtesy of Footballguys.com


Steelers | Le'Veon Bell expected to be tagged
Updating previous reports, Pittsburgh Steelers impending free-agent RB Le'Veon Bell is expected to receive the franchise tag before the deadline Tuesday, March 5, barring a dramatic turn in contract talks. The tag is expected to be worth $14.544 million.


Ravens | Baltimore interested in Jarvis Landry
The Baltimore Ravens are one of at least five teams inquiring about a potential trade for Miami Dolphins WR Jarvis Landry, according to a source.


Panthers | New partner for Christian McCaffrey?
The Carolina Panthers need to add a 'physical presence' at running back to pair with RB Christian McCaffrey, according to head coach Ron Rivera.

Footballguys view: With the Panthers parting ways with Jonathan Stewart, the team needs a big back to grind down opponents. Expect them to look for that type of back in free agency or the 2018 NFL draft.

Broncos | High hopes for Carlos Henderson
Denver Broncos WR Carlos Henderson (hand, wrist) has a chance to serve as the team's No. 3 receiver behind WRs Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Henderson spent the season on the Reserve/Injured list. 'Carlos, unfortunately, broke the hand or the wrist and was not able to go (in 2017). We drafted him in the third round last year. We're excited about him, too,' president of football operations John Elway said.

Footballguys view: That's cool and all, but Henderson has much to learn. He was great in college at Louisiana Tech in terms of run-after-the-catch ability. We'll see if the Broncos can get the most out of Henderson after getting nothing from him in 2017.

Falcons | Ed Dickson drawing interest
The Atlanta Falcons have shown interest in Carolina Panthers TE Ed Dickson, who is expected to hit the open market when free agency begins.

Footballguys view: The Falcons parted ways with Levine Toilolo, so they need a veteran blocker at the position. If added, Dickson could be their blocking tight end with Austin Hooper still working as the primary receiving tight end.

Jets | NYJ worry about losing out on Kirk Cousins
The New York Jets plan to bid on free-agent QB Kirk Cousins (Redskins), but they are worried about losing out in the pursuit to the Minnesota Vikings. The team feels they can outbid the Vikings and offer a better contract structure, according to a team source, but the organization still feels Cousins might go to Minnesota for what he'll believe is a better chance to immediately win.

Footballguys view: Cousins wants to go to a contender...and that is clearly not the Jets. The Vikings are leading the way in the Cousins sweepstakes with perhaps the Broncos able to lure him away. The Jets had better make other plans, including but not limited to adding a quarterback with the no6 overall pick.

Browns | Saquon Barkley in the running for No. 1
Penn State RB Saquon Barkley is 'firmly in the mix at No. 1 (overall)' for the Cleveland Browns, according to sources.
Footballguys view: Barkley should be the no1 overall pick. The Browns have the no4 pick as well, so they could take Barkley - a once in a decade talent - then add whatever quarterback is left over a mere two picks after that. Even if someone traded up with the Colts and took a quarterback (assuming the Giants also take a quarterback), the Browns would still have their choice of three of the top five quarterbacks in this draft. Many believe there will be five quarterbacks go off the board in the opening round.


Source: footballguys.com

[mr. leisure]

NYJ worry about losing out on Kirk Cousins


He`s not going to the JETS, he wants to be on a contender.

[Otters27]

If I were browns I would not pick a QB. Go ahead and take Barkley and get some offensive lineman

[pokerdevil]

NYJ worry about losing out on Kirk Cousins


He`s not going to the JETS, he wants to be on a contender.

It's too hard to predict who'll be a contender year-to-year, aside from New England.

If he's smart, he'll take the most cash

[LT Profits]

If I were browns I would not pick a QB. Go ahead and take Barkley and get some offensive lineman

Most likely Barkley and then whichever QB is left at #4.

[LT Profits]

Tuesday Update

Browns | HC still wants to bring in AJ McCarron
The Cleveland Browns are 'still exceedingly interested' in signing Cincinnati Bengals impending free-agent QB AJ McCarron. Head coach Hue Jackson, who was McCarron's former offensive coordinator in Cincinnati, prefers bringing him in 'and then backstopping him' with a rookie quarterback in the draft.


