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This Week in NFL News by Sigmund Bloom
AFC
Baltimore - The Ravens acquired former Tampa Bay C Jeremy Zuttah for a fifth-round pick.
Why It Matters - The Ravens have struggled to replace Matt Birk since he retired last year, and Zuttah is a good fit in new offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak's zone-blocking running game. They have a plan to rebuild the offense after last year's disaster, and it looks like it is coming together.
Cincinnati - Bengals owner Mike Brown referred to the upcoming decision on QB Andy Dalton's new contract "a dilemma for us".
Why It Matters - Salary bible Spotrac projects Dalton's new deal to be in the five-year, 90+ million dollar range, with guaranteed money in the 30s. Now that you've picked your jaw up off of the floor, know that this rational for a job that less than two dozen people on the planet can do well. If Cincinnati won't pay it, then someone else will. The Bengals are likely trying to get Dalton to settle for something much less, but he can rest easy knowing that the likely "worst" outcome for him is a franchise tag next year paying him what that new deal would pay for one season.
Houston - The Texans traded QB Matt Schaub to Oakland for a sixth-round pick and signed QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Why It Matters - Fitzpatrick is the weakest of the stopgap quarterbacks playing for teams that could go with a quarterback in the top 10, but he also had a surprisingly good fantasy season in relief of Jake Locker last year. The Texans are still one of the most likely teams to take a quarterback in the first round, so Fitzpatrick's hold on the starting job is shaky.
Miami - The Dolphins signed RB Knowshon Moreno to a one-year deal.
Why It Matters - Lamar Miller didn't seem to have earned any faith from the coaches and brass, and this signing likely relegates him to RBBC status at best. Moreno's deal is worth about three million dollars, which is basically low-end starter money in the NFL right now. The Dolphins were terrible at running the ball last year, so while the opportunity is there, the situation may not end being great for Moreno. He'll probably be worth a pick as your RB3 in sixth round or later at best.
New York Jets - The Jets signed QB Michael Vick to a one-year, five million dollar deal, and released QB Mark Sanchez.
Why It Matters - Vick will be reunited wth offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who oversaw his resurgence in Philadelphia. Former Tampa GM and current ESPN analyst Mark Dominik thinks Vick will start after listening to head coach Rex Ryan talk this week. This could push the Jets to acquire Vick's #1 receiver in Philly, DeSean Jackson, and Vick will be a high-risk/high-reward weekly play, with great value in daily fantasy competitions if he is indeed the starter.
Oakland - The Raiders acquired QB Matt Schaub from the Houston Texans for a sixth-round pick, and restructured his contract.
Why It Matters - The Raiders did cut down Schaub's cost to somewhere in the 15-20 million dollar range over the next two years, but even with a big price tag, he might not preclude them from taking a quarterback at #5 (or lower in the first round if they trade out of the pick). They are sending a big contingent to Johnny Manziel's pro day, so they are at least feigning interest in the top QB prospects. Schaub is still very likely to start for the whole season and not be threatened by an early draft pick at his position, but he'll be injury/emergency fodder at best.
Oakland - The Raiders are expected to trade or release QB Terrelle Pryor by April 21.
Why It Matters - Alex Marvez of Fox Sports reported that Oakland has received trade "feelers" for Pryor, and his rare size/athleticism combined with being at the still very young age of 24 could attract an organization like Buffalo or San Francisco that incorporates quarterback runs into their offense. We should always keep tabs on where talented running quarterbacks end up, because they have a major shortcut to fantasy relevance if they get on the field.
Pittsburgh - The Steelers signed WR Lance Moore.
Why It Matters - Moore will be the #3 receiver, and current #2 Markus Wheaton had trouble staying healthy in his rookie year. Jerricho Cotchery had ten touchdowns as last year's #3 receiver for the Steelers, so Moore is worth watching even though his skillset is eroding as he gets deeper into his 30s.
