June 2023 4for4 Player News Articles

Titans running back Hassan Haskins has been charged with aggravated assault by strangulation. It looks as though it is a domestic violence exchange, as both he and his girlfriend were arrested and jailed.

For now, there are no fantasy takeaways. Other RB options currently on the Titans depth chart include '22 UDFA Julius Chestnut and '23 third-round rookie Tyjae Spears.

The Patriots & WR DeVante Parker reached an agreement on a 3-year new contract worth up to $33M.

Related Players: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne

This number seems astronomical. Parker barely cleared 30 receptions in 13 games played last season and this receiver group doesn't look much different than 2022. Regardless of this incentive-laden contract, he is still a WR5/6 in fantasy terms.

The rookie third-rounder has impressed his coaches and teammates with his route running and talent. Wilson benefited from DeAndre Hopkins not taking part in any of the voluntary workouts before he was released and Marquise Brown not being involved much this offseason, either. That led to him getting a significant number of reps, which has helped him climb the depth chart to a point where he could be a factor in Arizona's offense from Day 1 of the season.

Related Players: Rondale Moore, Greg Dortch, Zach Pascal

With Rondale Moore operating as a gadget player from a past regime, and Marquise Brown apparently still working his way back to health, there is a very real chance that Dortch or Wilson could lead the team in targets over the 2023 season.

That may end up being nothing more than a technicality, and not that exciting for a Cardinals team that projects to be pretty awful this year. We currently only have a single option ranked in the top-45 wide receivers (Brown - WR27)

Moreau isn't exactly an unknown quantity after four seasons and 12 touchdowns with the Raiders. Nobody quite knew when Moreau would be returning to football, however, after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in the offseason. It would be impossible to know that detail based on his play in OTAs and minicamp. Moreau was a frequent target of quarterback Derek Carr throughout practice and participated in 11-on-11 drills without limitations. He worked with both the first and second team during OTAs and could compete with Juwan Johnson for snaps as the team's No. 1 or No. 2 tight end.

As seems to be the case every season since the Jimmy Graham years, the Saints TE situation looks like it will be muddy once again in 2023. Taysom Hill likely has the biggest ceiling, being that he will line up all over the field. Moreau and Johnson will look to cannibalize fantasy production away from one another, making them both undraftable.

While Christian Watson got most of the attention for his big plays late last season, Doubs has seemingly become quarterback Jordan Love's go-to guy -- at least in the offseason practices. Whether it's in scripted team periods or move-the-ball drills like the two-minute simulation, Doubs has been targeted time and again. Don't forget, it was Doubs who starred last preseason when Love got all the No. 1 reps in the games because Aaron Rodgers didn't play. And Doubs was off to a strong start last year as a rookie until a midseason ankle injury changed his trajectory.

Related Players: Jayden Reed, Samori Toure

If Doubs becomes a target-hungry 1-2 punch with Watson, this inevitably pushes the rest of the Packers' options down the pecking order, most notably Jayden Reed. Reed was a second-round selection in this year's draft, but that doesn't automatically mean he will be an integral fantasy piece. This is a situation with fantasy ramifications that we need to keep an eye on.

Prince, a rookie undrafted free agent, took advantage of a thin running back depth chart and stood out as a receiver during offseason practice, making several difficult catches. With Isiah Pacheco recovering from offseason surgery, Prince has a chance to claim not only a roster spot but some playing time if he shows an aptitude for pass protection at training camp.

Related Players: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jerick McKinnon

While the UDFA Prince is most likely an addition for special teams purposes, any running back with a role in the Cheifs' offense is enough to perk our ears. After all, Pacheco was the team's second-to-last selection in the 2022 NFL Draft and the fantasy community drooled over him all of last offseason.

Keep Prince on your radar and maybe scour your Dynasty waiver wires just in case.

Devon Achane, a third-round rookie, has "already looked like one of the Dolphins' more explosive offensive players."

Related Players: Jeff Wilson, Raheem Mostert, Salvon Ahmed, Myles Gaskin

Beat writer Louis-Jacques would continue, "Even in non-padded team drills, Achane showed prowess as a pass-catcher and home run ability after the catch. It's a crowded running back room in Miami, but it may not be long before the rookie has a prominent role. "

We already have Achane ranked clear tiers above Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson, as the RB27. Those of us who have been grabbing Achane throughout best ball drafts continue to hold our breath that the team won't sign a veteran in the vein of Dalvin Cook or Ezekiel Elliot.

