Mon Mar 10 9:35am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Metcalf heads to the Steelers
The NFL does such a good job of staying relevant all season long. Free agency hasn’t even officially opened but the NFL continues to dominate headlines. Teams are agreeing to deals with free agents and trades are happening nearly every day. There is so much to keep up with, but we are here to help. It is time for some instant fantasy analysis of the latest moves from around the league.
Here is the latest. . . . .
The Jaguars traded receiver Christian Kirk to the Texans. This is a great spot for Kirk to land. He could become the go-to possession receiver for Houston. With Tank Dell’s status up in the air for the coming season, Kirk could take his role in the offense. Kirk should pair with Nico Collins to form a solid duo for quarterback C.J. Stroud. With that said, Kirk probably isn’t more than a No. 3 or 4 fantasy receiver. He isn’t likely to post some of his huge numbers from past seasons but should be able to get 70-plus receptions with around 1,000 yards. He should be a good depth piece or spot starter.
Las Vegas found their quarterback for the coming season, trading for Geno Smith. This is a big upgrade for the Raiders offense and their playmakers in the passing game. As for Smith, this probably isn’t a great spot for his fantasy value. He does reunite with his old coach, Pete Carroll, but the weapons in the passing game are lacking a little in Las Vegas, especially if you compare what he had to work with in Seattle. The only positive is the Raiders could be playing from behind, giving Smith more chance to air out. Smith could see his numbers dip a little from his days in Seattle. He is going to be spot start material for fantasy teams.
The Seahawks got their quarterback a few days later, agreeing to a deal with Sam Darnold. This could be a good fit for Darnold and the Seahawks. He isn’t going to post the huge numbers he did with the Vikings explosive offense last year, though. We would consider Darnold more of a spot starter for fantasy teams this year. He should have a few big games but likely be pretty ho-hum most weeks.
Defense end Myles Garrett requested a trade a few weeks back but money apparently talks. The Browns signed Garrett to a massive contract extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. Garrett will continue to lead the Browns top defense, which is good news for that fantasy unit.
The Vikings agreed to terms with running back Aaron Jones on a new two-year contract. This keeps Jones in Minnesota for a few more seasons. Jones was 15th overall in fantasy running back scoring this past season and has obvious fantasy value in this offense. He should be considered a top No. 2 fantasy back for the coming year. Injury is always a concern for him, especially at his age, but as long as he is on he field, he should produce good numbers in this offense.
The Rams made a big move for their offense, agreeing to terms with receiver Davante Adams on a two-year contract. Adams will replace Cooper Kupp, who the team is trying to move. Adams should be a healthier version of Kupp and produce some good numbers in this top offense. It wouldn’t surprise to see Adams push 100 receptions this coming season, being a top possession target for Matthew Stafford. Consider Adams a top No. 2 for fantasy teams. And don’t downgrade Puka Nacua because of this move. Nacua remains the top target in this offense and produced big numbers when Kupp was healthy and playing at a high level.
Pittsburgh added another top weapon to their passing game, trading for DK Metcalf. And he is signing a new, five-year contract with the team. It is hard to gauge Metcalf’s fantasy value right now, though, because we don’t know their quarterback. We will have a better idea of his value once that is figured out. For now, Metcalf should be considered a solid No. 2 fantasy receiver in this offense. The Steelers don’t have a great history in recent seasons of producing big fantasy receivers. Metcalf could be a little hit or miss for a team that likes to run the ball.
The Jets agreed to terms with Justin Fields to be their starting quarterback. This is a really intriguing signing for fantasy purposes. Fields might not be the best passer but his rushing totals really boost his fantasy value. As long as he is starting, he has good fantasy value. And he also gets to reunite with former college teammate Garrett Wilson, which could be a plus as well. Overall, Fields in a starring role is a plus for fantasy teams. He has the potential to a be top-10 fantasy quarterback if all goes well for him.
Dalles added Javonte Williams to their running back room. This is an interesting signing. It is thought the Cowboys want to address the running back position in the draft but for now, Williams looks to have the first shot to start. And if starting, he could have his best season to date in Dallas. He could do well in their pass-first offense, getting plenty of chances as a receiver out of the backfield. We’ll know more about this signing after the draft, though.
The Chargers seem to be moving on from JK Dobbins, agreeing to a deal with Najee Harris. This might be a downgrade from Dobbins a little but is a great fantasy spot for Harris. He seems like he could be a perfect fit for the Chargers offense. It would not surprise if he has his best fantasy season to date in this offense.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Houston Texans have re-signed former Kansas City Chiefs tight end Irv Smith Jr. to a one-year contract. The financial details have not been disclosed. Smith Jr., a former second-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, came into the league with much excitement surrounding him. However, he could never get it going as many injuries hampered his playing time early on. The last time he saw in-game action was back in 2023, and he's only played one full season in his six years in the league. Currently, he'll compete with teammates Brevin Jordan and Cade Stover for playing time behind the incumbent starter, Dalton Schultz. Besides deep dynasty formats, Smith Jr. can likely be left off fantasy rosters.
