Description: Green Bay wideout Randall Cobb (954 yards receiving, 132 rushing) will be a main cog in the Packers' air attack, even larger than last season with the departure of Greg Jennings, so the team is looking at other option for punt and kickoff returns.
Insight: Cobb amassed 964 yards in kickoff returns and 292 yards returning punts which made him an even better fantasy option in league which include return yardage. The team was working out running back Johnathan Franklin at the latest OTA.
Description: Bills No. 1 wideout Stevie Johnson has been cleared to participate in the team's OTAs. He has been struggling with a lingering back issue for a month.
Insight: Johnson has posted three consecutove seasons with 1,000 yards or more and averaged seven touchdowns per season. With new quarterbacks on the roster (Kevin Kolb, E.J. Manuel) it's important for Johnson and the receiving corp to get in as much work as possible.
Description: Cowboys QB Tony Romo will miss OTAs after having a cyst removed from his back last month.
Insight: This should have no effect on his fantasy value. He'll be ready for training camp and the regular season. Romo finished third in the NFL last season with a career-high 4,903 yards and has thrown at least 26 touchdown passes over his last five healthy seasons. Fantasy owners would like a reduction in interceptions (19 last season including three games of three or more).
Description: Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski underwent successful surgery on his left arm Monday afternoon. SOURCE: Profootballtalk, NBC Sports
Insight: The good news is that the infection has subsided, which means that this will probably be the last procedure Gronkowski will need on his injured forearm. Now the attention shifts to Gronkowski's back, which might also require surgery. A Week 1 return is still possible for Gronk but it's probably going to go right down to the wire.
Description: Broncos running back Willis McGahee is apparently healthy, but didn't show for Monday's start of OTAs.
Insight: McGahee's injury progress and his relationship or lack of one with the team will go a long way in determining rookie Montee Ball's fantasy value.
Description: According to the National Football Post, Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano thought Mike Glennon was the best quarterback in the 2013 NFL Draft and said he "can play quickly" if he is needed.
Insight: Tampa Bay drafted Glennon in the third round. The team did not give Josh Freeman a long-term extension this offseason, so we already know it isn't sold on him as the long-term answer at QB. Glennon could force the issue with a strong summer and preseason, much like Russell Wilson, the man he succeeded at NC State, did with Seattle last year.
Description: More bad news for Rob Gronkowski fantasy owners. Not only does the Patriots tight end need arm surgery but it also looks like he'll need surgery on his back. SOURCE: ESPN
Insight: The Patriots are still optimistic that Gronk will be ready for Week 1 but given what's already unfolded this offseason, that's no guarantee. Danny Amendola and Aaron Hernandez will both see more targets if Gronkowski ends up missing time in the regular season.
Description: Lions running back Reggie Bush says the Detroit offense is similar to the Saints team he played with from 2006-10, according to a ProFootballTalk report.
Insight: Bush is an excellent pass receiver and should fit in well with a team that passed 740 times in 2012 (46.2 per game). He's also was able to stay on the field over the past two season which made him a viable fansty asset. With a current fantasyfootballcalculator.com ADP of 24.3, fantasy owners seem to like his move to Detroit. He had an ADP of 47.7 last summer.
Description: USA Today's Mike Garafolo is reporting that Jets running back Mike Goodson was arrested early Friday morning on drug possession and weapons charges.
Insight: Goodson is in the mix with Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell and Joe McKnight to be the Jets' starting tailback in 2013. This arrest certainly won't help his chances.
Description: NFL.com is reporting that New England tight end Rob Gronkowski will have a fourth surgery on his injured forearm.
Insight: Gronkowski will probably need about ten weeks to recover. He'll almost certainly miss the beginning of training camp and it's possible he might not be ready for the Pats' season opener September 8th against Buffalo.
Chad Johnson, WR
5/16/2013 9:09:00 PM
Description: A warrant has been issued for Chad Johnson's arrest. SOURCE: TMZ.com
Insight: Supposedly Johnson missed a meeting with his probation officer and now he could be facing jail time. We're guessing Ochocinco has played his final game in the NFL.
Description: Former Browns receiver/return specialist Josh Cribbs has signed with the Oakland Raiders.
Insight: Cribbs continues to be an excellent kick returner but he's never offered fantasy owners much in the receiving game. You shouldn't worry about him on draft day.
Description: The Vikings have decided to shift Joe Webb from QB to a full-time wide receiver, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Insight: Webb was thrown into the fire in January when Christian Ponder couldn't start Minnesota's playoff game against the Packers due to an elbow injury. Webb completed just 11-of-30 in the game and the Vikings lost 24-10. Minnesota signed Matt Cassel to back up Ponder this season. With Greg Jennings, Jerome Simpson, Jarius Wright and rookie first-rounder Cordarrelle Patterson ahead of him on the depth chart and the Vikings using a run-first offense, Webb won't have any fantasy value.
Description: Cardinals receiver Michael Floyd has been running ahead of Andre Roberts so far in OTAs, according to the Arizona Republic.
Insight: Floyd was taken 13th overall by the Cardinals in the 2012 NFL Draft but was behind Roberts for most of the season. He did have eight catches for 166 yards and a touchdown in Week 17 to finish with 45 receptions, 562 yards and two scores in his rookie year. With Bruce Arians' vertical offense in place and Carson Palmer under center, it should be a bounce-back year for Arizona's passing attack.
Description: David Garrard has decided to retire due to a lingering knee injury, according to Adam Schein of SNY and NFL.com.
Insight: Garrard hasn't appeared in an NFL game since 2010. His retirement means that Mark Sanchez only has to beat out rookie Geno Smith to be the Jets' starting quarterback again.
Description: Colts coach Chuck Pagano said running back Vick Ballard was the "lead guy" in the backfield, according to Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.
Insight: With Brown hurting, Ballard rushed for 814 yards and two rushing touchdowns and caught 17 balls for 152 yards last season. We expect that if Brown is healthy he'll get a good portion of the workload, but for now Ballard is the No. 1 option.
Description: Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew says he is still on schedule for his return to the field after Lisfranc surgery, although his current ability is limited to a 30-yard run at three-quarters speed, according to a Josh Alper report.
Insight: Jones-Drew underwent foot surgery in December. If all goes well he'll be ready for Opening Day, but that's far from a sure thing at this point. MJD is capable for putting up big numbers, but only if he is healthy.
Description: Running back Felix Jones signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Insight: Barring an injury to starter LeSean McCoy, Jones and Bryce Brown figure to have a limited upside for the upcoming season. The only good news for Jones fans is that new coach, Chip Kelly, while playing at an up tempo, prefers to run the ball first and pass second.
Description: Bengals second round draft choice Giovani Bernard (No. 37 overall) was seen catching a steady stream of passes out of the backfield at the team's OTA.
Insight: Bernard should be Cincinnati's change-of-pass and third-down back and get between 8-10 touches a game behind starter BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
Description: A Philadelphia Inquirer report indicates that Matt Barkley could be the Eagles' Week 1 starter at quarterback.
Insight: The other candidates are Mike Vick and Nick Foles. Barkley fell all the way to the fourth round at the draft last month after entering the 2012 season as a possible No. 1 pick. This report sounds a little ambitious but anything's possible with the Eagles.
Titus Young, WR
5/12/2013 2:07:00 PM
Description: Free agent wideout Titus Young, who was arrested twice in a 15-hour span last weekend, has added more lines to his arrest record. According to Lions beat writer Josh Katzenstein, Young was charged with burglary, assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest on Friday night.
Insight: Young's downward spiral continues. What a waste of talent.
Description: Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Joseph Randle will be expected to fill the Felix Jones role this season, backing up starter DeMarco Murray.
Insight: Randle will begin OTAs on a limited basis after undergoing right thumb surgery. Given Murray's inability to play 16 games in either of his first two seasons, Randle will be an important "handcuff' for fantasy owners.
Description: Chargers rookie wide receiver Keenan Allen should begin camp as the team's No. 3 receiver and could win a job opposite Danario Alexander if he's completely recovered from his 2012 knee injury.
Insight: With a solid quarterback in Philip Rivers, winning a starting role would immediately make Allen a viable fantasy starter.
Description: The 49ers fourth-round draft pick, running back Marcus Lattimore, is not likely to play at all this season.
Insight: The 49ers selected him for a few years down the road as they have plenty of running back talent on their current roster with Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James. Only keeper league owners should be interested in Lattimore this season.
Description: According to Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Saints running back Mark Ingram is 100-percent healthy for the first time in three seasons.
