Lineup Prep: Week 6

Wed Oct 13 10:22am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Pittman is quickly gaining value


The big fantasy reminder this week is the byes start. They are never fun to deal with but part of the game. Hopefully, you somewhat planned for this day and can roll out some good lineups despite some key players being off. Just reminder that every team has to deal with this. It isn’t just your team. With that said, here are my random thoughts for the week. . . . .

If you haven’t figured it out, Justin Herbert is really, really, really good. I was confused by the many preseason fantasy takes for a regression of Herbert this year. I thought maybe I was watching different tape when looking at Herbert. But the start to this season proved to me that I wasn’t. This guy is special. Herbert has a chance to be one of the all-time greats. He just sees the field so well and makes so many special throws. He is going to be a fantasy great for years to come.

I hear a lot of people say I just don’t know the Bucs receiver that is going to have a big game on a weekly basis. But here is a not so hot take, just start all of them. This passing game is unreal. Sure, one guy might be a little down a few times throughout the year, but for the most part, these guys are going to all produce. The numbers don’t like. Chris Godwin is 13th overall in fantasy receiver scoring. Mike Evans comes in at 11 and Antonio Brown is 26th despite missing a game because of injury. Just start them and be happy with this offense. Don’t overthink things.

I can’t remember a week with so many high scoring fantasy games. The Week 5 scores were just off the charts. There were more 200-plus point games than I have ever seen. Hopefully, you had some of those teams racking up the points. I think this might be a bit of a trend going forward, too. Teams just don’t seem to have an answer for many of these top offenses in the league. We’ll see.

Matt Ryan had a bad first game but has been his usual good self after that. He has done well in the Falcons new offense and is quickly forming a rapport with rookie tight end Kyle Pitts. Ryan has 20-plus fantasy points four straight games. He might not be the flashy fantasy quarterback starter, but it is hard to ignore his production. He gets the weekly chances, too, having at least 35 pass attempts every game. It amazes me that he is unowned in 30 percent of leagues on our site.

So apparently the league has the book on how to slow Patrick Mahomes. It is to stop blitzing and put more in coverage. That is what the Bills did last week, blitzing just once. I’m not convinced this game plan is going to work. The Chiefs will adjust as will Mahomes. Kansas City will find ways to get this offense humming again if teams refuse to blitz him. And fantasy owners shouldn’t worry too much about this talk. In his “down” game last week against the Bills, Mahomes scored 25.7 fantasy points. Mahomes will be just fine.

I don’t think the start of the season for Knox is a fluke. I think he is a legit No. 1 fantasy tight end. He plays in one of the best offenses in football and is maybe the top red-zone passing target on the team. He has touchdowns four straight games and 20-plus points two straight. Knox is a guy that wasn’t even drafted in fantasy leagues. If you were fortunate enough to get him, good work. I’m not sure he is remains a top-five tight end, but I think he can be top 10 for sure.

I kept telling owners to be patient with Robert Woods. I know his start was frustrating but it seemed just a matter of time before he got on the same page with Matthew Stafford and was a bigger part of the offense. Well, he broke out in a huge way in Week 5, catching 12 passes for 150 yards on 14 targets. Even with his slow start, Woods has double-digit fantasy points four of five games. It was probably overblown just a little about his start to the year. Woods will be just fine for fantasy owners. This guy has been an elite fantasy receiver the last several seasons for a reason.

Saquon Barkley just can’t catch a break. Just when you thought he was ready to take off, he gets hit with another injury. He hurt his ankle and is going to miss a few weeks of action. Barkley had 20-plus fantasy points two straight games before suffering the injury in Week 5. For me, I think trying to get Barkley for a cheap price from a disgruntled owner isn’t a bad move. This injury isn’t season ending and we all saw his potential those couple weeks this year when he started to get rolling. Just something to think about.

News and Notes: Raiders head coach Jon Gruden officially resigned from his position Monday. Gruden resigned after emails came to light of offensive language on several subjects. Rich Bisaccia takes over as the interim head coach for the Raiders. Bisaccia has been the special teams coordinator for the team. . . . .The Steelers signed veteran receiver Anthony Miller to their practice squad on Tuesday. He gives the team some depth after a season-ending injury to JuJu Smith-Schuster. . . . .The Broncos signed receiver John Brown to their practice squad on Tuesday. Brown adds some more depth at receiver after the Broncos lost another receiver to injury (KJ Hamler). . . . .New Orleans signed kicker Brian Johnson off the Bears practice squad on Tuesday. He takes over the kicking duties for the Saints because of Cody Parkey getting injured last week.

