NFL Player News - Week of 3/26/18

**mr. leisure** · 03-26-18, 10:36 AM

Giants | Odell Beckham Jr. to hold out
New York Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. won't step foot onto a football field until a new contract is agreed to, with the Giants or another team, according to sources.

He is a great talent but not sure he is worth all the hassle .

**LT Profits** · 03-27-18, 09:04 AM

Tuesday Update

Cardinals | David Johnson should be ready for OTAs
Arizona Cardinals RB David Johnson (wrist) is expected to be cleared in time for organized team activities next month, according to head coach Steve Wilks.

Titans | Blaine Gabbert agrees with Titans
Free-agent QB Blaine Gabbert (Cardinals) agreed to an undisclosed contract with the Tennessee Titans Monday, March 26.

Colts | Andrew Luck throwing
Updating an ongoing story, Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck (shoulder) has begun throwing a football, according to head coach Frank Reich. Reich is optimistic Luck will cut it loose sometime this offseason, and it's clear he's trending in the right direction.

Texans | Deshaun Watson ahead of schedule
Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson (knee) is ahead of schedule in his rehab from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, according to head coach Bill O'Brien. Watson could throw in individual drills during organized team activities.

Redskins | Chris Thompson able to run again
Washington Redskins RB Chris Thompson (leg) said on his Twitter account that he was able to 'run on the field' Monday, March 26, his first time doing so since he had surgery to repair a broken right fibula in December.

Jets | No offseason workouts for Teddy Bridgewater?
Updating a previous report, New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan cast some doubt over QB Teddy Bridgewater's (knee) readiness to participate in offseason workouts, saying 'we'll see how he progresses.' He added, 'There's things we're doing with him to set him up for success. If all things go well, you guys will have a chance to see him out there to throw this spring.'

Colts | Indy declines two offers for Jacoby Brissett
The Indianapolis Colts turned down two recent offers from undisclosed teams attempting to trade for QB Jacoby Brissett, according to a league source.

NFL | Brice Butler will meet with many teams
Free-agent WR Brice Butler (Cowboys) has visits scheduled over the next two weeks with the Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars and Arizona Cardinals.

Footballguys view: Butler's game is all about speed, speed and more speed. He can get by defenders in a hurry and he's flashed a bit during his time with the Cowboys. Now with these visits scheduled, we should see Butler find a new landing spot in the near future.

Dolphins | Miami tries out Blair Walsh
Free-agent PK Blair Walsh (Seahawks) tried out for the Miami Dolphins Monday, March 26, according to a source.

Rams | Odell Beckham of interest to Rams
New York Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. has drawn trade interest from the Los Angeles Rams. Beckham recently said he would hold out until he receives a new contract from either the Giants or another team.

Footballguys view: Any trade for Beckham would have to be huge. The Rams have not been shy about upgrading their roster on both sides of the ball this offseason. Trading for Beckham might be too rich for the Rams or any other team. The Giants are not actively shopping Beckham but they'd listen to offers as any team would.

Saints | Cameron Meredith visited Saints
Chicago Bears restricted free-agent WR Cameron Meredith visited the New Orleans Saints last week, according to a source. Meredith has already met with the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens. The Bears have the option to match any offer sheet given to Meredith.

Jets | Josh Allen to work out for Jets next week
Updating a previous report, Wyoming QB Josh Allen is scheduled to participate in a private workout with the New York Jets next week, according to general manager Mike Maccagnan.

Footballguys view: Allen is not planning to work out anymore during team visits, but he will do that upon a team's request. He wowed the scouting community at his pro day in Laramie last week and has been the most consistent quarterback through the pre-draft process. The Jets have the no3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft and Allen is certainly an option.

NFL | Johnny Manziel expected to throw again
Free-agent QB Johnny Manziel (Browns) is expected to throw to the Texas A&M receivers at their Pro Day Tuesday, March 27, according to a source.
Footballguys view: Manziel is doing whatever he can to get out there. He wants to prove that he's clean and sober, plus he's still capable of being a starting quarterback in the NFL. If Manziel can't get a shot in the NFL then he should head up to Canada to play in the CFL.