Insight: We expect a healthy Ingram could become a much more valuable fantasy asset, though as long as Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas are still on the field, he can't be an RB1.
Description: Tebow Mania won't be coming to New England according to Yahoo Sports.
Insight: Apparently head coach Bill Belichick "hates" Tebow as a player. That's pretty harsh. Tebow was let go recently by the Jets and hasn't drawn much interest from other teams. His best hope is to land a backup job before training camp starts in July.
Description: Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will undergo two weeks of antibiotic treatment on his left arm. SOURCE: Boston Globe
Insight: If there's no infection, he'll have the plate removed from his arm and his rehab will go on as planned. If the infection is still there, Gronkowski would likely have a fifth arm surgery and could miss the early portion of the 2013 regular season.
Titus Young, WR
5/8/2013 8:14:00 PM
Description: Free agent wideout Titus Young was arrested twice in a 15-hour span over the weekend.
Insight: He was pulled over for drunk driving Sunday morning and later the cops caught him trying to sneak his car out of the inpound lot. Young won't have an easy time finding a new team while these off the field distractions hover over him. What a waste of talent.
Description: Long time Bucs corner Ronde Barber has announced his retirement. SOURCE: Jay Glazer, Fox Sports
Insight: Barber produced 47 picks and 28 sacks in 17 NFL seasons. He didn't miss a single game between 1998 and 2012. Barber will certainly garner some Hall of Fame consideration when he becomes eligible.
Description: Denver Broncos executive vice president John Elway said Wisconsin running back Montee Ball has a chance to start in his rookie season.
Insight: Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno will be trying to return from knee injuries and apparently Ronnie Hillman isn't thought of as an every-down back.
Description: Jaguars GM David Caldwell praised Denard Robinson's burst at running back and said the team plans to get him 10-15 touches per game as a rookie, according to Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com.
Insight: He'll also return kicks. The former Michigan Wolverines QB probably won't be drafted in many fantasy leagues, but he could prove to have some value if he displays big-play ability in the preseason.
Description: Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski still isn't sure if he'll need another surgery on his left arm. SOURCE: ESPN Boston
Insight: Gronkowski has already encountered multiple setbacks in his recovery from a broken arm. No news is good news and since we haven't heard much about Gronk's recovery over the last month, we'll assume he's on the comeback trail.
Description: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that the Chiefs are no longer looking to trade offensive tackle Branden Albert.
Insight: The Chiefs almost had a deal in place to trade Albert to Miami but in the end, the Dolphins weren't willing to give away their second round draft pick. Kansas City gave Albert the franchise tag earlier this offseason.
Description: The Jaguars aren't ready to cut ties with troubled wideout Justin Blackmon despite his recent suspension. SOURCE: ESPN.com
Insight: Blackmon had an embarrassing DUI arrest last offseason and now he's been suspended for the first four games of next season after violating the league's substance abuse policy. The Oklahoma State star has incredible talent but he won't be able to fulfill his true potential until he overcomes some of his off-field issues.
Description: ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Jaguars wideout Justin Blackmon has been suspended for four games for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.
Insight: Blackmon had 615 of his 865 yards in the final seven games after Chad Henne took over for Blaine Gabbert at quarterback, including 236 yards in Week 11 at Houston. He was becoming a offensive force. Now his value will have to be discounted by 25 percent.
Description: Following the in the footsteps of Pierre Garcon and Cecil Shorts is Mount Union receiver Jasper Collins who was signed as a free agent by the Miami Dolphins.
Insight: Collins is just 5-foot-10, 180 lbs, but posted 1,694 yards and 22 TDs in his senior season. He ran a 4.47 at his Pro Day and might be one to watch down the road. The Dolphins are making a big effort to surround second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill with receiving talent (Mike Wallace, Brandon Gibson, Dustin Keller).
Description: A Yahoo Sports report said the San Diego Chargers asked LaDainian Tomlinson is he was interested in playing this season.
Insight: Though Tomlinson never seriously considered the offer, it is a glimpse into how the Chargers view running back Ryan Mathews. The oft-injured tailback rushed for 707 yards last season and caught 39 balls for 252 yards. The team also signed Danny Woodhead during the offseason. Any hopes that Mathews would finally develop into the workhorse role he was drafted for should be gone from fantasy owners' thoughts.
Description: Pittsburgh's decision to draft Michigan State running back Le'Veon Bell has made Jonathan Dwyer expendable. SOURCE: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network
Insight: The draft is winding to a close, so it looks like Dwyer will stay put for now. Don't be surprised if the Steelers trade him before the season starts.
Description: Welcome to the NFL, Denard Robinson. The Jaguars selected the Michigan QB/RB/WR/DB early in the fifth round.
Insight: Robinson is oozing with talent, though it's unclear what position he'll play at the next level. It sounds like the Jaguars are envisioning Robinson as a halfback but nothing is set in stone.
Description: The 49ers used their fourth round draft pick on South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore.
Insight: It remains to be seen whether Lattimore can come back from his latest knee injury. He seems confident that he'll be ready for Week 1 against the Packers.
Description: Once thought to be a first-round pick, Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib wasn't taken until the fourth round of this weekend's NFL Draft. The Giants drafted him 110th overall.
Insight: In a stunning move, Nassib's college coach Doug Marrone (now the head coach of the Bills) passed on Nassib and took Florida State's E.J. Manuel with the 16th pick of the first round. Nassib was the fifth quarterback selected. He'll back up Eli Manning and shouldn't have any fantasy value unless the two-time Super Bowl MVP gets injured.
Description: The Eagles took USC quarterback Matt Barkley with the first pick of the fourth round.
Insight: He'll compete with Nick Foles for the backup quarterback position this summer. Michael Vick is pretty injury-prone so it's possible we could see Barkley start a few games for the Birds in 2013.
Description: It looks as though running back James Starks could be on his way out of Green Bay. SOURCE: Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
Insight: The Packers loaded up on halfbacks in the draft (Eddy Lacy and Johnathan Franklin), so Starks won't be needed next season. The 27-year-old was a non-factor during the 2012 campaign (255 rushing yards in six games).
Description: The Jets have inked running back Chris Ivory to a new three-year, $10 million contract. SOURCE: Manish Mehta, New York Daily News
Insight: The 25-year-old is New York's running back of the future. The Jets may have also found their quarterback of the future after taking Geno Smith with the 39th pick at Friday night's NFL Draft.
Description: The Patriots have acquired running back LeGarrette Blount from the Buccaneers.
Insight: And all they had to give up was practice squad running back Jeff Demps and a seventh-round pick. It's a nice pickup for the Pats as Blount should be the team's preferred goal line back next season. He might also get some third down looks now that third-down specialist Danny Woodhead is with the Chargers.
Description: New Orleans traded running back Chris Ivory to the Jets for a fourth-round pick. SOURCE: Jason La Canfora, CBS Sports
Insight: We heard rumblings about an Ivory trade earlier in the week and now it looks like the deal has finally come to fruition. Ivory was never a fantasy-worthy back in New Orleans but we're expecting that to change now that he's part of a more run-oriented offense in New York.
Description: The Chargers traded up to pick Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o with the 38th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Insight: Te'o was a Heisman Trophy finalist last year at South Bend while leading the Irish to the BCS title game. Te'o fell to the second round because of a bizarre off the field incident he encountered back in January but he should still be a solid contributor at the professional level.
Description: The Jets snagged West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith with the seventh pick of the second round (39th overall).
Insight: ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter suggested that this move could represent the end of the Mark Sanchez Era in New York. With Smith, Sanchez, David Garrard and Tim Tebow all on the Jets' roster, head coach Rex Ryan will have a big decision to make later this offseason. We're guessing the rookie Smith will be under center for New York's Week 1 matchup with Tampa Bay.
Description: NFL.com's Ian Rapoport is reporting that Cleveland has acquired receiver Davone Bess from the Dolphins.
Insight: Bess posted respectable numbers in Miami last season (61 receptions, 778 yards) but he's far from a fantasy stud. In fantasy leagues, he's a late rounder at best.
Description: Halfback LaRod Stephens-Howling has agreed to a one-year deal with Pittsburgh according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.
Insight: Stephens-Howling has never rushed for more than 356 yards in a single season. The Steelers could use him as a kick returner but that won't improve his fantasy prospects.
Description: The Minnesota Vikings used their third first-round pick (No. 29) on Tennessee wideout Cordarrelle Patterson.
