March 2021 4for4 Player News Articles

Seattle Seahawks are giving WR Tyler Lockett a four-year, $69.2 million contract extension, including $37M guaranteed, per source.

It looks like the Seahawks are committed to the duo of Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf for the next handful of years. Lockett should be considered a WR2/3 heading into the 2021 season unless Seattle decides to air it out more this season, which seems unlikely.

Veteran NFL QB Colt McCoy is signing a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals, per source.

Arizona needed depth at the QB position, and Colt McCoy brings a decade of experience to the Cardinals locker room.

[Sanu] Back with the #49ers for stint No. 2

The signing doesn't really move the fantasy needle, but Mohamed Sanu is back with the 49ers after being cut three games in 2020.

The #Ravens are signing free agent WR Sammy Watkins and giving him a 1-year deal worth $6M — with $5M fully guaranteed, source said. Watkins lands and Baltimore has its weapon.

Baltimore isn't the best landing spot for any wideout, but with the lack of weapons there, Sammy Watkins could walk into a situation with a lot of targets. Watkins boasts a 321-4,665-33 line in seven years as an NFL receiver.

And in a non-trade moves today, the Raiders are signing former Ravens’ WR Willie Snead to a one-year contract, per his agent
@DrewJRosenhaus.

Add another wideout to the mix In Vegas to join Henry Ruggs, John Brown and Bryan Edwards.

RB Leonard Fournette just told me "I am re-signing with the #Bucs," over facetime.

Ronald Jones out-touched Fournette during the regular season by a margin of 220 to 133. However, in the 12 games that both players played, RoJo out-touched Fournette 130 to 104, or 10.8 to 8.7 on a per-game basis. The script flipped in a big way in the four playoff games, when Fournette led in touches by a margin of 82 to 35, though Jones missed the first game. In the three playoff games they both played, Fournette saw 59 touches to Jones's 35, or 19.7 and 11.7 on a per-game basis. Both players will be involved in 2021, though it looks like Fournette will lead the backfield in touches when healthy. Jones was a more effective runner in the regular season (5.1 YPC to Fournette's 3.8), but Fournette was better in the passing game (2.8 catches per game to 2.0 for Jones during the regular season) and his rushing efficiency picked up in the postseason (4.7 YPC, 4.5 catches per game). Fournette is not clearly the lead back, so his ADP should fall somewhere in the fourth to sixth round in early fantasy drafts.

The Washington Football Team has agreed to terms with WR Adam Humphries, who visited today.

The new-look offense in Washington adds another weapon to its receiving room to go along with Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Cam Sims. Humphries boasts a career 279-2931-13 line with both TB and the Titans.

The #Bills are expected to sign former #Dolphins RB Matt Breida, source said, as the speedster stays in the division. He gets a 1-year deal.

Matt Breida had a disappointing year in Miami in 2020 despite being in a run offense with little star power. He'll most likely slip in as the third option in Buffalo's backfield behind Devin Singletary and Zack Moss, and won't be on the fantasy radar unless there's an injury.

The #Jets are finalizing a deal with veteran RB Tevin Coleman, source said, as the former #49ers RB lands back with Robert Saleh and will have a similar system on offense.

We'll see what the Jets do in the draft, but for now, Coleman is the most accomplished running back on the team. At worst he should be the backup to a top-end rookie. At best, he could be starting Week 1.

The #Bears have agreed to terms on a 1-year deal with former Super Bowl hero RB Damien Williams, source said. Lots of familiarity, as he knows Matt Nagy’s offense from KC, and he was OC Bill Lazor with the #Dolphins.

Williams' arrival along with the return of Tarik Cohen spells trouble for David Montgomery, who saw his usage spike with Cohen out and no other viable options on the roster. He saw 16.7 touches per game as a rookie versus 20.1 last season. The increase was driven by more usage as a receiver (1.6 receptions per game in 2019 versus 3.6 in 2020). Cohen and/or Williams are likely to steal that passing game work.

Running back James White is expected to re-sign with the New England Patriots, per source. It's not done but should be pretty soon. The versatile RB with 25 touchdown catches since 2014 back in the fold for New England.

After three straight seasons of 4.0+ catches per game, White's numbers dipped to 3.5 per game in 2020 with Cam Newton under center. His receiving yards per game dropped from 43.0 in 2019 to 26.8 in 2020. He's no longer a viable every-week flex option. The Patriots' backfield is shaping up to be an enigma yet again in 2021.

Congratulations to our client @JoeFlacco on signing with the @Eagles #NextChapter

At 36-years old, Joe Flacco adds some veteran leadership for sophomore QB Jalen Hurts. It's still possible that the Eagles draft a rookie QB in the upcoming draft to compete for the backup role in Philly.