Source: footballguys.com

**mpaschal34** · 03-27-18, 10:45 PM

So glad I dealt Beckham in my dynasty league last year before the year began.

**JAKEPEAVY21** · 03-28-18, 07:53 AM

Originally posted by mpaschal34

So glad I dealt Beckham in my dynasty league last year before the year began.

If I was the giants I'd trade him now while his value is still high, I don't trust him enough to give him a massive contract. I'd also consider to trade the #2 overall pick to stockpile draft picks and infuse the team with more young talent and fill a lot of holes on the roster.

**LT Profits** · 03-28-18, 08:47 AM

Wednesday Update

Jets | Terrelle Pryor terms
Updating previous reports, New York Jets WR Terrelle Pryor's deal is a one-year, $4.5 million contract with $2 million guaranteed.

Dolphins | Miami not giving up on DeVante Parker
Miami Dolphins WR DeVante Parker still has the support of head coach Adam Gase, who believes health is about the only thing keeping Parker from reaching his potential.

Cowboys | Dez Bryant's days in Dallas numbered?
Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant will be released - most likely after the draft - in the opinion of Yahoo! Sports' Jordan Schultz.

Patriots | New England meets with Johnny Manziel
Free-agent QB Johnny Manziel (Browns) met with the New England Patriots before and after his workout at Texas A&M Tuesday, March 27.

NFL | Christian Kirk to work out for teams
Texas A&M WR Christian Kirk said he has private workouts scheduled with the Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers.

Footballguys view: Kirk could be a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft. His game is all about lightning quickness and the ability to make defenders look silly in coverage.

Giants | Odell Beckham not on trading block
New York Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. is not on the trading block, officially, according to owner John Mara.

Footballguys view: Beckham says that he's not going to show up without a new contract. The Giants may not be ready to pay him as the highest paid receiver in the league. That has led to speculation about him being on the trade block. The Giants are squashing that here, but everyone has a price tag. If they were to be blown away by an offer, the Giants would have to consider unloading him.

NFL | Johnny Manziel open to playing in Canada
Free-agent QB Johnny Manziel (Browns) said he is willing to play in the Canadian Football League if he does not receive interest from NFL teams.

Footballguys view: Manziel has to be open to the CFL, because that's likely his next stop as a professional football player. If he performs well in Canada, NFL teams might be more open to adding him back. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have Manziel (and Robert Griffin III) on the neg list, meaning they own his rights if he wants to play up North.

Saints | Benjamin Watson visits Saints
Free-agent TE Benjamin Watson (Ravens) visited the New Orleans Saints Tuesday, March 27, according to a source.

Footballguys view: Watson may have a bit more left in the tank than some people think. He caught 61 passes for 522 yards and four touchdowns in 2017 with the Ravens, and Watson could post similar numbers with a new team. The Seahawks need help at the position after losing both Jimmy Graham (Packers) and Luke Willson (Lions) in free agency.

Chiefs | Tyreek Hill to work on routes
Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill will be working on improving his route running this offseason, according to head coach Andy Reid.

Footballguys view: Hill already is fast and incredibly quick out of his breaks. Becoming a more refined route runner will help him get open. The Chiefs have second-year quarterback Pat Mahomes taking over as the starter in 2018. They'll need Hill and Mahomes on the same page in order to have a dynamic passing attack -- especially deep where Mahomes likes to attack opponents.

Texans | D'Onta Foreman should be ready for camp
Houston Texans RB D'Onta Foreman (Achilles') is expected to be ready for training camp but may not take part in offseason workouts, according to head coach Bill O'Brien.

Footballguys view: Foreman could be in line for a much larger role in 2018. In fact, don't be surprised if Foreman ends up overtaking Lamar Miller as the Texans top back.

Steelers | Coach hopes Eli Rogers returns
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he hopes free-agent WR Eli Rogers (knee) re-signs with the Steelers this offseason.

