Tag: LeSean McCoy

Fantasy football free agency roundup

NFL free agency will drastically help reshape the fantasy football landscape as the new league year begins.

(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports)

Now that NFL free agency is upon us, here is where we’ll run through the fantasy football outlooks for trades, re-signings, midrange players and tag recipients.

This analysis will be updated as players sign/re-sign in free agency, so be sure to check back regularly.

Signed with new team or traded

Links to individual analysis

TE Austin Hooper, Cleveland Browns

WR DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals

RB David Johnson, Houston Texans

TE Hayden Hurst, Atlanta Falcons

Re-signed/extensions

QB Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans: A four-year, $118 million extension was signed on the eve of the tampering window, securing Tannehill’s role as the starting quarterback for the near future. He developed a rapport with 2019 rookie wideout A.J. Brown and has one of the best running games to keep defenses honest, provided Derrick Henry indeed signs his franchise tender and doesn’t pull a Le’Veon Bell. Tannehill is among the more intriguing back fantasy picks and will be chosen as a rotational starter by gamers willing to wait on the position.

QB Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings: There’s not a lot to say here since he wasn’t facing free agency, and Cousins’ 2020 situation doesn’t change by getting this extension (two years, $66 million). Keep tabs on Stefon Diggs possibly getting dealt, though. Cousins, for now, remains a top-tier backup with matchup utility, especially when it appears the Vikes may struggle to run the ball.

Franchise/TRANSITION tagged

QB Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys: Prescott will not be able to negotiate with any team but the Cowboys, and the goal is to work out a long-term deal. The offensive system will remain the same as in 2019 with Kellen Moore coming back as the playcaller under new head coach Mike McCarthy. Dak is a top-five fantasy quarterback if Amari Cooper returns.

RB Derrick Henry: Tennessee Titans: Unless Henry refuses to sign his tender and holds out most or all of the year, he will be the bell cow once again in Tennessee. There remains a chance he signs a long-term contract before things could get ugly. All things equal, short of losing his right tackle, life appears to be business as usual. RB1 all day long.

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WR A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals: A rookie quarterback as Cincy’s 2020 starter is all but etched into stone, which is a likely detriment for Green. However, he remains the most gifted wideout in an offense that won’t be scared to throw it when needed, so he has that working for him. Expect WR2 stats as a ceiling, and the combo of age and injuries are conspiring against Green.

TE Hunter Henry, Los Angeles Chargers: This one isn’t as cut and dried as some of the above inclusions, because we don’t know LA’s quarterback for Week 1 yet. Some signs say Tom Brady, others suggest a rookie or even Tyrod Taylor as a stopgap. On talent alone, Henry is a midrange No. 1 in fantasy, but other factors, like an undeniable injury risk and this being the first full year of playcalling responsibility for Shane Steichen, should give owners pause.

RB Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals: No more David Johnson, or his punitive salary, could lead to this transition tag be little more than formality before a long-term deal is reached. Drake exploded in this system late last year, and now the addition of WR DeAndre Hopkins has to get the juices flowing. Drake is risky, and now the Air Raid system may be fully deployed, which could force the former Miami Dolphin to be overly reliant on efficiency. Those concerns aside, don’t go overboard on draft day for a player whose career has largely been a disappointment, even if not entirely his fault. Give him the old RB2 treatment in all single-year formats.

Remains unsigned

RB Devonta Freeman, free agent:

RB Lamar Miller, free agent:

RB Dion Lewis, free agent:

RB LeSean McCoy, free agent:

RB Theo Riddick, free agent:

RB Peyton Barber, free agent:

RB Frank Gore, free agent:

WR Randall Cobb, free agent:

WR Devin Funchess, free agent:

WR Breshad Perriman, free agent:

TE Jimmy Graham, free agent:

TE Jordan Reed, free agent:

TE Delanie Walker, free agent:

TE Vance McDonald, free agent:

TE Jason Witten, free agent:

TE Tyler Eifert, free agent:

Free agent options at RB for Cardinals outside of Kenyan Drake

See what backs could be in play for the Cardinals in free agency.

The Arizona Cardinals want to re-sign running back Kenyan Drake this offseason after the second half of the season he had for the team following his trade to Arizona. However, that might not happen, as he seeks a big payday.

If they are unable to bring Drake back, they will still likely try and sign a veteran running back in free agency, whether or not they trade David Johnson.