Source: #Panthers RB Mike Davis to the #Falcons on a 2 year deal worth $5.5M with $3M fully guaranteed in Year 1, source says.

Among the free agent running backs listed here, the 28-year-old Davis had the third-highest points per game last season, ahead of Kenyan Drake, James Conner and Leonard Fournette. Todd Gurley and Brian Hill are both free agents as well, so Davis likely sits atop a Falcons' depth chart that includes Ito Smith, Qadree Ollison and Tony Brooks-James. Depending on what the Falcons do in the draft, this could be a very underrated signing given Davis' production last season (1,015 total yards and eight touchdowns), his versatility (59 catches), and new HC Arthur Smith's history of a strong running game while calling plays for the Titans. Davis is no Derrick Henry, however, and the Falcons are very much a threat to draft a running back, so owners shouldn't get too excited just yet. At worst, Davis will be a Zero RB target as a backup to a talented rookie. At best, he'll start for the Falcons in 2021 and should go off the board in the fifth round. In the 19 games since the 2017 season where Davis has seen at least 10 carries, he has averaged 17.9 touches for 80 total yards and 0.63 touchdowns. Those would have been solid RB2 numbers in 2020.

Free agent WR Josh Reynolds is signing with the Tennessee Titans.

From a real-world perspective, I like this signing for the Titans, who lost Corey Davis, Adam Humphries and Jonnu Smith in free agency. Reynolds started the season sharing time with rookie Van Jefferson, but took over the WR3 role for the Rams in Week 3, his snaps dipping below 70% just once from Week 3 to Week 12. In that span, he averaged 3.9 catches for 49 yards and 0.22 touchdowns on 6.3 targets per game, which is a 62-794-3.5 pace (on 101 targets). Per PFF, his yards per route run (YPRR) has been remarkably consistent over the last three seasons, never higher than 1.26 YPRR and never lower than 1.23 YPRR. For reference, Davis posted 1.48 YPRR in 2019 before his breakout season (2.58 YPRR) last year. With OC Arthur Smith moving on to lead the Falcons, it remains to be seen if the Titans stay as run-heavy under new OC Todd Downing as they have been, but Derrick Henry's presence on the roster is a strong indicator that they will. Reynolds could post Davis-type numbers (65-984-5) if he sees 100+ targets. (Davis saw 92 targets in 2020.)

DeSean Jackson to the #Rams, source says.

The Rams let Josh Reynolds walk and replaced him with Jackson. The move caps Van Jefferson's upside whenever Jackson is healthy. If being "injury-prone" is a thing, potential drafters should have serious questions about Jackson's ability to stay on the field. Since his age-30 season, Jackson has played 15, 14, 12, 3 and 5 games in the last five seasons. Rams HC Sean McVay was the OC in Washington from 2014-2016, when Jackson posted receiving lines of 56-1169-6 (in 15 games), 30-528-4 (in nine games) and 56-1005-4 (in 15 games). That last line was from his age-30 season, so it was several injuries ago. A game-changer when healthy, Jackson is worthy of a late-round pick in best ball formats but is likely to hit the waiver wire in redraft leagues.

The #Giants and Kenny Golladay have a 4 year, $72M deal with a max of $76M with $40m guaranteed

All due respect to T.Y. Hilton and James Conner, the last big-name free agent is now off the board. Golladay's arrival is certainly good news for Daniel Jones, though the usage of the other receivers (especially Darius Slayton, who typically gets a large share of the team's air yards), will take a hit. Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram should continue to be involved, but instead of seeing 7.5 and 6.8 targets per game (respectively), Shepard may see 6-7 while Engram sees 5.5-6.5 targets per game. Golden Tate's departure will free up 4.3 targets per game. As for Golladay, compared to his value in Detroit with Matthew Stafford, this is a downgrade. Not only is he changing teams, but he's likely to see a downgrade at quarterback and a possible (if slight) decline in targets.

The #Seahawks are re-signing RB Chris Carson to a two-year deal worth up to $14.625 million, per source. The deal was done by
@Casey_Muir1and @Murphy_McGuire of @OctagonFootball.

In just 12 games, Carson was the No. 17 running back (half-PPR) last season. On a per-game basis, he was No. 13. This is probably the best landing spot for Carson since we know how the Seahawks will use him. He only averaged 11.8 carries per game (a career low), likely due to the presence of Carlos Hyde, but he set a career-high with 3.1 catches per game and posted an 80.4% catch rate. With Hyde gone, Rashaad Penny has the inside track on backup duties, since Carson's contract indicates that Seattle views him as the clear starter. Consider Carson a high-end RB2 heading into 2021 fantasy drafts.

