Currently, it appears as if Aiyuk will stay put in 2024.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk intends to report to the start of training camp despite his frustration over his contract situation, according to sources.
Fantasy football advice: We are unlikely to know if Aiyuk will be a “hold-in” or fully participate in camp, but the good news is that it is much easier for the two sides to talk if the player is actually present and/or practicing with the team. Despite all the conjecture, it would still be shocking if the two sides fail to reach an agreement before the start of the season. Until further notice, Aiyuk should still be considered a rock-solid fantasy WR2.
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Kamara’s short-lived contract dispute appears to be a thing of the past.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara reported for the start of training camp despite his frustration over his contract situation, according to sources.
Fantasy football advice: Kamara skipped some of the team’s mandatory minicamp practices, but it appears there will be no drama for now regarding his contract. The bigger question for Kamara is how much work he will lose to 2023 draft pick Kendre Miller in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s scheme. Kamara’s passing game role should remain a key part of the offense, so fantasy managers can feel relatively good about his ability to deliver at a RB2 level.
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No. 9 gets increased financial security for the upcoming year.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has reportedly “worked something out” with the team regarding his contract and will report to training camp, as expected, on Tuesday, July 23. Stafford was seeking a pay raise in light of the explosion in salaries at the quarterback position in recent months.
Fantasy football advice: There is no word yet on the details, but it seems reasonable that Stafford will join the $50 million-per-season club at quarterback. Few QBs closed out last season better than Stafford, who averaged 284 yards passing and threw for 15 touchdowns versus only three interceptions over his final six games. The 35-year-old has never been much of a threat with his legs, but he could still push for low-end QB1 numbers in what should easily be a top-10 offense in 2024.
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Cleveland ponied up to secure Cooper’s contract for 2024.
Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper reported to the start of training camp after the team handed him a $5 million raise and guaranteed his original base salary of $20 million on Tuesday, July 23.
Fantasy football advice: Cooper has been a durable and strong WR2 fantasy asset virtually every season since joining the NFL in 2015. His production was a bit more inconsistent last season as Cleveland rotated through multiple quarterbacks, but managers witnessed the kind of upside he possesses when he burned the Houston Texans for 265 yards and two touchdowns in Week 16 last year. Assuming Deshaun Watson can stay healthy and regain form in 2024, Cooper should finish as a top-15 fantasy receiver.
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The star runner signed a one-year deal to return to the Raiders.
The Las Vegas Raiders and running back Josh Jacobs have agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $12 million, per sources on Saturday, Aug. 26. The base value of the deal is worth $11.8 million and includes $200,000 in incentives.
Jacobs, 25, remains in his prime but is coming off a 393-touch workload, which should give gamers pause since 2022 was the first time in his NFL career in which he managed to play every game. Historically, once a back gets into that 330- to 350-carry range, all bets are off when it comes to continuing their success into the next season. To his credit, Jacobs wasn’t heavily utilized at Alabama and is young enough where perhaps he defies the odds one more season, but it is a risk that’s impossible to ignore.
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One other aspect to consider is that Jacobs has hauled in at least 53 passes in each of the last two seasons. With the addition of possession man Jakobi Meyers to pair with ball-hog Davante Adams and slot receiver Hunter Renfrow, it’s entirely reasonable to expect his receiving numbers will fall off a bit. Don’t blindly assume Jimmy Garoppolo dumps it off as much as the more mobile Derek Carr did when plays weren’t scripted to go Jacobs’ way, and there’s another huge question about what happens if Jimmy G. were to miss significant time due to injury. The backup situation isn’t looking so pretty in Vegas.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the stats from last season and expect similar results. It’s also common to have rostered a player in the past and then feel compelled to go back to him the next year out of comfort. Jacobs is an extremely talented back who does a number of things to help fantasy teams, but there is a minuscule chance he replicates what should prove to be a personal-best season when we look back on his professional career in a few years.