From RotoBaller
Per the team, the Buffalo Bills have waived tight end Armani Rogers and defensive lineman Branson Deen. Buffalo is trimming down its roster ahead of the NFL Draft, perhaps to sign free agent defensive back James Bradberry, with whom the team met this past Wednesday. Rogers, 28, logged 11 appearances (three starts) with the Washington Commanders in 2022, catching five passes for 64 yards on six targets. Despite three seasons in the league, the Ohio product has garnered no further stats. On the other hand, Deen registered one appearance with the Bills in 2024, playing nine snaps in their matchup against the Houston Texans in Week 5. Both players will clear waivers on Monday and be free to sign with any organization.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants have terminated the contract of defensive lineman Ross Blacklock. Blacklock joined the team's practice squad last December and signed a reserve/futures contract in January. The TCU product was a second-round pick by the Houston Texans in 2020, and spent two seasons with the team before serving time with the Vikings, Titans, and Jaguars from 2022 to 2023. He hasn't appeared in a game since his time with Tennessee, and has garnered just three starts since entering the league. In 44 career outings, Blacklock has registered 40 tackles (27 solo) with three sacks and five tackles for loss. The Texas native has spent minimal time during his career in the special teams phase of the game, so if he finds a new home, it'll likely be as defensive line depth.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans have re-signed tight end Irv Smith to a one-year deal on Friday. Smith spent most of the 2024 season on the practice squad in Houston. He did end up playing five games with the Texans, but didn't contribute anything on offense. The 26-year-old is a former second-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings. Smith was never really able to live up to the hype or establish himself as a starter in the NFL. He figures to serve as a backup in Houston once again which probably won't amount to much or any fantasy value.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews is reportedly on the trade block. The organization would reportedly like to trade Andrews during the upcoming NFL draft weekend. It's worth noting that the organization wants strong value in return for Andrews. That being said, it seems unlikely that an organization would be willing to pay top dollar for an aging tight end. The 29-year-old hasn't finished with over 70 receptions or 700-plus receiving yards in a single season since 2022. Andrews is still a capable tight end, but the big mistakes in the playoffs certainly aren't going to help his case. There aren't a ton of reliable tight ends available right now, so maybe a team will make a move for Andrews.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch has agreed to a new contract with the organization. The two sides have come to terms on a one-year, $3.3 million contract for the upcoming 2025 season. The 26-year-old was a solid rotational player for the Cardinals last season. He finished with 37 receptions, 342 receiving yards, and three touchdowns in 17 games (four starts) in 2024. Right now, Dortch is penciled in as the third wideout on the roster. However, that could change with the NFL Draft coming up later this month. This doesn't mean too much in terms of fantasy football, but Dortch is a nice depth piece for this roster.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins defensive back Jalen Ramsey might've already played his last snap as part of the organization. The organization recently went public by saying they wanted to trade Ramsey in a move that would be in the best interest of the team as a whole. Basically, the Dolphins gave Ramsey a hefty extension and now they regret it. The biggest problem is that Ramsey is owed $21.1 million in guaranteed money for the upcoming season. It's going to be tough to find a buyer for an aging veteran defensive back on a big deal. However, the Las Vegas Raiders and Atlanta Falcons are being named as potential landing spots for Ramsey. The Dolphins are unlikely to get much of a return if they want the other team to take on the salary. It sounds like Miami wants to get a deal done during draft weekend, so we'll see if they can find a suitable candidate.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly in love with Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. The Raiders have the No. 6 overall pick in the draft and it sounds like they plan to take Jeanty. This would be a huge upgrade for the Raiders who currently rank as one of the worst in the league at the running back position. They added Raheem Mostert over the offseason, but Jeanty would come in as a Day 1 starter. The expectation is that Jeanty would see a heavy workload on any team that drafts him. It wouldn't be surprising if Jeanty holds first-round value in fantasy drafts if he lands in Las Vegas. This seems like a good fit as new head coach Pete Carroll looks to quickly turn around this roster.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze didn't have the ideal rookie season. The Bears used the 9th overall pick from last year's draft on Odunze, which came with high expectations. The 22-year-old finished with 54 receptions, 734 receiving yards, and three touchdowns in 17 games (12 starts) with Chicago. It sounds like the Bears believe Odunze can take a big step forward in his second season. Bears assistant head coach Antwaan Randle El is a big believer in Odunze. He recently said he wants to get Odunze the ball in a bunch of different ways. New head coach Ben Johnson is going to bring in a new scheme that should hopefully open up Odunze to do more work than just catching screens. It sounds like the Bears have big plans for Odunze, so dynasty managers should dump him yet.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has been vocal about wanting a contract extension. Cook reportedly wants an extension worth $15 million per season. It doesn't seem that the Bills and Cook are seeing eye-to-eye on that topic. That being said, it wouldn't be shocking to see Cook stay away from voluntary workouts. It seems unlikely that Cook will sit out actual regular season games, but possibly he'll miss workouts to increase the pressure on the organization. Cook is deserving of a new contract after rushing for 1,009 yards with a career-high 16 touchdowns this past season. The Bills have already handed out extensions to other players, so maybe Cook isn't as valued to Buffalo as he thinks. Ultimately, the two sides should get a deal done, but it wouldn't be shocking to see Cook try to leverage the situation.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Raiders continue to be linked to Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Dynasty Analysis: The latest report indicates it's little more than a foregone conclusion Las Vegas takes Jeanty with the sixth overall pick in next week's draft. It's just a bit bold to say anyone is going anywhere outside of the first overall selection. However, the Raiders look to be the first team on the list who would realistically consider Jeanty in round one. If this is the case, he would be locked into the RB1 territory from day one. Still, there would also be a bit of a buyer beware tag on him as Pete Carroll does love himself a good old fashioned running back competition.