Insight: He's a bit raw, but has the size (6-3, 216 pounds) and speed (4.42) to become a No. 1 receiver. Patterson played just one season at the FBS level, catching 46 balls for 778 yards and five touchdowns. He set a Tennessee record of 1,858 all-purpose yards. He'll be a risky pick, but has a huge top end if he quickly develops a rapport with quarterback Christian Ponder.
Description: With Kevin Walter agreeing to a deal in the offseason with Tennessee, the Texans used their first-round pick (27th overall) to select Clemson standout DeAndre Hopkins.
Insight: Hopkins had a huge season at Clemson, putting up 82 receptions for 1,405 yards and 18 touchdowns. He's not super fast, but a good route runner who can separate from the defender. He's also a solid blocker for a receiver, which Arian Foster will appreciate. Hopkins should end up being a low-end WR3 by the end of his rookie season.
Description: The Cincinnati Bengals grabbed the best tight end in the 2013 draft in Tyler Eifert despite the presence of Jermaine Gresham on their roster.
Insight: Eifert has excellent size at 6-foot-5 and plays like a big receiver. He's particularly adept at winning jump-ball situations. He should be valuable in the red zone, but his overall fantasy value will be limited as the third or fourth option for quarterback Andy Dalton.
Description: The Bills selected Florida State QB E.J. Manuel with the 16th pick in the first round Thursday night at the 2013 NFL Draft.
Insight: Manuel was the first quarterback selected. The Bills were expected to go with Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib at No. 16 so this choice comes as a bit of a shock. Manuel is known for his elite running ability and has already drawn comparisons to Michael Vick. He could have a chance to overtake Kevin Kolb for the starting quarterback position in Buffalo next season.
Description: West Virginia's Tavon Austin was the first skill player taken in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Insight: The Rams grabbed him off the board at pick No. 8. Austin gives QB Sam Bradford a reliable weapon in the receiving game, which is something the Rams desperately needed following the departures of Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson this offseason.
Description: Central Michigan tackle Eric Fisher was taken by the Chiefs as the first overall pick at the 2013 NFL Draft.
Insight: Fisher was expected to go either first or second with Texas A&M's Luke Joeckel also in the mix for the No. 1 selection. Fisher should be able to make an impact right away by using his 6-foot-7 frame to shield quarterback Alex Smith from opposing defenders.
Description: The Chargers re-signed restricted free agent receiver Danario Alexander to a one-year contract Thursday. SOURCE: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Insight: The Bolts found their No. 1 receiver in the middle of the season, and fantasy owners also found a reliable WR3 down the stretch in the oft-injured 24-year-old. While owners may remember his goose egg in Week 15, Alexander ended up catching 37 balls for 658 yards and seven scores in his final nine games, numbers that translate to 65 catches, 1,169 yards and 12 touchdowns in a 16-game season. He'll be a starter next year as long as he stays healthy.
Description: The Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that the Browns are no longer interested in acquiring New England quarterback Ryan Mallett.
Insight: Apparently the Patriots' asking price for Mallett was too high (New England wants a second-rounder as compensation). Some people are saying that Mallett is better than any quarterback in this year's draft. Bill Belichick and company should get plenty more phone calls about Mallett before Roger Goodell takes the podium tonight in New York.
Description: According to ESPN's John Clayton, Miami would be willing to give up the 54th pick in the draft for Chiefs tackle Branden Albert.
Insight: But it doesn't sound like they'd part with the 42nd pick, which is likely what it will take for Kansas City to pull the trigger. The two sides still have another 24 hours to hammer out a deal before the second round of the draft gets underway.
Description: Draftinsider's Tony Pauline believes there's a "99.9 percent" chance the Dolphins will trade wide receiver Davone Bess to Cleveland for draft picks.
Insight: Bess (61 catches, 778 yards, one TD in 2012) would be more of a fantasy asset in Cleveland than he would be if he stayed in Miami. The Browns are expected to give up a mid-round draft choice as part of the trade.
Description: New York Giants restricted free agent receiver Victor Cruz was reportedly given a new offer from the team which according to a New York Daily News report is for around $7 million a year.
Insight: Cruz wants to be paid like a No. 1 receiver and looking at what Dwayne Bowe received in the offseason, Cruz hasn't gotten that level of offer. Although we expect that the two sides will eventually work out an agreement it might take Cruz sitting for a while. Don't let that change your value of Cruz, who has caught 168 balls for 2,628 yards and 19 TDs over the past two seasons.
Description: Veteran linebacker Scott Fujita announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday.
Insight: He signed a one-day contract with New Orleans to finish his career as a Saint. Fujita, who spent his last three seasons with Cleveland, collected 767 tackles, 23.5 sacks and seven interceptions during his 11-year career.
Description: According to Tampa Bay Times reporter Stephen Holder, the Buccaneers could look to trade halfback LeGarrette Blount before this week's draft.
Insight: Doug Martin is the lead back in Tampa, which means that Blount is expendable. The former Oregon Duck went over the 1,000 yard mark as a rookie in 2010 but hasn't done much since then (151 yards on 41 carries last season).
Description: The Jets are trying to work out a deal for New Orleans running back Chris Ivory. SOURCE: Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
Insight: The Jets would be willing to part with a fifth-round pick in next week's draft to complete the trade. After backing up Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram last season, Ivory would have a chance to be a starter in New York.
Description: Cornerback Darrelle Revis has passed his physical, making the trade to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers complete. The Jets will received the 13th-overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft and a conditional pick in 2014.
Insight: Revis also has agreed to a six-year contract with the Bucs that reportedly will pay him $16 million each year, making him the highest-paid DB in history, but includes no guaranteed money (per Adam Schefter). Tampa Bay and New York have been discussing a Revis trade for months, but the Bucs' unwillingness to part with that draft choice had been holding up the deal. With Revis and Dashon Goldson in place, Tampa Bay potentially will have a game-changing pass defense to combat the likes of Roddy White, Julio Jones, Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston and Steve Smith in the NFC South.
Description: According to ESPN, the Jets have a deal in place to send Darrell Revis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Insight: The trade is pending a physical, and is reported to include the 13th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Tampa Bay and New York have been discussing a Revis trade for months, but the Bucs' unwillingness to part with that draft choice had been holding up the deal. With Revis and Dashon Goldson in place, Tampa Bay potentially will have a game-changing pass defense to combat the likes of Roddy White, Julio Jones, Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston and Steve Smith.
Description: Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison has inked a two-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. SOURCE: Cincinnati Enquirer
Insight: Harrison spent the first nine years of his career with Pittsburgh but the Steelers cut him to save money back in March. He'll return to Heinz Field on December 15th for Sunday Night Football.
Description: Tom Silverstein from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting that linebacker Clay Matthews has agreed to a five-year, $66 million contract extension with the Packers.
Insight: We had heard rumblings that the two sides were close to a deal and now it's official. Matthews struggled with injuries last season (13 sacks, 43 tackles in 12 games) but he's still one of the most feared linebackers in all of football.
Description: Vikings superstar running back Adrian Peterson vowed to run for 2,500 yards this season, according to Dan Wiederer of the Star Tribune.
Insight: We like AP's confidence, but we have no illusions of that actually happening. Fantasy owners will be ecstatic if he simply repeats last season's production (2,097 rushing, 217 receiving, 13 TDs).
Description: According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, former Seahawks and Browns quarterback Seneca Wallace has agreed to a one-year deal with the Saints.
Insight: Last week it appeared that Wallace would sign with Oakland but instead he opted for New Orleans where he'll back up the veteran Drew Brees. Over the last eight seasons, Brees has missed just one game, which makes it highly unlikely that Wallace will see any playing time in 2013.
Description: The Steelers have decided to match the one-year, $2.5 million offer sheet the Patriots gave restricted free agent Emmanuel Sanders. SOURCE: USA Today
Insight: Ben Roethlisberger was campaigning for the Steelers to bring Sanders back, and the team did just that rather than accept the Patriots' third-round pick as compensation. With Mike Wallace signing with the Dolphins, Sanders will have more fantasy value with the Steelers than he would have had with New England.
Description: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is campaigning for the Steelers to re-sign Emmanuel Sanders. The wide receiver recently agreed to a one-year offer sheet from the Patriots. SOURCE: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Insight: The Steelers have two options: make Big Ben happy by keeping Sanders for $2.5 million or letting him go to New England and accepting a third round draft pick. They'll have until the end of Sunday night to match the Patriots' offer.
Description: Three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield has agreed to a deal to play with the Seattle Seahawks for next season.
