Bills sign Williams to extension
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:47:50 EDT
The NFL Network reports that the Bills signed defensive tackle Kyle Williams to a three-year, $14.5 million extension through 2012.
FANTASY SPIN:
Williams has been a rotational tackle for the Bills, but is a key part of the interior line. This deal should help bolster the depth at the position for the next several years.
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Favre denies reports of comeback
Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:29:25 EDT
The Biloxi Sun Herald reports that quarterback Brett Favre has denied today's reports that he was planning a comeback; calling the reports rumors.
FANTASY SPIN:
This is going to continue to be a distraction until Aaron Rodgers gets through a whole season as the starter in Green Bay. Owners should ignore the fuss until there's concrete evidence of anything resembling a comeback.
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Gore to see 25 touches a game
Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:13:34 EDT
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the 49ers intend to give running back Frank Gore 25 touches a game: at least 20 carries and five receptions.
FANTASY SPIN:
Owners in point per reception leagues rejoice! This is terrific news for all owners, as it would give Gore 320 carries and 80 receptions for the season. Upgrade Gore a spot or two in your rankings if you were concerned about his value in 2008.
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Bears sign Forte to rookie deal
Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:10:16 EDT
The Bears have signed second-round running back Matt Forte to a four-year contract. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
FANTASY SPIN:
This is great news, as it avoids a potential holdout and assures Forte will devote his energy to learning the offense.
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Favre thinking comeback
Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:07:58 EDT
The Wisconsin State Journal has reported, and been confirmed by other sources, that Packers quarterback Brett Favre is considering returning to the NFL, citing that he has "the itch" to play again. Further reports have stated Favre has demanded to be released after his wish to return to the Packers was denied. His request was, of course, denied.
FANTASY SPIN:
Just when you think this story is dead, it comes back with a vengeance. Talks have only been preliminary, but bets are he stays retired. It's hard to think he would tarnish his legacy by trying to enter a war with the Packers front office, but this could get ugly if he decides to pursue this further. Stay tuned!
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Steelers cut Zabransky
Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:54:38 EDT
The Steelers have released former Boise State quarterback Jared Zabransky.
FANTASY SPIN:
Zabransky became expendable with the drafting of Dennis Dixon. He has a chance to catch on elsewhere as a number three quarterback.
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Brown to be ready for contact
Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:31:30 EDT
The Miami Herald reports that Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown expects to be cleared for contact drills by the start of training camp. Brown adds that he should be 100% by the time the season begins.
FANTASY SPIN:
Brown is making great progress in his recovery from ACL surgery, but will likely be a bit out of sorts for the first couple weeks. He will also need to excpet that Ricky Williams will be sharing time with him. Still, all signs point to Brown being a solid fantasy RB2, as splitting carries could actually help him: remember, he was productive in college doing just that.
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Sanders and Freeney still hurting
Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:27:39 EDT
The Indianapolis Star reports that Colts safety Bob Sanders and defensive end Dwight Freeney are expected to start training camp on the PUP list.
FANTASY SPIN:
This news is not exactly inspiring confidence, but all indications are both of these key players will be healthy by Week One.
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Andrews arrested on gun charges, released
Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:28:29 EDT
The Boston Herald reports that Patriots defensive back Willie Andrews was arrested Monday for allegedly pointing a gun at his girlfriend's head after she accused him of cheating on her. He is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and assault with a deadly weapon. He is being held without bail, and has since been cut by the Patriots.
FANTASY SPIN:
Andrews had a chance to make the Patriots as a dime back and special teamer, but this second arrest in four month was the straw that broke the Pats' proverbial back. Andrews was also arrested in 2002 on gun-related charges in college.
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Carlson struggling in competition
Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:49:59 EDT
Sportingnews.com reports that Seahawks rookie tight end John Carlson is struggling to compete with veterans Jeb Putzier and Will Heller.
FANTASY SPIN:
It's looking like Carlson has a ways to go to be the full-time starter. He may start the season in a rotation with Putzier.
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Manning on the trading block
Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:38:57 EDT
According to Sportingnews.com, Bears defensive back Ricky Manning, Jr. is on the trading block heading into training camp.
FANTASY SPIN:
Manning has dropped like a stone on the depth chart, and is a dimeback at best these days. He also has a hefty contract, which makes it more likely that the Bears will have to cut him.
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Droughns on the bubble
Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:28:54 EDT
Sportingnews.com reports that Giants running back Rueben Droughns is very much on the bubble to make the final roster.
FANTASY SPIN:
Droughns will be the number four running back at best, but could make the team based on his goal line prowess and special teams play. He has little fantasy value, but his presence does hurt Brandon Jacobs' to a degree.
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Andrews arrested on gun charges
Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:28:29 EDT
The Boston Herald reports that Patriots defensive back Willie Andrews was arrested Monday for allegedly pointing a gun at his girlfriend's head after she accused him of cheating on her. He is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and assault with a deadly weapon. He is being held without bail.
FANTASY SPIN:
Andrews had a chance to make the Patriots as a dime back and special teamer, but this second arrest in four months should have the Pats kicking him to the curb. Andrews was also arrested in 2002 on gun-related charges in college.
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Calhoun's role crystalizing
Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:23:56 EDT
According to MLive.com, the Lions coaching staff believes running back Brian Calhoun will be their third down back and a special teams ace.
FANTASY SPIN:
The coaches are reportedly enamored with his speed, and like his ability to take the ball around the corners. He looks to be the number two back and a solid contributor in his first season of action after two lost seasons due to knee injury.
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Jones heading to Tampa?
Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:51:13 EDT
The NFL Network reports that free agent running back Kevin Jones is seriously considering signing with the Buccaneers.
FANTASY SPIN:
This would really make things crazy in Tampa and effectively demolish Earnest Graham's fantasy value. It would likely be a committee lead by a healthy Jones, with Graham seeing short yardage and goal line duties. Houston would still be the best place for Jones to land for fantasy owners.
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Texans eyeing Benson?
Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:02:23 EDT
Accoring to AOL's Fanhouse, the Texans are seriously considering signing running back Cedric Benson.
FANTASY SPIN:
They can get him for dirt cheap, and he would provide some more options in a muddled backfield. Benson could also sell some tickets in Texas, his former stomping grounds. This could happen, but he's still not worth drafting.
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Whitner to play both safety spots
Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:38:48 EDT
According to the Bills official web site, Donte Whitner will play both strong and free safety in 2008.
FANTASY SPIN:
This should given Whitner plenty of chances to make big plays in the secondary and in run support. This news gives his value a nice boost.
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Packers to blitz linebackers more
Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:24:32 EDT
According to ESPN, the Packers will be blitzing their linebackers more in 2008 than in seasons previous.
FANTASY SPIN:
This news sweetens the deal on an already attractive linebackign corps. Upgrade them all as well as the Packers DST as a whole.
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Sims to be improved after surgery
Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:58:45 EDT
MLive.com reports that the shoulder Lions linebacker Ernie Sims had repaired earlier this offseason has been bothering him for the past two seasons.
FANTASY SPIN:
Sims has managed to play well even through a nagging shoulder injury, so we can only assume that his play will go up another notch without this distraction.
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Martin arrested for possession
Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:32:36 EDT
WKYC-TV Cleveland reports that Ravens defensive back Derrick Martin has been cited for drug possession at an airport in Cleveland. He was allegedly in possession of three bags of marijuana.
FANTASY SPIN:
Martin has a shot to move up to the nickel or dime back role in Baltimore, but if these charges hold true, he could be cut.
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