Footballguys view: Rogers is an interesting slot receiver when healthy. He'd be fourth in the pecking order in Pittsburgh if he comes back behind Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Martavis Bryant.

Browns | Cleveland to visit with top QBs outhern California QB Sam Darnold, Wyoming QB Josh Allen, Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield and UCLA QB Josh Rosen will all have pre-draft visits with the Cleveland Browns, according to head coach Hue Jackson.

Footballguys view: The buzz is that Cleveland is down to Sam Darnold and Josh Allen for the no.1 overall pick. We'll see how the rest of the pre-draft process helps mold the top of their board.

Jets | Josh McCown to enter camp as starter
New York Jets QB Josh McCown will enter training camp as the team's starting quarterback, according to head coach Todd Bowles.

Footballguys view: McCown will likely begin the season as the starter. The Jets should take a quarterback with the no.3 overall pick. Whatever quarterback that is should push McCown early for the job.

Eagles | Nick Foles staying in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Eagles QB Nick Foles will not be traded this offseason, according to head coach Doug Pederson.

Footballguys view: The Eagles have likely taken some phone calls on Foles, but nothing ever materialized.

Jets | Quincy Enunwa should be ready for camp
New York Jets WR Quincy Enunwa (neck) is expected to be ready for training camp, but his status for offseason workouts is uncertain, according to head coach Todd Bowles.

Footballguys view: Earlier this year, the Jets extended restricted free agent WR Quincy Enunwa a second-round tender. Reports have indicated that he's on schedule in his recovery.

Patriots | Cordarrelle Patterson may return punts
New England Patriots WR Cordarrelle Patterson will work out as a punt returner during offseason workouts even though he has only one punt return in his five-year NFL career, according to head coach Bill Belichick.
Footballguys view: Patterson has not been able to make an impact as a receiver during his pro career. His biggest impact has been felt on special teams as a return man.

Source: footballguys.com

**mpaschal34** · 03-29-18, 06:46 AM

Too bad Johnny Football didn’t put this amount of work in when he came into the league. Only has himself to blame.

**LT Profits** · 03-29-18, 09:37 AM

Thursday Update

Jets | Andre Roberts contract details
Updating a previous report, New York Jets WR Andre Roberts signed a one-year deal with the Jets worth $1.005 million.

Dolphins | Miami not pursuing C.J. Anderson
Denver Broncos RB C.J. Anderson is no longer a trade target for the Miami Dolphins since the Dolphins signed Frank Gore.

NFL | Trevone Boykin arrested
Free-agent QB Trevone Boykin (Seahawks) was arrested in Texas Wednesday, March 28, and has been charged with suspicion of aggravated assault with serious bodily harm.

Jets | Thomas Rawls to meet with Jets
Free-agent RB Thomas Rawls (Seahawks) is scheduled to meet with the New York Jets Friday, March 28, according to a source.

Footballguys view: Rawls has only made a couple of visits as a free agent, the Chiefs and the Jets. Injuries have derailed his pro career, and if the Jets signed him it would be a full running back room. The Jets added Isaiah Crowell in free agency already, and he's in line to split time with Bilal Powell and Eli McGuire.

Lions | Levine Toilolo joins Lions
Free-agent TE Levine Toilolo (Falcons) is signing a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions Wednesday, March 28. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Footballguys view: The Lions added Luke Willson in free agency earlier this month. Toilolo is a blocking tight end and that will be his role for the Lions. The targets at the position should be split between Willson and second-year pro Michael Roberts.

Jaguars | Jacksonville acquires Cody Kessler
Cleveland Browns QB Cody Kessler was acquired by the Jacksonville Jaguars Wednesday, March 28, in exchange for a conditional 2019 seventh-round draft pick, according to a source.

Footballguys view: With Chad Henne (Chiefs) moving on in free agency, the Jaguars needed a backup to Blake Bortles. Kessler is efficient as a dink-and-dunk passer and has experience as a starter.