HOT PLAYS

Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles. Hurts didn’t throw for 200 yards last week or have a passing touchdown but still managed to score 25.9 fantasy points. He ran for two scores and rushed for 30 yards. His ability to make plays with his feet gives him a very high weekly floor. Hurts is getting it done on a weekly basis for fantasy teams, having at least 23 fantasy points every game. He should keep it rolling this week against the Bucs. The Eagles could be playing from behind, giving Hurts more chances to air it out. And if that happens, look for plenty of success against the worst pass defense in football. Plus, Tampa allows the fifth most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Najee Harris, RB, Steelers. Harris had his first 100-yard rushing game of his career last week. He has been great for his fantasy owners, especially in recent weeks. Harris has three straight games with 21-plus fantasy points. He is getting a ton of weekly touches and producing. He should be a  big factor again this week against the Seahawks. Seattle allows the third most fantasy points to running backs and are 31st against the run.

Michael Pittman, WR, Colts. Pittman has emerged as the top target for the Colts and has produced very consistent numbers. He has at least six receptions four straight games. He also scored his first touchdown of the season last week, having a season high 20.9 fantasy points. He can keep it rolling this week against the Texans, a team allowing 257-passing yards per game. Pittman is a top No. 2 fantasy receiver.

Darrell Henderson, RB, Rams. Henderson has missed a game because of injury this year but is still 16th overall in fantasy running back scoring. He has been very good of late, having 80-plus rushing yards two straight games. He also has touchdowns three of four games in the Rams explosive offense. Henderson is becoming a must start for his fantasy owners. He might have his best game of the season this week against the Giants, a team that allows the fifth most fantasy points to running backs.

Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Bills. Sanders might not be the same player as he was earlier in his career but is still getting it done for the Bills. He has been doing his job on a weekly basis and making plays in the red zone. He has multiple touchdowns two of three games. He also has been targeted at least five times every game, giving him a pretty high weekly floor. Sanders seems to have a good chance to find the end zone again this week against the Titans. Tennessee has allowed nine passing touchdowns and give up the most fantasy points to receivers.

COLD PLAYS 

Alex Collins, RB, Seahawks. Collins started last week for an injured Chris Carson and 15 times for 47 yards. He has 25 carries for just 91 yards his last two games. Collins is getting the work but doing little with it. Look for more of the same this week against the Steelers. Pittsburgh allows the fourth fewest fantasy points to running backs and rank ninth overall against the run. So even if Carson is out again, leave Collins on your bench unless you are desperate for options.

David Njoku, TE, Browns. Njoku was a big surprise last week, catching seven passes for 149 yards. He had fewer than 20 yards three straight games before last week. He has been erratic throughout the season. Remember, he is the backup tight end to Austin Hooper. Njoku is more of a matchup play - even after last week. And a matchup this week against the Cardinals is not a good one for Njoku. The Cardinals have not allowed a tight end to score double-digit fantasy points all season and allow the second fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

A.J. Brown, WR, Titans. Brown has been a real disappointment this season. He has not had more than 50 yards in a game and found the end zone just once in four games. He has yet to have double-digit targets in a game. Brown also has been slowed by a hamstring injury, which doesn’t help matters for him. We think it will be more of the same this week against the Bills. He likely gets shutdown corner Tre'Davious White in coverage. And the Bills allows the second fewest fantasy points to receivers this season.

Derek Carr, QB, Raiders. Carr has cooled since his hot start. He has fewer than 20 fantasy points two straight games. He also has fewer than 210-passing yards each of his last two games. He had 380-plus passing yards each of his first three games, so his production has really slipped. Carr might do more of the same this week against the Broncos, especially with all the turmoil going on in Las Vegas. Denver allows the second fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks for the season. Go with other options in Week 6.

