Fantasy Football News & Views
BAL BUF CIN CLE DEN HOU IND JAX KC LAC LV MIA NE NYJ PIT TEN
ARI ATL CAR CHI DAL DET GB LAR MIN NO NYG PHI SEA SF TB WAS
QB RB WR TE PK | All Non-IDP | DT DE DL ILB OLB LB CB S DB | Footballguys View | All the news | FBG News Blogger Archive
Top Stories:
Buccaneers | Mike Evans in elite class (Fri Apr 16, 01:18 PM) [jump to this story] Texans | GM mum on Deshaun Watson (Fri Apr 16, 12:35 PM) [jump to this story] NFL | Rashod Bateman can play all over (Thu Apr 15, 10:56 PM) [jump to this story] |

Charleston WR Mike Strachan has had virtual meetings with the Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, Washington Football Team, Los Angeles Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks.
Link to story
Free-agent WR Marquise Goodwin (49ers) signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears Friday, April 16. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Link to storyMarquise Goodwin player page

Ohio State CB Shaun Wade measured 6-foot 5/8, 192 pounds at his Pro Day earlier this week. He recorded an unofficial time of 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He also posted a 37 1/2-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-3 broad jump.
Link to story
Northwestern QB Peyton Ramsey recently had a virtual meeting with the Minnesota Vikings, according to a source.
Footballguys view: Ramsey is a quarterback capable of making all the throws and he's athletic enough to design some running plays for him. He has to work on accuracy, pass placement and decision making in order to play up to his potential. Look for him to be a priority free agent after the draft. |

Wisconsin-Whitewater C Quinn Meinerz has received significant interest from the Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Rams during the pre-draft process.
Link to story
Free-agent DE DeMarcus Walker (Broncos) signed with the Houston Texans Friday, April 16. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to storyDeMarcus Walker player page

Louisiana State LB Jabril Cox has received interest from the New Orleans Saints during the pre-draft process.
Link to story
New England Patriots C Dustin Woodard was waived Friday, April 16.
Link to story
Washington Football Team CB DeMarkus Acy was waived Friday, April 16.
Link to story
Free-agent CB Jason McCourty (Patriots) is meeting with the New York Giants Friday, April 16, according to a source.
Link to storyJason McCourty player page

Cleveland Browns DT Sheldon Richardson was released Friday, April 16.
Link to storySheldon Richardson player page

Free-agent CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Washington) plans to work out for teams after the 2021 NFL Draft and is open to playing next season. He has been linked to a coaching job at Tennessee State but would only be interested in no team wants to sign him.
Link to storyDominique Rodgers-Cromartie player page

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans joins Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce as the only two players with at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last five seasons.
Footballguys view: Evans came into the league as a first-round pick in 2014 and has had 1,000 yards receiving each year he's been a pro. He's one of the most consistent performers out there in the NFL and should do it again in 2021. |
Mike Evans player page

Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson is currently facing more than 20 civil lawsuits, but general manager Nick Caserio is refusing to get into specifics on the issue, Watson's future or the team's possible contingency plans at quarterback. 'I know (owner) Cal (McNair) ... put a letter out a few weeks ago, just relative to the organizational stance, relative to where we are. So I don't have anything to add other than it's a legal process,' Caserio said Friday, April 16 in a pre-draft news conference. 'We're respectful of the legal process and where that is. So we're focused on today. We're focused on getting ready for the offseason program and getting ready for the draft. So that's where our focus is.'
Footballguys view: The Texans will trade Watson when they can. Watson's legal proceedings need to be resolved before any team out there is going to give up likely still a significant haul for the star quarterback. We may not have any clarity on this situation any time soon, so Watson may not be dealt until before the start of the regular season. With the draft less than two weeks away it seems foolish to think he can be traded by then. This could go well into the summer. |
Deshaun Watson player page

Restricted free agent CB J.C. Jackson on Friday, April 16 signed his second-round tender with the New England Patriots, per source.
Link to storyJ.C. Jackson player page

Updating previous reports, Washington Football Team TE Sammis Reyes' contract includes $392,600 in guaranteed money. He received a $20,000 signing bonus and $372,600 in base salary guarantees.
Link to story
Oregon OT Penei Sewell, who played left tackle in college, has been working out at right tackle to add to his versatility.
Link to story
Updating previous reports, Philadelphia Eagles RB Jordan Howard's one-year deal has a $990,000 base salary and no guaranteed money. Howard's deal is a veteran salary benefit deal that counts $850,000 against the salary cap.
Footballguys view: Howard is with the Eagles to provide veteran depth and pick up some short-yardage and goal-line situations. His role will be very limited and there's not much fantasy value there. |
Jordan Howard player page

