Lions RB Kerryon Johnson ready to share the load

Jun 11, 2018

A 20-year-old Kerryon Johnson is the Lions' long-term play, which means they need to make him a long-term player. A metamorphosis is about to start. At Auburn, Johnson had to find ways to survive running into the teeth of athletic defenses like Alabama and Georgia with just 6 feet and 213 pounds to throw around. He weaved in and out of series but averaged 25 carries a game in his final 10 contests. He topped 30 carries three times along the way.

Related players: LeGarrette Blount, Theo Riddick

Fantasy Impact:

Johnson realizes he's likely not getting 25-30 carries a game at this point, especially with Blount as a bruising back who will run between the tackles and Riddick a proven pass-catching back. Johnson is only ranked 43rd on our list which means he's a depth option for now, but he could certainly have more value as the season goes on.

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.