NFL Player News - Week of 2/4/19

Courtesy of Footballguys.com


NE - RB Sony Michel stays hot

Source: ESPN.com

New England Patriots RB Sony Michel rushed 18 times for 94 yards and a touchdown in a 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII, finishing the postseason with 336 rushing yards and six touchdowns in three games.

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Michel was a bright spot in the Patriots offense consistently moving the chains.


LAR - WR Brandin Cooks a bright spot

Source: ESPN.com

Los Angeles Rams WR Brandin Cooks caught eight of his 13 targets for 120 yards in a 13-3 loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII.

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The former Patriot was the most effective target for Goff but it simply wasn't enough.


LAR - RB C.J. Anderson bottled up

Source: ESPN.com

Los Angeles Rams RB C.J. Anderson rushed seven times for 22 yards and caught two passes for 12 yards in a 13-3 loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII.

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The complete lack of a Rams running game was one of the big stories of the night. Anderson was never a factor.


LAR - RB Todd Gurley quiet in Super Bowl loss

Source: ESPN.com

Los Angeles Rams RB Todd Gurley rushed 10 times for 35 yards and lost a yard on his only reception in a 13-3 loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII.

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Along with C.J. Anderson, the Rams never established a ground game. Gurley's lack of use continued to baffle observers while the team claimed injury was not a factor.


LAR - QB Jared Goff struggles in Super Bowl

Source: ESPN.com

Los Angeles Rams QB Jared Goff completed 19 of his 38 passes for 229 yards and an interception in a 13-3 loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII.

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Goff didn't look especially rattled or overwhelmed. He just couldn't ever get into a rhythm and make plays. And credit New England with an excellent defensive effort as well.


PIT - WR Antonio Brown reiterates trade demand

Source: CBSSports.com - Jason La Canfora

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antonio Brown continues to demand a trade, and has refused to return calls from team owner Art Rooney II, according to sources Sunday, Feb. 3.

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This one seems to go back and forth but it's starting to look like Brown won't be in Pittsburgh next season. As we saw with Le'Veon Bell, however, don't take anything for granted. We'll stay on this one for you.


PIT - Le'Veon Bell could receive transition tag

Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell could receive the transition tag from the Steelers, which would give the team the right to match any offer sheet the pending free agent receives from another team, a source said Sunday, Feb. 3. Pittsburgh's decision depends on how much another team would value Bell and whether the Steelers would be willing to match the offer sheet.

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Here we go again...


Source: footballguys.com

How many days until the draft?

Originally Posted by mpaschal34

How many days until the draft?

April 25th from Nashville

I wish it was sooner to get the bad taste out of my mouth from the superbowl .

Can Le'Veon Bell decline the tag since he'll be a free agent?! It doesn't make sense what the Steelers are trying to do to him... Hope AB screws them over

Originally Posted by JaimeMiro

Can Le'Veon Bell decline the tag since he'll be a free agent?! It doesn't make sense what the Steelers are trying to do to him... Hope AB screws them over

it makes sense now because they changed their mind about bell

NE - WR Julian Edelman in record books

Source: USA TODAY Fantasy Sports

New England Patriots WR Julian Edelman became the second player in Super Bowl history to catch at least 10 passes for at least 140 yards. The other was former Patriots WR Deion Branch in 2004.

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Edelman had a big game in the Super Bowl, earning MVP honors. He'll remain a big part of the Patriots passing attack going forward. Edelman is under contract with the Patriots through the 2019 season.


WAS - RB Adrian Peterson not stopping soon

Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Charean Williams

Washington Redskins RB Adrian Peterson said he will be playing next season 'for sure' and believes he might have two or three years left in the tank before he retires. Peterson is currently not under contract for 2019.

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We'll see how much interest Peterson gets on the open market. He certainly resurrected his career in Washington in 2018. Peterson rushed for over 1,000 yards for the first time since 2015 and scored seven rushing touchdowns. No team will likely give him more than a one-year deal, but Peterson did prove he's still got something left as a starting back.


CIN - Cincinnati names LAR QB coach Zac Taylor head coach

Source: Bengals.com

Los Angeles Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor was officially named as the new head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, Feb. 4.

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The Bengals were just waiting for the Rams playoff run to be done in order to make this announcement. The Rams QB coach does have one month of experience being an offensive coordinator (five games with the Dolphins in 2015) but this is a big leap for him as the replacement for Marvin Lewis. Taylor got this job in part because of his work under Rams head coach Sean McVay. After a Super Bowl where McVay was thoroughly outcoached, this hiring of Taylor is a bit less exciting.