Source: footballguys.com

**mr. leisure** · 03-29-18, 09:39 AM

Originally posted by JAKEPEAVY21

If I was the giants I'd trade him now while his value is still high, I don't trust him enough to give him a massive contract. I'd also consider to trade the #2 overall pick to stockpile draft picks and infuse the team with more young talent and fill a lot of holes on the roster.

Agree, Trade that nut now !!

**LT Profits** · 03-30-18, 08:56 AM

Friday Update

A look at the news around the NFL and why it matters in fantasy leaguesAFC

Cleveland

The Browns signed CB E.J. Gaines (Buffalo) to a one-year, four million dollar deal
Why It Matters: Gaines was surprisingly good for the Bills after coming over from the Rams in the Sammy Watkins deal. He should compete for a spot as a starter on the outside and help a poor Browns pass defense.

The Browns signed QB Drew Stanton (Arizona) to a two-year deal and traded QB Cody Kessler to Jacksonville for a conditional seventh-round pick.
Why It Matters: The Browns already have Tyrod Taylor in tow and decided to make moves to add experience at backup quarterback. It appears that they are aiming to not play their rookie quarterback in 2018 if they can avoid it.

Denver

The Broncos traded a 2018 fifth-round pick and conditional 2020 sixth-round pick and swapped 2018 fourth and fifth round picks with Washington for S/LB Su'a Cravens
Why It Matters: The Broncos vaunted pass defense gave up 29 passing touchdowns last year after giving up only 13 in 2016. Safety play was a big reason why, so perhaps Cravens can help. He'll likely be part of their sub packages. Cravens is a bit of an unknown after being a 2016 second-round pick and strong contributor in multiple roles as a rookie. He had a head injury, contemplated retirement, and had a dispute with Washington that resulted in him not playing last year. He was reinstated in February and appears to be committed to football again.

The Broncos traded a sixth-round pick to Arizona for OT Jared Veldheer.
Why It Matters: Veldheer was once considered a top tackle and came on after a slow start for the Cardinals last year. He’s turning 31 this year, so he could still be a huge upgrade at right tackle for the offense and provide help to Case Keenum and the running game.

GM John Elway would not commit to RB CJ Anderson being on the team for the 2018 season.
Why It Matters: The team seems to love Devontae Booker even though he hasn’t shown much through his first two years. Anderson is due 4.5 million, but if he’s not in their plans as the starter, he’s not worth that kind of money. They could be waiting to see how the draft shakes out before making a decision on Anderson. If Denver releases Anderson, Dolphins head coach Adam Gase could make a bid for him and add him to compete with Frank Gore to be the complement to Kenyan Drake.

Indianapolis

Head coach Frank Reich said QB Andrew Luck has resumed throwing.
Why It Matters: We are still wary of getting too optimistic about Luck’s 2018, but if this puts him on track to throw on the practice field to teammates in OTAs, then that would remove a lot of the anxiety about selecting him or any other Colts in fantasy drafts. Early signs point to a repeat of 2017’s uncertainty and disappointment being unlikely for Luck in 2018.

Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers DT Corey Liuget was suspended for four games for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
Why It Matters: The team is likely to keep Liuget despite his eight million dollar contract, but this will put Damion Square and Darius Philon on the field more in the first month of the season and could make the team more inclined to draft a defensive tackle.

Miami

The Dolphins signed QB Brock Osweiler (Denver) to a one-year deal.
Why It Matters: Osweiler is reunited with Adam Gase, who oversaw his development in Denver. At the end of his rookie contract, he was tabbed as a starter by Houston and got paid 37 million dollars for two years. If anyone can find Osweiler’s game to make him even an adequate backup, Gase can.

New York Jets

The Jets signed WR Terrelle Pryor (Washington) to a one-year deal worth 4.5 million dollars with two million guaranteed.
Why It Matters: Pryor never clicked with Washington last year, and was hurt worse and for more of the year than we knew at the time. He has played with quarterback Josh McCown before and had two 100+ yard games with him. He could leapfrog Jermaine Kearse on the depth chart, and at least start in place of deep threat Robby Anderson while Anderson is likely suspended for his second offseason run-in with the law. Pryor is still worth a late-round flier in redraft and hold in dynasty leagues.

