This is a key year for Texans Ben Tate

Jul 30, 2013

During spring workouts, Texans RB Ben Tate acknowledged this is a big year for him, a chance to prove himself and earn a nice new contract. But he said he’s not using the looming contract year as motivation. Not anymore at least.

“It was motivation in the offseason to work but now I’m here, it’s time to go,” he said. “I’m thinking about football, football things and football only.”

Fantasy Impact:

Tate's best year came in 2011 when he rushed for nearly 1,000 yards as a backup to Arian Foster, and signs point to the team giving him more work this year - as long as he's able to take the field. Tate has motivation to stay healthy because he will likely move on and earn a starting job somewhere next year if he does. He's obviously a guy to take if you own Foster, but in keeper leagues he's worth a shot as a potential player to protect into 2014. We rank Tate 39th with an ADP of the 10th round. Foster owners may want to get him a round or two before that though...

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.