Ryan Grant clear RB1; Starks bulked up

Aug 05, 2011

James Starks came to Green Bay a new player this season.

For one, he's finally healthy. Injuries had dogged the running back since his junior year at the University at Buffalo. And two, he's bigger. Following a strict diet, Starks added eight pounds this offseason. He's up to 225.

Considering Starks is already taller than his peers at 6-foot-1, adding bulk was a good idea. Now, he hopes it helps him in the battle for carries with Ryan Grant.

Grant remains the No. 1 back right now. Back from his season-ending ankle injury, he's been working with the first team and playing well himself. But as all players at this position know, things can change on a dime during the course of the season. Mike McCarthy prefers the hot hand.

Fantasy Impact:

Grant is shaping up as a nice value in the middle rounds as a RB3, but this situation could be fluid if Starks starts to outplay him.

Apr 17

Chargers to sign RB J.K. Dobbins on one-year deal

Tom Pelissero

Apr 17 · 7:45 PM EDT

Former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins is planning to sign with the #Chargers on a one-year deal. Electric when healthy, Dobbins — who averages 5.8 yards per carry in his career — reunites with OC Greg Roman and can hit the market again in March.

Related Players: Gus Edwards

Fantasy Impact:

Dobbins has had poor injury luck in his career, but has only managed 234 total rushes since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. This is a low-risk, high-reward move by the Chargers and might give them a runway to wait a little longer in the '24 Draft before they address the position.

Apr 16

Cowboys sign RB Royce Freeman

Todd Archer

Apr 16 · 8:15 PM EDT

The Cowboys have signed running back Royce Freeman to a one-year deal. Freeman had 319 yards on 77 carries with 2 touchdowns last year for the Los Angeles Rams. He was 3rd round pick of Denver in '18.

Related Players: Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn

Fantasy Impact:

Freeman hasn't rushed for 500 yards since 2018, his rookie season. This shouldn't have any impact on the team drafting at the position and/or bringing back Ezekiel Elliott.

Apr 15

Eagles sign WR DeVonta Smith to three-year extension

Ian Rapoport

Apr 15 · 10:45 AM EDT

The Eagles have paid another big-time, rising player. This time, WR DeVonta Smith gets a 3-year, $75M contract extension that includes $51M guaranteed.

Related Players: A.J. Brown, DeVante Parker, Parris Campbell

Fantasy Impact:

Great news for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense as a whole. Smith will continue his 1b role in which he finished the 2023 season as fantasy's WR22.