Phillip Lindsay agreed to a 1 year deal with the @HoustonTexans

The former Pro Bowler joins David Johnson and Mark Ingram in the Houston backfield. It looks like the Texans are planning to utilize an ugly RBBC, or perhaps they're planning to bring back the Wishbone Offense.

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster is returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year, $8 million deal.

This is a little surprising since it appeared that the two sides were headed for a split. The Ravens actually offered more money, but Smith-Schuster decided to take less and stay in Pittsburgh. He finished No. 18 in half-PPR but was No. 27 in per game production. His return helps Ben Roethlisberger's outlook, though it hurts both Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool, who were both likely to see an uptick in targets if Smith-Schuster had moved on. All three players will be in the WR2/WR3 mix with Johnson as the most consistent target of the three. - John Paulsen

Former Jaguars’ WR Keelan Cole to the Jets on a one-year, $5.5 million deal, per source.

With Jamison Crowder, Denzel Mims and now Corey Davis on the roster, this signing is a bit puzzling, but maybe the Jets are planning to move Crowder or just want extra depth at receiver after playing a season pretty shorthanded at the position.

Like father like son: former Jets’ WR Breshad Perriman is signing with the Lions on a one-year, $3 million deal, per
@DrewJRosenhaus. Perriman now will play for the same team that his dad Brett starred for.

Perriman's arrival serves as a band-aid on a decimated receiving corps. He can be penciled in as the team's WR1 for now, but surely the Lions aren't done acquiring receivers after the departures of both Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones. If Perriman receives starter's snaps, he'll be in the WR4/WR5 mix on a weekly basis.

#Texans speedy FA WR Will Fuller is signing a 1-year deal with the #Dolphins.

Fuller actually posted the highest per-game production (14.8 PPG in half-PPR) of any of the receivers in free agency, including Allen Robinson and Chris Godwin. There are some concerns about players coming off of suspension for PED use, but the Dolphins' exposure is only one year, and Fuller offers plenty of upside. Miami had a below-average passing attack in 2020 due in part to subpar personnel, but with Fuller, Tua Tagovailoa has three legit pass-catchers (Fuller, DeVante Parker and Mike Gesicki) to throw to. There were better landing spots for Fuller, but he should see 90+ targets as the Dolphins' WR1/WR2.

Former Bears' QB Mitchell Trubisky is signing with the Buffalo Bills, per @JFowlerESPN and me.

Mitch Trubisky will backup Josh Allen in Buffalo, who's coming off a QB1 fantasy season. Trubisky is not fantasy-relevant without something happening to Allen.

Former Vikings' TE Kyle Rudolph reached agreement with the New York Giants.

Former Cardinals RB Kenyan Drake is signing a two-year, $11 million deal that includes up $14.5 million with the Raiders, per source.

Update: Deal is 2 years, $11 million up to $14.5 million, including $11 million guaranteed.

This is certainly an odd signing given Josh Jacobs' presence on the Vegas roster, but teams like to have depth at running back and Drake fits the bill. He didn't look as explosive in 2020 after finishing the 2019 season on fire after the trade to Arizona. According to Ian Rapoport, "Jon Gruden sees Kenyan Drake as a jack-of-all-trades — a joker, as they say. He’ll figure prominently in the passing game." Drake's arrival will cap Jacobs' upside since he'll be more of a lead back instead of a bell cow.

TE Jared Cook to the Chargers - 1-year, $6mil max, per source.

So much for Donald Parham SZN. Cook can still produce--he averaged 3.0 catches for 49 yards and 0.57 touchdowns in 21 games over the last two seasons with a healthy Drew Brees. He's turning 34 in April, so the bottom will eventually fall out, though he should put up solid TE2 numbers with Justin Herbert in L.A. as long as he stays healthy.

Your sources are reliable. #Giants are, in fact, signing Mike Glennon.

Former Panthers’ WR Curtis Samuel is signing a three-year, $34.5 million deal with Washington, per source.

Samuel is reunited with his old head coach, Ron Rivera, who apparently tried to trade for him last season. He'll form a potent 1-2 punch with Terry McLaurin and give new QB Ryan Fitzpatrick one of the fastest receiving duos to throw to. Samuel's new OC, Scott Turner, was the quarterbacks coach in Carolina from 2018 to 2019, so he's very familiar with Samuel's skillset. Usage-wise, Samuel should see 100-plus targets as Washington's No. 2 weapon in the passing game. That should put him in the WR3/WR4 range, fantasy-wise. He could finish higher if the team utilizes his running ability as well.

PK Ryan Succop has signed a 3 year deal with the Bucs.