The ramifications of the Stefon Diggs minicamp drama could still be playing out, but a player who benefited from Diggs not taking part in OTAs and parts of minicamp was Sherfield, one of the Bills' acquisitions to add depth to the receiver room.

Related Players: Justin Shorter, Deonte Harty, Khalil Shakir

The article continues by saying, Sherfield got increased opportunities as the Z receiver for quarterback Josh Allen with Diggs not present and made an impression in that time, with Allen saying of Sherfield during OTAs, "I've loved what I've seen from Trent so far; the dude works extremely hard. He's one of the hardest-working guys on the team. Doesn't complain about anything. He's rolling right now."

Trent Sherfield is currently ranked in the stratosphere, all the up at WR148 in 4for4's most recent rankings update, but a steady drumbeat could move him into a more reasonable drafting range.

After months of sidestepping the question of a contract extension with the Colts, RB Jonathan Taylor has changed his tone, remarking that "it's kind of on (the Colts) right now." Beat writer James Boyd believes that Anthony Richardson's need for some offensive stability and, of course, the quarterback's rookie contract should open the door for that extension.

Taylor just wants "to be treated fairly," but the negotiations are likely tough after missing so much time due to an ankle injury in 2022. Taylor and Richardson could turn into a very interesting 1-2 punch if the quarterback can get up to speed quickly, which makes him a top-5 RB for the foreseeable future in Indianapolis.

Saquon Barkley said recently at his camp that he will not make a "definitive declaration" about what he's going to do for the 2023 season until we get to the July 17th deadline for franchise-tagged players to get a long-term extension. Per Rapoport, there is still room for a deal. Talks are "back on" for a possible extension beyond the franchise tag.

Related Players: Matt Breida, Eric Gray, Gary Brightwell

This is a positive spin after Barkley mentioned less than two weeks ago that he would consider sitting out the entirety of the 2023 season if he needs to. A long-term deal for the running back entering his sixth year seems unlikely, but there's no doubt that Barkley remains one of the most talented backs in the league when healthy.

Rams are bringing back veteran running back Sony Michel. It’s a one-year deal.

Related Players: Cam Akers, Kyren Williams, Zach Evans

While this may not seem like that big of a deal, this could turn out as bad news for Akers' between-the-20s and goalline ceiling. Michel could also be non-factor training camp release.

At the least, this probably puts a halt on Zach Evans as a late-round dart throw until we find out more details about the contract.

The Lions will be patient with Sam LaPorta, but he’s already shown enough physical tools to warrant immediate snaps. If the mental side catches up, he could be the starting tight end in Week 1.

Related Players: Brock Wright, James Mitchell

Rookie tight ends notoriously take a long time to get up to speed, but if LaPorta is starting in Week 1, he finds himself in a great offensive environment. Lions tight ends set the receiving touchdown record last season, despite trading away TE1 T.J. Hockenson.

It was mostly Parris Campbell working out of the slot, Darius Slayton and Isaiah Hodgins out wide, and Darren Waller all over the field with the first-team offense. That’s in part because Sterling Shepard (knee) and Wan’Dale Robinson (knee) worked on the side as part of their rehab from torn ACLs.

Related Players: Jalin Hyatt

Campbell, who was signed this offseason as a free agent, is destined for a significant role regardless. The Giants think he can do more than be the 68-catch player he was with the Indianapolis Colts last season if he’s healthy in this offense. This spring only validated what they thought they could be getting.

This usage has sent a clear message about third-round rookie Jalin Hyatt, who is "coming along slowly and working primarily with the third-team offense."

The Giants are bringing rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt along slowly. The third-round pick mostly worked with the third-team offense this spring. Wide receivers coach Mike Groh dismissed concerns about Hyatt’s limited route tree in college, while acknowledging that it’s a big adjustment for any rookie receiver to transition to the NFL.

Related Players: Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton, Sterling Shepard, Wan'Dale Robinson, Parris Campbell

The article would go on to mention that Hyatt "could" have a role as a deep-threat specialist as a rookie but that it will be an "uphill climb" for him to unseat an established veteran. In Underdog drafts, Hyatt is currently coming off the board as the WR70 around guys who have already proved they can be valuable at times in fantasy, such as; K.J. Osborn, DJ Chark, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

Running back J.K. Dobbins told WJZ-TV on Thursday that he didn't participate in the Baltimore Ravens' mandatory minicamp this week because of his contract situation.