GB - QB Aaron Rodgers avoids knee surgery

Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky

Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (knee) is expected to be able to fully participate in the team's offseason program and will not require surgery on the left knee that hindered him throughout various points of the 2018 season.

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Good news for the veteran quarterback here. The knee sprain was suffered in Week 1 and Rodgers wasn't himself for most of the 2018 season. Now that he's avoided surgery, Rodgers should be on track to participate in the offseason program. Not only is this great news for Rodgers, but it's also great news for new Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.


NE - TE Rob Gronkowski hints at return

Source: Instagram

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski hinted at a return in a suggestive video on QB Tom Brady's Instagram after the Super Bowl victory Sunday, Feb. 3. The video shows Gronkowski weighing his options and Brady nodding his head to return before Gronkowski appears to agree with 'to be continued' afterwards.

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This debate and discussion about Gronkowski could go on for quite some time. The veteran tight end has dealt with various injuries throughout his pro career, but he can still be a weapon as a pass-catcher and is a great blocker. Gronkowski is under contract with the Patriots through the 2019 season. He's got a cap hit of $11.8 million in 2019 with just $2 million remaining in dead money.


MIA - Brian Flores deal done with Miami

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Updating an earlier report, New England Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores will have a 4 p.m. press conference to be introduced as the Miami Dolphins' head coach.

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The Dolphins just had to wait for the Patriots playoff run to end before they could make the hiring of Flores official. Flores is coming off a Super Bowl victory where his defense pretty much dismantled and disgruntled the Rams offense. There's a lot to do with the Dolphins in order to make them contenders and it seems like the team is going to tank in 2019 so they can get a better draft pick (for a quarterback) in 2020.


Source: footballguys.com

Flores Dolphins coach now.

Who does better at the head job offensive coordinator or defensive coordinator?

I think many of these young coaching hires are going to fail.

Rams | LA to talk extension with Jared Goff?
The Los Angeles Rams intend on discussing an extension with QB Jared Goff during the offseason, according to MMQB's Albert Breer, though Breer says the team is not in a hurry to get something done.
Link to story
Jared Goff player page

Redskins | Washington could target Teddy Bridgewater
The Washington Redskins could consider going after New Orleans Saints QB Teddy Bridgewater in free agency, according to ESPN's John Keim.
Link to story
Teddy Bridgewater player page

NFL | Marquise Brown a possible top-10 pick?
Oklahoma WR Marquise Brown showed enough on tape in 2018 that he could 'potentially push' into the top 10 of this year's draft, in the opinion of Bleacher Report's Matt Miller.
Link to story

Falcons | Matt Bryant to play in 2019
Atlanta Falcons PK Matt Bryant has no plans to retire and intends on returning for an 18th NFL season in 2019.
Link to story
Matt Bryant player page

Eagles | Nick Foles now a free agent
Updating a previous report, Philadelphia Eagles QB Nick Foles declined his $20 million option by exercising a $2 million buyout and will become a free agent.
Link to story
Nick Foles player page


Panthers | Greg Olsen plans to play
Carolina Panthers TE Greg Olsen (foot) intends to keep playing despite dealing with a nagging foot issue that resulted in two surgeries last season.

Footballguys view: Olsen can still be an effective starter (and quality fantasy asset) when healthy. He's rehabilitating his foot every day trying to get back to full health. The veteran tight end has two years remaining on his contract.

Link to story
Greg Olsen player page



Rams | Todd Gurley won't need surgery
Los Angeles Rams RB Todd Gurley (knee) does not need any medical procedures on the knee that bothered him later in the season. Gurley and the Rams went through physical examinations Tuesday, Feb. 5, but head coach Sean McVay said he had not talked to team trainers about those exams yet.

Footballguys view: Gurley swears up and down that he was healthy during the postseason. His usage during the playoffs was criminal if he was truly healthy. The Rams should have used him as much as possible, but instead Gurley only had 14 carries in two games (NFC Championship, Super Bowl). We'll see Gurley get work in this offseason.