Ryan Succop was K7 on the season last year and should be in a great spot for success again with the Bucs.

Former Rams TE Gerald Everett is signing with Seattle, he announced.

Everett was one of the players I was most interested to see change teams, and he found a good home in Seattle. He finished 14th and 20th at his position in yards per route run, per PFF, in the last two seasons, and that's an indicator that he's ready for a bigger role. He has 4.62 speed and his athletic measurables are strong across the board. Seattle's three-headed TEBC caught 73 passes for 699 yards and six touchdowns last year (on 106 targets) so Everett could have a big role if he's able to lock down the starting role.

Broncos have reached agreement with former Viking RB Mike Boone, per source.

Mike Boone spent three seasons with Denver's GM George Paton in Minnesota. He'll provide insurance behind Melvin Gordon if Philip Lindsay signs elsewhere, and even if Lindsay stays, Boone could be worth a late-round stab in some fantasy formats.

Former Lions’ kicker Matt Prater signed with the Cardinals.

Matt Prater is usually in the fantasy-relevant conversation, and should have ample chances to kick this season in Arizona.

The #Colts are re-signing RB Marlon Mack, per source.

Marlon Mack is coming off a missed 2020 season after tearing his Achilles tendon in Week 1. He'll likely be behind sophomore back Jonathan Taylor, joining Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins.

A.J. Green is expected to sign a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million, including $6 million guaranteed, with the Arizona Cardinals, per source.

Green had a lot of empty air yards last season, though it was still enough to get $6 million-plus from the Cardinals. DeAndre Hopkins will soak up most of the targets and Christian Kirk is still a factor, so Green's value doesn't really spike with this signing. Larry Fitzgerald's status is still up in the air as well.

Raiders and veteran WR John Brown agreed to terms on a deal, source said.

John Brown should join Henry Ruggs and Henry Renfrow in three-wide receiver sets for Las Vegas in 2021. We may not see the Brown of old, but there's certainly some fantasy relevance here.

Veteran RB Lamar Miller is going back to the WFT on a 1-year deal, per @DrewJRosenhaus.

Lamar Miller, who was signed late last year from the Bears' practice squad, has plenty of guys ahead of him on the depth chart in the Washington backfield.

Former #Packers RB Jamaal Williams is signing a two-year deal worth up to $7.5 million with the #Lions, per source.

Jamaal Williams will be a nice backup to D'Andre Swift, and should be involved on passing downs. With the lack of receiving options currently in Detroit, there could be some decent work in that regard.

Per source, the Buffalo #Bills are set to sign WR Emmanuel Sanders

I'm interested in seeing the final numbers for Sanders' deal since the Bills just cut ties with John Brown, who is better. Regardless, Sanders' arrival takes some wind out of Gabriel Davis' sails, since Manny will gobble up snaps and targets. He may be fantasy-relevant if he's a full-time player, but there's a chance that he'll rotate with Davis and Beasley, which would hurt all three players.

The #Dolphins are signing former #Rams RB Malcolm Brown, source said. He averaged more than 4 yards per rush in LA, now lands in Miami.

Per Adam Beasley, the Dolphins "weren't looking to spend on running back in free agency" and had a budget that could have been "as low as $2M-$3M per year," so Miami may be planning to add a running back in the draft. They may also be planning to start Myles Gaskin again--he had 13+ touches in nine of 10 games last season, and averaged 14.2 carries and 4.1 catches in that span. That's near-bellcow work. Brown figures to back up Gaskin at this point, though a rookie runner is a definite possibility at this point.

Former Colts' QB Jacoby Brissett has reached agreement on a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins, per source.

Jacoby Brissett will join Tua Tagovailoa in the Dolphins QB room for the 2021 season. He's a proven threat in the red zone with his legs and should provide some veteran leadership.

Jaguars are giving former Lions' WR Marvin Jones a two-year, $14.5 million deal, including $9.2 million fully guaranteed, per source.

I figured Jones would sign with a contender, not with a team in rebuilding mode, but money talks, and the Jaguars have a lot to spend. Even at 31, Jones is a solid weapon for (likely) future No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence. He posted 76-978-9 last season, and benefited from the extended absence of Kenny Golladay. In Jacksonville, he'll join a receiving corps that already features D.J. Chark and Laviska Shenault. The Jaguars also added Phillip Dorsett yesterday. Fantasy-wise Jones will be in the WR4/WR5 mix as a low-volume threat in the Jacksonville passing game.

The #Texans are signing QB Tyrod Taylor to an incentive-laden contract, similar to what Cam Newton and Jameis Winston agreed to in recent days, per source. It can be worth up to $12.5 million, but the base value is less than half that. Solid backup money, and more if he plays.