NFC
Atlanta - Falcons head coach Mike Smith said WR Julio Jones is running and ahead of schedule in his recovery from foot surgery.
Why It Matters - Foot injuries are scary for wide receivers and running backs, and Jones' was apparently around for a bit before he was shelved for the season and put on the operating table last year, so a smooth recovery was far from a given. With this news, we can pencil him back in the second round of fantasy drafts, and restore the value of Matt Ryan back into the mid-QB1 range. As long as we don't hear anything negative about Jones over the summer, we'll recommend drafting him around the same point he went last year.
Carolina - The Panthers signed WR Tiquan Underwood.
Why It Matters - Only because the Panthers best competition for Underwood right now as #1 receiver is Jerricho Cotchery. His deep speed could make him a boom/bust weekly option as a starter, as he was with Mike Glennon in Tampa Bay last year after Mike Williams went down. The Panthers are sure to add more help in the draft, and possibly via a trade or late free agent signing, but for now, Underwood projects as a starter.
Chicago - Bears head coach said they "feel good about" second-year WR Marquess Wilson "and our ability to develop him like we did a year ago with Alshon (Jeffery)".
Why It Matters - Wilson fell to the seventh round in the 2013 draft despite top-end talent because he quit Mike Leach's Washington State team during his junior season. He won't be given the #3 wide receiver job, but he's the favorite with Earl Bennett's release. If Brandon Marshall or Alshon Jeffery get hurt, Wilson would have instant value in redraft leagues, and he is a very attractive dynasty stash.
Green Bay - Bob McGinn, of The Milwaukee Sentinel-Journal, reports TE Jermichael Finley is "at least two months away and maybe several months more from being in position to sign with a team" according to a source familiar with the situation.
Why It Matters - Packers head coach Mike McCarthy also said the injury "will take some time", but that the team is also "absolutely" open to having him back. McCarthy also said third-year UDFA Brandon Bostick was the team's best blocking tight end last year, and he expects Bostick to make a big leap this year. Bostick's value as a speculative dynasty sleeper continues to grow.
Green Bay - Head coach Mike McCarthy gushed about WR Jarrett Boykin, saying he "is a heck of a player, he's done it the right way, special teams, he's performed every opportunity he's given."
Why It Matters - Boykin basically produced on a 70-1000 pace once Randall Cobb went down last year, and with James Jones now in Oakland, he'll be a good late-round pick to bet on to produce those numbers over a full season this year. He could even be a WR2/WR3 option if Jordy Nelson or Cobb miss time this year.
New Orleans - Head coach Sean Payton said that the team will monitor WR Marques Colston's snaps in training camp and practice time during the season after he battled foot soreness last year.
Why It Matters - Colston was looking washed up early last season, but a week of rest rejuvenated him. The Saints are going to be counting on him and a resurgent running game to compensate for the losses of Lance Moore and Darren Sproles. If fantasy owners let him fall past the sixth or seventh round of drafts because of concern about his age and injury history, Colston will be a good value pick.
Philadelphia - The future of WR DeSean Jackson remains up in the air after head coach Chip Kelly said "I like DeSean, but we are going to do what's best for the team."
Why It Matters - Jackson has told Eagles teammates he'll be back, after an earlier report said Jackson did not believe he would be back with the team this year. Jets owner Woody Johnson mentioned Jackson by name when he talked about possible players the team was looking at, and the Jets did just sign Jackson's former QB Michael Vick. It's hard to get a clear picture of the Eagles' commitment to keeping Jackson, Jackson's willingness to restructure his deal for a potential new team to fit him under the 2014 salary cap number, and the compensation the Eagles could get for Jackson in a trade. We might have to wait until after the draft to get clarity on this situation. Jackson would gain value elsewhere if he is moved, because he'll be out of a run-first offense with many mouths to feed in the passing game. Riley Cooper would be the biggest beneficiary of a Jackson trade among the receivers still in Philadelphia.