Who are some possibilities if Drake does not return?

Carlos Hyde

Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Hyde is 28 years old and rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 2019. It was the first time he did so in his career. He can also catch the ball. He only had 10 catches in 2019 for the Houston Texans, but he had 59 in 2017 for the San Francisco 49ers. Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s John Gambadoro says Hyde is a potential target for the Cardinals and he would fit. His projected market value is a two-year deal worth about $6 million. He could be a lead back for the team.

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7 RB options for the Falcons in free agency

The Falcons aren’t in the market for any of this year’s top free agents, meaning Titans star running back Derrick Henry is out of the question.

The Falcons aren’t in the market for any of this year’s top free agents, meaning Titans star running back Derrick Henry is out of the question. While the NFL draft is a better option to find a cost effective back, the team will explore every avenue in upgrading its roster.

After previewing some possible targets for Atlanta at wide receiver, cornerback and EDGE, here are seven running backs for the team to consider in free agency.

Matt Breida

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

2019 Stats: 123 rushes, 623 yards, 1 TD; 19 catches, 120 yards, 1 TD

Analysis: The 49ers ran their way to a Super Bowl behind three productive running backs. Matt Breida, 25, rushed for 5.1 yards per carry and racked up 743 all-purpose yards for head coach Kyle Shanahan. Breida is a good all-around runner, showing a nice mix of vision and power. He looks like a potential sleeper, but you have to wonder how much teams will be willing to pay the free-agent RB without yet proving he can be a lead back. If you were wondering about Breida’s speed, though, watch him take it to another level in this 83-yard touchdown run below.

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DeSean Jackson, Darren Sproles recruiting LeSean McCoy back to the Eagles

DeSean Jackson, Darren Sproles recruiting LeSean McCoy back to the Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles currently have three running backs on the roster and will be active in free agency when it comes to evaluating talent.

One possible option is former Eagles star running back LeSean McCoy. The veteran running back just earned his first Super Bowl ring with the Chiefs and is looking to catch on with a team during free agency.

On Sunday McCoy made those plans known, taking to social media to tease fans by saying he looks good in any color NFL jersey.

Shortly after the post, DeSean Jackson and Darren Sproles took to Instagram to encourage Shady to return home.

McCoy, the franchise’s all-time leading rusher, is expected to hit the free agency market on March 16th after the Chiefs made it clear he won’t return.

NFL Insider Mike Garafolo said a return to the Eagles is possible for Shady.

“I would not discount the possibility of him returning to the Eagles,” Garafolo said. “I also would not discount the possibility that he meets up with Anthony Lynn out with the Chargers, who are going to have some changes in the backfield. So, some interesting possibilities for LeSean McCoy as he heads into free agency.”

Last season with Buffalo and Kansas City, McCoy carried the ball 101 times for 465 yards and four touchdowns.

McCoy won a ring with the Chiefs but was inactive for the bulk of the playoffs and the Super Bowl.

4 backup running backs the Jets should avoid in free agency

Jets Wire takes a look at four running backs the Jets should steer clear of when searching for a backup for Le’Veon Bell.

The Jets are set at the top of their running back depth chart with Le’Veon Bell, but there’s not much behind him right now.

Bilal Powell and Ty Montgomery, the Nos. 2 and 3 running backs on the depth chart last season, are unrestricted free agents. That leaves New York with no established depth behind its star tailback. Fortunately for first-year general manager Joe Douglas, free agency will provide him with the opportunity to fill those voids.

Buyer beware, though. There are some running backs available on the open market that could wind up making Douglas look bad down the road. Who are those backs? Let’s take a look.

Lamar Miller

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Miller is a backup at this point in his career, but he is not one the Jets should be targeting. The 29-year-old tore both his ACL and MCL last preseason and it remains to be seen if he will ever get back to 100 percent.

The injury risk alone makes Miller worth staying away from. The Jets need a reliable backup for Bell, not one who is coming off major knee surgeries. Factor in Miller’s dip in production prior to his injury and that makes him a running back Douglas should wipe off his free agency big board.

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Chargers linked as potential destination for RB LeSean McCoy

Shady to Los Angeles?

The marriage between the Los Angeles Chargers and running back Melvin Gordon could be nearing an end.