Pittsburgh

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and GM Kevin Colbert attended Louisville QB Lamar Jackson’s pro day. Tomlin previously said he was going to attend to watch Jackson.
Why It Matters: Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement watch has cooled down, but the team clearly hasn’t ruled out taking his successor this year. The team also has experience using players like Kordell Stewart and Antwaan Randle-el in a “slash” role and while those coaching staffs are long gone, Jackson could bring back memories of those players while he’s developing as a rookie. The idea of Jackson in the Steelers offense is exciting for fantasy and it would be an excellent landing spot for long term value.

NFC

Arizona

The Cardinals acquired a sixth-round pick from Denver for OT Jared Veldheer.
Why It Matters: The Cardinals signed Andre Smith to play right tackle, which made Veldheer expendable. Smith and CJ Humphries will be on the spot to keep Sam Bradford healthy and upright considering his lengthy injury history and possibly degenerative knee condition.

Carolina

The Panthers signed CB Ross Cockrell (New York Giants) to a two-year, 6.8 million dollar deal.
Why It Matters: After Bashaud Breeland failed his physical, the Panthers were back in the market for a starting corner. Cockrell might not be a liability, but he’ll also be picked on by strong passing games elsehwere in the division. The Panthers will remain a good passing matchup for opponents.

The Panthers are exercising the fifth-year option on 2015 first-round pick LB Shaq Thompson.
Why It Matters: Thomas Davis has defied his three ACL tears and age, but that shouldn’t reflect on how the Panthers view Thompson. He is a three-down linebacker who should be considered a core part of the defense going forward. His smaller role earlier in his career has more to do with Davis’s longevity and intensity than anything lacking in Thompson’s play or development.

Head coach Ron Rivera said RB Cameron Artis-Payne will get an opportunity to replace Jonathan Stewart.
Why It Matters: The Stewart role could yield touchdowns and fantasy relevance in wins, but Artis-Payne is limited and if he is the second best running back on the team after the draft, it is a good sign that Christian McCaffrey’s value is going up in his second year.

Head coach Ron Rivera said there is no timetable for the return of WR Curtis Samuel.
Why It Matters: Torrey Smith was more of a fantasy afterthought last year in Philadelphia, but with Samuel slow to recover from ankle surgery and possibly missing the offseason, Smith should have a head start to be the designated deep receiver. Samuel is a long shot to make a big impact early this year, and maybe this year at all if Smith plays well.

Chicago

Head Coach Matt Nagy confirmed that Trey Burton will play the “U” hybrid WR/TE role in his offense.
Why It Matters: Burton will be in the more fantasy friendly role than 2017 second-round pick Adam Shaheen, and should be drafted earlier - if Shaheen is drafted at all in fantasy leagues. He’ll be in the slot and could be a featured receiver for Mitchell Trubisky in the role that Travis Kelce dominated in last year under Nagy in Kansas City. Burton has as much upside as any tight end outside of the top five, although he could yield targets to Shaheen in the red zone.

Dallas

The Cowboys signed WR Allen Hurns (Jacksonville) to a two-year, 12 million dollar deal.
Why It Matters: Hurns could be the team’s number one receiver if Dez Bryant isn’t retained. He has a higher ceiling than he had at any point with the Jaguars, and should at worst supplant Terrance Williams as the number two. Getting released from Jacksonville has ended up being great for his fantasy stock.

WR Terrance Williams broke his right foot earlier in the offseason and had surgery a month ago. He is questionable for OTAs.
Why It Matters: Noah Brown will get more run in OTAs, and any rookie the team drafts could get a chance to secure a spot on the depth chart while Williams recovers. Deonte Thompson will also get a chance to have increased reps while Williams is out. Williams is missing time while the receiving group is in flux.

Dallas Vice President Stephen Jones said the team still needs to talk to WR Dez Bryant about his contract, although there is no timeline for a decision and Yahoo Sports Jordan Schultz stated that Bryant will be released after the draft
Why It Matters: Bryant is due 12.5 million dollars this year and he did not play up to that level of pay last year. The signing of Allen Hurns gives the team a replacement, and they could make an additional move to bolster their receiver corps in the draft to prepare for the loss of Bryant. Bryant could also take a pay cut to stay with the team.

