Eagles Beat: team could have an issue at RB

Jul 10, 2018

Mike Clay of ESPN ranked the backfields of each NFL team, with the Philadelphia Eagles coming in at No. 18. From a post on NJ.com, here's Clay's reasoning:

"The Eagles leaned heavily -- and successfully -- on a committee last season, with LeGarrette Blount leading the way in snaps (337) and carries (173). Jay Ajayi joined the team in Week 9 and, including three playoff games, handled 39 percent of the backfield snaps during his 10 games. Blount is gone, but Darren Sproles is back after missing all but three games due to injury last season. Ajayi is expected to be the first man up in rushing situations, especially considering that his 2.4 YAC since entering the league is best among all backs with 500-plus carries during the span. Sproles is now 35, but he could still be the primary back on passing downs. Corey Clement was a solid find as an undrafted free agent last season who will see some snaps."

Fantasy Impact:

There is no denying the loss of Blount is notable, according to the story, but the piece also feels Ajayi has proven to be a true No. 1 back and is expected to get a much bigger role that he's capable of handling. The story also said Ajayi has looked good this spring and appears to be in great shape.

yesterday

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

Tom Pelissero

yesterday · 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.