Fantasy football value
Now that he has signed, expect the current average draft position of RB8 (No. 20 overall) to rise into the RB3 conversation with Saquon Barkley, making Jacobs roughly between the sixth and ninth player chosen in Round 1 of PPR drafts. Make sure you back him up with Zamir White, a capable handcuff who won’t return much value without an injury, but you surely will be glad he is on your roster should Jacobs be forced out of action.
The latest fantasy football news and notes from around the NFL.
With training camp upon us, here’s a roundup of the latest injury and player news that may impact fantasy football draft plans.
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
New York Jets WR Garrett Wilson (ankle) is dealing with a low ankle sprain and the team is being cautious with him, according to head coach Robert Saleh.
FANTASY TIP: Wilson probably will miss some more practices but should be fine for the start of the regular season. He will be the main option in the passing game for the Jets this season and will be a weekly starting option in all fantasy leagues.
FANTASY TIP: Henry appears to have created a strong connection with Mac Jones during camp and could see a good amount of targets this season. He could be a low-end No. 1 tight end in some deeper leagues.
Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans has “certainly found chemistry” with QB Baker Mayfield during the first few days of training camp, according to Brianna Dix of Buccaneers.com.
FANTASY TIP: Evans has topped 1,000 yards in all nine of his NFL seasons, and he has caught at least eight touchdowns six times. His quarterback situation in 2023 is less than ideal, but he is still worth grabbing as a WR3.
Updating a previous report, Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor will not be traded, owner Jim Irsay said Saturday, July 29. “We will not trade Jonathan Taylor,” Irsay said. “That is a certainty. Not now or not in October.”
FANTASY TIP: Taylor’s request for a contract extension and a trade have both been denied, at least for now, and it remains to be seen what the star running back does next. He should comfortably finish as a RB1 if he stays healthy and plays the entire season.
Free-agent RB Ezekiel Elliott (Cowboys) left his meeting with the New England Patriots without a contract, but the two sides are expected to remain in contact.
FANTASY TIP: Elliott has not received much interest this offseason but probably will find a new team in the near future. He probably will not be a starter in 2023 and may not have significant fantasy value.
Las Vegas Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo did not participate in practice Friday, July 28, because of a scheduled day off, according to a source.
FANTASY TIP: Garoppolo probably will receive some practices off during training camp since he is coming off foot surgery. He will have good receivers to work with this season but should only be a No. 2 quarterback in fantasy leagues.
Credit: Cara Owsley, The Enquirer
Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow (calf) may be sidelined for the entire preseason because of his calf injury but appears to have a good chance to be available for Week 1, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
FANTASY TIP: Fantasy players will need to monitor the situation to see if Burrow returns to the field before the regular season opener. He will be a No. 1 quarterback in all fantasy leagues this season, but players may want a strong backup in case he misses a game or two.
Buffalo Bills RB James Cook has been impressive enough so far that offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey told reporters that he is “really excited about him and what he can do” and added that Cook has “three-down back” potential, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic.
FANTASY TIP: With all due respect to Dorsey, Cook handled 110 touches as a 190-pound rookie and never handled more than 140 touches in four seasons at the University of Georgia. While Cook will play on all three downs, he lacks the size and overall athleticism to be what most fantasy managers consider a three-down back. He is also highly unlikely to see much action at the goal line with Josh Allen and Damien Harris around. Cook should have plenty of value in PPR leagues, but he best viewed as a low-end RB2.
FANTASY TIP: Richardson could wind up starting early in the season, but he’s more of a project in long-term leagues than in single-year leagues. View him as a QB2 without a lot of sizzle.
Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta has “earned” his current place with the first-team offense, according to offensive coordinator Benjamin Johnson.
FANTASY TIP: It’s been all positive for LaPorta since the Lions drafted him, and as the No. 1 tight end in a solid offense he could make some waves. T.J. Hockenson was on a 63-959-7 pace before he was traded to Minnesota, so the rookie is a possible target if you’re looking to carry a TE2. If the buzz keeps getting louder, however, perhaps LaPorta becomes a late-round option due to his upside.