Insight: The combination of Winfield, Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner is going to make it extremely tough for fantasy receivers in 2013-14. Factor this into any receiver you draft from the NFC West.
Description: New England tight end Rob Gronkowski is going to wait a few weeks for his infection to go away before deciding whether or not to have another surgery on his left arm. SOURCE: Boston Herald
Insight: There's two ways Gronkowski owners can take this news. The glass half full people will say that at least Gronk isn't going for surgery, which would probably knock him out until September at the earliest. The glass half empty argument would be that if Gronk waits a few weeks and then decides to have surgery, he's going to miss a significant chunk of the regular season. Hopefully Gronkowski won't need surgery but he's certainly not out of the woods just yet.
Description: Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard has been sentenced to two years probation and a 30-day jail sentence for assaulting a police officer in Nebraska last April. SOURCE: Mike Rodak, ESPN Boston
Insight: He'll start his prison sentence on March 1, 2014 so Dennard should be available for the entirety of the 2013 NFL season. Dennard (35 tackles, three interceptions as a rookie in 2012) is an emerging star in the New England secondary so this is very good news for Pats fans.
Description: Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that the Seahawks have signed quarterback Brady Quinn to a new contract.
Insight: Quinn actually started a few games for Kansas City last season but that won't happen in 2013 unless Russell Wilson suffers some kind of an injury. This probably isn't quite the career trajectory Quinn had been hoping for when he entered the league as a first round pick in 2007 but at least he's still getting a paycheck.
Description: After weeks of speculation, the Patriots have officially signed wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders to an offer sheet.
Insight: The deal is worth $2.5 million for one season. Jason Cole from Yahoo Sports says that if Pittsburgh declines to match New England's offer, the Patriots will likely sign Sanders to a long-term contract. Sanders caught 44 passes for 626 yards as Ben Roethlisberger's No. 3 option last year in the Steel City.
Description: The Patriots will re-sign receiver Julian Edelman today, according to USA Today's Mike Garafolo.
Insight: Edelman has shown the ability to replicate Wes Welker-type receiving numbers on a short-term basis, but has never done it for a full season. He'll likely back up injury-prone Danny Amendola and have fantasy value only as a handcuff.
Description: Bears wideout Brandon Marshall, who underwent hip surgery in January, is reportedly running again, according to a Chicago Sun-Times report.
Insight: Marshall set career highs in catches (113), receiving yards (1,466) and touchdowns (11) in 2012. He has had similar procedures on both hips in the past so this shouldn't be a problem going into next season. He's currently the third receiver off the board in mock drafts at fantasyfootballcalculator.com (behind Calvin Johnson and A.J. Green).
Description: Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant told an El Paso radio station that his broken finger is feeling great and he's been catching balls from quarterback Tony Romo.
Insight: Bryant played much better in the second half of the 2012-13 season despite the finger injury catching 50 balls for 879 yards and 10 touchdowns over the final eight games. It is the level of performance that was expected from him since he arrived in 2010. At fantasyfootballcalculator.com he's being selected as the fourth wideout off the board.
Description: Former 49ers kicker David Akers has been signed by the Detroit Lions to replace long-time kicker Jason Hanson.
Insight: Akers was the top fantasy kicker after booting 44 field goals in 2011-12, but slumped last season, missing nine of 38 field goal attempts. He should find kicking indoors a boon to his accuracy and could once again be a top fantasy kicker.
Description: Bears wideout Devin Hester will apparently return to his role as a return specialist, according to the Chicago Sun-Times report.
Insight: Hester had 23 catches for 242 yards and a touchdown last season and even at his best was never better than a No. 3 fantasy wideout. He has returned five kickoffs and 12 punts for touchdowns in his career.
Description: Patriots All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowksi has encountered yet another setback in his recovery from a broken arm.
Insight: ESPN Boston is reporting that Gronkowski may have suffered another infection, which would prompt another surgery on his left forearm. If Gronkowski does need another surgery, he could be sidelined for the start of the regular season.
Description: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez has determined that 2013 will be his final season even though he signed a two-year deal. Unlike last season, we believe him this time.
Insight: Gonzalez can still play at a high level as last year's statistics showed - 93 receptions for 930 yards and eight touchdowns. He'll once again be a top-five fantasy tight end this season.
Description: Terrell Owens was spotted working out with New England quarterback Tom Brady Wednesday at USC's practice facility. SOURCE: ESPN Boston
Insight: Of course now the rumor is that Owens will be a Patriot in 2013. Bill Belichick has taken risks on high maintenance big names before (Corey Dillon, Albert Haynesworth, Randy Moss and Chad Johnson/Ochocinco to name a few) but keep in mind that Owens is almost 40 and he couldn't even make the Seahawks' 53-man roster last summer. T.O. playing for the Patriots looks like an extreme long shot at this point.
Description: According to Jason La Canfora from CBS Sports, wide receiver Domenik Hixon has agreed to a one-year contract with the Panthers.
Insight: It was easy for Eli Manning to forget about Hixon with Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz around in New York. Carolina should be a much friendlier fantasy setting for the 28-year-old.
Description: Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha has agreed to a one-year deal with the 49ers. SOURCE: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Insight: It comes with a $1.5 million base salary, a far cry from the $12 million he earned annually during his two-year stint with the Eagles. Asomugha underachieved in Philadelphia but perhaps playing for a contender will rejuvenate him. He'll be 32 when training camp starts in July.
Description: Former Cardinals QB John Skelton was claimed off waivers by Cincinnati. SOURCE: Joe Reedy, Cincinnati Enquirer
Insight: Skelton produced two touchdowns and nine interceptions as a part time starter for Arizona last season. He won't have any fantasy value in 2013.
Description: Carson Palmer has been traded to Arizona for draft picks.
Insight: The Raiders acquired Matt Flynn from Seattle yesterday making Palmer expendable. Palmer will have a superstar receiver in Larry Fitzgerald along with youngster Michael Floyd and Andre Roberts, so he should be able to produce decent numbers if the offensive line can hold their blocks.
Description: Former St. Louis Rams receiver Steve Smith has signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
Insight: Due to injuries, Smith hasn't been relevant for fantasy owners since 2009 when he caught 107 balls for 1,220 yards and seven TDs for the Giants. He'll be behind Vincent Jackson, Mike Williams and Kevin Ogletree in Tampa, so barring injury, his fantasy value is minimal.
Description: Former Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey has agreed to a one-year deal with Indianapolis.
Insight: Don't get too excited. Sure, Heyward-Bey can help Andrew Luck stretch the field with his big play ability but he's a distant fourth on the depth chart behind Reggie Wayne, Donnie Avery and T.Y. Hilton.
Description: The Carson Palmer to Arizona trade appears to be falling apart.
Insight: Jason La Canfora from CBS Sports says the deal has "hit a snag" and that it's uncertain "if it can be overcome at this point." The Raiders acquired Matt Flynn from Seattle earlier in the day so it doesn't look like Palmer will be needed next season. If the Cards and Raiders can't get past this snag, Oakland will likely look to trade Palmer somewhere else.
Description: The Cardinals have cut quarterback John Skelton.
Insight: Arizona is close to acquiring Carson Palmer from Oakland so it wouldn't make much sense to keep Skelton on the roster. If Skelton finds work next season it will probably be as a backup.
Description: Jason La Canfora from CBS Sports is reporting that the Browns have traded quarterback Colt McCoy to the 49ers for a pair of draft picks.
Insight: McCoy will only be of use to fantasy owners if Colin Kaepernick gets hurt. Now that McCoy is out of the picture, Brandon Weeden won't face any competition for the starting quarterback job this season.
Description: Robert Griffin II told the Washington Post that his son is ready to resume practicing on the field. RG3 underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL on January 9th.
Insight: Griffin's father said the transition should take place some time in the next week. So far in his recovery, Griffin has been limited to running on a treadmill and working out in the pool. It'll be close but we think Griffin will be ready to start Week 1 for the Skins.
Description: Seattle backup quarterback Matt Flynn has been traded to the Oakland Raiders for two draft picks, according to Fox's Jay Glazer.
Insight: Assuming Carson Palmer is gone (to Arizona or Tampa Bay), Flynn will finally get a chance to start. He'll have a nice young receiving corps to grow with including Denarius Moore and Rod Streater.
Description: It's looking more and more like Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer will be traded to the Arizona Cardinals. Oakland is also set to trade for Seattle backup Matt Flynn.