Both Eagles running backs (Miles Sanders and Kenneth Gainwell). Many thought Gainwell might emerge and get more playing time after a good showing in Week 4, but that wasn’t the case. Sanders played 75 percent of the snaps in Week 5 while Gainwell was on the field just 24 percent of the time. Sanders had 16 touches for just 51 yards in the game. His season high in fantasy points is just 17.3 and he has fewer than double-digit fantasy points three of five games. Gainwell has the exact same line, having two games with doubled-digit points and three with fewer. We just wouldn’t bother with either of these backs right now, especially this week against the Bucs. Tampa clamps down on the run, allowing just 45.8-rushing yards per game.

SLEEPERS

Kendrick Bourne, WR, Patriots. Bourne has double-digit fantasy points two fo three games. He has 14 receptions those three games. He has been much more involved in the offense after a slow start to the year. He might get more looks again this week in a game the Patriots might need to put up some points. New England plays a great Cowboys offense. Dallas also allows the sixth most fantasy points to receivers and rank 31st against the pass. Bourne has a high ceiling in this one.

Taylor Heinicke, QB, Washington. Heinicke is 12th overall in fantasy quarterback scoring his last three games. He has 24-plus fantasy points three of four games. He has done a very good job as the starter for Washington and might keep the job even when Ryan Fitzpatrick is healthy and ready to play again. Heinicke has become a legit streaming option for fantasy teams. He has a lot of weapons to work with offensively and can also make some plays with his legs. Heinicke is setup for another good showing in Week 6 against the Chiefs. Washington might need to score a lot of points to keep up with the Chiefs’ offense, giving Heinicke a lot of chances. Plus, the Chiefs allow the second most fantasy points to quarterbacks and rank 28th overall against the pass.

Quez Watkins, WR, Eagles. Watkins is getting some weekly chances in the Eagles offense as the No. 3 receiver. He has multiple receptions every game and at least 33 yards four straight. He has been targeted 10 times his last two games and played a season high 82 percent of the snaps last week, playing more than No. 2 receiver Jalen Reagor (70 percent). If Watkins is on the field a lot again this week, he could do some damage against a bad Bucs secondary. Tampa allows the second most fantasy points to receivers. Watkins could be a sneaky play for teams looking for bye week or injury fill-ins for Week 6.

Tyler Higbee, TE, Rams. Higbeen does not have more than 40 yards since Week 1 but does have touchdowns two of three games. He has become a top target in the red zone, giving him some weekly value for fantasy teams. It would be nice to see his yardage and catch totals increase, but the touchdowns sure help. And he might find the end zone again this week against the Giants. New York has done alright against the pass but have struggled with tight ends. The Giants allow the seventh most fantasy points to tight ends. It might be a good time to get Higbee in your lineup this week.

Latavius Murray, RB, Ravens. Murray played the most snaps at running back last week (49 percent) and was on the field even more the previous game, playing 62 percent of the snaps. At this point, Murray is the back to use in this offense. He is not a sure thing, having more than 50-rushing yards and double-digit fantasy points just one game, but the potential is certainly there in this offense. And he has a favorable matchup to do his most damage of the season this week anginas the Chargers. Los Angeles is seventh against the pass compared to 32nd against the run.

High/Low Scoring Games

Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low scoring games for the coming week. In high scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.

High Scoring Games: Bucs/Eagles, Chiefs/Washington, Vikings/Panthers, Chargers/Ravens, Cardinals/Browns, Bills/Titans.

Low Scoring Games: Raiders/Broncos.

Bye Weeks: Falcons, Saints, Jets, 49ers. 

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.

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Player Notes
Raheem Blackshear Mar 28 9:10pm ET
Raheem Blackshear

The Carolina Panthers have agreed on a deal with running back Raheem Blackshear. The two sides have agreed on a one year deal worth $985,000 for the 2024 season. The 24-year-old will return to Carolina after spending each of the last two seasons with the organization. He has mainly been used as a reserve back and special teams player. Through two seasons, Blackshear has 37 carries for 123 yards and three touchdowns in 25 games. There is unlikely to be fantasy value here unless Carolina loses one or two running backs due to injury.

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Cody Davis Mar 28 4:50pm ET
Cody Davis

Veteran safety Cody Davis is retiring from the NFL, according to his X account on Thursday. Davis originally went undrafted out of Texas Tech in 2013, but he was signed by the St. Louis Rams as a free agent and spent five years with the organization. He then played two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars before four years with the New England Patriots. Overall, the 34-year-old compiled 117 tackles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and eight passes defended in 144 games over 11 years. He was primarily a special teamer and depth player, so it's not a significant loss for the Patriots heading into 2024.

