2 days agoAccording to Darren "Doogie" Wolfson of KSTP, who "spoke to someone in the know," Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook may now be considering playing on a reduced salary. "The possibility exists that Dalvin will rework his deal, take some sort of cut, realize that there really isn't another opportunity out there," said Wolfson during an episode of Minnesota Sports with Mackey & Judd. "Like, who really truly needs a running back?" It goes without saying that Cook isn't as productive as he once was. But he still finished last season by rushing for nearly 1,200 yards and totaling 10 touchdowns. However, his fantasy appeal has fallen significantly with the recent contract turmoil. That said, if the 27-year-old remains in Minnesota, his fantasy stock will increase. On the other hand, Alexander Mattison's outlook wouldn't be as bright if Cook remains in the equation.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Darren Wolfson

2 days agoThe Kansas City Chiefs received permission to talk with free-agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins earlier in the offseason and also spoke to him before the NFL draft, according to sources. His contract was the hurdle, though, and to get something done now after the Arizona Cardinals released him on Friday, his price would have to come way down. But it's clear the Chiefs like him, but the deal they gave left tackle Donovan Smith this offseason will make it tough. KC added rookie Rashee Rice in the draft, but if they can find a way to move some money around in order to add Hopkins, he'd likely step in right away as the team's No. 1 receiver, aside from All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce. Landing with the high-octane Chiefs offense would be an ideal landing spot for the 30-year-old pass-catcher's 2023 fantasy value.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NBC Sports Boston - Albert Breer

2 days agoAtlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier is not concerned about his usage following the team drafting Bijan Robinson with the No. 8 overall pick. Allgeier put together a strong rookie campaign in 2022. He rushed for 1,035 yards with three touchdowns through 16 games with Atlanta. He became the first player to rush for 1,000 yards in a season for Atlanta since 2016. Despite having Allgeier the Falcons still selected Robinson with a No. 8 pick. The highest pick for a running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018. The expectation is that Robinson is going to be an immediate impact player. They also have Cordarrelle Patterson on the roster as well. Allgeier isn't concerned about the crowded backfield and says the competition is good for them. It remains to be seen how the Falcons split up the carries between the three backs. This could be a messy situation for fantasy managers.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 days agoDetroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (knee) still isn't ready to get on the practice field as he continues to recover from a torn ACL. The rookie quarterback says that he's doing good and taking it day-by-day. He mentioned that he has become a lot stronger physically and mentally because of this process. Hooker can't get on the field, but that hasn't stopped him from watching, learning, asking questions. The expectation is that Hooker is going to sit out the entire 2023 season. The Lions appear to be committed to Jared Goff, so Hooker will sit behind him and learn.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 days agoDallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup is expected to have an expanded route tree next season, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. The team wants to add more to Gallup's plate rather than having him exclusively play the X receiver role. He spent most of last season attempting to get back to form after tearing his ACL in late-2021. Gallup has delivered back-to-back disappointing campaigns, but injuries have played a big role in that. The expectation is that he'll function as the WR3 behind Brandin Cooks and CeeDee Lamb. Gallup should have some late-round value, assuming he's finally back to full health.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: ESPN

2 days agoIndianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard (back) does not have a timetable to return to practice, according to head coach Shane Steichen. Leonard missed most of last season after undergoing back surgery before camp. He underwent a second surgery in November to address the same problem. The three-time All-Pro linebacker is a superstar when healthy, but it's uncertain when he'll be back to 100 percent. The Colts haven't done much adding to their linebacker group, so they must expect Leonard to return at some point. The team should give another update on his status when they get closer to camp.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: NBC Sports

2 days agoThe Arizona Cardinals announced on Friday that they have released wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The five-time Pro Bowler will now be free to sign with any team this offseason. The 30-year-old may be past his prime at this point, but he can still be productive in the right situation, and he will easily become the most coveted free agent on the open market. Hopkins played in only nine games in 2022 due to injuries and a suspension, and he finished with 64 receptions for 717 yards and three touchdowns. Nuk's fantasy value will be more clear when he has a new home, but all in all, this is probably good news for him with quarterback Kyler Murray (knee) potentially missing half of the 2023 season. In Arizona, Marquise Brown will now be the unquestioned No. 1 receiver this year.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Cardinals Twitter

2 days agoBaltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton earned the top grade among safeties in the NFL in his rookie season last year, according to Pro Football Focus. Hamilton spent more time in the slot and near the line of scrimmage than in a traditional safety location, though, and he also didn't see significant starting snaps until later in the season. With the Ravens trading Chuck Clark to the New York Jets this offseason, Hamilton will occupy safety more as it's traditionally defined in his sophomore season. The former first-rounder is excited about the expanded role. "I feel like I can slide into that role for sure and perform at a high level," Hamilton said. "I feel like that's what the Ravens drafted me for and that's what I'm here for, and I feel like I can definitely produce."--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com - Nick Shook

2 days agoCleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore is happy to be out of New York with a chance to start new in 2023. "It feels good to be wanted, and it's going to make any player, any human, go harder. When you feel likeread more...