Insight: Palmer would apparently like to go to Tampa Bay where confidence in Josh Freeman is growing short, but he and Larry Fitzgerald could be a dynamic combination for the Cardinals.
Description: Adam Caplan from PhiladelphiaEagles.com is reporting that Buffalo has agreed to a two-year contract with quarterback Kevin Kolb.
Insight: He'll earn $13 million over the next two seasons. Kolb was released by Arizona earlier in the month. He'll take over for Ryan Fitzpatrick under center.
Description: Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty had offseason surgery to repair his injured shoulder. SOURCE: ESPN Boston
Insight: McCourty led New England with five interceptions last season. 2012 marked McCourty's first season as a full-time free safety. He should be fully recovered by the time training camp rolls around in July.
Description: After visiting with several teams, TE Fred Davis has decided to re-sign with the Redskins for one year.
Insight: Davis only played seven games last season due to a torn Achilles and saw a decline in production when he was active. Even though No. 1 receiver Pierre Garcon was injured early in the season, Davis was not heavily targeted by Robert Griffin III.
Description: The Cowboys inked QB Tony Romo to a six-year, $108 million contract extension through 2019. The deal includes $55 million in guaranteed money.
Insight: Romo finished third in the NFL last season with a career-high 4,903 yards and has thrown at least 26 touchdown passes over his last five healthy seasons. The continued development of Dez Bryant should help Romo remain a top-10 fantasy signal-caller for the next few years.
Description: According to Yahoo! Sports' Mike Silver, the Raiders have "legitimate" interest in Matt Flynn.
Insight: With a divorce with Carson Palmer looking more and more likely, the Raiders could be in the market for a quarterback, either through the draft or free agency. Flynn could very well have a starting job next season.
Description: Multiple sources are reporting that the Packers are close to reaching a contract extension with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Insight: ESPN's Trey Wingo was floating around "four years, $100 million" as a possible contract figure on Thursday afternoon's edition of NFL Live. If that comes to fruition, Rodgers would be getting the largest annual salary in NFL history. Rodgers still has two years left on his current deal that pays $8 million annually.
Description: Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer has balked at the team's request that he take a $3 million pay cut from his $13 million base salary, which Yahoo! Sports' Mike Silver says is a sign that Palmer no longer wants to play for Oakland.
Insight: Sources say that a divorce is imminent. "Carson isn't 28, and he doesn't know how much time he has left," one source close to Palmer said Wednesday. "Does he want to be with a team that is clearly rebuilding and looks like it's a long way away from contending, where he doesn't have a whole lot around him? He's gotten to play a lot in his career, but he hasn't gotten to experience a lot of winning. At this point, I think being somewhere where they have a chance to win is the most important thing."
Description: The Patriots have signed former Falcons and Vikings receiver Michael Jenkins. SOURCE: Jason La Canfora, CBSSports.com.
Insight: We're going to go out on a limb and say this isn't the field stretching weapon New England is looking for. Jenkins had 40 receptions, 449 yards and two touchdowns last season and owns a 12.5 ypc average in his career.
Description: Former Giants DE Osi Umenyiora has officially signed with the Atlanta Falcons on a two-year, $8.5 million contract.
Insight: The Falcons had a void on the defensive line after releasing John Abraham earlier this offseason. Abraham had 36 tackles, 10 sacks and six forced fumbles for the Falcons last season. After picking up 12 sacks as a full-time starter in 2010-11, Umenyiora had just 15 over 25 games as a situational pass rusher the last two seasons. He has 75.5 sacks and 32 forced fumbles in his career.
Description: The Browns are expected to part ways with backup quarterback Colt McCoy according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Insight: If the Browns can't trade McCoy prior to the draft, they'll likely release him. McCoy completed 9-of-17 passes for 79 yards backing up rookie Brandon Weeden in 2012.
Marcus Lattimore, RB
3/27/2013 3:16:00 PM
Description: South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore (knee) worked out for reps of all the teams on Wednesday and he impressed most of them, according to USAToday reporter Robert Klemko.
Insight: Lattimore has the talent to be a difference maker, but is coming off a second knee injury and will be a gamble for any teams that selects him. While he probably won't be ready for Week 1, he says he'll play in the first half of the season. If Lattimore gets a chance to play, he could end up being an exciting fantasy player, but the risk factor is off the charts.
Description: Detroit head coach Jim Schwartz says running backs Joique Bell and Mikel Leshoure will still be part of the Lions offense, according to a report from detroitlions.com, but we don't see how.
Insight: Bush figures to be the starter and the pass receiver and Leshoure should get the short yardage and goal line work. Barring injury, that obviously would leave Bell, who caught 52 balls last season, out in the cold.
Description: Field Yates of ESPN Boston reports that the Patriots have agreed to a four-year deal with right tackle Sebastian Vollmer.
Insight: Vollmer was an All-Pro selection for the Pats in 2010. His presence on the offensive line should comfort Tom Brady quite a bit. New England drafted Vollmer as a second-round pick from the University of Houston back in 2009.
Description: Former Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil has signed with the Baltimore Ravens, according to the Denver Post. Dumervil agreed to a restructured deal with the Broncos last week but his agent failed to get the paperwork into the league office before the deadline, leaving the Broncos no choice but to cut Dumervil rather than guaranteeing all $12 million of his salary.
Insight: The release counted as a $5 million hit in dead money on Denver's salary cap, making it impossible for the Broncos to offer Dumervil the same restructured contract. Getting Dumervil is the first real offseason win for the defending Super Bowl champions, who have lost seven starters overall.
Osi Umenyiora, DE
3/23/2013 10:20:00 PM
Description: According to a report on ProFootballTalk.com, a source with knowledge of the situation said that free agent DE Osi Umenyiora is expected to join the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday or Monday.
Insight: The Falcons have a void on the defensive line after releasing John Abraham earlier this offseason. Abraham had 36 tackles, 10 sacks and six forced fumbles for the Falcons last season. After picking up 12 sacks as a full-time starter in 2010-11, Umenyiora had just 15 over 25 games as a situational pass rusher the last two seasons. He has 75.5 sacks and 32 forced fumbles in his career.
Description: Dr. James Andrews says Robert Griffin III's recovery from knee surgery is "superhuman," according to ESPN's Stephania Bell.
Insight: Andrews performed Griffin's right knee surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL on Jan. 9. "I’ve been real mum on talking too much about RG III. He wants his recovery to be fairly private but I can tell you he’s way ahead of schedule. His recovery has been unbelievable so far," Andrews told ESPN. "RGIII is one those superhumans. First patient I ever had like that was Bo Jackson. And recently I, of course, had Adrian Peterson, who is also superhuman. They have an unbelievable ability to recover, where as a normal human being may not be able to recover."
Description: Former Niners wide receiver Ted Ginn has agreed to a one-year contract with the Panthers.
Insight: Ginn only made two catches last season and was mostly used as a return man. He could play a slightly larger role in Carolina but we're guessing he won't be drafted in any fantasy leagues.
Description: Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew has a schedule for his return to the field after Lisfranc surgery which included getting rid of the walking boot by the weekend, start running in May and be full-go in June.
Insight: Jones-Drew underwent foot surgery in December. If all goes well he'll be ready for Opening Day. MJD is capable for putting up 1,750-2,000 combined yards, but only if the Jaguars can come up with a passing game to prevent the opposition from showing eight man fronts.
Description: Former Ravens safety Bernard Pollard has agreed to a one-year deal with the Titans.
Insight: Pollard's physical style of play should serve him well in Tennessee. He's coming off a 98-tackle season last year in Baltimore. For his career he has 585 tackles and nine interceptions in 105 games.
Description: Linebacker Brian Urlacher called the one-year, $2 million offer he received from the Bears a "slap in the face" Thursday on Mike and Mike in the Morning.
Insight: Urlacher was hoping to get something in the $3.5 to 4 million range. He's hoping to play at least one more season but if he doesn't get an offer to his liking it's possible that Urlacher could simply call it a career.
Description: Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports is reporting that former Ravens safety Ed Reed has inked a two-year contract with Houston.
Insight: The Ravens have now lost seven starters from last season's Super Bowl-winning squad. La Canfora speculates that Reed could earn an annual salary of close to $6 million. Reed managed 58 tackles and four picks last season.
Description: The Bears have announced that they are moving on from linebacker Brian Urlacher after they were unable to agree on a new contract.
Insight: The Bears tweeted that "both sides will move forward." The linebacker finishes his Bears career with 1,362 total tackles (1,047 solo), 41.5 sacks, 22 interceptions, 12 forced fumbles and four touchdowns.