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said that he thinks University of Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter's skill set is best suited as a receiver, and he won't put a limit on him possibly playing both sides of the ball if he lands with the Browns. Berry also said he doesn't think Hunter needs to play both sides of the ball to be worth the No. 2 overall selection in this year's NFL draft. The Tennessee Titans are expected to take Miami quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1 overall, with the Browns now leaning toward taking Hunter over Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. Hunter recently said he wouldn't want to play football in the NFL if he's not allowed to be a two-way player. The 21-year-old seems likely to be an every-down defensive player before he makes his mark on offense, but the Browns definitely need more playmakers alongside Jerry Jeudy.
The San Francisco 49ers announced on Thursday that tight end Jake Tonges and offensive lineman Austen Pleasants signed their one-year, exclusive-rights tenders. Both players will return to the Bay Area for the 2025 season. Tonges, 25, began his career with the Chicago Bears in 2022 and appeared in 16 games with the Niners in 2024 but was not used at all on offense on just 34 snaps. He'll make $1.03 million this year after re-signing. Instead, he played 232 snaps on special teams and had two solo tackles. The former undrafted free agent out of California will most likely serve in a similar role as a special-teams ace for San Fran in 2025. Pleasants, 27, started his career in 2021 with the Carolina Panthers and then played for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 and with the Niners last year. He has appeared in just five NFL games over three seasons.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said on Thursday that "there will be focus on the running back position" in next week's NFL draft. Payton also said that "it's a pretty good draft for running backs." While the Broncos did a bit more to upgrade an already strong defense in free agency this offseason, Payton suggested they'll be addressing their ground game through the draft. When scouting this year's deep class of RBs, Payton and general manager George Paton have been asking themselves "how do they add to what we do offensively." The Broncos have the 20th overall pick in the first round, and Payton said taking a RB in the first round works "if you have a real clear vision for how you want to use them." Specifically, Denver is likely to target a rookie RB that has the ability as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. North Carolina's Omarion Hampton or Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson make a lot of sense.
From RotoBaller
SNY's Connor Hughes reports that it seems that the New York Giants are heading in the direction of taking the best player available with the No. 3 overall pick in the first round of next Thursday night's draft, despite their desperate need for a franchise quarterback. General manager Joe Schoen said the Giants aren't going to force the issue at QB, especially since they have veteran backup plans in Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston now. Everyone knows at this point the Tennessee Titans are going to take Miami QB Cam Ward at No. 1 overall, so now it's just a matter of the Giants taking one of Colorado receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter -- whoever the Cleveland Browns pass on at No. 2. Beyond Ward, none of this year's QB prospects are considered worthy of a top-five selection, as Colorado's Shedeur Sanders' draft stock has fallen considerably in recent weeks.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider said that signing quarterback Drew Lock in free agency "doesn't preclude" taking a signal-caller in next week's NFL draft. Schneider also said that he expects a competition for the backup job this summer between Lock and Sam Howell. "Really excited to have all four of those guys but in particular to have Sam Howell and Drew kind of competing for that second spot is a pretty good deal for us," Schneider said. The GM also said Seattle could dress three QBs in 2025, which is something the team has rarely done. Sam Darnold will obviously be the starter after a career year in 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings. Howell ended up playing just 25 snaps behind Geno Smith last year in Seattle, going 14-for-24 with an interception. Both Howell and Lock have proven to be turnover-prone in their time in the NFL. Lock was Smith's backup in Seattle in 2023.
From RotoBaller
In addition to saying he hasn't ruled out retiring this offseason, free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers said on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday that "I'll play for $10 million." Rodgers also said next week's NFL draft won't have any impact on his plans. "I told every single one of the teams I talked to, it ain't about the money," the 41-year-old three-time MVP said. He confirmed he's had conversations with the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers. The Vikes and Giants have moved on, but Steelers president Art Rooney II said the team was "hearing that he's headed in our direction" at the league meetings earlier this month. Rodgers said he's operating on his own timeline while making his personal off-the field life a priority. While he could eventually sign with the Steelers, it certainly sounds like retirement is a very real possibility.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent CB Tre'Davious White (Ravens) agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills Thursday, April 17, worth as much as $6.8 million.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent DE Za'Darius Smith (Lions) has not had any recent conversations with the Detroit Lions, but Lions general manager Brad Holmes is not ruling out an agreement at some point.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson (Achilles) is making progress in his recovery, but his availability for 2025 is uncertain, according to general manager Andrew Berry.
From TheHuddle