RBBC in Chicago Bears OC Mike Martz confirmed that RBs Matt Forte and Chester Taylor will split the workload this coming season. "We're fortunate to have two starters," Martz said. "As you look around the National Football League, the teams that are running the ball well, they all have two starters ... It's not a 1-2 punch as much as either one of those guys can carry the load. They will share duties." Forte and Taylor are both adept at catching the ball out of the backfield, which makes both of them a good fit for Martz's scheme. But splitting carries behind a mediocre offensive line, neither is likely to produce as anything more than a low-end RB2 this year.
Posted on 3/9/2010 11:55:27 PM
Eagles pick up Michael Vick's bonus As expected, the Eagles picked up QB Michael Vick's $1.5 million roster bonus that came due on Tuesday. The move keeps Vick on the roster and gives the team more time to work out a trade, although most around the team believe he'll stay in Philly. If a deal is going to go down, it'll happen before the NFL Draft in late April.
Posted on 3/9/2010 11:51:34 PM
Chiefs sign Thomas Jones ESPN's Adam Schefter -- via his Blackberry, of course -- reports that the Chiefs have signed free-agent RB Thomas Jones to a 2-year deal worth $5 million. It's backup money, and that's what we expect Jones to be. The 31-year-old averaged an impressive 4.2 yards per carry in New York last season. But that was behind one of the best offensive lines in the game. He won't have that luxury in Kansas City. Expect the Chiefs to use the quicker and more explosive Jamaal Charles as their primary ball-carrier while getting Jones 8-10 touches per game. That being said, expect Jones to vulture the goal-line work. The move definitely puts a dent in Charles' value, but he still has top-10 upside.
Posted on 3/9/2010 5:45:37 PM
LT could land in Minnesota Free-agent RB LaDainian Tomlinson is scheduled to meet with the Vikings later this week to discuss a contract. Obviously, LT would play a minimal role in Minnesota's backfield, most likely as a change-of-pace back. It wouldn't be the best landing spot for his fantasy status, but it'd give him a shot at a Super Bowl. Plus it'd be fun to see Tomlinson and Adrian Peterson in the same backfield.
Posted on 3/9/2010 4:40:04 PM
Browns release Derek Anderson The Browns have released QB Derek Anderson. This was expected after the team traded for QB Senece Wallace on Monday. Anderson came out of nowhere in 2007 to post 3,787 passing yards and 29 TDs. But he's struggled mightily the past 2 seasons, totaling just 12 TDs and 18 INTs. That career year will get him another contract though. The Cardinals and Rams could be interested.
Posted on 3/9/2010 2:53:47 PM
Reggie Brown traded to Bucs The Bucs have acquired WR Reggie Brown from the Eagles in exchange for a 2011 6th-round pick. Brown disappeared in Philly the past 2 seasons, totaling just 407 yards and 1 TD in 23 games. But he showed some upside in his sophomore season back in 2006, racking up 816 yards and 8 scores. On most teams, his best-case scenario would be winning the #3 WR job. But on a Bucs team whose top-3 WRs are Maurice Stovall, Michael Clayton, and Sammie Stroughter, Brown has a chance to crack the starting lineup this fall. Even so, he won't be worth more than a late-round flier in your fantasy draft.
Posted on 3/9/2010 12:23:05 AM
Browns acquire Seneca Wallace The Browns and Seahawks have completed a trade that will send QB Seneca Wallace to Cleveland in return for a late-round pick in the 2011 Draft. Wallace is well-versed in new Browns President Mike Holmgren's offense. In limited action, he's shown the ability to move an offense. His career TD:INT ratio stands at 25:14. Don't be surprised if he makes a strong run at Cleveland's starting QB spot this summer. His competition will be Brady Quinn and possibly a rookie QB.
Posted on 3/9/2010 12:16:17 AM
Aaron Kampman signs with Jags The Jaguars have signed DE Aaron Kampman to a 4-year deal worth $26 million. Kampman should upgrade the Jags pass rush, although it remains to be seen what kind of burst he has coming off a torn ACL in November. Ideally, he'll make a full recovery from the injury and help out a Jags defense that registered just 14 sacks all of last season. Expect Kampman to enjoy a bit of a rebound season now that he's back playing in a 4-3 defense.
Posted on 3/8/2010 10:25:06 PM
Raiders finally cut Javon Walker The Raiders have cut ties with WR Javon Walker. We're not sure what took them so long. After signing a huge deal with the team prior to the 2008 season, Walker totaled just 15 catches for 196 yards and 1 TD in 2 seasons with the club. He was never healthy in Oakland and appeared in just 11 games. At 31 years old, Walker has nothing left in the tank. His career is likely over.
