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Peyton getting throwing arm back
Fri, 12/21/2012 - 15:00 Colts QB starting to put velocity behind passes
Colts running back Joseph Addai says the velocity on Peyton Manning's short throws last week was game-ready. Addai was one of three players catching passes from Manning after last Wednesday's team workout. Receiver Anthony Gonzalez, center Jeff Saturday and a receiver from the practice squad also took part. On Tuesday, team vice chairman Bill Polian told reporters that Manning was throwing "better" and responded "that's correct" when asked whether Manning had decent velocity on throws 20 to 25 yards down the field.
(SI)
FF Today's Take: This is an encouraging sign for Manning owners in keeper leagues and Colts fans as well, but expect the Manning/Luck dilemma to be one of the most discussed topics in football this offseason leading up to the NFL draft in April.
Ravens prepared to franchise Rice
Sun, 02/19/2012 - 17:00Baltimore to use franchise tag if both sides can't agree
Ravens officials watched, occasionally with jaws dropped, as Ray Rice danced and darted around opposing defenders in his first four NFL seasons. Now the time has come for the Ravens to wrap up Rice and make sure that the diminutive running back remains one of the focal points of their offense going forward.
Monday marks the first day teams are allowed to place the franchise tag on one of their own unrestricted free agents, meaning that the Ravens are officially on the clock in their effort to sign Rice to a contract extension. (Baltimore Sun)
FF Today's Take: Rice has consistently proven to be an elite running back year in and year out. While he may not have the flash of an Arian Foster or raw power of a pre-ACL-tear-Adrian Peterson, Rice is elusive and has the benefits of playing with one of the league's best fullbacks in Vonta Leach. There's no reason to think he won't be a top fantasy back in 2012.
Still no deal between Brees, Saints
Sun, 02/19/2012 - 16:50Team could use franchise tag on stud QB
Days pass, seasons change, and the New Orleans Saints still don't have a long-term contract with Drew Brees. The uncertainty is driving Saints fans into purple, green and gold conniptions. The market for elite quarterbacks was set when Tom Brady inked his four-year, $72 million deal in 2010 and Peyton Manning signed a five-year, $90 million deal last season. (New Orleans Times-Picayune)
FF Today's Take: It is highly unlikely that Brees will play for anyone but New Orleans next year. The owner of the single season passing yardage record is a top tier quarterback and is justifiable of a first round selection in virtually all fantasy formats for 2012.
Broncos ink WR Jason Hill to deal
Sun, 02/19/2012 - 16:45Veteran likely to play depth role
The Denver Broncos have signed free agent wide receiver Jason Hill. The sixth-year pro has played for Jacksonville and San Francisco, which selected him in the third round of the 2007 draft out of Washington State. He has 76 career catches for 1,028 yards and eight touchdowns in 50 career games, including 13 starts. He started 10 times last year and recorded a career-best 367 yards and three TDs on 25 catches for the Jaguars.
(SI)
FF Today's Take: Nothing particularly fantasy noteworthy with this signing. The Broncos probably want to provide Tim Tebow with a slew of sure handed receivers in an effort to foster the development of an improved passing game.
Bills, Johnson engage in contract talk
Sun, 02/19/2012 - 16:10WR and team are still "far apart"
Steve Johnson and the Buffalo Bills are still "far apart" in contract talks. And the receiver doesn't expect the team to use its franchise tag to retain him, a person familiar with discussions told The Associated Press on Sunday. The person spoke with The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because talks are ongoing. The update on talks comes after the two sides exchanged offers last week, and agreed to meet at the NFL combine in Indianapolis this week. (Yahoo Sports)
FF Today's Take: Johnson has been the Bills best receiver for the past two seasons, and was a large part of the reason for Ryan Fitzpatrick's hot start to the 2011 campaign. With a lack of depth at the position, it would be surprising if Buffalo cannot make the star wide receiver a deal he'll accept.
Big Ben already prepping for next year
Wed, 02/15/2012 - 12:35Roethlisberger adjusting workout regimen
Ben Roethlisberger already has adjusted his game, and it has nothing to do with old or new coordinators, old or new offenses, things Art Rooney did or did not say. It has plenty to do with his 30th birthday March 2. "That's why I'm working out already," Roethlisberger said. He began training at the Steelers facility on the South Side last week, days after he returned from an extended Pro Bowl stay in Hawaii.
(Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
FF Today's Take: Despite being plagued by an ankle injury down the stretch of the 2011 season, Roethlisberger threw for 21 touchdowns and over 4000 yards. With a new fitness plan and a slew of elusive receivers at his disposal, he could be poised for a career year in 2012.
Mendenhall could miss all of 2012
Wed, 02/15/2012 - 12:30 Steelers RB recovering from ACL injury
A torn ACL brought a premature end to Rashard Mendenhall's 2011 season. A right knee injury sustained by the Steelers' running back may also sideline him for all of 2012. General manager Kevin Colbert said Monday that Mendenhall is likely to open next season on the physically unable to perform list, as he works his way back from an injury that can be devastating for running backs. "I never feel good about an ACL until (after) a year," Colbert said. "I'm not a doctor, but that's just my mindset. If he gets back before that, it's a bonus."