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Rome Odunze Mar 28 4:40pm ET
Rome Odunze

Former Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze has upcoming meetings with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and Chicago Bears at their respective facilities, he told Brady Henderson of ESPN. The 21-year-old is projected to be selected in the early first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and most analysts rank him just behind Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. and LSU's Malik Nabers. He is coming off a 92-catch, 1,640-yard, 13-touchdown season in 2023, and he impressed at the NFL Combine. Arizona holds the No. 4 pick, New York holds the No. 10 pick, and Chicago owns the No. 1 and No. 9 overall picks. Oduzne will be a highly sought-after fantasy football rookie next year regardless of his landing spot, but target competition in Chicago and New York could make it tough for him to have a massive breakout in his first season as a pro. That said, he's viewed as an elite prospect, so anything is possible.

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Olamide Zaccheaus Mar 28 4:40pm ET
Olamide Zaccheaus

Free-agent wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus has agreed to terms to sign with the Washington Commanders, according to John Keim of ESPN. Zaccheaus was originally undrafted out of Virginia in the 2019 class, and he spent four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons before one year with the Philadelphia Eagles last season. Overall, the 26-year-old has hauled in 104 passes for 1,492 yards and 10 touchdowns through his first 72 NFL games. With Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson on the roster and Washington likely to take shots on wide receivers in next month's draft, Zaccheaus is unlikely to have a path toward fantasy success in 2024, barring injury. He's likely just a depth piece for a franchise looking to rebuild on the fly.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Mar 28 2:50pm ET
Jayden Daniels

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels had a solid workout during his school's pro day on Wednesday after he chose not to throw at the NFL scouting combine in February. Daniels measured in at 6-foot-3 5/8 and 210 pounds with 9 3/8-inch hands. He didn't run a 40-yard dash or do any other athletic testing, but he completed 52 of his 56 passes. Most of Daniels' misfires came on deeper passes and throws outside the numbers. He appeared to improve as his throwing session went on. "I can't say that it's been an A-plus workout, but it's been solid," NFL Network's Bucky Brooks said. Daniels' pro day session might not have been a game-changer for his outlook, but he was pleased with the results as a whole, and he's still expected to be a top-five pick in the upcoming NFL draft, possibly as early as No. 2 overall to the Washington Commanders.

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Brian Thomas Jr. Mar 28 2:50pm ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Although LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. stands in the shadow of teammate Malik Nabers for the upcoming NFL draft, the 6-foot-2 7/8, 209-pounder is viewed as a possible top-20 pick in April. "He's about as naturally talented as you can find at the position," NFL Network's Bucky Brooks said. "Big, fast, physical. Runs great routes. Natural catcher. Does a really good job of watching the ball into his hands. He can shine." The biggest question for Thomas is whether he can step outside the shadow of Nabors and be an alpha dog for an NFL team. Because he didn't work out at LSU's pro day on Wednesday, Thomas may not have answered that question completely, but it doesn't mean that a receiver-needy team won't be willing to take him in the first round in 2024.

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Josiah Deguara Mar 28 2:30pm ET
Josiah Deguara

Former Green Bay Packers tight end Josiah Deguara signed an undisclosed one-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, according to a source. Deguara will head to the AFC after spending the first four years of his NFL career playing for the Packers. Green Bay took him in the third round (94th overall) in 2020 out of Cincinnati. In his four years with the team, he recorded 47 catches on 58 targets for 436 yards and only two touchdowns in 50 games played (10 starts). In 15 regular-season games (four starts) in 2023, the 27-year-old caught just eight passes for 65 yards and no scores. Deguara will mostly be useful to the Jaguars for his blocking skills on offense and on special teams, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to make an impact catching the ball behind Evan Engram, the team's top pass-catching tight end.

