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NFL | Several teams interested in Mike Strachan Fri Apr 16, 08:47 PM
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
Bears | Marquise Goodwin signed Fri Apr 16, 07:21 PM
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
Vikings | Minnesota talks with Peyton Ramsey Fri Apr 16, 06:10 PM
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. |
Buccaneers | Mike Evans in elite class Fri Apr 16, 01:18 PM
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
Texans | GM mum on Deshaun Watson Fri Apr 16, 12:35 PM
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
Football Team | Sammis Reyes terms Fri Apr 16, 11:08 AM
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
Eagles | Jordan Howard terms Fri Apr 16, 09:51 AM
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
NFL | Rashod Bateman can play all over Thu Apr 15, 10:56 PM
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. |
NFL | Shi Smith undersized? Thu Apr 15, 10:40 PM
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. |
NFL | Dyami Brown moving up draft boards Thu Apr 15, 10:35 PM
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. |
NFL | Hunter Long the total package Thu Apr 15, 10:17 PM
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. |
NFL | Stock up on Davis Mills Thu Apr 15, 09:51 PM
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. |
Saints | New Orleans adds Jalen McCleskey Thu Apr 15, 05:15 PM
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. |
Cardinals | Arizona signs four players Thu Apr 15, 04:52 PM
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. |
Raiders | Three removed from roster Thu Apr 15, 04:31 PM
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
Cardinals | Arizona adds Darece Roberson Thu Apr 15, 01:58 PM
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. |
Falcons | Ito Smith released Thu Apr 15, 01:31 PM
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
Broncos | Dionatae Spencer signs tender Thu Apr 15, 12:19 PM
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. |
Falcons | Cordarrelle Patterson signs with Atlanta Thu Apr 15, 11:26 AM
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
NFL | Big plays common for Kyle Pitts Wed Apr 14, 03:34 PM
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. |
NFL | Ankle no longer a problem for Najee Harris Wed Apr 14, 03:16 PM
Alabama RB Najee Harris (ankle) 'checked out well' after getting it examined at a medical recheck in Indianapolis recently.
Link to story NFL | No injury issues for DeVonta Smith Wed Apr 14, 03:12 PM
Alabama WR DeVonta Smith (finger) is 'healing fine' from the finger dislocation he suffered in the BCS title game, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.
Link to story NFL | Jaylen Waddle recovering nicely Wed Apr 14, 03:06 PM
Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle (ankle) is 'healing properly' from the ankle dislocation that cost him roughly half of his final college season, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.
Link to story Falcons | Cordarrelle Patterson nearing deal with Atlanta Wed Apr 14, 02:05 PM
Free-agent WR Cordarrelle Patterson (Bears) is visiting with the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday, April 14, and the expectation is both sides will agree on a contract soon, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
| Footballguys view: Patterson would give the Falcons another veteran presence in the locker room at the wide receiver position. Most of his value would come on special teams and as a gadget player on offense. |
Cordarrelle Patterson player page
Browns | Stephen Carlson inks deal with Browns Wed Apr 14, 01:37 PM
Exclusive rights free-agent TE Stephen Carlson (Browns) signed an undisclosed contract with the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday, April 14.
Link to story
Steelers | Joshua Dobbs back with Pittsburgh Wed Apr 14, 01:07 PM
Free-agent QB Joshua Dobbs (Steelers) agreed to terms on a one-year contract to remain with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday, April 14. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Dobbs sticks with the Steelers to compete for the backup job behind Ben Roethlisberger. Mason Rudolph is considered the primary backup and some even believe he can be the starter of the future. Expect the Steelers to add a quarterback in the draft at some point. |
NFL | Jaylen Waddle good to go Wed Apr 14, 11:18 AM
Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle (ankle) is healing properly from a dislocated ankle, and he'll still be a top pick in the 2021 NFL draft.
| Footballguys view: Waddle is one of the best receivers in this class and should be a top-10 pick. With the quarterback fever in the first three (four?) picks, perhaps he falls just a bit but not that far. |
NFL | Najee Harris' ankle all good Wed Apr 14, 09:56 AM
Alabama RB Najee Harris (ankle) checked out well, and his ankle drew no red flags that should affect his draft stock.
| Footballguys view: Harris is a powerful and versatile back who can lead a backfield in the NFL. He caught 80 passes during his college career and can play on all three downs. Harris is not a big-play threat but does a good job of grinding down an opponent as the game goes on. We should see Harris go in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. |
NFL | DeVonta Smith healing up Wed Apr 14, 09:54 AM
Alabama WR DeVonta Smith (finger) is healing well from the dislocated finger and torn ligaments with no issues ahead.