Eagles | PHI confident Carson Wentz will be ready
The Philadelphia Eagles are confident that QB Carson Wentz (knee) will be 'healthy enough' to start under center for the team's Week 1 game next season on Sept. 6.


Bears | Cameron Meredith likely to be tendered
Chicago Bears WR Cameron Meredith (knee) is expected to return to Halas Hall -- the team's headquarters -- this week for rehabilitation, which is 'as strong of a sign as you can have' that the club plans to tender him as a restricted free agent. Since he's coming off his knee injury, Chicago will 'likely' choose between the second-round level ($2.746 million) and the original-round amount ($1.797 million).


Giants | NYG interested in re-signing Orleans Darkwa
The New York Giants have interest in bringing back impending free-agent RB Orleans Darkwa, according to a source, and it 'just depends on the price.' It's possible a deal with Darkwa could get done before the start of free agency on Wednesday, March 14.


Jets | Teddy Bridgewater a Plan B option for NYJ?
Minnesota Vikings impending free-agent QB Teddy Bridgewater may be the New York Jets' fallback option if Washington Redskins impending free-agent QB Kirk Cousins opts not to sign with the Jets in free agency, according to SNY's Ralph Vacchiano, who speculates New York would also attempt to bring back Josh McCown to protect themselves against another injury to Bridgewater.



Steelers | Le'Veon Bell considering retirement if tagged
Pittsburgh Steelers impending free-agent RB Le'Veon Bell reportedly is leaving 'all options on the table' if he receives the franchise tag for a second straight season, including retirement, skipping training camp or holding out until Week 10, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.


Jaguars | Allen Robinson may not return?
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Allen Robinson appears unlikely to return to the team, according to Jaguars.com's John Oehser, who suggests the team's decision-makers do not want to be handcuffed by what would be a $16 million hit.


Redskins | Washington to pursue Allen Robinson?
Jacksonville Jaguars impending free-agent WR Allen Robinson is expected to draw interest from the Washington Redskins if he is allowed to enter free agency, according to JP Finlay of NBS Sports Washington.


Falcons | Matt Bryant agrees to new contract
Atlanta Falcons impending free-agent PK Matt Bryant agreed to terms on a three-year contract Monday, March 5. Financial terms were not disclosed.


NFL | One team high on Lamar Jackson
Louisville QB Lamar Jackson is the No. 2 quarterback prospect on an anonymous team's draft board, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Footballguys view: Jackson can be a difference maker at quarterback. Some in the scouting community have called him a right-handed Michael Vick. Jackson is supremely gifted athletically but struggles when throwing downfield. He'll need some mechanics reworked at the pro level but should be in the first-round conversation.

Steelers | Le'Veon Bell tagged again
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell is receiving the franchise tag for a second straight year barring an unforeseen last-minute, long-term deal.

Footballguys view: The Steelers were working on a deal with Bell but nothing materialized. The deadline to tag players is on Tuesday, and they didn't want Bell getting away. This now gives Bell a $14.5 million salary for one year, but we expect some long-term deal to get done. The two sides have until July 16th to get Bell that deal.

Giants | Several RB prospects meet with Giants
Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson, Southern California RB Ronald Jones, Arizona State RB Kalen Ballage, Iowa RB Akrum Wadley and North Carolina State RB Nyheim Hines met with the New York Giants at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine.

Footballguys view: Ballage would be an interesting fit for the Giants later in the draft (fourth round) as he reminds many in the scouting community of Rashad Jennings. The Giants need an upgrade at the position and some speculate they will consider Saquan Barkley (Penn State) with the no2 overall pick if he's on the board.

Broncos | Denver still in play for Kirk Cousins
Washington Redskins impending free-agent QB Kirk Cousins remains a strong blip on the Denver Broncos' radar despite reports to the contrary, according to 9news.com's Mike Klis. Klis added that no prospective team has had any visits or talked financials with Cousins yet.
Footballguys view: The Broncos are still going to make a run at Cousins. They may not be the front runners as the Vikings seem to be his likely destination. If the Broncos can't get Cousins, they will likely move on to a guy like Case Keenum.