2 days agoIndianapolis Colts tight end Jelani Woods (hamstring) and rookie wide receiver Josh Downs (knee) are dealing with injuries this week and didn't take part in organized team activities on Thursday, according to head coach Shane Steichen. Neither injury seems particularly serious, so both players should be just fine for training camp this summer. Woods caught 25 passes for 312 yards and three TDs in 15 games (two starts) in his rookie year in 2022, and he could be in line for more playing time alongside fellow tight ends Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson. Downs was a third-rounder this year is likely to operate as receiver depth for the Colts in his rookie season and is unlikely to have much fantasy appeal in single-year leagues.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: CNHI Sports - George Bremer

2 days agoDenver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (knee) admitted that he's "leaner and meaner" this offseason and dropped weight as he prepares for his second season with the team in 2023. He's in a good place mentally and physically. But what fantasy managers want to know is if that will translate to a bounce-back campaign. The 34-year-old signal-caller looked washed up with the Broncos in 2022, and he also had arthroscopic surgery on his knee over the winter. Denver still has plenty of weapons around Wilson, and he should be better set up for success under new head coach Sean Payton. Still, most fantasy managers probably aren't touching him after last year, and he should be considered a midrange QB2, at best, heading into fall drafts.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Denver 7 - Troy Renck

2 days agoNew York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (knee) ran some routes in 7-on-7 work during organized team activities on Thursday and looked good. The Bergen Record's Art Stapleton thinks the speculation about Shepard not making the team this summer is very premature, and he isn't counting him out if he's healthy. The Giants beefed up their receiver depth this offseason through free agency and the draft, adding Parris Campbell, Isaiah Hodgins and rookie Jalin Hyatt, but the 30-year-old will compete for slot snaps with Campbell and Wan'Dale Robinson, who is also coming off a serious injury. Shepard tore his ACL in 2022 and has played in just 10 games the last two years due to devastating injuries, so he does face an uphill battle to regain valuable playing time.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Bergen Record - Art Stapleton

2 days agoPittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Allen Robinson II (foot) has mostly been working out of the slot during organized team activities this week, but he's still in the latter stages of recovery from foot surgery last November and said he hasn't been a full participant in practices. Robinson insisted that he will be full-go for training camp at the end of July. He's hoping he can fill the No. 3 receiver role for Pittsburgh behind Diontae Johnson and George Pickens in his first year with the team. The 29-year-old figures to see most of his time in the slot, where he has played around 40% of the time in his career. A-Rob has three 1,000-yard seasons in his career, but he has fallen off considerably the last two years, mainly due to injury. If healthy, he could be a bounce-back candidate worth taking a chance on as a late-round flier in deeper fantasy leagues.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Chris Adamski

3 days agoThe New England Patriots have reached a deal with free-agent tight end Anthony Firkser. The details of the deal are unknown, but it's assumed to be a one-year deal on league minimum. Most recently, Firkser played with the Atlanta Falcons in 2022-2023. He finished with nine receptions for 100 yards in 11 games with the team. To be fair, Firkser was mainly used as a blocking specialist in Atlanta. He managed 73 receptions, 678 yards, and three touchdowns between 2020 and 2021 as a rotational player with the Tennessee Titans. He's not expected to have a huge role in New England. He has a decent shot at making the roster, but probably won't do enough to warrant rostering in fantasy formats.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Mike Reiss

3 days agoFree safety Tony Jefferson has decided to retire from playing in the NFL on Thursday. The 31-year-old registered 31 tackles in nine games with the New York Giants last season. He missed a majority of the season due to a foot injury. He spent most of his career as a member of the Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens. Jefferson wasn't an All-Pro player, but he was a reliable defender and was a trustworthy player in coverage. It looks like it didn't take Jefferson long to find another job. He's set to join the Ravens staff as a scout, so best of luck to him going forward.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Adam Schefter