Chiefs are releasing RB Damien Williams, according to a league source.

This is actually big news...for Clyde Edwards-Helaire. If Williams had stuck in Kansas City, he would have been a threat to CEH's workload in 2021. His absence is a boost to Edwards-Helaire's value.

Former Cowboys' QB Andy Dalton is signing a one-year, $10 million deal, with the chance to earn another $3 million in incentives, with the Chicago Bears, per sources.

Bears fans headed into the free agency period hoping for a Russell Wilson trade, but (so far) all they got was a Dalton signing. The contract value ($10 million plus another $3 million in incentives) indicates that the Bears' view him as the likely starter in 2021, though this certainly doesn't preclude Chicago using a draft pick on their potential QB of the future. Dalton will be a fringe QB2 streamer if he does start in 2021.

The #Chargers have re-signed kicker Mike Badgley to a one-year deal, per source. The Money Badger stays in L.A.

#Titans have re-signed TE Geoff Swaim to a 1-year deal.

The 27-year old will most likely play behind Anthony Firkser, since Jonnu Smith is now in a Patriots' uniform. Geoff Swaim had a mini breakout in 2018 in Dallas, but is mostly used as a blocking TE.

And New England strikes again: The Patriots are signing former Chargers' TE Hunter Henry to a three-year, $37.5 million deal, including $25 million guaranteed, per source.

Hunter Henry joins fellow free-agent TE Jonnu Smith in New England on a three-year deal. The former Charger has put up starting TE numbers in three of the past four seasons and finds himself on a team with a whole slew of new weapons. The Patriots were the favorites to sign Henry until they locked up Jonnu Smith. It turns out that they wanted both players, and it appears that the team is trying to recreate the Rob Gronkowski/Aaron Hernandez offense of several years ago. Henry's arrival throws some cold water on Smith's upside since he's another mouth to feed in what was a very run-heavy offense last year. It's clear that the Patriots are planning to throw the ball more, the question is how much. Neither player is a clear and obvious fantasy TE1 at this point.

Related: Jonnu Smith, Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne

Former Dolphins’ QB Ryan Fitzpatrick reached agreement with the Washington Football Team on a one-year deal worth $10 million that could grow to $12 million with incentives, per source. Fitzpatrick is expected to head to camp as the starter, with competition from Taylor Heinicke.

FitzMagic will compete with Taylor Heinicke but is likely to win the starting job in Washington. It's good news for Terry McLaurin and Logan Thomas (and the rest of the Washington offense) since Fitzpatrick can still sling it and isn't afraid to put his receivers in a position to make plays. If he does win the job, he'll be a consistent option as a streamer in the weeks when he has a favorable matchup.

Jameis Winston reached agreement on a one-year deal worth up to $12 million with the Saints, per league source.

Winston will compete with Taysom Hill for the QB1 job in New Orleans. Whoever wins the job will likely post starter-caliber fantasy numbers, so best ball drafters could draft both late and get top-12 numbers out of the duo. From a regular redraft standpoint, this situation is going to be a headache until a winner is named.

RB Devontae Booker agrees to terms with the New York Giants on a two-year, $6-million deal, per source. Booker with Saquon Barkley in the backfield.

Coming off a backup role in Las Vegas, Devontae Booker should see a similar situation in New York, with Saquon Barkey returning from injury. Booker has shown pass-catching prowess in his past, so could see a decent amount of work should Barkley sustain an injury again in 2021.

Former Titans’ WR Corey Davis reached agreement on a three-year, $37.5 million deal that includes $27 million guaranteed with the New York Jets, per sources.

Davis had a career year in his fourth season with the Titans, racking up 65 catches for 984 yards and five touchdowns on 92 targets, perhaps benefiting from the defensive attention being paid to A.J. Brown. Breshad Perriman is likely to move on, so Davis will join the steady Jamison Crowder and the up-and-coming Denzel Mims in an improving Jets receiving corps. Fantasy-wise this is a downgrade for Davis, who is going fom Tennessee's low-volume, exceptionally-efficient passing attack (with Ryan Tannehill at the helm) to an unknown quarterback situation playing for an unproven offensive coordinator (Mike LaFleur, brother of Matt LaFleur). LaFleur did spend three seasons as the passing game coordinator for the highly-efficient 49ers, so there is hope for this offense. My big takeaway from this signing is not really about Davis; whoever is quarterbacking the Jets will have some weapons to work with.

Former Seahawks' RB Carlos Hyde reached agreement with the Jaguars on a two-year, $6 million deal, per source.

Carlos Hyde will join James Robinson in the Jaguars' backfield on a two-year deal worth $6 million. He's reunited with former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer.