Gordon, 25, is set to become a free agent and while he is hoping to return next season, it appears that general manager Tom Telesco is going to let him test the free agency market.

If the split occurs, that will leave RBs Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson as the remaining backs. Ekeler is a restricted free agent, but it’s likely that the team will tender him in order to retain him.

Ekeler and Jackson illustrated the ability to make a reliable one-two punch early in the 2019 season, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the coaching staff wants to solidify the position with another member.

Should they go that route, NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo sees LeSean McCoy as a possible option for Los Angeles.

“I would not discount the possibility of him returning to the Eagles. I also would not discount the possibility he meets up with Anthony Lynn out of the Chargers who are going to have some changes in the backfield,” Garafolo said.

Signed prior to last season after being released by the Bills, McCoy enjoyed a solid season reuniting with former Eagles coach Andy Reid with the Chiefs.

McCoy, 32, never turned into a full-time starter with Kansas City, but was still productive, tallying 646 yards and five touchdowns on 129 touches for a an average of five yards per touch, which was his best since 2016.

L.A. would like to establish the youth movement with their running backs, but having McCoy would provide veteran experience.

McCoy would be able to keep the full load off Ekeler, keeping him as the dynamic change-of-pace running back that he is, while still giving Jackson his opportunities.

Like Garafolo mentioned, McCoy and coach Anthony Lynn also have a connection. Lynn was his running back coach in 2015 and served as his head coach and offensive coordinator in 2016 when McCoy ran for 1,267 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Bill Barnwell predicts quarterback scenarios for Chargers, replacements for RB Melvin Gordon

Who could the Los Angeles Chargers sign to replace Philip Rivers? Who are some replacements for Melvin Gordon?

The Los Angeles Chargers are set to embark one of the most polarizing offseasons in over the past decade. Not only will the franchise have a slew of notable soon-to-be free agents that they will have to decide on, they will be looking for a replacement to quarterback Philip Rivers.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell came out with his annual NFL Offseason Dominoes – which is a predictions column about possible moves we could see in free agency that could cause a domino effect.

To address the quarterback position, Barnwell listed two potential suitors: Tom Brady and Cam Newton.

For Brady, Barnwell has L.A. signing the 42-year old to a massive deal for five years worth $180 million.

In desperate need of both a reliable quarterback and a marquee player to sell tickets in their new stadium, the Chargers find both in one fell swoop by inking the greatest player in NFL history. Brady’s deal crucially includes three guaranteed years, meaning that L.A. is committing to Brady’s long-discussed plan to play until he’s 45.

The Chargers are set to have the most salary cap space available that they’ve had in years, but it’s hard to believe that the team would write him that big of a paycheck, especially when he’s up there in age.

For Newton, Barnwell has Los Angeles giving up a second-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft to acquire the 30-year old.

With Philip Rivers entering free agency, the Chargers are left with Tyrod Taylor and Easton Stick on their depth chart. Adding Newton is a rare chance to acquire a 30-year-old former MVP in what could be the middle of his career, and the Chargers can install a roughly similar scheme for all three of their quarterbacks. Newton is signed through only the 2020 season.

Out of the two possibilities, trading for Newton is more reasonable.

If they were to work a deal to only dish one or two draft picks, not including their first-round, the Bolts could benefit from having Newton since he fits what coach Anthony Lynn is looking for at the position and he’s easily a top-10 quarterback when healthy.

One player that the Chargers have to decide whether or not they’re going to be back next season is running back Melvin Gordon.

For the first scenario, Barnwell has the Texans signing Gordon to a deal. To replace the former Wisconsin product, Los Angeles signs RB Lamar Miller to a one-year deal.

Miller missed all of 2019 with a torn ACL but should be ready for Week 1. The former Texans back was a league-average starter before his injury, so the Chargers could get a relative bargain — something like $2 million — in using him as half of a rotation with Austin Ekeler.

Miller never really saw the field in 2019 because he had a severe knee injury that kept him off. With him expected to be at full health, he could be a reliable option in the backfield, and it wouldn’t cost the team all that much.

Scenario No. 2 sees Gordon joining the Redskins. The Chargers then sign Kenyan Drake to a one-year deal worth $8 million.

Drake isn’t quite an exact replacement for Gordon, but the Cardinals improved dramatically on offense after he took over lead back responsibilities from David Johnson. If Drake doesn’t see a great multiyear deal on the table, he could take this one-year pact and head back into free agency after a stellar full season.