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams signed DT Ndamukong Suh to a one-year, 14 million dollar deal.
Why It Matters: A very strong defense just got an unfair advantage in the interior defensive line. Suh will play the nose, and offensive lines will more than have their hands full with Suh, Aaron Donald, and Michael Brockers keeping each other fresh and throwing combinations of size, strength, quickness, and motor that will confound the opposition. The Rams might be the most valuable fantasy defense in the NFC now and only behind the Jaguars across the NFL. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has to be thrilled at the offseason the Rams have had on the defensive side of the ball.

New Orleans

The Saints signed TE Ben Watson (Baltimore) to a one-year deal.
Why It Matters: Watson wasn’t getting downfield as often last year, but he still had his second-highest reception and fourth-highest touchdown and yardage totals of his 14-year career. The Saints offense tends to amplify the fantasy value of their pass catchers, and Watson should have enough value to be relevant as a bye week fill-in and matchup start. Head coach Sean Payton said the team needed to add a tight end and receiver earlier in the week, so look for a move at wideout soon or in the draft.

New York Giants

Jordan Raanan of ESPN reports that the Giants won’t take a quarterback at #2 unless USC’s Sam Darnold is still on the board.
Why It Matters: It would be odd for the team’s quarterback plans to be leaked this early with so much riding on their pick, but this does match some of the rhetoric coming out of the Giants camp. Darnold is rumored to be the #1 pick for the Browns, although there is some word that Wyoming QB Josh Allen is still in the running. The Jets are presumably going to take a quarterback at #3, so if the Giants are going to pass, the Bills could be a candidate to trade up to the #2 pick, or the Broncos or Cardinals. The Giants hold the key to how the early first round will cascade, and if the Browns take Darnold first, it sounds like that development could open up the potential options for the #2 pick for the Giants.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that WR Odell Beckham Jr won’t play in 2018 without a new contract and Giants owner John Mara said no player is “untouchable”. The Rams are reportedly interested in trading for Beckham. Head coach Pat Shurmur said Beckham is “on our team right now”.
Why It Matters: This could represent another huge power shift in the NFC if Beckham is traded, especially if it is to the Rams, who have ample cap room in 2019 and beyond to sign Beckham long term. The price is reportedly a first round pick and a third or fourth, or perhaps two first round picks, but since the Rams project as a playoff team, those picks would likely be in the bottom third of the first round. Acquiring Beckham matches the modus operandi the Rams have shown this offseason, and Giants GM Dave Gettleman ended up letting Josh Norman go for nothing when he was attempting to get a long term deal at market value from the team. If the Giants know they don’t want to commit to Beckham at a price that is likely to be the highest of any non-quarterback in the league, now is the time to trade him. Stay tuned.

Philadelphia

Eagles DL Michael Bennett has been indicted on a felony charge for injuring a 66-year-old paraplegic at Super Bowl LI.
Why It Matters: The incident has no video evidence and only one witness at the Super Bowl, so it might not result in any conviction or punishment for Bennett, but obviously this could put a cramp in the Eagles plans for him this year. The Eagles and Seahawks both claimed to have no knowledge of this until it came out. It could take a long time for this to play out since it took over a year for charges to be filed. For now, we’ll err on the side of assuming it won’t affect Bennett’s 2018 prospects, but that is subject to change.

San Francisco

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said they think new RB Jerick McKinnon is “great on third down, and good on first and second down, too.”
Why It Matters: McKinnon has been hyped as one of the biggest fantasy winners of free agency and Shanahan’s comments indicate that he will have every opportunity to deliver on the hype. Carlos Hyde was a solid PPR RB2 last year after not being a big passing game factor before Shanahan, and operating as a receiver out of the backfield is one of McKinnon’s strengths. He is probably still undervalued in early drafts.