WR Phillip Dorsett is signing with the Jaguars, per source. Urban Meyer wants speed and gets it.

On IR for all of last season in Seattle, Phillip Dorsett will join his fourth NFL team in 2021, after stints with the Colts, Patriots and Seahawks. Head coach Urban Meyer gets another speedy weapon to add to his talented arsenal.

The #Patriots aren’t done. They are signing WR Kendrick Bourne, source said. He gets 3-years for $22.5M.

In four seasons as a 49er, Kendrick Bourne posted 1,769 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 137 receptions. He's capable of playing both inside and out and should bolster a Patriots WR corps that's been lackluster in recent years. He joins Nelson Agholor as a free agent add in 2021.

A chance to run it back: Tight end Rob Gronkowski is returning to the Bucs on a one-year deal worth $10 million, @DrewJRosenhaus told ESPN.

Gronk ended last season as TE14 in half-PPR points per contest with 7.8. With Chris Godwin, Mike Evans and Tom Brady all returning, they'll be looking to earn another trip to the Super Bowl in 2021. Heading into his age 32 season, Gronk isn't what he used to be, but should still serve as a low-end TE1/E2 this season.

The #Patriots have now agreed to terms with WR Nelson Agholor, source said. A huge day in New England.

It's been a busy day for the Patriots, as they have signed a number of players on both sides of the ball. Agholor revived his career last year in Las Vegas, catching 48 passes for a career-high 896 yards and eight touchdowns (which tied a career-high). His 18.7 yards per catch blew away his previous high of 12.4 from the 2017 season. He only saw 82 targets for the Raiders, which was just a single target more than the 81 that Jakobi Meyers saw as New England's leading receiver in 2020. Agholor will probably start opposite Meyers with Julian Edelman rounding out three-WR sets. The Patriots were run-heavy last season, but today's signings of Agholor and Jonnu Smith indicate that they are planning to throw the ball more in 2021. Agholor will be in the WR4 mix, though he's not necessarily walking into a much larger role in New England.

Texans to sign Andre Roberts, according to a league source.

Andre Roberts has mainly been involved in special teams coverage for the past four seasons. He should provide a similar role for the Texans, and isn't fantasy relevant heading into 2021.

Former Titans’ TE Jonnu Smith reached agreement with the Patriots on a 4–year, $50 million deals that includes $31.25 million fully guaranteed, @DrewJRosenhaustold ESPN.

Along with Hunter Henry, Smith is one of the premier tight ends available in free agency. He's just hitting his prime (turning 26 in August) and is coming off a 65-target, 41-448-8 season for the Titans. He was underutilized in Tennessee's run-heavy scheme and played third-fiddle to A.J. Brown and Corey Davis in the passing game. The Patriots are in dire need of pass-catchers and that's where Smith can shine since he's something of a mediocre blocker (per PFF). In 2018, Rob Gronkowski saw 72 targets in 13 games (5.5 per game) and 105 targets (7.5 per game) the year before. Smith could certainly see 80-100 targets in 2021, though if the team continues to go run-heavy with Cam Newton at quarterback, that may not happen. (Jakobi Meyers led the team with 81 targets in 2020.)

Browns have sent a tender to RFA WR KhaDarel Hodge, per source

Both WR Corey Davis and TE Jonnu Smith are aware that the #Titans will not be bringing them back to Nashville. Both will hit the free agent market per sources.

This is no big surprise for either of these players, and both should find themselves with a market during free agency. Corey Davis ended 2020 as WR30 in half-PPR points per game with 11.4, and Jonnu Smith's campaign was enough for TE10, averaging 8.0 half PPR points per contest.

Fifteen years to the date he signed with New Orleans, Drew Brees has announced his retirement.

For now, it appears Jameis Winston will inherit the Saints' starting gig with some Taysom Hill mixed in, but it's still too early to write it in pen.

Aaron Jones has reached agreement with the Packers on a 4-year deal worth $48 million, including a $13 million signing bonus,
@DrewJRosenhaus tells ESPN.

Not quite shocking, but certainly surprising, the Packers managed to re-sign Jones to keep him in Green Bay through his age 29 season. Through the last two seasons, Jones has racked up 3,017 total yards and 30 touchdowns in 30 games, or an average of 100.6 total yards and 1.0 touchdown per game. I've moved him from RB12 in our Never-Too-Early Rankings up to the RB5 spot, since he'll return to the high-scoring offense that helped to make him famous. A.J. Dillon will likely assume Jamaal Williams' role as the thunder to Jones's lightning. Williams averaged 52.0 yards and 0.32 touchdowns per game, so he'll still be draft-worthy in the middle rounds as a Zero RB target with significant upside. The Jones news is also good for Myles Gaskin in Miami, since the Dolphins were considered the favorites to land Jones in free agency. Miami could still draft a running back or sign another free agent (like James Conner), but this is one hurdle that Gaskin had to overcome in order to be the Dolphins' RB1 in 2021.

