Fantasy Football News

Eagles Sign Rookie Allen

Tue, 27 Jul 2010

Update: The Philadelphia Eagles and rookie safety Nate Allen have agreed to terms on a 4-year contract, Dave Spadaro, an Eagles insider, reports. Allen was a second round pick out of South Florida and will be expected to contribute in some capacity.

Fantasy Impact: The current starters at safety for the Eagles are Quintin Mikell and Macho Harris. Harris did not have a standout rookie season last year, so if Allen impresses, he could potentially earn a starting role at some point this season.

Bryant Would Have Carried Williams' Pants

Tue, 27 Jul 2010

Update: According to the Associated Press, had Dallas Cowboys rookie WR Dez Bryant known his refusal to carry Roy Williams' shoulder pads would have become such a big issue, he would have carried more than just Williams' pads. Bryant said, "I would have took his shoulder pads, his pants, his helmet, his socks, his shoes. I would have took everything." Bryant added that him, Williams, and the rest of the Dallas Cowboys are getting along just fine and that the media blew the incident out of proportion. Bryant refused to carry Williams' shoulder pads on Sunday, a common form of hazing done by veterans to the rookies.

Fantasy Impact: With Miles Austin as the number 1 receiver in Dallas, the number 2 spot is up for grabs. Bryant and Williams will compete for the position opposite of Austin, and many expect Bryant to beat out Williams, who has underachieved ever since joining the Cowboys. After being traded by the Detroit Lions, Williams has played 25 games with the Cowboys, and has just 57 receptions for 694 yards and 8 touchdowns. Those numbers are too low for a receiver who was expected to come in and be Tony Romo's first option. If the young and talented Bryant lives up to expectations early on, Williams' measly play will likely land him on the bench.

Ochocinco to Pay T.O.'s Fines

Tue, 27 Jul 2010

Update: Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco continues to show his desire for the Bengals to sign free-agent receiver Terrell Owens. Ochocinco wrote on his Twitter account, "I will pay your fines this year also, i will take a pay cut! Wait, nevermind that last comment, im just excited, lets go!" Although this is nothing more than a humorous exchange between the 2 receivers, it shows that Ochocinco still craves to have T.O. play opposite of him.

Fantasy Impact: Although a T.O., Ochocinco combination at WR may appear appetizing, the Bengals have enough talent at the position, even without Owens. Ochocinco had 72 catches last season and Andre Caldwell had a solid 2 season with 51 receptions. The Bengals also signed receivers Antonio Bryant and Matt Jones this off-season, and drafted promising receivers Jordan Shipley (Texas) and Dezmon Briscoe (Kansas). They also drafted Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham in the 1st round. So while T.O. to the Bengals may look good on paper, there may simply be not enough balls to go around.

Welker on PUP List

Tue, 27 Jul 2010

Update: According to Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com, the New England Patriots have placed WR Wes Welker on the active/physically unable to perform list today. Welker, who had surgery on a torn left ACL in February, can come off the list at any time. Since Welker can be removed from the list and allowed to practice at any time, the Patriots can take their time with him and bring in another player into training camp to evaluate.

Fantasy Impact: Welker has had at least 111 catches in each of the last 3 seasons, and had 123 last season in just 14 games. Welker got injured in the season finale against the Houston Texans and missed the Patriots playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. New England hopes that Welker will be 100% by the start of the regular season and expect him to terrorize the middle of the field like he has the past few seasons.

Tebow and Broncos Making Progress

Tue, 27 Jul 2010

Update: According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, the Denver Broncos and rookie QB Tim Tebow are making significant progress in contract talks. One key to the negotiations is that the only current signed first round pick, WR Dez Bryant, is slotted directly in front of Tebow. Broncos' rookies report to camp on Wednesday, with full-squad practice starting on Sunday. Both parties expect Tebow to be signed and ready to play by Sunday.

Fantasy Impact: Although Tebow is currently third on the QB depth chart behind Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn, many expect him to be used at some point this season, most likely in special packages. The Wildcat offense could be ideal for Tebow early on, who is know for his ability to not only throw the football, but to also take off and run.

Raiders Sign Draftee Houston

Tue, 27 Jul 2010

Update: The Oakland Raiders have agreed to terms with second-round pick Lamarr Houston, according to Bill Williamson of ESPN. The Raiders hope the former Texas Longhorn defensive end can come in and make an impact right away.

Fantasy Impact: Houston is expected to contribute right away for the Raiders, especially against the run. Houston impressed coaches during OTA's with his activity, feisty play, and confidence. Houston can provide the Raiders defense, which was ranked 26th overall last season, with a nasty presence up front.