St. Louis - The Rams signed QB Shaun Hill to a one-year deal.
Why It Matters - Sam Bradford is coming back from a torn ACL, and Hill has always been a reliable fantasy option when he has been in the lineup. Hill is coming back foot surgery himself, but he should be able to run the first-team offense while Bradford is recovering. He represents an upgrade for the Rams offense from last year's backup, Kellen Clemens, who is now with the Chargers.
St. Louis - Head coach Jeff Fisher said that RB Zac Stacy "over time", "will probably be that 70-percent of the carries guy."
Why It Matters - Stacy is already set to be at least a second-round pick in fantasy drafts last year after a very strong second half of the season. If they can get elite run blocking OT Greg Robinson at #2 and stay committed to the run, Stacy might even merit a pick in the late first.
St. Louis - Rams GM Les Snead said that there is a better than 50 percent chance the team signs WR Kenny Britt.
Why It Matters - Head coach Jeff Fisher drafted Britt when he was with the Titans, and the Rams would offer Britt a real chance to start after 2012 second-round pick Brian Quick has failed to develop in the big wide receiver role in the offense. It would give the 25-year old (he came into the league as the youngest player in the NFL) Britt the best chance to rehabilite his dynasty stock and be worth a flyer late in redraft leagues.
San Francisco - Head coach Jim Harbaugh said the 49ers scaled back QB Colin Kaepernick's running plays early last season after he sustained a foot injury.
Why It Matters - Kaepernick showed up on the injury report after the week 2 game vs Seattle, and had only 63 rushing yards in the next four games. He could have some hidden value if his effectiveness in the running game early this season resembles the postseason, when he had 243 yards in three games. The 49ers will still likely limit his running plays in the first half of the season to preserve Kaepernick for January, but he was also probably unable to break them for bigger plays while his foot was ailing last year.
Tampa Bay - Buccaneers WR Mike Williams was hospitalized and released after being stabbed in the leg by his brother.
Why It Matters - Head coach Lovie Smith said the incident won't get Williams "kicked off the football team", but he has also called Williams behavior "disturbing" earlier in the offseason. With Williams due 6.8 million next year, he might not last on the team past this season, if he even lasts through the season - or summer. If Clemson blue-chip WR prospect Sammy Watkins falls to #7, the Buccaneers would be smart to snap him up and plan for a future without Williams.
Tampa Bay - Head coach Lovie Smith said the Buccaneers with have "a running attack that can pass the football", and that RB Doug Martin will be the "bell cow".
Why It Matters - After being a top five pick in fantasy drafts last year, Martin might fall out of first rounds this year, but he probably shouldn't. The offense will be much better than the quagmire he tried to power through last year, and his season-ending shoulder injury should not affect him one bit entering the 2014 campaign. This should alleviate any worries for Martin owners that came up after new offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford said he liked having a "1-2 punch" at running back in January.
Washington - Head coach Jay Gruden said Washington starting running back Alfred Morris's hands "aren't the most natural", but that he could still catch 20-25 balls this year.
Why It Matters - Morris has 20 receptions combined in his first two years in the league, so that's a small plus, but it is clear that he'll share snaps with Roy Helu and possibly 2013 fifth-round pick, who Gruden called "very, very exciting" with the ball in his hands.
This Week in NFL News by Sigmund Bloom
AFC
Baltimore - The Ravens acquired former Tampa Bay C Jeremy Zuttah for a fifth-round pick.
Why It Matters - The Ravens have struggled to replace Matt Birk since he retired last year, and Zuttah is a good fit in new offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak's zone-blocking running game. They have a plan to rebuild the offense after last year's disaster, and it looks like it is coming together.
Why It Matters - Salary bible Spotrac projects Dalton's new deal to be in the five-year, 90+ million dollar range, with guaranteed money in the 30s. Now that you've picked your jaw up off of the floor, know that this rational for a job that less than two dozen people on the planet can do well. If Cincinnati won't pay it, then someone else will. The Bengals are likely trying to get Dalton to settle for something much less, but he can rest easy knowing that the likely "worst" outcome for him is a franchise tag next year paying him what that new deal would pay for one season.
