NFL Player News - Week of 7/6/20

**johnnyvegas13** · 07-06-20, 10:20 AM

Lotta no news

**Otters27** · 07-06-20, 12:31 PM

Saints should have kept Bridgwater

**johnnyvegas13** · 07-06-20, 12:32 PM

Originally posted by Otters27

Saints should have kept Bridgwater

And traded Brees agree

**BarkingToad** · 07-06-20, 12:49 PM

Originally posted by Otters27

Saints should have kept Bridgwater

True, with Hill used as frequent change up.

**johnnyvegas13** · 07-06-20, 01:23 PM

Originally posted by BarkingToad

True, with Hill used as frequent change up.

Ya hill is only a hybrid

y they got Winston

**LT Profits** · 07-06-20, 02:37 PM

per Adam Schefter...

Chiefs | Patrick Mahomes agrees to huge extension Mon Jul 6, 03:12 PM
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes agreed to terms on a 10-year contract extension with the Chiefs Monday, July 6, that will run through the 2031 season, according to sources. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the contract with be the richest contract in NFL history.

Footballguys view: When financial details are released, prepare to be knocked off your socks. Mahomes is only 24-years old and the Chiefs are in a Super Bowl window so long as he's healthy. He has put up historic numbers in just two years of starting for the Chiefs and is the face of the NFL. Expect Mahomes to keep the Chiefs in contention for years to come.

Link to story

**Stallion** · 07-06-20, 07:24 PM

That Mahomes contract is huge. It only doesnt work if he gets hurt.

**LT Profits** · 07-07-20, 10:00 AM

Tuesday Update

Patriots | Rex Burkhead restructures
New England Patriots RB Rex Burkhead restructured his contract Tuesday, July 7. He received a $550,000 signing bonus and lowered his base salary from $2.5 million to $1.05 million. He can earn $400,000 in roster bonuses, which was reduced from $500,000. The move created $981,250 in salary cap space.
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Rex Burkhead player page

Packers | Equanimeous St. Brown may have edge for spot
Green Bay Packers WR Equanimeous St. Brown is considered the leading candidate for the No. 6 receiver job entering training camp.
Link to story

Lions | Kenny Golladay a deep threat last year
Detroit Lions WR Kenny Golladay recorded 17 receptions of at least 25 yards during the 2019 season.

Footballguys view: Golladay should be a deep threat for the Lions again this season. He was able to post over 1,000 yards receiving in 2019 with three different quarterbacks (Matthew Stafford, Jeff Driskel, David Blough)...and two of them weren't that good! With Stafford returning at full strength, expect the Lions passing attack to be among the league's best.

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Kenny Golladay player page

Chiefs | Patrick Mahomes agrees to huge extension
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes agreed to terms on a 10-year contract extension with the Chiefs Monday, July 6, that will run through the 2031 season, according to sources. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the contract with be the richest contract in NFL history.

Footballguys view: When financial details are released, prepare to be knocked off your socks. Mahomes is only 24-years old and the Chiefs are in a Super Bowl window so long as he's healthy. He has put up historic numbers in just two years of starting for the Chiefs and is the face of the NFL. Expect Mahomes to keep the Chiefs in contention for years to come.

Link to story
Patrick Mahomes II player page

Browns | David Njoku remains in plans
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku remains a big part of the Browns' offense, but a source said that Njoku has wanted out.

Footballguys view: Njoku should want out as he's not the lead tight end in the Browns plans. They signed Austin Hooper in free agency to be the primary weapon at the position and they selected FAU tight end Harrison Bryant in the 2020 NFL draft. Njoku had a breakout season in 2018 but was injured last year and only caught five passes in three games. We'll see if some team offers the Browns enough to move the freakishly athletic tight end.

Link to story
David Njoku player page

Source: footballguys.com

**LT Profits** · 07-08-20, 08:38 AM

Wednesday Update

Cowboys | No progress on Dak Prescott talks
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has not engaged in contract talks with the team since March, according to a source Monday, July 6. If a long-term extension isn't done by July 15, Prescott will play out the 2020 season under the franchise tag.

Footballguys view: Deals get done at deadlines in the NFL. That deadline is next Wednesday so we're expecting some feverish negotiations to happen over the course of the weekend. Prescott will not get a deal like Patrick Mahomes just got from the Chiefs, but the Cowboys should make him among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Stay tuned.

