Patriots snag Jake Ballard off of waivers

Jun 13, 2012

The Giants knew it wasn’t a guarantee that injured TE Jake Ballard would sneak through waivers, but it was a calculated risk they took on Monday in what was a plan to avoid having him occupy a roster spot in 2012.

Less than 24 hours later, the plan backfired.

The Patriots, against whom Ballard suffered the torn ACL in Super Bowl XLVI that has him sidelined, surprisingly claimed the tight end before the 4 p.m. deadline, according to his agent Blake Baratz.

Fantasy Impact:

Doh! The Giants apparently thought that no one would take a shot on Ballard knowing that he would miss some or all of the 2012 season, but the Patriots came calling. Once he heals, he'll join a stacked TE corps that features both Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. His fantasy value is very limited right now.

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.