After Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski, depth gets hazy, whic...

Jul 15, 2014

After Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski, depth gets hazy, which is surprising, since the Patriots were expected to go hard after a tight end in the NFL Draft or in free agency. So far, though, the Patriots have come up with only the rookies, Justin Jones and Asa Watson.

Michael Hoomanawanui is a serviceable tight end and is likely to make the roster, save for an unforeseen development from the rookie tight ends or a free agent signing. The only reason he's not a lock is because the Patriots' options remain so open, especially with Jermichael Finley and Dustin Keller still available in free agency.

Fantasy Impact:

In terms of fantasy, no one after Gronk will likely make an impact. In fact, you can probably expect the Pats to use more WRs in their formations, since they are pretty deep at that position, but especially if Gronk isn't ready to go.

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.