Why It Matters - Fitzpatrick is the weakest of the stopgap quarterbacks playing for teams that could go with a quarterback in the top 10, but he also had a surprisingly good fantasy season in relief of Jake Locker last year. The Texans are still one of the most likely teams to take a quarterback in the first round, so Fitzpatrick's hold on the starting job is shaky.
Why It Matters - Lamar Miller didn't seem to have earned any faith from the coaches and brass, and this signing likely relegates him to RBBC status at best. Moreno's deal is worth about three million dollars, which is basically low-end starter money in the NFL right now. The Dolphins were terrible at running the ball last year, so while the opportunity is there, the situation may not end being great for Moreno. He'll probably be worth a pick as your RB3 in sixth round or later at best.
Why It Matters - Vick will be reunited wth offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who oversaw his resurgence in Philadelphia. Former Tampa GM and current ESPN analyst Mark Dominik thinks Vick will start after listening to head coach Rex Ryan talk this week. This could push the Jets to acquire Vick's #1 receiver in Philly, DeSean Jackson, and Vick will be a high-risk/high-reward weekly play, with great value in daily fantasy competitions if he is indeed the starter.
Why It Matters - The Raiders did cut down Schaub's cost to somewhere in the 15-20 million dollar range over the next two years, but even with a big price tag, he might not preclude them from taking a quarterback at #5 (or lower in the first round if they trade out of the pick). They are sending a big contingent to Johnny Manziel's pro day, so they are at least feigning interest in the top QB prospects. Schaub is still very likely to start for the whole season and not be threatened by an early draft pick at his position, but he'll be injury/emergency fodder at best.
Why It Matters - Alex Marvez of Fox Sports reported that Oakland has received trade "feelers" for Pryor, and his rare size/athleticism combined with being at the still very young age of 24 could attract an organization like Buffalo or San Francisco that incorporates quarterback runs into their offense. We should always keep tabs on where talented running quarterbacks end up, because they have a major shortcut to fantasy relevance if they get on the field.
Why It Matters - Moore will be the #3 receiver, and current #2 Markus Wheaton had trouble staying healthy in his rookie year. Jerricho Cotchery had ten touchdowns as last year's #3 receiver for the Steelers, so Moore is worth watching even though his skillset is eroding as he gets deeper into his 30s.
Atlanta - Falcons head coach Mike Smith said WR Julio Jones is running and ahead of schedule in his recovery from foot surgery.
Why It Matters - Foot injuries are scary for wide receivers and running backs, and Jones' was apparently around for a bit before he was shelved for the season and put on the operating table last year, so a smooth recovery was far from a given. With this news, we can pencil him back in the second round of fantasy drafts, and restore the value of Matt Ryan back into the mid-QB1 range. As long as we don't hear anything negative about Jones over the summer, we'll recommend drafting him around the same point he went last year.
Why It Matters - Only because the Panthers best competition for Underwood right now as #1 receiver is Jerricho Cotchery. His deep speed could make him a boom/bust weekly option as a starter, as he was with Mike Glennon in Tampa Bay last year after Mike Williams went down. The Panthers are sure to add more help in the draft, and possibly via a trade or late free agent signing, but for now, Underwood projects as a starter.
Why It Matters - Wilson fell to the seventh round in the 2013 draft despite top-end talent because he quit Mike Leach's Washington State team during his junior season. He won't be given the #3 wide receiver job, but he's the favorite with Earl Bennett's release. If Brandon Marshall or Alshon Jeffery get hurt, Wilson would have instant value in redraft leagues, and he is a very attractive dynasty stash.
Why It Matters - Packers head coach Mike McCarthy also said the injury "will take some time", but that the team is also "absolutely" open to having him back. McCarthy also said third-year UDFA Brandon Bostick was the team's best blocking tight end last year, and he expects Bostick to make a big leap this year. Bostick's value as a speculative dynasty sleeper continues to grow.