Link to story
Dak Prescott player page

Chargers | Austin Ekeler gets top receiving grade
Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler's receiving grade of 94.2 over the last three seasons ranks No. 1 among all running backs, according to Pro Football Focus.

Footballguys view: Ekeler is one of the league's best weapons, especially when it comes to catching passes out of the backfield. With Melvin Gordon (Broncos) moving on in free agency, the Chargers backfield belongs to Ekeler. He's been the lead back before (when Gordon was banged up), averaging 99 yards from scrimmage and scoring 7 times over 7 games in the lead role. Ekeler is a low-end RB1 for Fantasy GMs with a current ADP of RB12 (2.04) in 12-team PPR leagues.

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Austin Ekeler player page

Patriots | Rex Burkhead unlikely to be cut?
Updating a previous story, New England Patriots RB Rex Burkhead will 'almost certainly play the final year of his three-year contract' after agreeing to restructure his deal and create just shy of $1 million in cap space Tuesday, July 7, according to Sean T. McGuire of NESN.com.

Footballguys view: That's why guys restructure their contracts. Burkhead reworked his deal and his role will remain nearly the same with the team. He's the no.3 back (at best) behind Sony Michel and James White.

Link to story
Rex Burkhead player page

Eagles | DeSean Jackson apologizes to brass
Updating a previous story, Philadelphia Eagles WR DeSean Jackson apologized to team owner Jeff Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman Tuesday, July 7. The team told him he needs to be active to promote equality.

Footballguys view: Some thought Jackson was on the verge of being released after posting anti-Semitic messages on his Instagram. With this apology his job with the Eagles could be safe.

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DeSean Jackson player page

Chargers | Mike Williams excels in small windows
Los Angeles Chargers WR Mike Williams ranked second in yards while catching 47 percent of tight-window throws sent in his direction in 2019.

Footballguys view: Williams knows how to use his large frame to keep smaller defenders away from the ball. He also has long arms and strong hands to reach out and snare passes that others might let get through their grasp. Williams should be a favorite target of Tyrod Taylor (or Justin Herbert) in 2020.

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Mike Williams player page

Eagles | DeSean Jackson's days numbered in Philly?
Philadelphia Eagles WR DeSean Jackson could be nearing the end of his time with the team for anti-Semitic comments he recently posted on one of his social media accounts. ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting the team's decision to keep Jackson on the roster could come down to whether or not the nature of the posts he made is a 'default' under his contract.

Footballguys view: Schefter, who also reports Jackson is guaranteed $4.8 million in salary in 2020 and has already received a $2 million option bonus, suggests the Eagles could try to figure out a way to recoup his guaranteed salary first before parting ways with the receiver. Stay tuned.

Link to story
DeSean Jackson player page

Source: footballguys.com

**mpaschal34** · 07-08-20, 03:28 PM

Mike Williams....let me down on a number of teams last year.

**LT Profits** · 07-09-20, 01:22 PM

Thursday Update

Patriots | Full details on Cam Newton's contract
Updating previous reports, New England Patriots QB Cam Newton can earn $7.5 million next year if he hits all the incentives and wins the Super Bowl. He has a $1.05 million base salary, which $550,000 is guaranteed. He can earn $43,750 per game in roster bonuses, up to $700,000. He can earn a maximum of $3.75 million in playing-time incentives with $500,000 in Pro Bowl and All-Pro bonuses. He can earn a maximum of $1 million from $250,000 bonuses for each playoff win with above 50 percent playing time.
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Cam Newton player page

Browns | Dontrell Hilliard solid in return game
Cleveland Browns RB Dontrell Hilliard was 11th in the league last season with 24.8 yards per return on kickoffs last season, according to Pro Football Focus. He's in the mix return kicks again this year.
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49ers | Raheem Mostert seeking trade
San Francisco 49ers RB Raheem Mostert has requested a trade, according to his agent.

Footballguys view: Mostert is projected as the top back for the 49ers entering training camp. He's on the books for two more years and is set to make around $3 million in each season. He wants a bump in pay as his last deal was negotiated when he was a core special teams player. Mostert is much more than that now and was incredibly productive for the 49ers last year as they made a Super Bowl run. We'll see if a new contract can be worked out.

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Raheem Mostert player page

Titans | No Derrick Henry extension close
Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry is not close to a long-term contract extension at this point. Henry's representatives have been talking with the Titans this offseason about a new deal.