Washington

Head coach Jay Gruden said he did not expect TE Jordan Reed to participate in OTAs.
Why it Matters: Reed was sidelined with a hamstring issue in 2017, which usually doesn’t keep a player out in the following year’s offseason. He might have had surgery on the injury or his toe issue that plagued him all year, or Washington might just want to give him a full offseason to get as healthy as he can before training camp. Either way, it doesn’t seem like Reed is doing anything to shed the fragile label.

Source: footballguys.com

**LT Profits** · 03-31-18, 08:49 AM

Saturday Update

Falcons | Devonta Freeman's knee improving
Atlanta Falcons RB Devonta Freeman (knee) said his injured knee is 'definitely progressing on the up and up.'

Panthers | Damiere Byrd back at full speed
Carolina Panthers WR Damiere Byrd (knee) said he is fully recovered and doesn't expect to have any restrictions when spring workouts begin.

Falcons | Austin Hooper poised to break out?
Atlanta Falcons TE Austin Hooper will make a 'big jump' in 2018, according to head coach Dan Quinn.

Bengals | John Ross ready to go
Cincinnati Bengals WR John Ross is 'all fixed up' after dealing with injuries to his shoulder and lower legs last year, according to head coach Marvin Lewis.

Falcons | Nick Chubb visiting Atlanta
Georgia RB Nick Chubb is scheduled to work out for the Atlanta Falcons Wednesday, April 4.

Chiefs | KC adds two reserves
The Kansas City Chiefs signed QB Matt McGloin (Texans) and WR Nelson Spruce (Bears) to undisclosed contracts Friday, March 30.

Footballguys view: McGloin is there to give the team another camp arm. He'll be behind Patrick Mahomes and Chad Henne on the depth chart. Spruce played his college ball at CU, the same place Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy played. He's a good option as a slot receiver or return man but hasn't been able to latch on yet in the NFL.

Ravens | Michael Floyd tried out for Baltimore
Free-agent WR Michael Floyd (Vikings) worked out for the Baltimore Ravens at an undisclosed time, marking the first team to knowingly show interest in Floyd during free agency.

Jets | NYJ lands Thomas Rawls
Free-agent RB Thomas Rawls (Seahawks) signed an undisclosed contract with the New York Jets on Friday, March 30.

Footballguys view: The Jets added Isaiah Crowell to the roster earlier this year in free agency. He'll split time with Bilal Powell while Rawls is just competing for a spot on the roster as veteran depth. Injuries and inconsistencies have plagued Rawls over the last two years.

Vikings | Kendall Wright finds new home in Minnesota
Free-agent WR Kendall Wright (Bears) signed an undisclosed contract with the Minnesota Vikings on Friday, March 30.

Footballguys view: Wright replaces the recently departed Jarius Wright (Panthers) in the Vikings WR corps. He's a slot receiver who should give QB Kirk Cousins another quality weapon to throw to behind Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs.

Patriots | Chances increasing Rob Gronkowski is traded
New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski's odds of being traded are increasing, a source friendly with head coach Bill Belichick told the Boston Sports Journal's Greg A. Bedard. '(Belichick) imagines you gone,' the source said. 'The longer Gronkowski goes without saying he's all in, the chances of him being traded increases.'
Footballguys view: Gronkowski said at the Super Bowl that he was going to need some time to decide what his future entails. The speculation is the Rams or 49ers would be interested in Gronkowski if he was to be dangled on the trade block.

Source: footballguys.com

**mpaschal34** · 03-31-18, 11:56 PM

John Ross is a great athlete....just not a football player.

Also...hard to imagine Gronk on any team but the Patriots.

**JAKEPEAVY21** · 04-01-18, 07:53 AM

Mckinnon seems to be a better fit in the 49ers offense than Hyde was..he's a better receiver.

**LT Profits** · 04-01-18, 08:31 AM

Sunday Update

Patriots | Rob Gronkowski leaning towards playing
New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski is leaning towards playing next season, according to sources close to Gronkowski.