Description: Jason Wilde is reporting that Packers coach Mike McCarthy was recently singing the praises of running back DuJuan Harris.
Insight: Harris played well when given the chance late in the season and during the playoffs so if the Packers don't select a running back on Draft Day, you can expect Harris to get the first chance to be the team's starting tailback. Even if he wins the job, he'll still be limited by the fact that the Packers are a pass-first offense.
Description: Cardinals beat writer Kent Somers is reporting that new coach Bruce Arians wants to name his starting quarterback early in the preseason. This bodes well for the newly signed Drew Stanton since he alredy knows Arians' offense.
Insight: Since the choices are Stanton, John Skelton or a rookie, we like the odds for Stanton as the Cardinals' opening day starter.
Description: Former Browns tight end Benjamin Watson has agreed to a three-year contract with the Saints.
Insight: Watson (501 yards, three TD with Cleveland in 2012) won't have much fantasy significance in New Orleans unless Jimmy Graham suffers an injury. At age 32, Watson's best years are probably behind him.
Description: The Titans dumped quarterback Matt Hasselbeck on Monday.
Insight: It looks like the veteran won't be out of work for long. NFL Network's Ian Rapaport is reporting that Hasselbeck is close to inking a two-year agreement with Indianapolis. If Hasselbeck joins the Colts he'll be Andrew Luck's backup and won't have any real fantasy value.
Description: There have been conflicting reports about whether or not Pittsburgh wideout Emmanuel Sanders has signed an offer sheet with the Patriots.
Insight: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Sanders had indeed agreed to an offer sheet while the Washington Observer-Reporter is now saying that the Patriots have yet to make an official offer. Sanders is only a restricted free agent so if New England does sign Sanders to an offer sheet, the Steelers will have an opportunity to match it.
Description: Former Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil fired his agent Marty Magid and quickly signed on with another agent, Tom Condon. SOURCE: Jason La Canfora, CBS Sports
Insight: Dumervil agreed to a restructured deal with the Broncos earlier in the week but Magid failed to get the paperwork into the league office before Friday's deadline, leaving the Broncos no choice but to cut Dumervil. That's a pretty inexcusable mistake so it's no wonder Dumervil pulled the plug on his relationship with Magid. Ordinarily when a player fires his agent, he is required to wait five days before hiring a new agent. Instead, Magid waived the five-day waiting period, allowing Dumervil to sign on with Condon immediately. Baltimore and Tennessee appear to be the early front runners to sign Dumervil now that he's a free agent.
Description: 2013 could be a big year for Patriots running back Shane Vereen reports ESPN Boston's Field Yates.
Insight: With Danny Woodhead out of the equation (he signed a two-year deal with the Chargers on Friday), Vereen will move up to second on New England's running back depth chart. Vereen is expected to inherit Woodhead's old role as the team's passing down back. He should also see a decent amount of third down touches throughout the year. Vereen won't be a 1,000-yard threat like his teammate Stevan Ridley but he's certainly a player to keep an eye on in PPR formats.
Description: Former Raiders tight end Brandon Myers will take Martellus Bennett's place as the Giants' starting tight end in 2013.
Insight: The two sides worked out a one-year agreement on Saturday. Myers quietly had a very productive season in 2012, collecting career-highs in both receiving yards (806 yards) and catches (79). Of course a lot of those numbers came in garbage time but we wouldn't expect too big of a dropoff considering New York's penchant for airing the ball out. Meanwhile, Bennett (55 receptions, 626 yards, five touchdowns in 2012) inked a deal with Chicago earlier in the week.
Description: Former Patriots wideout Donte' Stallworth was hurt in a hot air balloon accident on Saturday. SOURCE: Mike Reiss, ESPN Boston
Insight: He's currently recovering in a Miami hospital. Stallworth and his girlfriend both suffered burns in the accident. Stallworth finished with a bizarre stat line in 2012. In his only game he caught one pass for a 63-yard touchdown. The 32-year-old Stallworth is expected to make a full recovery.
Description: Jeff Howe from the Boston Herald reports that the Patriots are set to release wide receiver Brandon Lloyd.
Insight: Lloyd's roller coaster season in 2012 included a 190-yard outing against San Francisco in Week 15, a two-touchdown game against St. Louis and a pair of one-catch performances versus Miami in Weeks 13 and 17. Lloyd's next team will be his seventh in the last eight seasons.
Description: The Jets were unable to trade cornerback Darrelle Revis before Saturday's deadline and now must pay him a $1 million roster bonus.
Insight: Don't read too much into this. Just because New York couldn't work out a deal before Saturday doesn't mean he won't be dealt this offseason. The implication is that Revis will walk when his deal expires at the end of 2013, which would give the Jets plenty of incentive to trade him. Losing $1 million now and trading Revis later is still better than getting nothing for him when he leaves in free agency.
Description: ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that cornerback Aqib Talib has re-signed with the Patriots.
Insight: It's a one-year contract worth $5 million. The former first-round pick collected 40 tackles and two interceptions in 10 games last season. He played his first four games with the Buccaneers before being dealt to New England just prior to November's trade deadline. Talib sat out four games last season after testing positive for Adderall, a banned substance under the league's collective bargaining agreement.
Description: Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Louis Murphy has signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants.
Insight: Murphy won't have much fantasy value in New York unless the team suffers multiple injuries with stars Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks taking up most of the targets.
Description: After trading Percy Harvin last week, the Vikings have snagged receiver Greg Jennings from the rival Packers with a five-year, $47.5 million contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Insight: Jennings was nagged by a groin injury for most of last season and only played eight games while catching 36 passes for 366 yards and four touchdowns. That came after he played only 13 games in 2011-12. Even if he stays healthy, having Christian Ponder instead of Aaron Rodgers as his QB will make it difficult for him to post his first 1,000-yard season since 2010-11 unless Ponder takes a major step forward. The signing probably does more to keep defenses from loading the box in front of Adrian Peterson than anything else.
Description: The Dolphins have brought in former Jets tight end Dustin Keller on a one-year contract.
Insight: Keller had an injury plagued 2012 season and missed eight games but he had 65 catches for 815 yards in 2011-12. Miami has signed Keller, Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson and re-signed Brian Hartline this offseason. Ryan Tannehill is a happy man.
Description: Well this is embarassing. The Broncos officially released pass rusher Elvis Dumervil after failing to submit his restructured contract to the league office prior to Friday's deadline.
Insight: Dumervil agreed to cut his salary from $12 million to $8 million Friday and was all set to stay with the Broncos but his release will cost the team nearly $5 million in dead money against the salary cap. He could be moving on to a different franchise after picking up 63 sacks in 91 games for the Broncos.
Description: The Miami Dolphins agreed to a three-year contract with former Rams receiver Brandon Gibson Friday.
Insight: Gibson (51 catches, five TD, 691 yards in 2012) had his moments last season but overall he's not a receiver you can count on for consistent fantasy production, especially since Miami also has Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Davone Bess in the fold.
Description: The Chargers have re-signed running back Ronnie Brown.
Insight: Brown served as San Diego's third-down back last season and had 49 catches but San Diego also signed Danny Woodhead Friday. Both players will have limited value outside of deep PPR leagues but they also will prevent Ryan Mathews from being more than a two-down back.
Description: Former Patriots running back Danny Woodhead has signed a two-year deal with the Chargers.
Insight: Woodhead had 747 yards from scrimmage, seven touchdowns and 40 receptions last season. He'll serve as San Diego's third-down back and could provide decent value in PPR leagues considering Ronnie Brown had 49 catches in that role last season.
Description: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez has agreed to a two-year deal to stay in Atlanta.
Insight: Gonzalez can clearly still play, as he had 93 receptions for 930 yards and eight touchdowns last season, and apparently wants one more shot or maybe two, at a Super Bowl title. In the Falcons' pass-happy offense, he'll once again be a top tight end option.
Description: It would appear that the Patriots have found their new return specialist. Leon Washington and New England have officially agreed to a one-year pact.
Insight: Washington tweeted a photo of himself wearing a Pats hat on his Twitter timeline. Washington represented the Seahawks in the Pro Bowl this past season. Julian Edelman was New England's primary kick returner during the 2012 campaign.
Description: Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network hears that the Cardinals are getting ready to cut quarterback Kevin Kolb.
Insight: We're expecting the move to come sometime in the next 24 hours as Kolb is due for a $2 million roster bonus on Saturday. Manish Mehta from the New York Daily News believes that the Jets will be interested in Kolb as soon as the Cards let him go.