Source: footballguys.com

[mr. leisure]

I would give up a 1st and a 4th and get foles .

[Otters27]

Most likely Barkley and then whichever QB is left at #4.

Hope they get it right. 2 of them will be a bust I think.

[LT Profits]

Wednesday Update

Lions | Eric Ebron on the block?
Detroit Lions TE Eric Ebron's name reportedly surfaced in trade discussions during last week's NFL Combine, according to a league source.


Vikings | Kirk Cousins, Vikings have mutual interest
Washington Redskins impending free-agent QB Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings have a mutual interest in each other, but no offers and no decisions have been made yet and financial details will be a big factor, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Footballguys view: This is a different direction than the report earlier of a 3-year, $91 million deal, fully guaranteed. The dance goes on. It really feels like this is between the Vikings (best winning situation) and the New York Jets (most money) though the Broncos aren't totally out. This domino will tumble swiftly at the start of free agency though.

Rams | Sammy Watkins to be pursued by Rams
Los Angeles Rams impending free-agent WR Sammy Watkins will be aggressively sought after by the Rams once he enters free agency, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Los Angeles has said retaining Watkins is a priority despite being unable to sign him before the franchise tag deadline.

Footballguys view: You'd think they would have locked him up already then, but they wanted to tag Lamarcus Joyner. They may have some competition for Watkins, though he did seem to like being in Los Angles with the Rams.

Steelers | Pittsburgh met with Derrius Guice
Louisiana State RB Derrius Guice had a formal meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine.

Footballguys view: Guice is many pundits' second favorit back and while the gap between Saquon Barkley and Guice is large, it's not so big that Guice isn't a good alternative, and one you can definitely grab late in the first or even early in the second.

Eagles | Brett Celek not ready to retire
Philadelphia Eagles TE Brent Celek is planning to play in 2018, according to sources. He is scheduled to make $4 million next season.

Footballguys view: Not only will he make a nice stack of cash, but the Eagles legitimately have a chance at another Super Bowl. It makes sense for Celek to ride that wave while he can.

Patriots | Kenny Britt's option picked up
New England Patriots WR Kenny Britt's option was picked up Tuesday, March 6, according to a source.

Footballguys view: Britt didn't do much, but apparently he did enough for the Patriots to have stick around. With Julian Edelman coming off a significant injury, Danny Amendola on his last leg, perhaps Britt will see more time on the field then we think.

Steelers | Exclusive tag for Le'Veon Bell
Updating a previous report, Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell received the exclusive franchise tag Tuesday, March 6, and will not be allowed to negotiate with any other teams this offseason.

Footballguys view: Bell is arguably the best running back in the NFL (sorry Lesean McCoy) and while investing a ton of money in the backfield is unusual these days, Bell is a special player. We expect the Steelers and Bell will find a way to make this work.

Panthers | Graham Gano retained by Carolina
Carolina Panthers impending free-agent PK Graham Gano agreed to a three-year contract, according to a source.

Source: footballguys.com

[LT Profits]

Thursday Update

Ravens | Baker Mayfield on Ravens' radar?
Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield could be a target in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft. The Ravens are unlikely to take a quarterback that high, but it's not impossible, according to beat writer Jeff Zrebiec.


Dolphins | Dolphins like Hayden Hurst
South Carolina TE Hayden Hurst is drawing interest from the Miami Dolphins, who like him because he's a 'complete tight end.' NFL Network's Mike Mayock ranks him at No. 1 at his position in this year's NFL Draft.


Falcons | Austin Hooper getting started early
Atlanta Falcons TE Austin Hooper is already starting to get in some work in the offseason, meeting QB Matt Ryan at the team facility as early as Friday, March 2, to go through an 'hour-plus throwing session.' The two have had 'multiple sessions' since then to work on timing and Hooper said he'll be in Atlanta 'all offseason' to work with Ryan.