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Ed Oliver Mar 28 2:30pm ET
Ed Oliver

The Buffalo Bills signed free-agent defensive tackle DeShawn Williams to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday. Williams will give the Bills continued depth for their defensive tackle room that went into free agency with just Ed Oliver and Eli Ankou under contract. The 31-year-old Williams played in 16 games (10 starts) for the Carolina Panthers last year and finished with 33 tackles (13 solo) and seven QB hits. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2016 with the Cincinnati Bengals out of Clemson, and the Bills will be the fourth different team he's played for in six seasons. In total, Williams has racked up 148 tackles (72 solo), nine sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 30 QB hits, one interception and nine passes defended in 66 games (44 starts). Williams will be off the IDP fantasy radar.

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Michael Hoecht Mar 28 2:10pm ET
Michael Hoecht

The Los Angeles Rams re-signed linebacker Michael Hoecht to an undisclosed deal earlier this week. Hoecht didn't receive any offers from other teams this offseason after the Rams placed a right-of-first-refusal tender on him. The 26-year-old entered the NFL in 2021 with the Rams as an undrafted free agent out of Brown University and he has 124 tackles (74 solo), 10.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 20 QB hits and two forced fumbles in 51 games (26 starts) in his three seasons in the league. Last year he started in all 17 regular-season games for LA and recorded a career-high 81 tackles (45 solo), a career-high six sacks, seven tackles for loss, 11 QB hits and a forced fumble.

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J.K. Dobbins Mar 28 11:00am ET
J.K. Dobbins

Free-agent running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) is scheduled to visit with the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The former Baltimore Raven suffered a torn Achilles early in the 2023 campaign, but he was cleared for football activities this week, so he will likely start drawing more interest on the free-agent market. Originally a second-round pick by Baltimore in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, Dobbins posted 805 rushing yards and nine scores on just 134 attempts (6.0 YPC) as a rookie, but he missed the entire 2021 campaign with a torn ACL. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry in 2022 and saw his 2023 season end after just eight rushing attempts with an Achilles injury. Given his injury woes early in his career, it's fair to be concerned about his future production. Regardless of his landing spot, he's likely to be eased into action, meaning his fantasy upside is capped early in 2024.

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Geno Smith Mar 27 8:10pm ET
Geno Smith

The Seattle Seahawks are looking to make some additions to their offensive line this offseason. Recently, Seahawks general manager John Schneider said the team has a lot to figure out on the o-line. This team is without left guard Damien Lewis and right guard Phil Haynes who both left for free agency. Possibly, the Seahawks use the 16th overall pick in the draft to add some offensive line. It appears Seattle is still looking to compete next season with Geno Smith slated to be under center. Most of the Seahawks offensive weapons are back, but this team could be in serious trouble if they don't patch up their o-line soon.

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Nate Sudfeld Mar 27 8:00pm ET
Nate Sudfeld

The Detroit Lions have re-signed quarterback Nate Sudfeld on Wednesday. The 30-year-old served as the backup to Jared Goff during the 2022 season. He was slated to compete with Teddy Bridgewater, but he has retired this offseason. That being said, Sudfeld figures to compete with Hendon Hooker for the backup job in Detroit next season. The former sixth-round pick has played in six games since debuting in 2017. Sudfeld won't offer any fantasy value heading into next season.

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Malik Nabers Mar 27 4:50pm ET
Malik Nabers

Former LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers impressed at the University's Pro Day on Wednesday, running an unofficial 4.35 40-yard dash and excelling in both the vertical jump (42") and broad jump (10'9"). The 20-year-old is coming off a spectacular junior campaign consisting of catching 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. His excellent athletic testing numbers certainly won't hurt his draft stock, and many analysts believe he could be taken ahead of Marvin Harrison Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft next month. Nabers has visited or will visit with the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, New York Jets, and New York Giants this week.

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Jadeveon Clowney Mar 27 4:30pm ET
Jadeveon Clowney

Free-agent edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney is signing a two-year, $24 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 2014 No. 1 overall pick spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens, and it was one of the best campaigns of his career. He tied a career-high with 9.5 sacks and did not miss a game for the first time since 2017. The 31-year-old still has plenty of ability, but his surroundings in Carolina won't be as strong as they were with the Ravens. The South Carolina native is now closer to home, and he'll look to help the struggling franchise accelerate its rebuild in 2024.