Description: A Darrelle Revis trade to Tampa Bay looked imminent but now the deal has hit a snag as the Bucs appear to be unwilling to part with their first round draft pick.
Insight: Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports insists that the deal is "not dead." If there's any middle ground to be found, the two sides need to find it quickly. If Revis is still on New York's roster on Saturday he'll be eligible for a $1 million roster bonus.
Description: Percy Harvin has reached a six-year, $67 million contract extension with the Seahawks.
Insight: Harvin came over in a trade earlier this week. Assuming he stays healthy, Harvin should be one of the first receivers off the board on fantasy draft day.
Description: According to multiple reports, former Rams running back Steven Jackson has reached an agreement on a three-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
Insight: Jackson will give Atlanta's offense a new dynamic in 2013 and should have plenty of fantasy value as a three-down back who can run and catch the ball. Keep in mind that Michael Turner still carried the ball 222 times last season despite rushing for 3.6 yards per carry and found the end zone 11 times overall. Jackson's signing will relegate Jacquizz Rodgers to a third-down role at best.
Description: After being released earlier today, quarterback Matt Cassel has signed on with the Minnesota Vikings, according to Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com.
Insight: The inconsistent Christian Ponder has already been named the Vikings starting quarterback going into his third professional season. Cassel won't challenge the starting job but does provide the Vikings with a capable backup who can start a few games if needed.
Description: According to Tom Curran of CSNNE.com, Danny Amendola actually signed his contract with New England Tuesday but the team kept the deal under wraps. The Patriots reportedly still had their two-year, $10 million offer on the table for Wes Welker Wednesday.
Insight: Since news of the Amendola signing broke after Welker signed with the Broncos, it looked like a reactionary move on the part of the Patriots. According to Curran, New England's actual reaction came when Welker made it clear he would test the free agent market. New England didn't want to wait and risk losing both players.
Description: As expected, the Chiefs cut ties with Matt Cassel Thursday afternoon.
Insight: Kansas City got one good year and three bad ones out the six-year, $63 million contract Cassel signed in 2009. He'll have to settle for a backup job somewhere but even if he starts a few games in 2013 he won't have any fantasy value.
Description: Former Lions DE Cliff Avril has agreed to a two-year, $15 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
Insight: Avril has had at least 9.0 sacks in three straight seasons, including 9.5 in 2012. He'll replace Jason Jones, who signed with Avril's old team, in Seattle's DE rotation.
Description: Donnie Avery has signed a three-year, $8.55 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Insight: Avery experienced a resurgence with the Colts in 2012 with 60 receptions for 781 yards and three touchdowns. He'll likely be the Chiefs No. 2 receiver across from Dwayne Bowe in 2013.
Description: The Vikings are keeping tabs on free agent linebacker Brian Urlacher.
Insight: This report comes via the Chicago Tribune. Even at age 34, Urlacher managed to have a pretty productive season in 2012, collecting 68 tackles in 12 games. Heading to a divisional rival late in his career would be very Brett Favre-esque of Urlacher but the feeling around the league is that he'll probably wind up back in Chicago.
Description: The Ravens let Bernard Pollard go on Wednesday.
Insight: The veteran safety, well known for his destruction of Patriots' superstars, led the team in tackles last season (98) despite missing three games because of cracked ribs. Joe Flacco's gigantic contract has given the Ravens' very limited financial flexibility so don't be surprised if the team cuts a few more big names in the coming weeks.
Description: Meet Wes Welker's replacement, Danny Amendola. The Patriots have signed the former Rams wideout to a new five-year, $31 million contract.
Insight: A short slot receiver from Texas Tech ... sound familiar to anyone? Amendola is basically Welker 2.0. Tom Brady's rocket arm should propel the 27-year-old to his first 1,000 yard season in 2013, provided Amendola can stay healthy, something he hasn't done over the last two seasons with St. Louis.
Description: Former Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall has agreed to a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals.
Insight: Mendenhall wore out his welcome in Pittsburgh last season and was eventually phased out of the team's running back rotation. At age 25, he still has plenty left to offer, especially since he is further removed from knee surgery. New Cardinals coach Bruce Arians knows Mendenhall well since he was Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator prior to joining the Colts last season.
Description: The Titans have signed Shonn Greene to a three-year, $10 million contract.
Insight: Greene has rushed for 1,000 yards in two straight seasons but we wouldn't exactly call him an impact back. He'll back up Chris Johnson and provide some short yardage and power running even though he doesn't do either of those things particularly well.
Description: The Broncos have agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with former Patriots receiver Wes Welker, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Insight: New England didn't want to pony up the money needed to sign Welker so he took his talents elsewhere. He'll join a receiving corps that already had two 1,000-yard receivers in Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker but with Peyton Manning throwing the ball Denver might be able to make it three in 2013. Still, all three players will see their fantasy value decline since they have to share the ball.
Description: The Lions have signed running back Reggie Bush to a four-year, $16 million contract, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com.
Insight: Bush seems like a perfect fit for a team who threw the ball 46.3 times per game last season, over four times more than any other team. Bush played 31 of a possible 32 games and put up 2,660 yards from scrimmage during his time with Miami.
Description: The Raiders have released receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, according to Will Brinson of CBSSports.com.
Insight: With 140 receptions for 2071 yards and 11 touchdowns in four seasons as a Raiders, Heyward-Bey will go down as a draft bust after being selected with the seventh overall pick in 2009. Heyward-Bey was the first receiver off the board in a draft that included Michael Crabtree (10th, SF), Jeremy Maclin (19th, PHI), Percy Harvin (22nd, MIN), Hakeem Nicks (29th, NYG), Kenny Britt (30th, TEN), Mike Wallace (84th, PIT) and Brian Hartline (108th, MIA).
Description: The Rams have signed former Titans tight end Jared Cook to a five-year contract.
Insight: Earlier reports had Cook close to a deal with the Dolphins. The tight end is an explosive athlete who can split out wide and could replace Danny Amendola as St. Louis' slot receiver. His numbers haven't lived up to his abilities yet but he'll be an intriguing player as Sam Bradford's new No. 1 target.
Description: Tight end Delanie Walker has reached an agreement in principle on a four-year deal with the Tennessee Titans.
Insight: Walker served a variety of roles for San Franciscom including blocking tight end and fullback. His signing could be a signal that Tennessee won't bring back free agent Jared Cook.
Description: According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, pass rusher Paul Kruger has agreed in principle on a five-year deal with the Cleveland Browns.
Insight: Kruger had a career-high nine sacks in 2012 but Baltimore couldn't re-sign him due to salary cap issues. Cleveland ranked 11th in the NFL in sacks but 25th in passing yardage allowed last season.
Description: According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bears have reached an agreement on a four-year deal with tight end Martellus Bennett.
Insight: Bennett caught 55 passes for 626 yards and five touchdowns for New York last season. Chicago hasn't used its tight ends much in the offense since Greg Olsen left but that's likely due to its personnel at that position and issues on the offensive line that forced tight ends to pass block.
Description: The Bills have released quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Insight: Buffalo will take a $10 million cap hit by cutting Fitzpatrick, but by using a post-June 1 designation they will be able to spread it over two years. Fitzpatrick got a huge contract extension from Buffalo after a hot start in 2011 but the Bills no longer had faith in him as a No. 1 QB. Look for the Bills to address their quarterback issues in the draft or free agency.
Description: According to multiple reports, the Dolphins and receiver Mike Wallace have agreed to a five-year contract. ESPN's John Clayton is reporting that the deal is worth $65 million, and NFL Network's Jeff Darlington is saying that roughly $30 million is guaranteed.
Insight: Wallace had an up and down season for Pittsburgh in 2012 (836 yards and eight touchdowns) but he wasn't exactly used to his strengths by new OC Todd Haley. Haley ran a "dink-and-dunk" offense that was publicly criticized by both Wallace and QB Ben Roethlisberger. We expect Miami will use Wallace as a field-stretching weapon in 2013.
Description: The Eagles have released cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha after two disappointing seasons, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Insight: Asomugha was once considered a top-two cornerback in the NFL but that seems like ages ago. He was a major bust with Philadelphia, getting beat frequently in coverage and showing terrible ball skills.
Description: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez has "informed the Falcons he's coming back," according to FOX Sports' Jay Glazer.
Insight: Gonzalez said all season that he was 95 percent certain he was retiring but it looks like the five percent won out. He can clearly still play, as he had 93 receptions for 930 yards and eight touchdowns last season, and wants one more shot at a Super Bowl title.