Nearly halfway through the 2019 season, Drake joined the Cardinals where he raised some eyebrows. In eight games, he rushed 123 times for 643 yards and eight touchdowns. Unlike Miller, there are no durability concerns with Drake.

Basing it off his play from last season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he demands more money. But if Drake hits the market, he would be a viable option to shore up the backfield.

The final scenario has the Buccaneers signing Gordon. Not only that, Barnwell has the Patriots trading a third and fifth-round selection for Austin Ekeler. The Chargers then sign LeSean McCoy to a one-year deal.

The veteran running back was reportedly negotiating with the Chargers in August before agreeing to terms with the Chiefs, and while McCoy ended up winning a Super Bowl in Kansas City, it was as a healthy scratch. Going to the Chargers would give him a chance at a starting job, which he probably wouldn’t get elsewhere.

Gordon signing with Tampa Bay and Los Angeles signing McCoy makes sense, but I don’t see the Chargers dishing away one of their most productive play-makers, even if they’re able to get some draft capital from it.

LeSean McCoy thought his son would be way more excited to meet Paul Rudd

“That’s Ant-Man!”

Paul Rudd grew up in the Kansas City area and remains a diehard Chiefs fan. He was in Miami for Super Bowl 54 to watch the Chiefs win their first Super Bowl in 50 years. And during the postgame celebration, Chiefs running back LeSean McCoy saw a great opportunity to give his son, LeSean McCoy Jr., a memorable experience.

It just didn’t play out exactly how McCoy probably imagined.

McCoy — with his son on his shoulders — approached Rudd in order to introduce his young son to Ant-Man — the superhero Rudd plays in the MCU. McCoy could be heard reminding his son that he watches Ant-Man “all the time,” but the youngster wasn’t especially enthused to meet Ant-Man in the flesh.

“That’s Ant-Man. That’s Ant-Man. Are you serious,” McCoy said to his son. Maybe he was just shy meeting Rudd and not deliberately unimpressed, but it was still adorable.

It was like the scene in Endgame where the kids at the diner wanted a photo with Hulk and not Ant-Man … except, you know, in real life.

But hey, McCoy tried. And Rudd — with his son Jack watching on — was a great sport throughout it all.

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6 Bills storylines to watch for during Super Bowl LIV

Six Buffalo Bills related Super Bowl topics to follow during Super Bowl LIV.

There’s always a  Buffalo connection, right?

When the Chiefs and 49ers square off on Sunday evening in Super Bowl LIV, there’s a couple of Bills-related things to keep in mind.

Here are six Bills storylines to follow during the Big Game:

Kansas City Chiefs running back LeSean McCoy. Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Will LeSean McCoy play?

The Bills cut running back LeSean McCoy at the end of training camp. Most were surprised because the Bills backed him and his playing abilities until the very end. McCoy sings the praises of Bills Mafia, loving the fans that once rooted him on, but because of that backing only to be dumped, McCoy said this week that he wished the Bills’ front office were more honest with him.

But once things were all said and done with Buffalo, McCoy, a free agent, quickly signed with the Chiefs. Many pegged McCoy as a guy who would be a difference maker. Instead, he’s been anything but for KC. McCoy was healthy all season, but only played in 13 games, rushing for 465 yards with four rushing scores.

McCoy’s been inactive in several games this year, including down the stretch. He hasn’t had a carry since Week 15. In the Chiefs’ first playoff game, he was active, but didn’t see a touch. In the AFC title game vs. the Titans, he was inactive. So the question is simple. Does Shady suit up?

 

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Chiefs RB LeSean McCoy will likely be inactive for the Super Bowl

LeSean McCoy will likely be inactive for the Super Bowl

LeSean McCoy is just over 28 hours away from possibly winning his first Super Bowl ring and the moment will be bittersweet because he’s unlikely to play.

The Eagles all-time leading rusher and Chiefs running back is likely to be inactive for Super Bowl 54 against the San Francisco 49ers.

McCoy has played just one snap in the playoffs and he was also inactive for the AFC title game. McCoy has seen his role diminish since playing 14 snaps in Week 15.

Kansas City will likely role with Damien Williams and Darwin Thompson at running back while choosing to use McCoy’s roster spot for depth on the defensive line or another position.