Recent NFL Player News
Broncos acquire Zach Wilson via pick swap trade with Jets
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that the Denver Broncos are trading for former New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson.
The deal reportedly involves Wilson and a seventh round pick going to Denver in return for a sixth round pick. The Broncos have one of the emptiest quarterback rooms around as the NFL Draft approaches, so the move makes some sense as a fall-back option for a team without easy access to a quarterback via the draft. Wilson has a non-zero chance of becoming a starter while competing against Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci.
Wilson entered the league as the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but struggled to adapt to the NFL's rigorous competition. He averaged a 5.7% adjusted yards per attempt with a 10.2% sack rate while with the Jets and will finish his tenure there with more interceptions (25) than touchdowns (23). Perhaps the former top prospect could benefit from a change of scenery, as well as from coaching under Sean Payton.
Former Falcons QB Matt Ryan hangs up cleats
Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan announced Monday that he is officially retiring from the NFL after 14 years.
Ryan entered the league as the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and immediately took a frustrated Falcons team to an 11-5 record as a rookie starter. The Boston College alum was voted to four Pro Bowls and won the MVP award for his sensational 2016 campaign. Those 2016 Falcons made it all the way to the Super Bowl that season, their second appearance there in franchise history. While the team was never able to quite replicate the success they found in that season, Ryan kept their offense competitive throughout his impressive career.
Ryan topped 4,000 passing yards in 8 straight seasons, averaging 4,570 yards and 28.1 touchdowns per campaign between 2011 and 2020. Ryan will be an interesting figure in Hall of Fame debates when he becomes eligible for nomination in five years' time.
J.K. Dobbins plans to sign 1-year deal with Chargers
According to Adam Schefter, the Los Angeles Chargers are expected to sign running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year contract.
Dobbins will join his second career team while also playing again under offensive coordinator Greg Roman. If Dobbins can prove he is somewhat back from his torn Achilles, expect the 25-year old to complete for touches behind Gus Edwards.
On 234 career rush attempts, Dobbins has accounted for 1,347 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 3.29 yards per attempt after contact while also recording 27 receptions for 177 yards and one touchdown.
Cowboys sign running back Royce Freeman to 1-year deal
The Dallas Cowboys have signed running back Royce Freeman on Tuesday.
Freeman will add much needed running back depth although the Cowboys are still expected to address the position in the upcoming draft. Expect Freeman to compete for a backup role after he saw 78 touches last season.
In 2023, Freeman ranked 25th among his position with a 74.3 Pro Football Focus offensive rating while producing 332 scrimmage yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2.91 yards after contact per attempt.
Bills trade Stefon Diggs to Texans
Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans on Wednesday.
Diggs will move to Houston along with a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. Houston will send the Bills a 2025 second-round pick, which they have via the Minnesota Vikings. With Diggs in Houston and Gabe Davis now on the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo will enter the 2024-25 season missing their two top pass-catchers from last season. It's a big loss for Josh Allen, who has formed a dynamic duo with Diggs since his arrival in 2020. Diggs will join a talented wide receive group in Houston that includes Nico Collins and Tank Dell. Diggs' departure could result in more targets for tight end Dalton Kincaid and Curtis Samuel.
In 17 games for Buffalo last season, Diggs caught 107 of 160 targets for 1,183 yards, and 8 touchdowns.
Raheem Mostert sticks with Miami on new 2-year deal
The Miami Dolphins signed running back Raheem Mostert to a 2-year contract worth $9.075 million, Adam Schefter reports.
Mostert will remain with the Dolphins for the upcoming season after leading the league in rushing touchdowns (18) in 2023. The veteran will be 32 when the 2024 season begins, but still seemed to have plenty of juice on the field last season. Mostert operated as Miami's lead back for most of the year even with the arrival of splash-play back De'Von Achane, though he again dealt with injuries towards the end of the season. Both backs should be fantasy-relevant again in 2024.
Barring any further additions to Miami's running back room this offseason, Mostert projects to maintain his role as the goal line back in one of the most productive offenses in the league -- a role that saw him record 21 total touchdowns last season. Mostert still has NFL-caliber wheels, evidenced by his 21.62 MPH 43-yard touchdown in Week 2, which was the 10th-fastest ball-carrier speed recorded in 2023.
Steelers sign Cordarrelle Patterson to 2-year deal
Former Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson agreed to a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday.
Patterson, who spent the last three seasons on the Falcons, agreed to a two-year deal with the Steelers on Tuesday. He will rejoin Arthur Smith, who is now the offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh.
In 14 games for Atlanta last season, Patterson recorded 50 carries for 181 rushing yards with 9 receptions on 12 targets for 38 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown.
D'Onta Foreman signing with Cleveland
Former Chicago Bears running back D'Onta Foreman agreed to a deal with the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday.
Foreman, who spent the 2023-24 season with the Bears, agreed to a deal with the Browns on Wednesday. He will provide depth for Cleveland behind Nick Chubb, who is coming off a season-ending knee injury, and Jerome Ford.
In nine games for Chicago last season, Foreman recorded 109 carries for 425 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns with 11 receptions on 16 targets for 77 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown.