Footballguys view: Henry and the team have until July 15th to work out a long-term deal. He's signed his franchise tender and is set to play in 2020 on a one-year, $10.278 million franchise tag. They'll work diligently to get a new contract worked out by next week's deadline.

Link to story
Derrick Henry player page

Titans | Tennessee to consider Stephen Gostkowski?
Free-agent PK Stephen Gostkowski (Patriots) could be an option for the Tennessee Titans, according to general manager Jon Robinson.
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Stephen Gostkowski player page

Titans | Darrynton Evans on third down?
Tennessee Titans third-round pick RB Darrynton Evans is expected to fill RB Dion Lewis' role on third down.

Footballguys view: Evans played running back and even a little slot receiver earlier in his college career at Appalachian State. He was the starter over the last two seasons and displayed a decisive running style with little wasted motion. He catches the ball cleanly and can even be used as a return man if need be.

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Raiders | Chad Johnson to work out for LV?
Free-agent WR Chad Johnson (Patriots) tweeted that he was preparing for a workout with the Las Vegas Raiders. A Raiders spokesman said he wasn't aware of any scheduled workouts with Johnson, who last played in the NFL in the 2011 season with the New England Patriots.

Footballguys view: Johnson is 42-years old and his best days as a wide receiver are far behind him. However, he was set to tryout with the XFL back in January for a kicker position. He's dabbled with kicking before in his football career, never kicking a field goal in the regular season but booting an extra point for the Bengals back in 2009 preseason. Who knows if Johnson is going to try out as a receiver or kicker or if this is just a social networking post where nothing comes to fruition.

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Chad Johnson player page

Source: footballguys.com

**Stallion** · 07-09-20, 08:00 PM

The 49ers better come up with some cash for Mostert!!

**Chi_archie** · 07-09-20, 08:46 PM

49er back field will be interesting to watch

**Otters27** · 07-09-20, 11:54 PM

Lol ocho Cinco

**johnnyvegas13** · 07-10-20, 08:48 AM

42 y o wideout

uhhh nooi

**LT Profits** · 07-10-20, 09:45 AM

Friday Update

Texans | Lamar Miller working out
Free-agent RB Lamar Miller (knee) posted a video that showed him running and cutting after he missed the entire 2019 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
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Lamar Miller player page

Patriots | N'Keal Harry getting reps with Cam Newton
New England Patriots WR N'Keal Harry was filmed running routes with QB Cam Newton Wednesday, July 8.

Footballguys view: That's exactly what you want to hear if you are counting on Harry in a dynasty league. Newton has experience getting the most out of Kelvin Benjamin, who was a contested catch receiver like Harry.

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Cam Newton player page
N'Keal Harry player page

Patriots | Former exec confident Cam Newton starts
New England Patriots QB Cam Newton will win the starting competition against QBs Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer in training camp, according to former Patriots executive vice president Michael Lombardi Thursday, July 9. 'Watching Cam Newton throw and move, there is no doubt he will win the starting job,' Lombardi tweeted.

Footballguys view: Lombardi is right. The only way Newton will lose out to Stidham is if he gets injured in training camp. Consider him a low QB1 even though the league seemed to move on from him earlier this offseason.

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Cam Newton player page

Titans | Patience needed for Derrick Henry deal
Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry has less than a week to sign a long-term contract, or he will play the 2020 season under the franchise tag. Titans head coach Mike Vrabel stressed Thursday, July 9, deal's like these take time and patience is needed on both sides. 'Derrick signed his franchise tender, he's under contract,' Vrabel said. '... Having been involved with the NFL for a lot of years, getting deals done is about being patient, hopefully keeping them private and confidential. So I'm going to try to respect that, and understand that we love Derrick and he understands how important he is to our football team. Again, his leadership that grew last year, I'm looking forward, I know our team is looking for more of that this year.'

Footballguys view: It seems like the desire to sign players to long term deals is diminishing with coronavirus casting a shadow over near-term league revenues. Henry is likely to have to play under the tag this year and he and the team will revisit the proposition next year.

Link to story
Derrick Henry player page

Vikings | Kirk Cousins went deep for touchdowns
Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins led the NFL with an average depth of target of 19.2 yards on touchdown passes in 2019, according to Pro Football Focus.

Footballguys view: Stefon Diggs was certainly part of this equation and because he's gone, that number should drop this year. Odell Beckham could benefit from the deep play action shots that Diggs reeled in under Kevin Stefanski last year now that Stefanski is the head coach of the Browns.