(Pittsburgh Tribune Review)
FF Today's Take: While Isaac Redman performed quite admirably last season in limited action, it would be surprising if the Steelers did not go out and sign or draft another running back this offseason.
David Garrard ready for NFL return
Wed, 02/15/2012 - 12:20 QB drawing interest from several teams
Former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard is nearing a return from back surgery and is intent on playing this season, his agent, Albert Irby, said Wednesday. Garrard was released by the Jaguars just before the start of the 2011 season, and he subsequently drew interest from several teams, including an offer from the Miami Dolphins, but was not able to come to terms on a contract. Irby said Garrard is on track to return between mid-March and early-April. Irby also said his client was cleared to begin training several weeks ago, and several teams have inquired about Garrard's health status. (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Garrard didn't play terribly with the Jags but he was no star either. Expect him to sign on in a backup role.
Bucs release Albert Haynesworth
Wed, 02/15/2012 - 12:05DT becomes free agent
Defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth has been released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who signed him after injuries decimated their roster midway through last season. General manager Mark Dominik announced the move Wednesday, saying he appreciated Haynesworth filling in for seven games and that he wishes the 350-pound tackle the best moving forward. (SI)
FF Today's Take: Haynesworth has been a colossal disappointment ever since signing a lucrative contract with the Washington Redskins following a career year in 2008 with the Tennessee Titans. He is not worthy of ownership in IDP leagues.
Irsay putting the onus on Manning
Wed, 02/15/2012 - 12:00 QB will need to restructure contract to remain in Indy
According to Colts owner Jim Irsay, Peyton Manning will decide whether he plays another game for Indianapolis. Irsay expects to meet with Manning in the next seven days, and the owner told The Indianapolis Star on Tuesday the return of the four-time MVP depends on his willingness to restructure his contract. Manning has spent the past five months recovering from his third neck surgery in less than two years, and there have been conflicting reports about how much progress he has made.
(Yahoo Sports)
FF Today's Take: The four-time MVP turns 36 next month. His age and injury woes will make him a significantly less attractive early-round draft selection in 2012 in comparison to previous years.
Is Moss derailing his return to the NFL?
Wed, 02/15/2012 - 06:00Self-made videos hurting the receivers chances of a comeback
If you haven't seen Moss' stream-of-consciousness rants that are quickly becoming an Internet sensation, well, you've missed some unbelievable stuff. It's difficult to describe. It's a combination of a train wreck, stunning visual, smart talk, dumb talk, infantile actions, and just about everything between. Everyone is watching, including NFL team executives. (CBS)
FF Today's Take: "I spoke to one who said he has seen the Moss videos and believes Moss is utterly obliterating his chances of returning to the NFL. The executive said his franchise was once considering Moss, but after watching the video stream, the team is no longer doing so." Moss may need to tone down his video rants and stop picking his nose on camera if he's serious about a return to the league.
Franchise tag coming for D. Jackson?
Mon, 02/13/2012 - 04:00Franchise tag would be one-year deal worth $9.4 million
The Eagles will not let DeSean Jackson sign with another team as an unrestricted free agent, according to a published report.
Jackson, the Eagles' two-time Pro Bowl receiver, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next month, but the Eagles can retain his rights by tendering a franchise tag, which would be a one-year deal worth $9.4 million and guaranteed as soon as Jackson signs the tender. Tagging Jackson is an obvious move for the Eagles, since it gives them the option to trade him if they wish and get something in return instead of simply letting him walk. (Philly.com)
FF Today's Take: The Eagles and Jackson are reportedly far apart on a long-term deal and may be inclined to let him leave Philadelphia considering his attitude and dismal 2011 season. Teams are allowed to start tagging players on Monday, February 20th.
Titans re-sign WR Hawkins
Sat, 02/11/2012 - 13:20Lock up four-year receiver to a multi-year deal
The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms with wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins, making him their third pending free agent kept off the market. The Titans announced Friday that Hawkins had agreed to a multi-year contract. Hawkins is coming off his best season yet. A fourth-round pick in 2008 out of California, Hawkins played in 16 games with two starts, and he caught 47 passes for 470 yards with a touchdown. He ranked fourth in receptions and second with 17 catches on third down. (Yahoo Sports)
FF Today's Take: Unless the Titans see another serious injury to a starting wide receiver, don't expect too much out of Hawkins in 2012. As long as they're healthy, Kenny Britt, Nate Washington and Damian Williams will be Tennessee's go-to receivers next season.
Bucs hire NYG's QB coach to run offense
Sat, 02/11/2012 - 13:10Mike Sullivan named Tampa Bay's new OC
New York Giants quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan is leaving the Super Bowl champions to become the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs announced Friday night that Sullivan is joining the staff of new coach Greg Schiano. Sullivan spent the last eight seasons with the Giants. He has coached Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning and the rest of New York's quarterbacks for the past two years. Prior to becoming quarterbacks coach, Sullivan spent six seasons leading the Giants' wide receivers. (SI)
FF Today's Take: A former quarterbacks and wide receivers' coach sounds like the perfect fit to run the Buccaneers' offense considering they have had little consistency operating a successful passing game over the past few years. The Bucs have ranked 17th, 19th and 24th in the NFL in passing yards over the last three seasons.