Jets sign Mike Williams to 1-year deal
Former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams agreed to a one-year deal with the New York Jets on Tuesday.
Williams, who was released by the Chargers last week, agreed to a one-year deal with the Jets on Tuesday. The deal is worth up to $15 million. Williams, who is coming off a season-ending ACL tear will form a duo with Garrett Wilson, who is entering his third season after recording at least 1,000 yards in his rookie and sophomore seasons.
Williams played in 3 games for Los Angeles last season, catching 19 of 26 targets for 249 yards and 1 touchdown. The season before that, he played in 13 games and caught 63 of 93 targets for 895 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Browns sign wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to 3-year extension
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has signed a three-year contract extension on Tuesday.
After Jeudy was traded to Cleveland earlier this month, the 24-year old will stay with new his team for a longer period of time with a contract worth $41 million guaranteed and a ceiling worth up to $58 million. Look for Jeudy to operate as the Browns' second wideout and a WR3 in fantasy in an offense that ranked 16th in pass percentage (57.2%) last season.
In 84 targets in 2023, Jeudy ranked 62nd among wideouts with a 67.8 Pro Football Focus rating while producing 54 receptions for 758 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Alexander Mattison signs contract with Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders have signed free agent running back Alexander Mattison to a contract for the 2024 season.
Mattison was expected to handle lead back duties for the Minnesota Vikings in 2023 after the team parted ways with longtime starter Dalvin Cook, but struggled to get into a rhythm before eventually losing work to Ty Chandler. The Athletic's Vic Tafur believes the Raiders have signed Mattison to back up Zamir White, rather than to compete for starting reps with the third-year back.
Mattison's 2023 was an error-filled one -- the back committed 7 drops on just 44 targets and lost 3 fumbles -- but he had shown flashes of solid play in previous years. Hopefully the change in scenery helps him bounce back in 2024.
Patriots ink K.J. Osborn to 1-year deal
The New England Patriots signed free agent wide receiver K.J. Osborn to a 1-year, $4 million contract.
Osborn operated as the Vikings' WR2/3 in each of the last three seasons, averaging 52.7 catches, 615 yards, and 5 touchdowns per season behind Justin Jefferson. The former fifth round pick could become more involved in the Patriots' offense in 2024 given their lack of production at the position in recent years.
Osborn had an opportunity to step up after Jefferson suffered a hamstring injury in 2023, but that opportunity dried up after quarterback Kirk Cousins suffered a season-ending injury. In three games with Cousins but without Jefferson (while still competing with T.J. Hockenson and rookie first rounder Jordan Addison) he averaged 5.7 catches for 64.7 yards per game.
Steelers' Russell Wilson expected to be Week 1 starter; Justin Fields to operate as backup
The Pittsburgh Steelers "made clear" to Russell Wilson that he will be the team's starter in 2024, despite the recent addition of Justin Fields reports CBS Sports' Aditi Kinkhabwala.
Wilson should get every opportunity to become Pittsburgh's Week 1 starter this offseason after signing with the team in free agency. The team acquired Fields via trade with the Chicago Bears, but only at the cost of a sixth round pick that could become a fourth round pick depending on his playing time. Fields could still push Wilson, but it seems clear that the Steelers have their priorities set on Wilson becoming the starter.
Wilson's recent seasons in Denver did not go to plan, but we still saw him lead a competitive offense as recently as 2021. The Steelers have a strong running back duo in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren as well as potential WR1 in George Pickens, giving Wilson better weaponry to start with than he experienced in his two seasons with the Broncos.
Steelers acquire quarterback Justin Fields in deal with Bears
The Pittsburgh Steelers have acquired quarterback Justin Fields on Saturday for a 2025 sixth rounder pick that could upgrade to a fourth rounder if he logs 51% of their plays this season.
Pittsburgh continues their movement in their quarterback room with their third transaction to address the position. Expect Fields to compete with Russell Wilson for the Steelers' number one job in a potential run heavy offense under coordinator Arthur Smith while the Bears will likely draft Caleb Williams as the new leader of their franchise.
On 370 pass attempts last season, Fields ranks 21st among quarterback with a 74.6 Pro Football Focus rating while producing 227 completions for 16 touchdowns and 2,562 yards.
Steelers sign Van Jefferson to 1-year deal
Former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Van Jefferson signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday.
Jefferson, who spent part of last season in Atlanta after starting his career on the Los Angeles Rams, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Steelers.
In 17 games last season, Jefferson caught 20 of 43 targets for 209 yards.
Rams sign Jimmy Garoppolo to 1-year deal
Former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams on Friday.
Garoppolo, who was released by the Raiders earlier in the week, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Rams. He will back up Los Angeles' starter, Matthew Stafford.
In 7 games for the Raiders last season, Garoppolo completed 110 of 169 passes for 1,205 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.
Cowboys release Michael Gallup
The Dallas Cowboys released wide receiver Michael Gallup on Friday.
Gallup, who has spent his entire six-season career in Dallas, was released with a post-June 1 designation on Friday. The move will save the Cowboys $9.5 million this season, but also carries a cap hit of $8.7 million in 2025.