Sources tell me Washington is bringing back kicker Dustin Hopkins. He was slated for free agency but a new deal should be announced this week. 84 percent FG kicker in six seasons for Washington

Dustin Hopkins could be streamable in 2021 if this Washington offense takes a step forward. He's currently ranked as K26 in 4for4's never-too-early-rankings.

The #Lions signed former #Saints TE Josh Hill, who has a relationship with new Detroit coach Dan Campbell from New Orleans.

The #Bucs have agreed to terms on a 1-year extension for QB Tom Brady, sources say, one that gives the Super Bowl champs some cap room and locks Brady in 2022.

This extension goes until 2022, putting Tom Brady in the NFL until he's 44 years old. No doubt they are hoping for another Super Bowl run with Chris Godwin already franchise tagged. Brady is currently 4for4's QB13 in our never-too-early-rankings.

The #Patriots are re-signing QB Cam Newton to a one-year deal, according to a league source.

In February, Cam Newton said he never fully recovered from missing contests after being on the COVID-19 list, after a pretty decent start to the year. The Patriots will most likely draft one of the top QBs in this year's draft, since Newton's deal indicates a bridge situation.

Lions released TE Jesse James, per source.

Another Lions pass-catcher is sent packing ahead of the 2021 free agency period. In two seasons with Detroit, Jesse James posted a combined 271 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

We have re-signed K Younghoe Koo, DE Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, CB Tyler Hall and WR Christian Blake.

Younghoe Koo is a consistently reliable fantasy kicker in the NFL, and currently sits as K1 in 4for4's never-too-early rankings.

Former Ravens' RB Mark Ingram reached agreement on a one-year deal worth up to $3 million with the Houston Texans, per source.

At 31-years old, it appears Mark Ingram will be part of a committee backfield with David Johnson as the lead in Houston. With Deshaun Watson trade rumors still swirling, it's still unclear just how productive this Texans offense will be in 2021.

We’ve released WR John Brown and DL Quinton Jefferson.

Releasing John Brown saves the Bills $7.9 million against the salary cap, with just $1.6 million in dead money. Brown is a great fantasy asset when healthy, but he spent 2020 nursing an ankle injury. He'll likely end up as a deep threat WR3 somewhere in the league. The move thrusts Gabriel Davis into the starting lineup.

Saints are releasing WR Emmanuel Sanders, per source.

Letting Emmanuel Sanders go frees up $4 million against the cap for New Orleans. He's looking at a WR3 spot wherever he lands at this point in his career, and his departure makes Tre'quan Smith their WR2 heading into camp.

Titans are not tagging TE Jonnu Smith, per source. Smith heads to free agency.

Jonnu Smith should be the second most in-demand TE after Hunter Henry this free agency period. The 25-year old still has plenty of gas in the tank as a fantasy TE.

Packers did not place their franchise tag on RB Aaron Jones, per source. Jones is headed to free agency, though Green Bay is attempting to re-sign him before he gets there.

Seahawks informed RB Chris Carson that they will not place their franchise tag on him, per source. Carson set to hit free agency.

Heading into the fifth year in the league, Chris Carson has posted two 1100+ yard outputs with Seattle and could be a tremendous asset to another backfield in 2021. For now, this leaves the Seahawks with Rashard Penny, DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer.

Bears placed franchise tag on WR Allen Robinson, per source.

Fantasy managers are most likely bummed by this news, but it looks like Allen Robinson will remain in Chicago. Despite the mediocre QB play, ARob still managed a WR11 finish last year in half-PPR formats. He's currently ranked as WR13 in 4for4's never-too-early rankings.

Chargers informed TE Hunter Henry that he will not be tagged, per source. Henry is headed to free agency.

Hunter Henry has finished as a starting fantasy TE in four of the last five seasons and at only 26-years old, still has plenty in the tank to offer any NFL team. With the fantasy landscape so bare at TE, regardless of landing spot, Henry should still be considered a Top-10 at his position come draft time.

Buccaneers informed WR Chris Godwin he is being franchise tagged, per source.

Looks like the band is back together for 2021, and both Chris Godwin and Mike Evans should continue to see similar target share as Tampa Bay attempts another Super Bowl run.

The #Lions don’t plan to tag WR Kenny Golladay, per source.

No final decision on whether Detroit may use a tag on someone else, but it appears Golladay is headed to the market.