Bears | Chicago won't give up on Kevin White
Chicago Bears WR Kevin White will have 'every opportunity to succeed,' according to head coach Matt Nagy.

Raiders | Oakland to utilize tight ends
Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden said he likes the way the Kansas City Chiefs utilize three tight ends. 'It's a great package to have,' Gruden said. 'You can run out the clock. You can hand the ball off on the goal line.'

NFL | D.J. Moore drawing lofty comparisons
Maryland WR D.J. Moore agreed with his comparisons to Detroit Lions WR Golden Tate. 'Watching him, he's physical, he does things after the catch that I do similar,' Moore said.

Footballguys view: We agree with the comparison as well. Like Tate, Moore is dangerous after the catch and does a good job of setting up defenders in the open field. His draft stock has been on the rise for some time, and we could see Moore end up being selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft.

NFL | Questions about Lamar Jackson
Louisville QB Lamar Jackson is 'a long ways away' from being ready to play quarterback in the NFL, according to an AFC quarterbacks coach. 'Maybe he could play early as part of a package or as a returner, but I think he will struggle as a pure quarterback to start,' the quarterbacks coach said.

Footballguys view: That make sense....for many quarterbacks in this draft...even the 'big 5' at the position. Jackson, even with his needed work, is still likely to be a first-round pick. We don't see a team like the Cardinals passing on him at no15 overall...especially after four QBs could go in the top 10.

Ravens | Alex Collins earned starting job
Baltimore Ravens RB Alex Collins has 'proven' he can be the starting running back, according to head coach John Harbaugh.

Footballguys view: Collins will enter camp as the starter as he did earn the job, but expect there to be competition. Not just from Kenneth Dixon, but perhaps from a rookie. This draft class is chock full of great running back talent, and the Ravens would be wise to pick one at the end of April.

Ravens | BAL high on Cameron Meredith
The Baltimore Ravens are believed to have interest in restricted free agent Cameron Meredith (Bears).

Footballguys view: The Saints brought Meredith in for a visit already, just like the Colts and the Ravens. The Bears placed an original-round tender on Meredith, and that has a value of $1.9 million. Since Meredith was undrafted, the Bears would receive no compensation if another team signed Meredith away from them (and they refused to match the offer).

Browns | Close to draft decision
The Cleveland Browns are close to firming up a player for the team's top draft pick but the team would like to keep it hush until draft time.

Footballguys view: Coach Hue Jackson has a preference he will submit to general manager John Dorsey shortly. The team is expected to have QB's Josh Allen, Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen and Baker Mayfield in for workouts.

Vikings | Kendall Wright expected to be No. 3 WR
Minnesota Vikings WR Kendall Wright is expected to serve as the No. 3 receiver for the Vikings next season.
Footballguys view: That's as it should be as Wright can have good success as the team's slot receiver. Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs will continue to do damage on the outside.

Source: footballguys.com

**mpaschal34** · 04-01-18, 09:30 AM

No way anyone should take L Jackson in the first round.

**mr. leisure** · 04-01-18, 10:50 AM

Originally posted by mpaschal34

No way anyone should take L Jackson in the first round.

Agree , couldn`t believe I just read that .

Footballguys view: That make sense....for many quarterbacks in this draft...even the 'big 5' at the position. Jackson, even with his needed work, is still likely to be a first-round pick. We don't see a team like the Cardinals passing on him at no15 overall...especially after four QBs could go in the top 10.

**Otters27** · 04-02-18, 06:53 AM

Originally posted by mpaschal34

Too bad Johnny Football didn’t put this amount of work in when he came into the league. Only has himself to blame.

could be a comeback story possible

**JAKEPEAVY21** · 04-02-18, 06:55 AM

Originally posted by mpaschal34

No way anyone should take L Jackson in the first round.

I keep reading that the Chargers are interested in him and pick at #17. Not sure I like it but this is the type of scenario that Jackson needs to go to potentially be successful...sitting behind someone for a couple of years, learning the system inside out and improving his throwing accuracy and mechanics.

**Underdog5229** · 04-09-18, 11:52 PM

appreciate all the NFL news.