Posted on 3/8/2010 10:23:15 PM
Chiefs re-sign Chris Chambers The Chiefs have re-signed WR Chris Chambers to a 3-year deal worth $15 million. Chambers revived his career after being scooped up by the Chiefs midway through last season. From Week 9 on, he posted 608 yards and 4 TDs. But he'll be 32 before the 2010 season kicks off. He's best-suited for the slot at this point. Kansas City will still look to address the WR position early in this April's NFL Draft, possibly targeting Oklahoma St. WR Dez Bryant in the 1st round.
Posted on 3/8/2010 10:19:04 PM
Dolphins bring back Chad Pennington The Dolphins have brought back QB Chad Pennington on a 1-year deal. The 34-year-old underwent shoulder surgery for the 3rd time this offseason. He's not a threat to QB Chad Henne's starting job.
Posted on 3/6/2010 3:35:18 PM
Giants ink Antrel Rolle The Giants and FS Antrel Rolle have agreed on a 5-year, $37 million contract. This is a desperate move by a team that was desperate for help in the secondary. Rolle is good in coverage, but he's a major liability against the run. He's an upgrade for the G-Men, but they overpaid.
Posted on 3/6/2010 3:28:50 PM
Falcons sign Dunta Robinson The Falcons have signed free-agent CB Dunta Robinson to a 6-year, $57 million contract. The deal makes Robinson the NFL's 2nd-highest paid CB behind only Nnamdi Asomugha. Atlanta overpaid a bit here, but their pass defense was awful last season and Robinson provides a big upgrade.
Posted on 3/6/2010 3:25:05 PM
Seahawks interested in Brandon Marshall The Seahawks are reportedly showing interest in restricted free-agent WR Brandon Marshall. The Broncos tendered their star WR at the highest level, so they'd receive Seattle's 1st and 3rd-round picks if they choose not to match the Seahawks' contract offer. The two sides could also work out a trade. Stay tuned.
Posted on 3/6/2010 3:20:13 PM
Ravens acquire Anquan Boldin The Ravens and Cardinals have finalized a trade that will send WR Anquan Boldin and a 5th-round pick to Baltimore in exchange for a 3rd and 4th. The big winner here is Ravens QB Joe Flacco. Boldin will give him the most dangerous weapon he's had to work with at the NFL level. If WR Derrick Mason returns, Flacco will have top-10 fantasy potential in 2010. Boldin's value takes a slight hit as he moves from one of the league's top passing offenses to a mediocre one. In Arizona, WRs Steve Breaston and Early Doucet will battle for the #2 WR job. The winner will have significant fantasy upside.
Posted on 3/6/2010 3:10:22 PM
Kevin Walter re-signs with Houston The Texans have re-signed WR Kevin Walter to a multi-year deal. The general feeling was that Walter would leave town, but he'll return to Houston as the WR2. Walter's numbers were down last year after his breakout 2008 season, but he's plenty capable of a bounce back year, especially with that dynamic passing game. He'll be one to keep an eye on when summer rolls around.
Posted on 3/5/2010 7:47:17 PM
Bears sign Julius Peppers According to ESPN's John Clayton, the Bears have signed DE Julius Peppers to a 6-year deal that's believed to include $40 million in the first 3 years. Wow. The Bears were expected to make a splash in free agency, and they've wasted no time following through. Bringing Peppers aboard shores up a defensive line that already includes DT Tommy Harris and DE Alex Brown. While the Bears broke the bank to get Peppers, it was a much needed move that should bring some stability back to their once proud defense. There's no reason to think he won't post another 10+ sack campaign in his first year in the Windy City.
Posted on 3/5/2010 3:21:37 PM
Chester Taylor signs with Chicago The Bears have signed RB Chester Taylor to a four-year contract worth $12.5 million, according to a the Chicago Sun-Times. Taylor -- who turns 31 in September -- will likely split carries with 2nd year dud Matt Forte. Depending on how things shake out this summer, Chicago may become a tricky backfield situation to figure out for fantasy purposes.
Posted on 3/5/2010 2:18:00 PM
Lions ink Nate Burleson The Lions have signed WR Nate Burleson to a 5-year $25 million dollar deal that includes $11 million in guarantees. Detroit badly needed to upgrade opposite Calvin Johnson, and they accomplished that with this move. While they overpaid a bit for the services of Burleson, he should provide borderline WR3 numbers for the upcoming fantasy season.