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Kirk Cousins player page

Jaguars | Laviska Shenault Jr. signs rookie deal
Jacksonville Jaguars second-round WR Laviska Shenault Jr. officially signed his four-year rookie contract Thursday, July 9. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed.

Footballguys view: Shenault should be lined up all over the formation and have a chance to make an impact as a rookie. Only DJ Chark is under contract for 2021 among the top receivers, so Shenault's time to shine is coming soon.

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49ers | Raheem Mostert looking for pay raise
San Francisco 49ers RB Raheem Mostert is looking to be paid similarly to what the highest-paid running backs on the roster are scheduled to make, according to Mostert's agent. RB Tevin Coleman is scheduled to make $4.55 million next season, which is what Mostert would like to make.

Footballguys view: Two million dollars of Coleman's salary became guaranteed earlier in the offseason, but if the team released him, the $2.55 million freed up would be more than enough to satisfy Mostert. The team could also release CJ Beathard to create additional cap room. It's possible that they wait to see if Jerick McKinnon can stay healthy in camp to force Mostert's hand.

Link to story
Raheem Mostert player page

Dolphins | Matt Breida not in line for extension
Miami Dolphins RB Matt Breida has not had any contract extension talks with the Dolphins this offseason, according to a source.

Footballguys view: The Dolphins are smart to let Breida prove it on a one year $3.259 million dollar deal. His ability is unquestioned, but he hasn't been able to stay healthy and last year the 49ers appeared to sour on him because of ball security issues. Miami's running game was terrible last year, but they had no talent in the backfield after trading away Kenyan Drake and they made significant changes to the offensive line this offseason. Breida is worth a late round flier pick but not more with Jordan Howard likely leading the team in carries and getting the goal line looks.

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Matt Breida player page

Source: footballguys.com

**LT Profits** · 07-11-20, 08:44 AM

Saturday Update

Chargers | Hunter Henry not expecting long-term deal
Los Angeles Chargers TE Hunter Henry signed his $10.6 million franchise tender this spring, but he remains pessimistic about agreeing to a contract extension with the team less than five days before the July 15 deadline.
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Hunter Henry player page

Eagles | DeSean Jackson receives punishment
Philadelphia Eagles WR DeSean Jackson has been fined an undisclosed amount by the team for conduct detrimental to the team. The team said they intend to keep Jackson on the roster.
Link to story
DeSean Jackson player page

49ers | George Kittle terrific after catch
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle recorded 621 yards after the catch during the 2019 season and was the only tight end in the NFL to recorded at least 600 yards after the catch.

Footballguys view: The 49ers seem reluctant to give Kittle a contract that reflects his true value to the team. He may settle for money below the top wide receiver pay, but above every other tight end, but it's also possible that the 49ers tag Kittle next year, or even trade him like they did DeForest Buckner when it was time for him to get paid.

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George Kittle player page

Raiders | Derek Carr among most accurate
Las Vegas Raiders QB Derek Carr ranked second among quarterbacks in 2019 with a 64 percent accurate pass rate, according to Pro Football Focus data.

Footballguys view: Carr is accurate and usually safe with the ball, but with the addition of speedster Henry Ruggs at the #12 pick this year, he needs to be more aggressive throwing downfield. Marcus Mariota got an incentive-laden contract that shows the Raiders see him as a potential starter and Jon Gruden has a history of being fickle with his quarterbacks, so the pressure is on Carr to hold off Mariota this season.

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Derek Carr player page

Chiefs | Matt Moore staying in KC
Kansas City Chiefs QB Matt Moore on Friday, July 10, agreed to the terms of a one-year contract to remain with the team.

Footballguys view: Moore was serviceable in two starts and a finish in place of Patrick Mahomes, and even led the Chiefs to a victory over the Vikings. Chad Henne may end up available to a quarterback needy team in the wake of this move.

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Matt Moore player page

Lions | D'Andre Swift ready to roll
Detroit Lions RB D'Andre Swift says he's eager to compete with returning starter Kerryon Johnson for snaps. 'I've been competing all my life,' Swift said Thursday, July 9 on a conference call. 'Kerryon is a great back, great player. I remember when he was at Auburn, and he was killing us. He's still doing great in the league. I can't even give you my role. Whatever role they have for me, I just gotta make sure I'm in the best shape and know all of the plays so I'm ready to take it on full force. But I'm not going in there looking to do anything, just doing what I've been doing.'