Link to story
Todd Gurley player page



Redskins | Adrian Peterson has talked to Washington
Washington Redskins RB Adrian Peterson has had preliminary discussions in regards to staying on the team in 2019, according to ESPN.com's John Keim. Keim posits that Peterson would be a valuable pairing for RB Derrius Guice (knee), who is coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Footballguys view: Guice has plenty of natural talent when healthy, but his recovery from the ACL that cost him his entire rookie season has not gone smoothly. Peterson showed he can still get it done as a starting back and would give Washington a good option in case Guice isn't quite himself for the start of the 2019 season.

Link to story
Adrian Peterson player page
Derrius Guice player page



49ers | Wes Welker joining 49ers
Former Houston Texans offensive assistant Wes Welker is being hired by the San Francisco 49ers Tuesday, Feb. 5, as their new wide receivers coach.

Footballguys view: Welker gets a promotion with this move to the West Coast. He was an offensive assistant for the Texans over the last two years. Welker gets to work with some young wideouts in San Francisco, including guys like Dante Pettis.

Link to story
Wes Welker player page


Bengals | A.J. Green out of boot
Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green (toe) has shed the walking boot he's worn since undergoing surgery on his big toe in December.

Footballguys view: Good news for Green and the Bengals here. Green said it will take four to five months to get range of motion back, but he is expected to be fine entering the 2019 season. Furthermore, Green is excited to learn and play in Cincinnati's new offense under new head coach Zac Taylor.

Link to story
A.J. Green player page


Source: footballguys.com

AJ Green is worthless in fantasy football because he’s never around come playoff time (week 14 and beyond).

Originally Posted by Git Lo

it makes sense now because they changed their mind about bell

Fat chance the guy who gave up $14.5 million by sitting out the season signs with them

Originally Posted by JaimeMiro

Fat chance the guy who gave up $14.5 million by sitting out the season signs with them

Actually really good odds the guy who wants to get paid the same as Gurley, yes the same Gurley who had 10 att/35 yds in the SB, stays with the same team if they gave him a long term contract and not franchise tags

Packers | Green Bay could move on from Randall Cobb
Green Bay Packers WR Randall Cobb should not be re-signed, in the opinion of the Green Bay Press-Gazette's Pete Dougherty, who believes Cobb's size and injury history are reasons the team should move on.
Link to story
Randall Cobb player page

Jets | Bilal Powell expected to depart
New York Jets RB Bilal Powell's 'days with the Jets are probably over,' according to ESPN's Rich Cimini, who believes the team will turn to RB Elijah McGuire as their No. 2 back and allow Powell to sign elsewhere in free agency.
Link to story
Bilal Powell player page


Jets | Elijah McGuire may be top backup
New York Jets RB Elijah McGuire likely will be the No. 2 running back for the Jets next season.
Link to story
Elijah McGuire player page

Jets | Jermaine Kearse not expected back
New York Jets impending free-agent WR Jermaine Kearse probably will not re-sign with the Jets this offseason, in the opinion of ESPN.com's Rich Cimini.
Link to story
Jermaine Kearse player page


Broncos | Phillip Lindsay remains in cast
Denver Broncos RB Phillip Lindsay (arm) is still sporting a cast on the right arm he fractured and had surgery on late in the season.

Footballguys view: It could be some time before Lindsay gets back on the football field. Lindsay did not discuss his status for organized team activities this offseason, saying he is simply going with the flow in his recovery. We imagine the Broncos will limit him up until training camp.

Link to story
Phillip Lindsay player page

Buccaneers | Tampa Bay could pursue Matt Bryant
Free-agent PK Matt Bryant (Falcons) is expected to be of interest to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure.
Link to story
Matt Bryant player page

Falcons | Matt Bryant released
Atlanta Falcons PK Matt Bryant was released Wednesday, Feb. 6. He had two years and $7 million remaining on his contract.

Footballguys view: Cutting Bryant saves Atlanta nearly $3 million in 2019 salary cap space. PK Giorgio Tavecchio is expected to be the starting kicker for the Falcons next season. He will earn $645,000 in 2019.