Headed to free agency, Kenny Golladay is a WR2 headed into 2021, but landing spot could impact his fantasy output this season. Golladay only played five contests last year in Detroit.

Cowboys and QB Dak Prescott have a deal.

Update: Cowboys are giving Dak Prescott a four-year, $160 million deal, including a record $126 million guaranteed, source tells ESPN.

The first three years average $42 million per year.

Still awaiting details of the contract, but a healthy Dak Prescott with his talented weapons lands him as a top-five QB for 2021.

Update: The contract is a four-year, $160 million deal, including a record $126 million of it guaranteed. The first three years average $42 million per season.

The Giants cut WR Cody Core. He was due a $500K bonus in the coming weeks. Set to count $2M vs cap. Currently rehabbing a torn Achilles. Still a good chance he returns. “Door still open,” per source. Giants liked what they saw this summer, both on special teams and as WR.

The #Saints re-signed RB Ty Montgomery to a one-year, veteran benefit deal with a $137,500 signing bonus.

Ron Rivera: "I had a chance to meet with Alex Smith this week and we had a very honest and real discussion. We decided it would be best for both parties to move on and we will be granting Alex his request to be released. "

It makes financial sense for Washington to move on from Alex Smith, which will save them close to $15 million against the cap. Smith will look to add a veteran presence in a team's locker room in 2021.

Steelers have signed QB Ben Roethlisberger to a new contract for 2021.

It's highly unlikely we'll see a return to prior 2019 form for Ben Roethlisberger, but he remains the starter in Pittsburgh for 2021. Even without JuJu Smith-Schuster if he decides to sign elsewhere, the 39-year old QB does have plenty of surrounding offensive weapons and should be considered a QB2 heading into this season.

Giants released WR Golden Tate, per source.

Last year wasn't the best for Golden Tate, who put up a 35-388-2 line for the Giants in 12 games. The 32-year old will look to get a gig with another NFL team, most likely a one-year deal.

The Saints have officially released TE Jared Cook and TE Josh Hill. The Cook move is procedural, as he was scheduled to be a free agent at the start of the new league year.

Jared Cook will be 34 at the start of the 2021 season and may have some trouble finding a starting gig, but does still have some playmaking abilities. Josh Hill could find work in the blocking department for a team this season, after spending all his eight-year career with the Saints. For now, Adam Trautman assumes the starting role in New Orleans at TE.

Free agent WR Tyrell Williams has signed a one-year, $6.2 million deal with the Detroit Lions. Williams was recently released by the Las Vegas Raiders.

With the Lions wide receiver room in flux, the addition of Williams gives the Lions at least one proven wideout heading into free agency and before the Franchise Tag window closes. Despite a reduction in production each of the past four seasons he has played, the veteran increased his catch percentage and yards per target over that same time period. The Lions as an offense are difficult to get excited about so far this offseason, but there is still time for the new regime to make the team competitive and Williams trustworthy in fantasy.

#Jets GM Joe Douglas said he “will answer the call” when teams call about trading for Sam Darnold.

Several teams are reportedly interested in acquiring Sam Darnold via trade, while the Jets are expected to draft a QB with the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Darnold is currently ranked dead-last in 4for4's never-too-early rankings.

The #Vikings are releasing veteran TE Kyle Rudolph, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. End of an era in Minnesota.

Fire up Irv Smith Jr. for 2021, as the third-year TE will finally get the starting gig in Minnesota barring something happening this offseason.

It would be a shock if the Dolphins don't come away with a new feature back this offseason. Gaskin and Ahmed showed promise, but they are best as rotation backs.

Miami has been rumored to be interested in free agent Aaron Jones, and both Leonard Fournette and Le'Veon Bell have also been mentioned as options. Wolfe also states that Alabama's Najee Harris and North Carolina's Javonte Williams would be "tantalizing" for the Dolphins, who boast overall picks three and 18 in the NFL Draft.

From @NFLTotalAccess WFT QB Alex Smith will be a free agent, likely today, and he becomes an intriguing option in the QB world.

'If you're looking for a potential landing spot for Alex Smith, don't sleep on the Bears."

Expected to be let go by Washington in the coming days, Alex Smith could possibly reunite with Matt Nagy in Chicago. The two spent time together for the Chiefs from 2016-2017.

Source confirms #Eagles LB Alex Singleton, WR Greg Ward and RB Boston Scott have been tendered as exclusive rights free agents.
@Jason_OTC had it first. As ERFAs, Scott, Ward and Singleton can only negotiate with the Eagles.

Both players can only negotiate with the Eagles moving forward. Scott and Ward have been asked to fill in as leads at their respective positions, but neither has shown full-on starter numbers. With a new coaching regime in town, it's tough to tell what their usage will be like in 2021.