Footballguys view: Swift might have a slower ramp up with no offseason, but the Lions will employ some sort of RBBC to deploy their two second-round pick running backs. ADP indicates that the fantasy community is a lot higher on Swift, but the likelihood of a close to even split means that Johnson is the better pick at the steep discount. Swift's best chance of hitting this year is Johnson missing significant time with an injury for the third straight year.

Link to story

Source: footballguys.com

**USCPHILLYGUY** · 07-11-20, 09:18 AM

Only 14,000 fans being allowed in Baltimore?

Will be no football in 2020

**LT Profits** · 07-11-20, 10:30 AM

Originally posted by USCPHILLYGUY

Only 14,000 fans being allowed in Baltimore?

Will be no football in 2020

NFL is probably the only sport where all games will be played at originally scheduled dates once the regular season starts, so relax.

Mainly because NFL can survive with NO fans, so 14,000 would be a bonus. The money will still flow in from TV contracts.

**LT Profits** · 07-12-20, 09:08 AM

Sunday Update

Patriots | NE reaches settlement with Antonio Brown
Free-agent WR Antonio Brown (Patriots) reached a settlement with the New England Patriots regarding the compensation grievance Brown filed against the team.

Footballguys view: The team will get four million dollars back from Brown and 2.55 million back from Aaron Hernandez's estate to put them at 7.79 million dollars in cap room. It's possible that they could make a move with the newfound flexibility.

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Antonio Brown player page

Rams | Tyler Higbee paced target metric
Los Angeles Rams TE Tyler Higbee had a 33-percent target rate when the Rams were trailing in 2019. That matched San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle for the highest percentage in the league, according to Pro Football Focus data.

Footballguys view: Higbee is one of the toughest puzzles of 2020 drafts. He was the best fantasy tight end down the stretch after Gerald Everett got hurt, but was a fantasy non-factor before that. Everett is healthy, but it's possible that the chemistry established between Jared Goff and Higbee will be undeniable this year and Higbee will outperform his ADP that splits the difference between the two levels of production.

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Tyler Higbee player page

Packers | Davante Adams tops in production
Green Bay Packers WR Davante Adams is the only wide receiver with 4,000 receiving yards and 40 touchdown receptions since 2016.

Footballguys view: This goes along with a 2019 trend that saw few receivers score in traditional WR1 range for fantasy leagues, but many more than usual score in WR2/WR3 range. Adams is usually going off of the board as the #2 receiver after Michael Thomas and will require a first-round pick to land in most drafts.

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Davante Adams player page

49ers | Jimmy Garoppolo lacking air yards
San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo owned the second-lowest air yards percentage (47.0) over the last two seasons (2018-19), according to Pro Football Focus data.

Footballguys view: Garoppolo doesn't have a true deep threat with Marquise Goodwin shipped off to Philadelphia, and the 49ers offense doesn't rely on a vertical air attack to stress opposing defenses. Garoppolo is only viable in 2QB/Superflex leagues or as a matchup spot starter.

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Jimmy Garoppolo player page

Steelers | Ben Roethlisberger not throwing deep
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has the lowest NFL's air yards percentage over the last two seasons at 46 percent, according to Pro Football Focus.

Footballguys view: Roethlisberger benefited from his receiver run after catch ability and that shouldn't change this year. As long as his arm is sound, he could be a top 10 fantasy quarterback again this year. We'll be watching to see how his chemistry is with Diontae Johnson after he barely played with the breakout rookie last year. Juju Smith-Schuster could dominate targets for the Steelers if Roethlisberger relies on the receiver he is most familiar with, by a large margin.

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Ben Roethlisberger player page

Bills | Josh Allen last in uncatchable passes
Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen had the highest rate of uncatchable passes thrown in 2019 at 27 percent, according to Pro Football Focus.

Footballguys view: This should come as no surprise as Allen's deep accuracy took a step back last year. Stefon Diggs and John Brown will split the downfield targets at wide receiver, and if Allen can't be more accurate, both could become unreliable plays from week to week.

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Josh Allen player page

Source: footballguys.com

**mpaschal34** · 07-12-20, 05:00 PM

Originally posted by LT Profits

NFL is probably the only sport where all games will be played at originally scheduled dates once the regular season starts, so relax.

Mainly because NFL can survive with NO fans, so 14,000 would be a bonus. The money will still flow in from TV contracts.

I wouldn’t count on football starting on time. There will be at least one team that COVID runs like wildfire through. The season will be delayed.