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Matt Bryant player page



Source: footballguys.com

Browns | Cleveland a potential landing spot for Tyrell Williams
The Cleveland Browns could be interested in Los Angeles Chargers WR Tyrell Williams in free agency, in the opinion of Forbes' Jim Ingraham.
Link to story
Tyrell Williams player page

Bills | Buffalo could target veteran pass catchers
The Buffalo Bills may be interested in signing someone like Philadelphia Eagles WR Golden Tate, Dallas Cowboys WR Cole Beasley or Oakland Raiders TE Jared Cook in free agency, in the opinion of Forbes' Curtis Rush.
Link to story
Jared Cook player page
Golden Tate player page
Cole Beasley player page

Patriots | Several veterans may depart
New England Patriots WRs Cordarrelle Patterson and Chris Hogan could be allowed to leave via free agency, in the opinion of Forbes' J.P. Pelzman, who also believes the team could release LB Dont'a Hightower and S Devin McCourty to free up more than $15 million in salary cap space.
Link to story
Devin McCourty player page
Chris Hogan player page
Dont'a Hightower player page
Cordarrelle Patterson player page


Steelers | Antonio Brown saga to be resolved by March 17?
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antonio Brown is due a roster bonus of $2.5 million on Sunday, March 17, which MMQB's Albert Breer believes creates a logical deadline to either trade or retain him for the 2019 season.
Link to story
Antonio Brown player page

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NFL | T.J. Hockenson a combine sleeper?
Iowa TE T.J. Hockenson is 'more athletic' than people give him credit for, according to an NFL personnel executive, and the executive expects Hockenson to impress at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine.
Link to story


Ravens | Devin Funchess an option for Baltimore?
Carolina Panthers impending free-agent WR Devin Funchess could be an option for the Baltimore Ravens because his size would allow him to be an effective blocker when QB Lamar Jackson scrambles, according to Clifton Brown of BaltimoreRavens.com.
Link to story
Devin Funchess player page

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Falcons | Ito Smith on the mend
Atlanta Falcons RB Ito Smith (knee) said he expects to be ready for all offseason activities.
Link to story
Ito Smith player page


Redskins | Derrius Guice continues progress
Washington Redskins RB Derrius Guice (knee) has progressed to the point that he is able to sprint at full speed.
Link to story
Derrius Guice player page


Buccaneers | Chris Godwin headed for big 2019?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin's targets rose from 55 his rookie year to 95 in 2018, and he finished third on the team in snaps played among receivers. Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com believes the trend will continue in 2019, and Godwin could be headed for his first 1,000-yard campaign.
Link to story
Chris Godwin player page

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NFL | Christian Hackenberg alters mechanics
Alliance of American Football QB Christian Hackenberg said he has fixed a mechanical flaw with his throwing motion thanks to the help of David Lee, his quarterbacks coach with the Memphis Express.
Link to story
Christian Hackenberg player page


Redskins | Adrian Peterson talking numbers with WAS
Washington Redskins impending free-agent RB Adrian Peterson said his representatives have been trading numbers with the Redskins in hopes of finding a contract offer that can work for both sides.
Link to story
Adrian Peterson player page


Chiefs | Tyreek Hill may receive extension
Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill is eligible to sign a contract extension this offseason, and general manager Brett Veach said he expects to have conversations with Hill's agent over the next several weeks.

Footballguys view: The Chiefs acquired Hill as a fifth-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft. He fell in the draft due to off-field concerns but has stayed out of trouble and produced at a high level in the pros. He's under contract through the 2019 season but the Chiefs may want to get a deal done sooner rather than later so his price doesn't go up further.

Link to story
Tyreek Hill player page

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Raiders | Martavis Bryant could return by camp
Oakland Raiders WR Martavis Bryant is suspended indefinitely but could return by training camp if he follows his treatment plans and does not have any setbacks.

Footballguys view: There may be a move to reinstate Bryant sometime around May...provided he has no more issues that would further his suspension. He appeared in only eight games this year for the Raiders, snaring only 19 passes for 266 yards and zero touchdowns.

Link to story
Martavis Bryant player page



Buccaneers | Phillip Andersen signs with Tampa Bay
German Football League PK Phillip Andersen signed an undisclosed contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Thursday, Feb. 7.
Link to story


NFL | Kyler Murray to attend NFL Combine
Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray is listed among the participants for the 2019 NFL Combine.

Footballguys view: That may be a clue as to whether or not Murray plans on playing football. A top draft pick of the Oakland A's, Murray may choose to go the Major League Baseball route instead of the NFL. He loves football and some are projecting him as a potential top-10 pick in the 2019 NFL draft.

Link to story

Source: footballguys.com

Buffalo should honestly consider signing all 3, lol. Allen looked halfway decent last year with what had to be one of the worst WR corps in NFL history. I mean, when Kelvin Benjamin was your WR1, that really says it all. I wonder how much of Allens passing inefficiency was due to his surrounding cast.