Footballguys view: Hooper is getting a head start because of his disappointing 2017. The Falcons should look for help at the position even with this news about Hooper.

Steelers | Le'Veon Bell likely will report for Week 1
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell said he will skip offseason workouts and training camp but likely will report for Week 1.

Footballguys view: We've been here before with Bell. He did the same thing last year and the Steelers eased him into action with only 10 carries against the Browns in Week 1. If he does the same thing again (provided the team doesn't get a long-term deal done with him before July 16th) expect the Steelers to respond similarly.

Dolphins | Ed Dickson, Trey Burton on Miami's radar
Carolina Panthers impending free-agent TE Ed Dickson and Philadelphia Eagles impending free-agent TE Trey Burton are expected to receive interest from the Miami Dolphins during free agency.

Footballguys view: Burton to the Dolphins has been out there for some time. They're going to move on from Julius Thomas and Burton is an emerging player in the league. He can catch, block and even throw TD passes (see Philly Special). Reports indicate 16 teams could have interest in Burton on the open market.

49ers | San Francisco could pursue Trey Burton
Philadelphia Eagles impending free-agent TE Trey Burton is expected to receive interest from the San Francisco 49ers during free agency.

Footballguys view: Burton has half the league interested in his services according to reports. The 49ers picked up George Kittle last year in the fifth round of the draft and he's a talented player. Adding Burton would just give QB Jimmy Garoppolo another weapon in the passing game.

Colts | Frank Gore looking to join contender
Indianapolis Colts impending free-agent RB Frank Gore would like to sign with a contender this offseason and wants to be a starter or a significant contributor for a team since he believes he probably has only one more season left, according to sources.

Footballguys view: All older vets near the end of their career want to sign with a contender. Bottom line is, this is a brutal market for a guy like Gore. There are plenty of free agent options available, others about to be released and a fantastic draft class at running back in the 2018 NFL draft.

Patriots | Martellus Bennett done in New England
New England Patriots TE Martellus Bennett is being released Wednesday, March 7, according to a source. Bennett would have been a salary cap hit of nearly $6.2 million.

Footballguys view: No surprise here. Bennett's season was marred by injury in 2017, and he brought up retirement at the end of the year. Recently, Bennett has expressed the desire to keep playing and he should get some interest on the open market for any team in need of a playmaking tight end.

NFL | Michael Gallup improves combine numbers

Colorado State WR Michael Gallup ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash and recorded a 10-foot-8 broad jump. Both were improvements on his 4.51-second 40-yard dash and 10-foot-2 broad jump at the NFL combine.
Footballguys view: Gallup is in the second-round conversation in the 2018 NFL draft. The CSU product is still developing as a route-runner but he has a good size/speed combination.


Source: footballguys.com

[rm18]

Lamar Jackson does not struggle throwing downfield he sucks at making short throws.

[mr. leisure]

Lamar Jackson does not struggle throwing downfield he sucks at making short throws.

Yep , I wouldn`t even think about taking him unless he drops way down in the draft .

[Otters27]

Don't understand why these QB s are so stubborn on not wanting to convert to other positions

[LT Profits]

Friday Update

Bengals | Charges against Tyler Boyd dismissed
Cincinnati Bengals WR Tyler Boyd had all criminal charges against him dismissed Thursday, March 8, stemming from a car accident in July. He had faced drug charges after his car was found involved in a single-vehicle wreck and authorities discovered 'liquor and vape materials inside with traces of marijuana.' Boyd told police days later that somebody else had been driving his car.


Seahawks | Chris Carson to be ready for camp
Seattle Seahawks RB Chris Carson (ankle, leg) is 'on track' to be on the field at the beginning of training camp, according to head coach Pete Carroll.


Texans | Deshaun Watson running without knee brace
Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson (knee) began running without a knee brace at the team's practice facility Thursday, March 8.


Colts | IND, Donte Moncrief expected to part ways
Indianapolis Colts WR Donte Moncrief 'isn't likely' to be re-signed by the club, according to Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star, as 'all current indications' point to the two sides 'parting ways for good' after the free-agent market opens up on Wednesday, March 14.