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Jalyn Holmes Mar 27 3:20pm ET
Jalyn Holmes

The New York Jets re-signed defensive end Jalyn Holmes to an undisclosed deal on Wednesday. The Minnesota Vikings originally took Holmes with their fourth-round selection (102nd overall) in 2018 out of Ohio State. He spent the first three years of his career in Minnesota before one-year stops with the New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears and Jets each of the last three seasons. In just five games in New York in 2023, the 28-year-old pass-rusher had five tackles (three solo) and one sack. Holmes' first defensive snaps for the Jets last year didn't come until the regular season finale. He will be competing for a depth role once again on the team's defensive line in training camp this summer.

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Neville Hewitt Mar 27 3:10pm ET
Neville Hewitt

The Houston Texans and free-agent linebacker Neville Hewitt, who led the league in 2023 in special teams tackles, reached an agreement on an undisclosed one-year deal on Wednesday, according to a source. In 16 regular-season games (zero starts) last year in his third year with the Texans, Hewitt had 14 tackles (eight solo). The 30-year-old was a standout on special teams but played just four defensive snaps and is unlikely to be a big part of Houston's defense again in 2024. In his nine-year NFL career with the Texans, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, Hewitt has recorded a total of 440 tackles (284 solo), 7.5 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, 19 QB hits, three interceptions, 13 passes defended, two forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 129 games (44 starts).

From RotoBaller

Sam Franklin Mar 27 3:10pm ET
Sam Franklin

The Carolina Panthers re-signed safety and special teams ace Sam Franklin on an undisclosed one-year deal on Wednesday, according to a source. Franklin, a former undrafted free agent out of Temple, began his NFL career in 2020 with the Panthers and has spent all four of his NFL seasons with the organization. The 28-year-old defensive back had a career-high 30 tackles (20 solo) and an interception returned for a touchdown in 17 games (four starts) in his fourth year in Carolina in 2023. Franklin played 310 snaps on special teams and will likely continue in that role in his fifth year with the team in 2024. In his four NFL campaigns, Franklin has just 97 tackles (69 solo), one sack, the interception returned for a score, five passes defended and a force fumble in 64 games (nine starts).

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Mar 27 3:00pm ET
Jayden Daniels

The Las Vegas Raiders may be targeting a quarterback that can escape the pocket and pick up chunk gains with his legs in the upcoming NFL draft. When asked what type of QB gives opposing defenses the most problems from his experience as a former linebacker, head coach Anthony Pierce said, "A damn runner." The Raiders are scheduled to meet with LSU QB and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels on Wednesday after his pro-day workout. Daniels threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns for the Tigers last year and also ran for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns. In order to snag Daniels, the Raiders will likely have to move up from 13th overall in the first round, and the team has expressed the willingness to do what it takes to make that happen. Pierce recruited Daniels out of Southern California five years ago to play at Arizona State, so he's very familiar with him.

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Talanoa Hufanga Mar 27 3:00pm ET
Talanoa Hufanga

The San Francisco 49ers expect safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) to return from his ACL injury "sometime in training camp" this summer, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The head coach also sounded optimistic about Hufanga's ability to return to 100 percent of his old self. The Niners would like to add a safety, but they told recent visitor Julian Blackmon that a new addition wouldn't necessarily be guaranteed a starting spot in 2024. Hufanga probably won't be ready to go for Day 1 of training camp as he works his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 11 of 2023. The 24-year-old defensive back is one of the rising young options at his position in IDP fantasy leagues when healthy. Hufanga had 52 tackles and three interceptions last year before suffering his season-ending injury.

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Tank Bigsby Mar 27 2:50pm ET
Tank Bigsby

It's clear that the Jacksonville Jaguars want to keep lead running back Travis Etienne Jr. fresh for the entire season in 2024. In the final six games in 2023, the Jaguars averaged just 79 yards per game on the ground. They finished 23rd overall with 96.8 yards per game on the ground. In an effort to keep Etienne fresher, part of the team's plan in the run game is getting second-year back Tank Bigsby more involved. He played just 141 snaps in his rookie season, carrying the ball 50 times for 132 yards and two touchdowns. A couple of fluky turnovers ensured he didn't see much more time down the stretch. "We have to get Tank going, the bottom line. He is too good, that's why we drafted him. I think early he had some 'what is that' type plays for whatever reason right or wrong. Again, in and out of the lineup," said head coach Doug Pederson.

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