Why It Matters - Boykin basically produced on a 70-1000 pace once Randall Cobb went down last year, and with James Jones now in Oakland, he'll be a good late-round pick to bet on to produce those numbers over a full season this year. He could even be a WR2/WR3 option if Jordy Nelson or Cobb miss time this year.
Why It Matters - Colston was looking washed up early last season, but a week of rest rejuvenated him. The Saints are going to be counting on him and a resurgent running game to compensate for the losses of Lance Moore and Darren Sproles. If fantasy owners let him fall past the sixth or seventh round of drafts because of concern about his age and injury history, Colston will be a good value pick.
Why It Matters - Jackson has told Eagles teammates he'll be back, after an earlier report said Jackson did not believe he would be back with the team this year. Jets owner Woody Johnson mentioned Jackson by name when he talked about possible players the team was looking at, and the Jets did just sign Jackson's former QB Michael Vick. It's hard to get a clear picture of the Eagles' commitment to keeping Jackson, Jackson's willingness to restructure his deal for a potential new team to fit him under the 2014 salary cap number, and the compensation the Eagles could get for Jackson in a trade. We might have to wait until after the draft to get clarity on this situation. Jackson would gain value elsewhere if he is moved, because he'll be out of a run-first offense with many mouths to feed in the passing game. Riley Cooper would be the biggest beneficiary of a Jackson trade among the receivers still in Philadelphia.
Why It Matters - Sam Bradford is coming back from a torn ACL, and Hill has always been a reliable fantasy option when he has been in the lineup. Hill is coming back foot surgery himself, but he should be able to run the first-team offense while Bradford is recovering. He represents an upgrade for the Rams offense from last year's backup, Kellen Clemens, who is now with the Chargers.
Why It Matters - Stacy is already set to be at least a second-round pick in fantasy drafts last year after a very strong second half of the season. If they can get elite run blocking OT Greg Robinson at #2 and stay committed to the run, Stacy might even merit a pick in the late first.
Why It Matters - Head coach Jeff Fisher drafted Britt when he was with the Titans, and the Rams would offer Britt a real chance to start after 2012 second-round pick Brian Quick has failed to develop in the big wide receiver role in the offense. It would give the 25-year old (he came into the league as the youngest player in the NFL) Britt the best chance to rehabilite his dynasty stock and be worth a flyer late in redraft leagues.
Why It Matters - Kaepernick showed up on the injury report after the week 2 game vs Seattle, and had only 63 rushing yards in the next four games. He could have some hidden value if his effectiveness in the running game early this season resembles the postseason, when he had 243 yards in three games. The 49ers will still likely limit his running plays in the first half of the season to preserve Kaepernick for January, but he was also probably unable to break them for bigger plays while his foot was ailing last year.
Why It Matters - Head coach Lovie Smith said the incident won't get Williams "kicked off the football team", but he has also called Williams behavior "disturbing" earlier in the offseason. With Williams due 6.8 million next year, he might not last on the team past this season, if he even lasts through the season - or summer. If Clemson blue-chip WR prospect Sammy Watkins falls to #7, the Buccaneers would be smart to snap him up and plan for a future without Williams.
Why It Matters - After being a top five pick in fantasy drafts last year, Martin might fall out of first rounds this year, but he probably shouldn't. The offense will be much better than the quagmire he tried to power through last year, and his season-ending shoulder injury should not affect him one bit entering the 2014 campaign. This should alleviate any worries for Martin owners that came up after new offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford said he liked having a "1-2 punch" at running back in January.
Why It Matters - Morris has 20 receptions combined in his first two years in the league, so that's a small plus, but it is clear that he'll share snaps with Roy Helu and possibly 2013 fifth-round pick, who Gruden called "very, very exciting" with the ball in his hands.
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