The latest fantasy football news and notes from around the NFL.
With training camp upon us, here’s a roundup of the latest injury and player news that may impact fantasy football draft plans.
Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow (calf) was diagnosed with a right calf injury after practice Thursday, July 27, according to head coach Zac Taylor.
FANTASY TIP: Taylor noted Burrow was wearing a sleeve on the same leg he injured prior to the injury but attributed it to being sore from practice earlier in the week. A mild calf strain would likely sideline Burrow for at least two weeks, but the good news is that he was about six weeks to heal up if necessary in case the strain is more of a moderate one. Burrow was highly unlikely to play during the preseason anyway, so fantasy managers should feel comfortable drafting him over the next month as long as this turns out to be a minor strain.
Credit: David Dermer-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns WR Amari Cooper (undisclosed) is still sidelined because of his undisclosed injury, but head coach Kevin Stefanski said Cooper may return soon.
FANTASY TIP: It seems like Cooper is dealing with a minor injury but should return to practice in the near future. He should be the main option in the passing game for the Browns this season and can be at least a No. 3 fantasy receiver.
New York Jets WR Garrett Wilson (ankle) rolled an ankle early in practice Thursday, July 27, but head coach Robert Saleh told reporters after practice that he is not concerned about the severity of the injury.
FANTASY TIP: Expect another update soon, but it sounds as if fantasy managers have nothing to be worried about. With Aaron Rodgers now in town, Wilson stands a great chance at finishing as a top-10 receiver in 2023. As such, he should be drafted inside the top 15 picks of most drafts.
Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos RB Javonte Williams (knee) told reporters Thursday, July 27, that he was cleared for contact recently but deferred to the coaching staff when asked if he would play at all during the preseason.
FANTASY TIP: Williams avoiding the PUP list is a great sign. However, fantasy managers undoubtedly would like to see at least a handful of preseason runs before burning a pick in the first six or seven rounds on him. Denver obviously has little motivation to play him in meaningless games. Furthermore, head coach Sean Payton has typically not been overly forthcoming in regards to the injury status of his players, so rostering Williams could end being a headache – especially early in the season. Samaje Perine makes for a great mid-round handcuff and should have plenty of standalone value either way.
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford drew trade interest from other teams, but the Rams were in unanimous agreement to keep him another season, according to head coach Sean McVay
FANTASY TIP: Stafford is a QB2 in fantasy with some upside after an injury-filled year. He’d be a good QB to pair with a high-end QB2 with upside.
FANTASY TIP: Cook figures to be an RB2 in fantasy, but he’d likely take a step back from the lion’s share role he is accustomed to if he signs with the Jets.
Philadelphia Eagles RB Rashaad Penny worked with the first-team offense during practice Wednesday, July 26. Head coach Nick Sirianni said he plans to use multiple running backs with the starters during training camp.
FANTASY TIP: The Eagles probably will be using a committee at running back this season, but Penny could see a majority of the carries during the season. Fantasy players should monitor the situation because Penny can be at least a No. 3 fantasy back depending on his role.
Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins (undisclosed) does not have a timetable for his return to the field, according to head coach John Harbaugh.
FANTASY TIP: Fantasy players will need to monitor the situation to see when Dobbins will be cleared to play. He will be part of a committee when he returns to the field but can still be a No. 2 or No. 3 running back in most fantasy leagues.
New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers agreed to a new two-year contract with the Jets worth a guaranteed $75 million, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The new contract is actually a five-year deal that includes two option years so the team can spread out the bonus proration.
FANTASY TIP: It seems like Rodgers will be with the team for at least the next two seasons after the contract restructuring. He can be seen as a low-end No. 1 or a No. 2 fantasy quarterback this season.
Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young was confirmed to be the starter entering training camp by head coach Frank Reich Wednesday, July 26.
FANTASY TIP: Young will be a so-so QB2 from whom you should expect peaks and valleys.
Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears TE Cole Kmet agreed to a four-year, $50 million extension Wednesday, July 26. The deal includes $32.8 million guaranteed and $20 million in the first year.
FANTASY TIP: Kmet was eighth in PPR fantasy points at the position and will be in the glut of midrange TE1s again this draft season.
FANTASY TIP: Murray wants to be ready for the season, but that’s a tall order. He’s best utilized as a QB2 to mix and match with another low-end QB2 or high-end QB2.
Seattle Seahawks second-round draft choice RB Zach Charbonnet (UCLA) signed a four-year contract Tuesday, July 25. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
FANTASY TIP: Word out of Seattle this offseason has varied greatly with regards to how involved Charbonnet will be in 2023. Some beat writers seem to believe he will forge a committee with Kenneth Walker III, while others suggest that the rookie will act as a pure (albeit very good) backup for Walker. At worst, Charbonnet will be one of the best handcuffs in fantasy with RB1 upside should Walker miss time.
The Detroit Lions surprised with their 1.12 pick of Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama. They had already acquired David Montgomery to replace the departed Jamaal Williams but Gibbs offers the same skill set as D’Andre Swift as the fast receiver of the committee backfield. That move immediately dropped Swift down the depth chart and out of the game plan.
Swift is added to the Eagles offense in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick and swapping 8th-rounders this year. There was a void left behind when Miles Sanders left for the Panthers after a career-best season of 259 carries for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Eagles have long relied on a committee approach with their backfield, and Swift has been highly productive in his career, but has battled constant injuries and dings during his three seasons.
He’s not going to replace the 259 carries of Sanders. His career-best was only 151 runs in 2021 and he always misses three or more games each year. But he offers both dynamic runs and capable hands as a receiver. Swift caught as many as 62 passes back in 2021 and joins the current backfield of Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, and Rashaad Penny. That places him into a No. 1 spot in the lineup and a chance to recharge his career playing in a wildly productive offense and behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
The Eagles still lack a dominant rusher, but Penny will help Swift with the bulk of the rushing duties. There’s plenty of upside in the pairing, but risk as well given the injury histories of Swift and Penny.
The two have a storied rivalry that resulted in a one-game suspension for a previous incident in 2017, so it should come as no surprise the star receiver once again was told to take a seat.
The Bucs listed virtually the entire roster on the injury report in Week 2, though all but WRs Julio Jones (knee) and Chris Godwin (hamstring) were able to play. While Jones appears to be closer to being in the lineup than Godwin for Week 3, we’ll have to wait until the end of the week for an official status.
Fantasy football takeaway
Tampa hosts the Green Bay Packers in Week 3, and the loss of Evans will be felt. The Packers are better vs. the pass than running game, despite what we saw in Week 1 vs. Justin Jefferson, so expect a healthy dose of Leonard Fournette.
Devalue quarterback Tom Brady to the level of bench status in nearly all formats. Peripheral options, like Breshad Perriman and Scotty Miller, garner a boost in playing time, whereas Russell Gage is likely to be the de facto WR1 of this group. TEs Cade Otton and Cameron Brate figure to be in line for more looks, too.
Perriman and Miller are flex plays for those looking to save a buck in DFS action. Gage is a fringe WR3 or flex in deep PPR settings otherwise. The rookie TE is unplayable, but Brate has a sniff of appeal in deep settings. Even still, it’s a low-upside play with a poor matchup ahead.
In redraft formats, if one must pick up a wideout from this roster, Perriman is the best bet for a touchdown. However, it’s a risky play, and looking outside of Tampa is wise. Given it is so early in the season and bye weeks aren’t here yet, we can lean on our benches for help. Check out our waiver wire release for more tips.
Ride it out with Evans on the bench, and about all we as gamers can do is hope that cooler heads prevail when these pugilists meet again in Week 13.
The most important fantasy football news updates from camp.
Too busy to sift through all of the news from NFL training camps? Here’s a spin around the league for a look at the most notable fantasy football news through Tuesday, Aug. 2.