NFL | Stedman Bailey receiving some interest
Free-agent WR Stedman Bailey (Rams) is receiving some interest from four teams but has not received any contract offers.


Buccaneers | One-year deal for Ryan Fitzpatrick
Updating previous reports, Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Ryan Fitzpatrick agreed to a new one-year deal with the Buccaneers Thursday, March 8. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Footballguys view: Fitzpatrick is a solid backup. The Buccaneers may want to find a longer-term solution as their second quarterback, but he should serve for this season.

Broncos | Bennie Fowler unlikely to receive offer
Denver Broncos restricted free-agent WR Bennie Fowler likely will not receive a tender offer from the Broncos, which would make him an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

Footballguys view: Fowler has some upside, but would probably never totally break through in the Denver receiving group. There's too much talent there. He is intriguing depending on his landing spot.

Titans | Derrick Henry expected to start
Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry likely will take over as the starting running back for the Titans in 2018 after the release of RB DeMarco Murray.

Footballguys view: This we knew, and we also know that they will use him early and often. Henry should be a pretty solid back for Fantasy purposes next season. We like it this offense going forward.

Dolphins | Damien Williams could return
Miami Dolphins impending free-agent RB Damien Williams will keep in touch with the Dolphins during free agency, but the team wants to weigh their options at the position before making a decision on Williams.

Footballguys view: It may be Miami ends up being his best option, as he didn't look very good the last couple of years and there may not be much interest outside of Florida.

49ers | Marquise Goodwin extended
San Francisco 49ers WR Marquise Goodwin agreed to a three-year, $20.3 million contract extension Thursday, March 8, according to a source. The deal includes $10 million guaranteed.
Footballguys view: Goodwin has had moments but the reality is that until San Francisco and Jimmy Garoppolo, he was inconsistent. Once he was a Niner and catching from his new quarterback he was effective, especially down the stretch.


Source: footballguys.com

[mr. leisure]

Javaris Landry going to the Browns .

[LT Profits]

Javaris Landry going to the Browns .

And Tyrod Taylor too.

[rm18]

Browns a lock to win the division now.

[mpaschal34]

Javaris Landry going to the Browns .

F me....Landry is on my high stake dynasty league.

[rm18]

F me....Landry is on my high stake dynasty league.

Tyrod loves to throw short passes he might catch a lot of balls with Gordon drawing double teams.

[Otters27]

Derek Henry Marcus Marriotta going to be tough

[LT Profits]

Saturday Update

NFL | Jaylen Samuels a RB at next level
North Carolina State RB Jaylen Samuels said most teams he spoke with at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine view him as a true running back in the NFL.


NFL | Allen Lazard the next Mike Evans?
Iowa State WR Allen Lazard said he tries to model his game after Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans because he likes to 'big-boy football' and is able to use his height and strength to his advantage.


Bengals | Joe Mixon makes pitch to Sammy Watkins
Cincinnati Bengals RB Joe Mixon sent a tweet to Los Angeles Rams impending free-agent WR Sammy Watkins, asking Watkins to join him in Cincinnati.


Jaguars | Allen Hurns on the chopping block?
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Allen Hurns could be cut this offseason, according to James Koh of the NFL Network.


Chiefs | Kansas City wants Albert Wilson back
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said he would be 'super-excited' to re-sign impending free-agent WR Albert Wilson.


Browns | Jarvis Landry acquired for two late picks
Updating a previous report, the Cleveland Browns traded a 2018 fourth-round pick and a 2019 seventh-round pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for WR Jarvis Landry.


Packers | Terms of DeShone Kizer trade announced
Updating a previous report, the Green Bay Packers agreed to trade CB Damarious Randall to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for QB DeShone Kizer on Friday, March 9. The teams also agreed to swap draft choices in the fourth and fifth round, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.


Bills | Tyrod Taylor headed to Cleveland
The Buffalo Bills reportedly agreed to trade QB Tyrod Taylor to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2018 third-round pick Friday, March 9.