Posted on 3/5/2010 2:08:26 PM
Chargers deal Antonio Cromartie The Chargers have dealt CB Antonio Cromartie to the New York Jets in exchange for a conditional 3rd round pick in 2011. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the pick can become a 2nd rounder if Cromartie registers a set amount of playing time and the Jets perform up to a particular standard. Considering Cromartie's talent -- and Rex Ryan's likelihood of making the most out of that talent -- we think the Jets made a solid move here. Without a doubt, they now have the best CB tandem in the league.
Posted on 3/5/2010 12:04:42 AM
Jake Delhomme released The Panthers have released QB Jake Delhomme, ending his 7 year stay with the club. The move likely means Carolina will go with the much younger Matt Moore at QB, who showed some real promise last season. Delhomme will look to latch on elsewhere as a backup, as he no longer has the skill set to be an effective NFL starter.
Posted on 3/4/2010 11:51:20 PM
Bengals release Laveranues Coles The Bengals have released WR Laveranues Coles after just one year with the team. Coles was a complete flop, posting a feeble 43-514-5 line in his lone season in Cincy. Still, with his track record, the 32-year old is likely to catch on elsewhere. With his skills in obvious decline, he'll need to land in the right situation to be trusted again in fantasy circles.
Posted on 3/4/2010 6:00:48 PM
Darren Sproles to stay in San Diego Chargers RB Darren Sproles has been tendered by the team at a 1st and 3rd round level. This is a surprise after San Diego seemed to make it clear that they would let Sproles test the free agent waters. As things stand now, he's due to make $7.27 million during the 2010-2011 season. With the 1st and 3rd round tender placed on him, don't expect any teams to show interest in the diminutive Sproles.
Posted on 3/4/2010 3:45:19 PM
Anquan Boldin available for a 3rd? According to the NFL Network's Michael Lombardi, the Cardinals are believed to be looking for a 3rd round draft pick in a trade involving WR Anquan Boldin. If true, the Cards will get a lot of inquiries about Boldin in the coming days. While he is 30 years old and presents a fairly sizable injury risk, a 3rd rounder would be a steal for a team in dire need of WR help (like Miami or Baltimore).
Posted on 3/4/2010 3:22:05 PM
Greg Olsen on the block? The hottest rumor floating around the Combine these past few days was that Bears TE Greg Olsen is on the trade block. It makes sense considering Bears new OC Mike Martz has never utilized the TE in his passing attack. Olsen is just 24-years-old and is already a top-10 TE in the league. We could see the Patriots, Dolphins, and Rams being interested.
Posted on 3/2/2010 7:27:08 PM
Bears release Orlando Pace The Bears have released LT Orlando Pace. The 34-year-old struggled mightily this past season and is clearly in the midst of a steep decline. He'll have trouble finding a starting job this offseason. Chris Williams will take over as the Bears LT.
Posted on 3/2/2010 12:09:59 AM
Thomas Jones will be released Friday The Jets announced that RB Thomas Jones will be formally released on Friday. "We have informed Thomas Jones and his representatives that we will release him on March 5," GM Mike Tannenbaum said. "Thomas joined us three years ago and has been a productive, passionate leader both on and off the field who has served as a positive influence for our younger players. We were fortunate to acquire Thomas and wish him the best." The Jets are making a smart move here by releasing Jones before his play starts to decline.
Posted on 3/1/2010 4:45:28 PM
Jermichael Finley officially named starter In what was nothing more than a formality, Packers HC Mike McCarthy officially named Jermichael Finley his starting TE. "Yes, Finley is the starter," McCarthy said. "What's exciting about him, he gets better every week." Finley was basically getting starter's snaps during the 2nd half of last season and racked up 416 yards and 4 TDs over the final 7 games. With a full season as the starter, he could be a top-3 TE in 2010.
Posted on 3/1/2010 2:24:56 PM
Michael Bush on the block? According to NFL Network's Michael Lombardi, the Raiders are dangling RB Michael Bush in trade talks. And there's plenty of interest. Bush averaged 5.1 yards per carry last season and topped 100 yards in both of the games he received over 14 carries. He's a guy who is capable of being a lead back. The Chargers and Texans could both use him.
Posted on 2/28/2010 11:14:36 PM
Thomas Jones to be released soon ESPN and the NY Daily News both report that Jets RB Thomas Jones will be released sometime this coming week. The Jets reportedly asked him to restructure his contract, which was supposed to pay him $6 million this season. Jones refused. He'll hit the open market when the free-agency period opens on March 5 and will be the top RB available. The move opens the door for RB Shonn Greene to step in as the starter.