| Footballguys view: Smith's game is all about speed, speed and more speed. He's a vertical threat to say the least, and he does a good job of tracking passes over his shoulder. He's a speedy receiver who also has an insane nose for the end zone (46 career touchdown receptions). Think of DeSean Jackson (the younger version) when you think of what Smith could be at the pro level. He'll be amongst the first wide receivers off the board in the draft. |
NFL | Pat Freiermuth had sticky hands inside 20 Tue Apr 13, 10:38 PM
Penn State TE Pat Freiermuth was not charged with a drop on 30 red zone targets over his three-year college career, according to Pro Football Focus.
| Footballguys view: Freiermuth has earned the nickname "Baby Gronk" for a reason. He's big, athletic and knows how to use his frame to shield defenders away from the ball. Add in his elite concentration in the red zone and you can see why he's one of the top tight ends in this draft class. There's a chance he goes off the board late first, or early second round. |
Cardinals | Updated James Conner contract numbers Tue Apr 13, 09:50 PM
Updating a previous report, Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner signed a one-year contract Tuesday, April 13, that is worth a total of $1.75 million - a base of $1.25 million fully guaranteed and a $500,000 signing bonus.
Link to storyJames Conner player page
Falcons | Kyle Pitts destined for Atlanta? Tue Apr 13, 09:12 PM
Florida TE Kyle Pitts is gaining traction to be the first non-quarterback drafted April 29, as 'many around the league anticipate' the Atlanta Falcons will select him at No. 4 overall, according to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald.
| Footballguys view: If the Falcons keep the no.4 pick, Pitts would be a great addition. He's one of the best tight ends to come into the NFL from the college ranks and that's why he may be drafted higher than any tight end in NFL history. The game has changed, and teams want big-bodied receivers like Pitts at tight end. Think of Darren Waller (Raiders) when you think about the impact Pitts could have in the NFL. |
Cardinals | James Conner financials Tue Apr 13, 08:46 PM
Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner will earn $1.25 million fully guaranteed on his one-year contract, according to a source Tuesday, April 13.
Link to storyJames Conner player page
Panthers | Carolina to look at Justin Fields Tue Apr 13, 08:29 PM
Ohio State QB Justin Fields will have representatives of the Carolina Panthers watching his pro day Wednesday, April 14, according to a source.
| Footballguys view: Just because they traded for Sam Darnold it doesn't mean the Panthers won't still look at these rookie quarterbacks. At least, that's what they want other teams to think in case someone slides to them at the no.8 overall pick. |
Seahawks | Tyler Lockett moving around in new scheme Tue Apr 13, 07:04 PM
Seattle Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett said Tuesday, April 13, he's 'getting the chance to move around' in new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron's system.
Link to storyTyler Lockett player page
49ers | Daniel Brunskill signs tender Tue Apr 13, 06:44 PM
San Francisco 49ers OL Daniel Brunskill signed his one-year exclusive rights free-agent tender Tuesday, April 13. The team also released TE Chase Harrell.
Link to story Falcons | Ryan Becker catches on with Atlanta Tue Apr 13, 04:36 PM
Free-agent TE Ryan Becker signed an undisclosed contract with the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday, April 13.
Link to story NFL | Justin Fields set to entertain teams Wednesday Tue Apr 13, 04:00 PM
Ohio State QB Justin Fields will take part in a second pro day Wednesday, April 14, and is expected to perform in front of several teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots, according to a source.
| Footballguys view: Fields had a strong pro day the first time around, but only three people from each team were able to attend. He wants as many eyes on him as possible, and that's why the second pro day was scheduled. Some in the scouting community believe that Fields is a prospect similar to Dak Prescott when he came out of Mississippi State a few years ago. |
Buccaneers | Giovani Bernard financials Tue Apr 13, 03:53 PM
Updating a previous report, free-agent RB Giovani Bernard (Bengals) signed a one-year contract worth $1.075 million - including a $137,500 signing bonus - with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, April 12.
| Footballguys view: Bernard is a fine signing for the Buccaneers. He'll work into the backfield with Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones, likely as the primary pass-catching back. His addition is bad news for Ke'Shawn Vaughn. |
Giovani Bernard player page
NFL | Mac Jones a master of deep play-action throws Tue Apr 13, 02:56 PM
Alabama QB Mac Jones finished 19-of-31 for 866 yards and nine touchdowns with one interception on play-action passing attempts of at least 20 yards in 2020, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
| Footballguys view: Play-action passing is the hallmark of the Shanahan offense. Jones has a skill set that would work in the 49ers system, but he's not as athletic as other passers in this class that could be available at no.3 overall like Justin Fields (Ohio State) and Trey Lance (North Dakota State). |
NFL | Jaylen Waddle dynamic after catch Tue Apr 13, 02:42 PM
Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle averaged 9.8 yards after the catch over his college career - the highest mark among all Power Five conference receivers with at least 100 receptions since 2014 - according to Pro Football Focus.