Bills want to re-sign RB Fred Jackson
Sat, 02/11/2012 - 12:50 Both sides have been in contact about a new deal
Fred Jackson's monstrous season was cut short by a fractured fibula, but the Buffalo Bills running back is back in action and general manager Buddy Nix intends to keep him in the fold. "Fred and I have talked," Nix told the team's official website. "We want to extend Fred. I'd like for Fred to finish his career as a Bill. He's meant a lot to us. I've got great respect for him. We do want Fred back and we do intend to try to work out a deal with him. I've told him that. What we said is what we're going to do." (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Jackson was maintaining a torrid 2,200 yards-from-scrimmage pace when he went down with a fractured leg in November. While his numbers were impressive, the Fort Worth, Texas-native is set to turn 31 in a couple of weeks. It also doesn't bode well for his fantasy future that 24-year-old running back C.J. Spiller turned in a string of strong performances to close out the Bills' season.
Britt to be ready for 2012 preseason
Sat, 02/11/2012 - 12:30 Titans' WR recovering from ACL and MCL tears
Tennessee Titans general manager Ruston Webster said this week that wide receiver Kenny Britt is recovering well from the knee injury that prematurely ended his season, and should be ready by the start of the preseason. "Kenny's been working hard, and he's coming fast, probably even a little faster than I thought he would, so I'm real happy about that," the general manager said. "We expect to have him out there for training camp." (NFL.com)
FF Today's Take: Having played in just three games in 2011, the 23-year-old will probably fly a little under the radar in fantasy drafts next season. Britt was well on his way to a career year averaging 96.3 receiving yards and a touchdown per game. His injury was serious but if his recovery is going as well as Webster is saying it is, Britt could be a bargain fantasy pick for 2012.
Steelers won't keep Hines Ward
Fri, 02/10/2012 - 17:00End of an era in Pittsburgh?
The Pittsburgh Steelers, with a Hines Ward roster-bonus deadline fast approaching, have decided not to keep the veteran receiver, the NFL Network has reported, citing unnamed sources. Ward, who lost his starting job in 2011, was scheduled to make $4 million in the last two years of his contract but has said he was willing to take a pay cut. A decision is required by March 1 to satisfy a clause in his contract. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Not much of a surprise here. Ward is on the downside of his career and will likely have to take a significant paycut if he wants to stay in the league. Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, and Emmanuel Sanders will be the Steelers top three receivers heading into 2012.
Ankle surgery for Gronkowski
Fri, 02/10/2012 - 12:00 Repair multiple torn ligaments
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski had arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle to repair multiple torn ligaments, a team source confirmed. Gronkowski suffered a high ankle sprain in the AFC Championship game. He played in the Super Bowl, but was limited to two receptions for 26 yards. (Boston Globe)
FF Today's Take: Recovery time is expected to be 10 weeks meaning Gronk may miss a few OTAs but he will be in no danger of missing training camp.
Ballard suffered ACL tear in SB XLVI
Wed, 02/08/2012 - 16:40 Giants TE to recover from knee injury during offseason
New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard tore his left anterior cruciate ligament during the second half of the Super Bowl, the team announced on Tuesday. An MRI discovered Ballard's injury, and with the help of crutches, he was able to participate in Tuesday's parade and ceremonies in New York and New Jersey. Ballard, an undrafted free agent, had 38 catches for 604 yards and four touchdowns this regular season. In the four playoff games, he had five catches for 43 yards. He had two receptions in the Giants' 21-17 win over New England on Sunday in Indianapolis. (Yahoo Sports)
FF Today's Take: For a fantasy player, Ballard was rather mediocre this season ranking 17th in receiving yards and 20th in touchdowns at his position. His average reception of 15.9 yards, however, was tops among NFL tight ends. If he recovers from the ACL tear and can develop some more consistency with quarterback Eli Manning, Ballard has the potential to be a serviceable fantasy tight end.
Jets commit to keeping WR Holmes
Wed, 02/08/2012 - 16:30Former Super Bowl MVP locked up through 2013
From the moment the season ended, the New York Jets said divisive wide receiver Santonio Holmes wasn't going anywhere. The Jets' financial commitment to Holmes practically doubled on Wednesday, meaning they're locked into him for $15.25 million in guarantees. Unwilling to cut him loose and eat that much money, the Jets made it clear from the start of the offseason they were committed to making it work with Holmes, whose rift with quarterback Mark Sanchez became public at the end of a disappointing 8-8 season. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Whether or not this is a sign that Jets' management have opted to side with Holmes over Sanchez is unclear. The Jets figure to be one of the teams in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes this offseason. They could also make a play for Green Bay Packers' backup Matt Flynn, or projected second overall pick Robert Griffin III if they decide that Sanchez is no longer their quarterback.