Minnesota WR Rashod Bateman is 'the best route runner not named DeVonta Smith' in the 2021 NFL Draft, according to ESPN's Todd McShay, and McShay believes Bateman 'could be a very talented starter either outside or in the slot.'
Footballguys view: Bateman reminds some in the scouting community of Keenan Allen (Chargers) because of his size and route-running ability. He played 193 slot snaps in 2020 while playing 117 snaps out wide. Any team that adds Bateman in the first round is going to be wise to move him all around the formation. |

South Carolina WR Shi Smith 'struggles a little when he's pushed around by physical corners,' according to ESPN's Todd McShay, and McShay believes Smith is 'probably a Day 3 pick' in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Footballguys view: Smith has always been a Day 3 pick with upside. Even after his strong performance during the week of practice for the Senior Bowl, there are still questions about what kind of role he can handle at the pro level. We appreciate his skill set and ability to make circus catches, and we'll be monitoring him in all dynasty formats. |

North Carolina WR Dyami Brown had more than 1,000 yards receiving and averaged at least 20 yards per catch in each of the last two seasons, and ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. believes Brown could be selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. 'Brown is a big-time deep threat with great hands,' Kiper said.
Footballguys view: Brown is a second-round graded player who could find his way into Day 1 of the draft. He's a pure vertical threat who can get off the line of scrimmage with ease. Brown needs more nuance on his underneath routes and that should come in the NFL. |

Boston College TE Hunter Long 's 57 receptions in 2020 led all FBS tight ends, and ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. believes Long could be the second tight end selected in the 2021 NFL Draft. 'He's a complete tight end, and we know NFL teams covet those players,' Kiper said.
Footballguys view: Long is your classic "Y" tight end who reminds some in the scouting community of former Steelers tight end Heath Miller. He is reliable and can take on a large target load for any team that drafts him. |

Stanford QB Davis Mills 'has the highest ceiling' after the five top quarterback prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft, according to ESPN's Todd McShay, and McShay believes Davis could be the sixth quarterback selected in the draft.
Footballguys view: Mills is likely that next quarterback after the "big 5" but he may not come off the board until the third round. He's a pocket passer who lacks the mobility desired in today's NFL. Mills makes quick decisions but his play off script leaves a lot to be desired. He's best seen as a developmental prospect with upside but may not be more than a career backup. |

Jacksonville Jaguars exclusive rights free-agent Dakota Allen signed his tender Thursday, April 15.
Link to story
Massachusetts OT Larnel Coleman has had virtual meetings with the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles during the pre-draft process.
Link to story
Free-agent DE Justin Houston (Colts) is still an option for the Indianapolis Colts this offseason, according to owner Jim Irsay.
Link to storyJustin Houston player page

San Diego State CB Darren Hall has had two virtual meetings with the Buffalo Bills during the pre-draft process. He has also met with the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears.
Link to story
West Virginia DT Darius Stills recently had virtual meetings with the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns.
Link to story
Free-agent WR Jalen McCleskey (Falcons) agreed to terms with the New Orleans Saints Thursday, April 15. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Footballguys view: McCleskey was undrafted out of Tulane last year (Oklahoma State transfer) but the Falcons picked him up and kept him around through training camp. He's a speedy slot receiver and some consider him a diamond in the rough. Fantasy GMs in crazy deep dynasty formats can keep an eye on him. |

Free-agent WR Andre Baccellia (Patriots), DE Ryan Bee (Washington), RB Tavien Feaster (Lions) and LB Jamell Garcia-Williams (49ers) signed with the Arizona Cardinals Thursday, April 15. Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
Footballguys view: Feaster is a big-bodied back who bounced around to three different teams in 2020 after going undrafted out of South Carolina (Clemson transfer). He'll try to work into the mix behind Chase Edmonds and newly-signed James Conner and is a long-shot to make the final roster. If he impresses in the desert, then perhaps a spot on the practice squad will be where he lands. |

Denver Broncos exclusive rights free-agent OT Calvin Anderson and S Trey Marshall are expected to sign their tender offers in the near future.
Link to story
Las Vegas Raiders DE Arden Key and DT Maurice Hurst were waived Thursday, April 15. The team also released QB Kyle Sloter.
Link to storyArden Key player page
Maurice Hurst player page