Terrence Cody Out of Shape

Tue, 27 Jul 2010

Update: According to ESPN's James Walker, Baltimore Ravens' defensive tackle Terrence "Mount" Cody failed a conditioning test and was forced to sit out Tuesday's practice. Cody, who was a second round pick this past spring for the Ravens, has battled weight issues on college. Head coach John Harbaugh said he expects all players to be physically ready for practice.

Fantasy Impact: Although the 2009 AP 1st Team All-American is not expected to start as the nose tackle for the Ravens this season, he is expected to come in and effectively clog the middle for the defense. Coming into training camp out of shape does not leave a good impression on his coaches and fellow teammates.

Cardinals thought Boldin lost step

Mon, 26 Jul 2010

Update: The Arizona Republic is reporting that the Cardinals' coaches believed that wideout Anquan Boldin had lost a step.

Fantasy Impact: Boldin has historically been banged up, and the Ravens are hoping that he can remain healthy this season and be the No. 1 wideout that quarterback Joe Flacco has been looking for.

Owens won't join the Rams

Mon, 26 Jul 2010

Update: Sources had told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that the St. Louis Rams also were interested in signing Owens, however the team decided Monday against adding Owens, sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Fantasy Impact:  Owens appears to also have an offer from the Bengals on the table, and it should be interesting to see if he ends up joining the Bengals and his friend Chad Ochocinco. 

Hardesty signs with Browns

Mon, 26 Jul 2010

Update: The Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms with second-round running back Montario Hardesty on a four-year contract.  Hardesty has looked very good so far in offseason workouts.

Fantasy Impact:  Hardesty will fight Jerome Harrison throughout training camp for the starting gig.

Dixon's agent criticizes Steelers

Fri, 23 Jul 2010

Update: Dennis Dixon's agent, Jeff Sperbeck, told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that he is unhappy with the lack of first-team reps that his client took during OTA's and wonders why Dixon is now behind Byron Leftwich on the depth chart. "I don't understand why after Byron's been gone a year, they would bring him back and start him ahead of Dennis," said Sperbeck. "To me, it should have been Dennis' job as the no. 1. He was no. 2 last year. Byron was not even in the picture...When you bestow confidence in him that he is the guy, now the team knows that and they are prepared to follow him. Without the team giving that to him, it's more difficult for any quarterback to lead when your own status is uncertain. You lead differently as a starter than you do as a backup."

Fantasy Impact: First of all, I've never heard of Jeff Sperbeck before and I don't know who his other clients are if any, but he's a fool. No one gives you anything in the NFL. If Byron Leftwich is atop the Steelers' quarterback depth chart, it's because he has proven thus far to be the best quarterback on the Steelers roster not named Ben Roethlisberger. Sperbeck isn't doing himself or Dixon any favors in their relationship with the Steelers, and if there's any athletes who were considering hiring Sperbeck and have read this article, they can safely cross his name off the list of potential agents...Sorry, I had to get that off my chest. On to the impact: I still think Dixon will be the starter Week 1, but on the other hand, Leftwich was successfully in orchestrating Bruce Aryan's offense in limited opportunities two years ago, and deserves as much a chance as anybody to play. Stay tuned to training camp and preseason updates, but if your draft starts too soon for that, and you're desperate for a Steelers quarterback to insert into your lineup for the first six weeks, make it Dixon.

Dumervil, Broncos Agree to Extension

Thu, 22 Jul 2010

Update: ESPN's John Clayton is reporting that linebacker Elvis Dumervil has agreed to an extension with the Denver Broncos. Reportedly the six-year contract is worth $61.5 million with at least $40 million guaranteed. Last month Dumervil signed his restricted free-agent tender, which turned out to be a great decision on his part. Fantasy Impact: The Broncos have now secured one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. The Broncos were the best ranked defense in the beginning weeks of the season and finished in the top ten in defensive rankings. A large amount of the defense's success was due to the acquisition of veteran Brian Dawkins and Dumervil's 17 sacks. After the best five defenses have been drafted, I would consider picking Denver, especially since they play in a considerably weak division as they play Kansas City and Oakland a total of four times.

McCoy Signs with Browns

Thu, 22 Jul 2010

Update: ESPN.com is reporting that QB Colt McCoy, a third-round pick, has signed a four-year deal with the Cleveland Browns. James Walker writes that the deal may be worth $5 million, with $1.07 guaranteed.  

Fantasy Impact: The rookie from Texas will most likely start as the third-string quarterback, behind veterans Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace. The only way I could see McCoy starting a game this season is if one of the two veterans experiences an injury or if Delhomme continues to throw a high amount of interceptions. McCoy could be an emergency pick-up at the tail end of the season for fantasy owners.