Description: The Vikings have re-signed Jerome Simpson to a one-year contract.
Insight: At this moment Simpson is Minnesota's No. 1 receiver after Percy Harvin was traded to Seattle. He had just 274 yards and zero touchdowns in 12 games last season.
Description: The Texans have released receiver Kevin Walter.
Insight: Walter has served as Houston's No. 2 receiver since 2006 but he has been on the decline over the past four seasons after putting up a career-high 899 yards and eight touchdowns in 2008-09. He had just 518 yards and two scores in 2012.
Description: Receiver Santonio Holmes is staying with the Jets after restructuring his contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Insight: Holmes has been a malcontent over the last two years had only played four games in 2012 before a foot sprain ended his season. New York will have the same QB issues in 2013 so we aren't high on Holmes' fantasy prospects.
Description: Former Panthers cornerback Chris Gamble has told his agent that he plans to retire. SOURCE: Josina Anderson, ESPN
Insight: Gamble was released by Carolina last week. He's only 30 and last season was the first time he's ever struggled with injuries (missed 12 games with a shoulder injury). Maybe Gamble will reconsider if he gets an offer to his liking later this offseason but if this is it, he'll finish his career with 508 tackles and 27 interceptions in 123 games.
Description: The Redskins have released cornerback DeAngelo Hall.
Insight: The move frees up about $8 million in cap room. Head coach Mike Shanahan mentioned that the Redskins would be willing to take Hall back if he accepted a significant pay cut. Hall recorded 95 tackles and four interceptions in 16 games last season. He should garner plenty of interest in free agency.
Description: Mike Wallace to the Dolphins is essentially "a done deal" according to the Palm Beach Post.
Insight: And just like that, the league's biggest free agent wide receiver is off the market. Wallace had an up and down season for Pittsburgh in 2012 (836 yards and eight touchdowns) but we're confident he'll bounce back next season in South Beach. Free agency doesn't officially begin until midnight so we probably won't know any details about Wallace's new contract until later in the week.
Description: The Beanie Wells Era is officially over in Arizona.
Insight: The Cardinals released Wells on Monday, making the former Ohio State star a free agent. Wells was pitiful last season (234 yards on 88 carries) after producing a 1,000 yard campaign a season earlier. Which Beanie will we see in 2013? That depends a lot on what team he ends up playing for.
Description: Former Jaguars quarterback David Garrard has officially signed with the Jets.
Insight: Garrard hasn't appeared in an NFL game since 2010. Incredibly, he actually has a decent chance to win the starting job over Mark Sanchez. The 35-year-old Garrard has thrown for 89 touchdowns and 16,003 yards over the course of 86 NFL games.
Description: The Ravens swapped wide receiver Anquan Boldin for the 49ers' sixth-round draft pick on Monday.
Insight: It's a sad end to what was mostly a successful tenure for Boldin in Baltimore. Boldin wasn't willing to take a pay cut and apparently that was enough to send him packing. Expect Boldin and Colin Kaepernick to hook up on plenty of touchdown passes in San Francisco next season.
Description: Jay Glazer reports that the Vikings have traded wide receiver Percy Harvin to Seattle for a package of draft picks.
Insight: Harvin and head coach Leslie Frazier just couldn't work things out together in Minnesota so this was probably for the best. With Harvin, Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch anchoring the offense next season, the Seahawks are going to be tough to beat.
Description: The Baltimore Sun reports that Ravens wideout Anquan Boldin has refused to take a pay cut.
Insight: The Ravens tried to reduce Boldin's annual salary from $6 million to $4 million but the 32-year-old wouldn't allow it. Baltimore could opt to cut Boldin if the two sides can't work out a compromise within the next couple of days.
Description: The Denver Post reports that the Broncos are interested in signing former Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall.
Insight: Mendenhall wore out his welcome in Pittsburgh last season and was eventually phased out of the team's running back rotation. At age 25, he still has plenty left to offer. If Mendenhall went to Denver he'd have to split carries with Willis McGahee, Knowshon Moreno and Ronnie Hillman.
Description: Negotiations between the Broncos and right end Elvis Dumervil have reached a standstill according to the Denver Post.
Insight: If Denver can't reach a deal with Dumervil before the start of the new league year on Tuesday he'll become one of the most coveted free agents on the market. Dumervill produced 53 tackles and 11 sacks last season. He also forced a career-high six fumbles in 2012.
Description: Jim Corbett from USA Today reports that Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is expected to return for another season.
Insight: Corbett expects the new deal to be worth $7 million for next season. Gonzalez (93 catches, 930 yards, eight TD in 2012) hinted at retirement after the Falcons lost to San Francisco in the NFC Championship but apparently his desire to win a championship was enough to make him return for one more season.
Description: The Steelers have cut ties with linebacker James Harrison.
Insight: Pittsburgh wanted Harrison (70 tackles, six sacks in 2012) to take a pay cut but he wasn't having any of that. Harrison has already listed the Browns, Patriots, Ravens and Saints as teams that he'd consider playing for.
Description: Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline's new contract is worth $30.775 million over the next five seasons. SOURCE: NBC Sports
Insight: Twelve million of that is guaranteed. Hartline (career-high 1,083 yards in 2012) appeared to have good chemistry with rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill last season so this seems like a good fit.
Description: Adam Schefter from ESPN said that the Jets are "determined" to deal cornerback Darrelle Revis before next month's draft.
Insight: Revis' trade value would have been significantly higher if he hadn't torn his ACL last season. Atlanta, Detroit, San Francisco and Tampa Bay have all been mentioned as potential landing spots for the Pro Bowl corner.
Description: As expected, running back Steven Jackson has voided the final year of his contract with St. Louis.
Insight: Jackson is now officially a free agent. By voiding the last year of his deal, Jackson is leaving $7 million on the table. The Falcons, Lions and Packers all have holes to fill at running back this offseason.
Description: Right tackle Eric Winston was let go by the Chiefs on Wednesday.
Insight: Kansas City is in rebuilding mode and cutting Winston frees up about $3.5 million in cap space. Winston shouldn't have any trouble finding a new team this offseason.
Description: The 49ers have released kicker David Akers after missing an NFL-high 13 field goals last season.
Insight: Akers was the top fantasy kicker selected last season after booting 44 field goals in 2011-12, an NFL record. His downfall is further proof that fantasy owners shouldn't select a kicker until the last round of drafts.
Description: Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who had been asked to rework his contract, is expected to be released on Wednesday.
Insight: Asomugha never did solidify the Eagles secondary as the team thought he would when the signed him away from Oakland. In two seasons with Philadelphia (32 games), Asomugha totaled four interceptions, zero forced fumbles and 94 tackles,
Shawne Merriman, LB
3/5/2013 6:43:00 PM
Description: Former Chargers and Bill linebacker Shawne Merriman has decided to retire from football.
Insight: Merriman had 39.5 sacks in his first 42 games but he had a four-game PED suspension in 2006-07 and has dealt with injuries ever since 2008-09. He'll finish his career with just six sacks over his final 33 NFL games.
Description: Miami wide receiver Brian Hartline appears to be on the verge of returning to the Dolphins.
Insight: Hartline had a career year in 2012, reeling in 74 catches for 1,083 yards and had good chemistry with rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Beware, however, that the Dolphins have been mentioned frequently in the pursuit of former Pittsburgh Steelers' receiver Mike Wallace. If Wallace come to south Florida, Hartline would slip to the No. 2 role and his fantasy value would take a big hit.
Description: The Patriots and wide receiver Wes Welker appear to be close to a multi-year agreement.
Insight: Tom Brady gave the Patriots enough cap space to sign Welker by agreeing to a contract extension last week and it looks like the quarterback and his favorite receiver will stay together for a while longer. Welker's fantasy owners have to be smiling as he's averaged 109 receptions and 1,243 yards per season in New England.
Description: The Titans decided not to use their franchise tag on tight end Jared Cook.
Insight: Cook was preparing to ask for the wide receiver's minimum rather than the significantly lower tight end salary and the Titans decided it just wasn't worth the hassle. Now that Cook is officially a free agent, Jason La Canfora from CBS expects the Rams (coached by Cook's former Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher) to make a run at him.
Description: The Patriots did not use their franchise tag on Monday.
Insight: That means Welker will officially become a free agent on March 12th. Tom Brady gave the Patriots enough cap space to sign Welker by agreeing to a contract extension last week but Welker might be looking for a fresh start somewhere else.