Posted on 2/27/2010 11:23:13 PM
Giants HC praises Hakeem Nicks Giants HC Tom Coughlin has nothing but good things to say about WR Hakeem Nicks as he enters his 2nd NFL season. "Hakeem's a football player who's hungry to improve and to be better," Coughlin said. "He's a guy we see doing outstanding things. No matter what you challenge him with, he seems to be able to come through and to accept the challenge and to do better and improve. People said he wasn't a homerun hitter. Well, people chase him down the field and he gets it in the end zone." Nicks is a big-time breakout candidate in 2010.
Posted on 2/27/2010 5:46:27 PM
Redskins committed to Clinton Portis Redskins HC Mike Shanahan is committed to Clinton Portis as his starting RB next season. "He's our running back," Shanahan said. "I expect him to be in great shape and do everything he can to be the best player. If he does that, I know what type of ability he has. Hopefully, he can help us win." Portis will have just turned 29 when the 2010 season kicks off. He's never averaged more than 4.3 yards per carry as a Redskin, but a reunion with Shanahan could provide a spark.
Posted on 2/27/2010 12:45:40 AM
Roy Williams not a lock to start next year Cowboys HC Wade Phillips made it a point on Friday that WR Roy Williams is not guaranteed a starting spot next season. "We are going to play the best player, no matter what," Phillips said. The good news for Williams is that he won't face much competition unless the Cowboys bring in someone through free-agency or the draft. Currently behind him on the depth chart are WRs Patrick Crayton and Kevin Ogletree. Then again, Williams would have trouble holding off CFL receivers if he plays like he did last year again.
Posted on 2/27/2010 12:41:43 AM
Franchise tag deadline passes The deadline to place the franchise tag on players passed at 4 pm ET today. Only 6 players were franchised, headlined by Raiders DE Richard Seymour. To see the complete list, along with some notable players who were not franchised and are now free-agents, subscribers can click right here.
Posted on 2/25/2010 4:47:43 PM
Bucs won't bring Antonio Bryant back Bucs HC Raheem Morris has confirmed that the team won't bring WR Antonio Bryant back next season. "Antonio missed a significant amount of time last year," Morris said. "Right now we're going in a young direction. We're going to choose to move on." That leaves Tampa Bay with Michael Clayton, Maurice Stovall, and Sammie Stroughter as their top-3 WRs. It's a position they'll need to address in free-agency and/or the draft. As for Bryant, he's the most talented WR in this year's free-agent class. But character and health issues make him a risky signing. He may only get a 1-year deal.
Posted on 2/25/2010 3:27:14 PM
Michael Vick wants a starting job QB Michael Vick is on the hunt for a starting job this offseason. He believes he should have seen more action with the Eagles last year. "I accomplished a lot, probably should have been out there a bit more," Vick said. "But I totally understood my position coming in. And I couldn't override any decision. … So moving forward, what I want to do is get into position where I have my own team and becoming a starting quarterback again." Vick is still expected to be traded out of Philadelphia before the NFL draft. St. Louis and Buffalo are his most likely landing spots.
Posted on 2/25/2010 3:12:30 PM
Saints expected to keep Reggie Bush Saints RB Reggie Bush is due $8 million in 2010. That's a lot for a guy who received just 117 offensive touches last season. But according to NFL Network's Michael Lombardi, the Saints "are not even contemplating" releasing Bush. HC Sean Payton loves the versatility and explosion he brings to the offense. Expect Bush to the return to the Saints as change-of-pace back and continue to receive 8-10 touches per game.
Posted on 2/25/2010 3:09:10 PM
Knowshon Moreno won't face charges Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno won't face assault charges in relation to the fight he got in at a bar last weekend. He's unlikely to face any discipline from the NFL.
Posted on 2/25/2010 12:42:52 PM
49ers looking to add a RB 49ers HC Mike Singletary hinted on Thursday that the team may be targeting a RB in this April's draft. "We can't count on Gore forever," Singletary said. While Gore's starting job isn't in jeopardy, he could see a decrease in touches if the team spends a 1st or 2nd-round pick on a guy like California RB Jahvid Best or Ole Miss RB Dexter McCluster.
Posted on 2/25/2010 12:40:24 PM
Knowshon Moreno involved in bar fight? A University of Georgia student has accused Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno of punching him during a bar fight last weekend. The student was diagnosed with a concussion. Moreno has yet to deny the claim but did say that he was punched first. We doubt this ends up going anywhere, and we don't expect Moreno to face disciplinary action from the NFL.
Posted on 2/25/2010 1:22:13 AM
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