| Footballguys view: Waddle is arguably the best receiver in this draft class. He should be a top-10 pick but the quarterback run expected in the first three (or four) picks could push him down just a bit. Some team is going to get an instant playmaker when adding Waddle in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. |
NFL | Israel Tucker drawing attention from multiple teams Tue Apr 13, 02:01 PM
Louisiana Tech RB Israel Tucker performed well at his pro day on March 18 - including a 40-yard dash time of 4.46 seconds, a vertical jump of 38.5 inches and a broad jump of 10-foot-3 - and is reportedly receiving a lot of interest from the Philadelphia Eagles, Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots, according to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network.
| Footballguys view: Tucker is a late-round prospect that teams may be able to add as a priority free agent after the draft. He's got a compact build and makes moves at full speed without breaking his stride. Tucker can be used as a receiver out of the backfield and does a good job of looking passes into his hands. In super deep dynasty formats we'll keep an eye on him. |
Football Team | Sammis Reyes signs with WAS Tue Apr 13, 11:44 AM
Undrafted free-agent TE Sammis Reyes (Tulane) signed an undisclosed deal with the Washington Football Team Tuesday, April 13.
Link to story Cardinals | James Conner lands with Cards Tue Apr 13, 11:40 AM
Free-agent RB James Conner (Steelers) agreed to a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals Tuesday, April 13. Financial terms weren't disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Conner will now work into the mix with Chase Edmonds. When healthy, Conner can be a big-bodied back to do some work inside the tackle. Edmonds should still be the primary back and catch more passes with Conner backing him up and shouldering some of the load. |
James Conner player page
NFL | Justin Fields lethal on deep play-action throws Mon Apr 12, 11:51 PM
Ohio State QB Justin Fields finished 11-of-14 for 452 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions on play-action passing attempts of at least 20 yards in 2020, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
| Footballguys view: That's why Fields would be such a great fit for the Kyle Shanahan offense with the 49ers. Many think they moved up to no.3 overall for a quarterback, but many are projecting Mac Jones (Alabama) or Trey Lance (North Dakota State) in that spot. Fields could be a fine addition as well. |
NFL | Potential landing spots for Todd Gurley? Mon Apr 12, 10:48 PM
Free-agent RB Todd Gurley (Falcons) could be of interest to the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers or Kansas City Chiefs, in the opinion of James Fragoza of Pro Football Network.
| Footballguys view: Gurley is not the player he used to be but he's still got value to a team in search of veteran depth at the position. The interest is there but there may not be a rush to sign him. |
Todd Gurley player page
NFL | Washington head over heels for Trey Lance? Mon Apr 12, 08:32 PM
North Dakota State QB Trey Lance may be a player the Washington Football Team may be willing to unload all their picks' for, according to Michael Lombardi of The Athletic. 'I think Washington is going to be the next team to unload all their picks to try to get a QB. I think they love Lance. I don't think, I KNOW Washington loves Lance ... I think they're willing to go get him,' Lombardi said.
| Footballguys view: They can love Lance all they want, but they're in no position to draft him. Lance could go as high as no.3 overall to the 49ers. If he gets past San Francisco, then teams like Denver at no.9 overall would likely scoop him up. If Washington LOVES him they'll have to move up from no.19 overall to get him. |
NFL | Julian Edelman announces retirement Mon Apr 12, 05:44 PM
Free-agent WR Julian Edelman (Patriots) announced his retirement from professional football Monday, April 12.
| Footballguys view: A converted quarterback from Kent State, Edelman was a seventh-round pick for the Patriots in the 2009 NFL draft. He played 11 seasons and finished his career with 620 catches for 6,822 yards and 36 touchdowns. He had health issues over the last two seasons and a failed physical designation led to the Patriots releasing him. There wouldn't be much of a market for his services, so Edelman decided to hang up his cleats. |
Julian Edelman player page
Texans | Two removed from roster Mon Apr 12, 05:28 PM
Houston Texans WR Stevie Mitchell and OG Beau Benzschawel were waived Monday, April 12.
Link to story NFL | Julian Edelman may retire Mon Apr 12, 04:45 PM
Free-agent WR Julian Edelman (Patriots) has been considering retirement.
Link to storyJulian Edelman player page