In 17 games last season, Gallup caught 34 of 57 targets for 418 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Schefter: Eagles acquire quarterback Kenny Pickett in trade with Steelers
The Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly acquired quarterback Kenny Pickett on Friday.
After a brief 25 game stint with the Steelers, Pickett will head to Philadelphia in a backup role behind Jalen Hurts while Russell Wilson will take over as Pittsburgh's starting signal caller. Today's deal involved Pickett, a 2024 fourth rounder, 2025 seventh rounder, and a 2025 seventh round pick in exchange for Philadelphia's 2024t third rounder.
On 324 attempts last season, Pickett ranked 25th among quarterbacks with a 70.6 Pro Football Focus rating while producing 201 completions for 6 touchdowns and 2,070 yards.
Aaron Donald announces retirement after 10 seasons
Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald has retired after ten seasons.
After rumors last year of a potential retirement, Donald will end his career at 154 games. The future Hall-of-Famer will finish his prestigious career with tons of accolades including 3 Defensive Player of the Year awards, 8 first team All-Pro nominations, a Defensive Rookie of the Year award, and ten Pro Bowls
On 8,461 total snaps, Donald produced 120 sacks, 525 hurries, and 145 quarterback hits.
Chiefs adding Marquise Brown to offense
The Kansas City Chiefs are signing wide receiver Marquise Brown to a one-year contract worth up to $11 million, reports Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
Brown missed eight games due to injuries during two underwhelming seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, but he will have a great opportunity to rebound with Patrick Mahomes and the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. The former first-round pick should be able to settle in as a reliable third option behind Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice.
Brown averaged 8.4 FanDuel points across 14 games last season, with 51 catches (101 targets) for 574 yards and 4 touchdowns. Among the 35 receivers with at least 100 targets, Brown ranked third-worst in Reception Net Expected Points per target.
Bears acquire Keenan Allen from Chargers for 4th-round pick
The Chicago Bears acquired wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers for a fourth-round pick, per Jay Glazer of FOX Sports.
Allen had 108 catches on 150 targets for 1,243 yards and 7 touchdowns last season for the Chargers, despite missing multiple games due to injury. He will likely be the No. 2 receiver in Chicago behind D.J. Moore, but Allen is a solid upgrade for the offense as a whole. Quentin Johnston and Josh Palmer are currently the top receivers for Justin Herbert in Los Angeles.
Allen averaged 17.3 FanDuel points across 13 games last season. Among the 35 receivers with at least 100 targets, Allen ranked 16th in Reception Net Expected Points per target. Moore finished 4th in that same group.
Drew Lock to compete for Giants' starting job in 2024
Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock will have a chance to compete for the New York Giants' starting quarterback job in 2024, reports Dan Duggan of The Athletic.
Seahawks GM Jon Schneider reportedly said that while the Seahawks attempted to re-sign Lock for the upcoming season, the Giants "basically sold him on the opportunity to compete to be the starter." The Giants still have Daniel Jones (knee) under contract, but are likely to be looking for their quarterback of the future after his poor 2023 season.
Lock made two starts in relief of Geno Smith in 2023, completing 44 of 64 passes for 477 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. He held his own against the San Francisco 49ers and pulled off an upset victory over the Eagles, and could be an upgrade over Jones for the Giants.
Curtis Samuel to sign 3-year deal with Buffalo
The Buffalo Bills are reportedly signing wide receiver Curtis Samuel to a 3-year contract worth up to $30 million, NBC Sports' Albert Breer reports.
Samuel's new deal reportedly includes $15 million in guarantees, insinuating that the Bills could have big plans for the shifty playmaker. Buffalo allowed Gabriel Davis to walk in free agency and had a noticeable need at the receiver position heading into the draft. Adding Samuel should provide Josh Allen with a reliable target in the short area of the fields, but it's unclear if the team intends to use him in Davis' old role.
Samuel has reliably put up over 600 receiving yards in each of the last two years while playing for crowded offenses in Washington, and also adds a unique dynamic to the rushing game. He could see a sizeable bump in workload with the Bills, whose top wideout struggled down the stretch last year and whose WR2 departed in free agency.
Seahawks trade for Sam Howell
Former Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell was traded to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday.
Howell will head to Seattle along with a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick. The Seahawks will send Washington a third-round pick and a fifth-round pick. With Drew Lock now on the New York Giants, Howell is expected to compete with Geno Smith for the starting job in Seattle, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. For the Commanders, Marcus Mariota is expected to back up whichever signal caller they select with the second pick in April's draft.
In 17 starts for Washington last season, Howell completed 388 of 612 passes for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions.
Colts sign Joe Flacco to 1-year deal
Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco agreed to a one year deal with the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday.
Flacco, winner of last season's Comeback Player of the Year award, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Colts. The deal includes $4.5 million guaranteed and is worth up to $8.7 million. Flacco will operate in a back up role behind sophomore Anthony Richardson, who is recovering from shoulder surgery.
In 5 starts for the Browns last season, Flacco completed 123 of 204 passes for 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions.
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