Boise State WR/CB Avery Williams recently had a virtual meeting with the Denver Broncos.
Link to story
Louisiana State LB Jabril Cox plans to work out for teams Monday, April 26. He missed his Pro Day because of a hamstring injury.
Link to story
Cleveland Browns exclusive rights free-agent DE Porter Gustin signed his one-year tender offer Thursday, April 15. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Link to story
Houston Texans OG Lane Taylor (knee) is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament but should be ready for the start of training camp.
Link to story
Restricted free agent LBs Dennis Gardeck and Kylie Fitts on Thursday, April 15, signed their one-year tenders with the Arizona Cardinals.
Link to storyKylie Fitts player page

Free agent WR Darece Roberson on Thursday, April 15, signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. Roberson went undrafted and unsigned in 2020 out of Wayne State.
Footballguys view: Roberson is a smaller but speedy receiver. He scored 24 receiving touchdowns during his time at Wayne State and added a couple of return touchdowns. Roberson will compete for a spot on the Cardinals depth chart and brings special teams value. |

Atlanta Falcons RB Ito Smith on Thursday, April 15, was released by the team.
Footballguys view: The Falcons are going to have a new-look running back room in 2021. Mike Davis should be the lead back and they just signed WR Cordarrelle Patterson who can be used as a runner or receiver. We expect them to be interested in running backs in the 2021 NFL draft. |
Ito Smith player page

Free agent OG Lane Taylor (Packers) on Thursday, April 16, agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Houston Texans, according to a source.
Link to story
Free agent S Duron Harmon (Lions) on Thursday, April 15, signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
Link to storyDuron Harmon player page

Free agent WR/KR Diontae Spencer has signed his exclusive-rights tender to remain with the Denver Broncos, his agent announced Thursday, April 15.
Footballguys view: ERFAs don't have much choice as they can either sign the tender or choose not to play football. Spencer is a return man for the Broncos, and once in awhile he can be used on Jet sweeps and WR screens. With Courtland Sutton returning healthy this year, Spencer is no.5 on the depth chart at best. |

Free-agent WR Cordarrelle Patterson (Bears) agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons Thursday, April 15.
Footballguys view: The Falcons get veteran depth added to the wide receiver room here. Patterson is a gadget player on offense who can work as a runner or receiver. Most of his value comes on special teams. |
Cordarrelle Patterson player page

Free-agent DE/LB Aldon Smith (Cowboys) agreed to a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks Thursday, April 15. Financial terms weren't disclosed.
Link to storyAldon Smith player page

Updating previous reports, Cleveland Browns LB Jadeveon Clowney's deal is a five-year deal that voids to one for salary cap purposes. The one-year portion has an $8 million base salary and can be worth $10 million with $1 million in playing time incentives and $1 million in sacks incentives. He received a $4.5 million signing bonus with $2.5 million of his base salary guaranteed. He'll earn $1 million in 46-man roster bonuses as well.
Link to storyJadeveon Clowney player page

Seattle Seahawks CB Damarious Randall will earn $1,127,500 on his one-year contract, according to a source Wednesday, April 14. The $990,000 base salary is not guaranteed.
Link to storyDamarious Randall player page

Updating a previous story, Pittsburgh Steelers LB Vince Williams signed a one-year deal Wednesday, April 14, according to sources. Williams also said he will think about retirement following the 2021 season and will consider transitioning into coaching.
Link to storyVince Williams player page

Miami Dolphins LB Calvin Munson and DB Jamal Perry signed their exclusive rights free-agent tenders Wednesday, April 14.
Link to storyCalvin Munson player page

Florida TE Kyle Pitts made 100 catches over the course of his college career, 45 percent of which went for at least 15 yards. That percentage was the highest among tight ends in the 2021 NFL Draft, according to Pro Football Focus.
Footballguys view: Pitts is a big-bodied receiver who plays tight end. He reminds some in the scouting community of Darren Waller (Raiders) because of his ability to get open against any coverage. Pitts should be a top-5 pick in the draft and could make an instant impact for his team. |

Minnesota Vikings defensive line coach/co-defensive coordinator Andre Patterson was named as assistant head coach Wednesday, April 14. Patterson will continue to coach the defensive line and share co-defensive coordinator duties with Adam Zimmer in addition to his new responsibilities.
Link to story