Buccaneers | Mike Evans lands huge extension
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $82.5 million on Friday, March 9. The deal includes $55 million guaranteed, according to sources.

Footballguys view: Evans is now locked up through the 2023 season and is currently second behind Antonio Brown in annual average salary. He had a down season in 2017 but still managed more than 1,000 yards receiving. With a healthy Jameis Winston, Evans should go back to being the WR1 he was two years ago (he was WR22 for fantasy owners in standard leagues in 2017).

Lions | Detroit, Eric Ebron discuss future Friday
Detroit Lions TE Eric Ebron met with the team Thursday, March 8, to discuss his future. Per ESPN's Dianna Russini, team officials did not give him any guarantees he will remain with the Lions and let him know they are open to dealing him.


Dolphins | Miami to meet with Baker Mayfield next week
University of Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield is expected to meet with Miami Dolphins officials for dinner next week in Norman (Okla.) and work out for the team at some point after the school's March 14 pro day.

Footballguys view: The Dolphins interest in Mayfield has been well known for quite some time. They have the no12 overall pick...and Mayfield is unlikely to be on the board when they pick. Miami is likely to be forced to move up if they really want him.

Raiders | Doug Martin meets with Oakland
Free-agent RB Doug Martin (Buccaneers) recently had a face-to-face meeting with Oakland Raiders coach Jon Gruden, who was reportedly 'impressed with him as a person.' As such, the Raiders are expected to make a 'strong push' for him in free agency.

Footballguys view: If the Raiders add Martin they move on from Marshawn Lynch. He has only averaged 2.9 yards per carry each of the last two years, but Martin does have two 1,400 yards on his resume. He could benefit from a fresh start.

Vikings | Kyle Rudolph sheds ankle cast
Minnesota Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph (ankle) expects to be ready by June after having the cast removed from his surgically repaired right ankle Thursday, March 8.

Footballguys view: Rudolph had ankle surgery two weeks ago and is on the road to recovery. He'll be ready by June barring any setbacks, but the Vikings should ease him back into action.

Source: footballguys.com

[mpaschal34]

NFL | Allen Lazard the next Mike Evans?
Iowa State WR Allen Lazard said he tries to model his game after Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans because he likes to 'big-boy football' and is able to use his height and strength to his advantage.



so....he’s going to try and lead the league in dropped passes?

[BarkingToad]

Browns just love having crap quarterbacks

[mr. leisure]

Not sure why the Packers would want Deshone Kizer

[BarkingToad]

Not sure why the Packers would want Deshone Kizer

Winless Browns quarterbacks apparently are in high demand.

[LT Profits]

Not sure why the Packers would want Deshone Kizer

Winless Browns quarterbacks apparently are in high demand.

Pack must feel Kizer is a better backup than Hundley.

[LT Profits]

Sunday Update

Jets | One more year for Josh McCown?
New York Jets impending free-agent QB Josh McCown will likely be re-signed to a one-year deal worth about $8 million, according to Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com, and Cimini believes McCown will serve as a 'bridge' quarterback to a rookie.


Cardinals | David Johnson recruiting Kirk Cousins
Arizona Cardinals RB David Johnson sent out a tweet Friday, March 9, asking Washington Redskins impending free-agent QB Kirk Cousins to join him in Arizona.


Chargers | Austin Ekeler healthy
Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler's (hand) broken hand has fully healed, and he has resumed a workout regimen.
Footballguys view: Ekeler should continue to work as a change-of-pace back behind Melvin Gordon. He's got flex appeal in PPR leagues because of his receiving ability. Expect the Chargers to add talent to the backfield in the form of a big back in the 2018 NFL draft.

Source: footballguys.com

Not too much to report today.

[Otters27]

8 million not bad for Josh McCown. Guy ends up having a pretty impressive career

[mpaschal34]

8 million not bad for Josh McCown. Guy ends up having a pretty impressive career

Good for him....I remember hearing a story of him sitting on the couch watching games several years back. Looks like all he needed was an opportunity.