Related Players: Gus Edwards, Justice Hill

Dobbins, a second-round pick in the 2020 draft, has missed more games (27) than he's played (23) in his career. It's hard to see how he has a leg to stand on in this situation, so we'll see how long this mini-holdout lasts.

According to quotes from the article, new OC Todd Monken tried (unsuccessfully) to get Dobbins on the field, but the running back declined. This will likely all blow over but there's still a possibility that Gus Edwards and Justice Hill get better familiarized with the Monken offense and cut farther into Dobbins' already compromised role.

Head coach John Harbaugh said that Rashod Bateman, who sustained a season-ending foot injury last year that required surgery, got a cortisone shot recently, and the goal for him is to continue his rehab and be ready for training camp.

Related Players: Odell Beckham, Zay Flowers, Devin Duvernay

The Ravens are set up with probably the best receiving group Lamar Jackson has ever seen at the professional level if everybody is fully healthy. Bateman is currently ranked as the No. 1 wide receiver in fantasy terms, but that still only makes him a modest WR41. If he can prove that he is fully healthy well ahead of the regular season, we could see him sneak up the rankings a little bit.

The New England Patriots have waived running back James Robinson after signing him to a two-year, $4M deal this offseason.

Related Players: Rhamondre Stevenson, Ty Montgomery, Pierre Strong Jr.

The contract had only $150,000 in guaranteed money, which was a red flag, to begin with. This strengthens the case even further for Rhamondre Stevenson to be an absolute fantasy stud this season and possibly opens up the door for a little more usage from Strong.
There has been a light buzz on more Ty Montgomery usage, but that has been circulating for about three seasons across multiple teams, so we would do well to ignore that.

Bills HC Sean McDermott says wide receiver Stefon Diggs is not in attendance for the mandatory minicamp. McDermott said, "he's very concerned"

Well, this seemingly came out of nowhere. This would be quite the storyline if Diggs were sitting out, and the implications for fantasy would be massive. We'll keep an eye on this story.

Diggs is making $24.415 million in 2023, including a $22.745M signing bonus as part of a March restructure. A mountain of dead cap means his contract isn't really tradeable from Buffalo's end.

The Jets think Michael Carter will bounce back and also believe that Israel Abanikanda — whom they drafted in the fifth round out of Pitt — can make an immediate impact. He’s a home-run threat and will be part of the running back rotation right away, pushing to start if Breece Hall is out to begin the season.

Related Players: Zonovan Knight

This is music to analytic nerds everywhere. Abanikanda was a spreadsheet darling but when he went to New York in the fifth round, it took a little bit of the air out of the balloon. But it turns out that Breece Hall could be missing well into the season and Carter was far less effective with the ball in his hand than his rookie counterpart in the 2022 campaign.

Izzy makes for an interesting late-round option on teams desperate for RB help.

Isiah Pacheco’s offseason surgeries have kept him off the field for organized team activities (OTAs) — and reigning December and January AFC offensive player of the month Jerick McKinnon has not been spotted at any of the three sessions open to media viewing.

That has led to critical reps for Deneric Prince, who is working with Clyde Edwards-Helaire and La’Mical Perine.

While the UDFA Prince is most likely an addition for special teams purposes, any running back with a role in the Cheifs' offense is enough to perk our ears. After all, Pacheco was the team's second-to-last selection in the 2022 NFL Draft and the fantasy community drooled over him all of last offseason.

Keep Prince on your radar and maybe scour your Dynasty waiver wires just in case.

Saquon Barkley and the New York Giants have until July 17 to come to a long-term contract, or the running back will play 2023 under the $10.1 million franchise tag.

Unless he sits out the entire season.

Barkley told reporters Sunday following his youth football camp in Jersey City that sitting out the campaign is an option he'd consider if it comes to that.

Related Players: Matt Breida, Eric Gray, Gary Brightwell

Most fantasy players will remember the disastrous results that came when Le'Veon Bell sat out a season as an aging running back and the comparisons between that situation and this are pretty stark. It's quite the negotiating ploy but sitting out a season in what could be the twilight of his career is unlikely to translate to future success on the field.

Matt Breida and Gary Brightwell have had their turns with the ball to little success, so Eric Gray may be the most interesting dart throw while we ponder Barkley's future.

The Carolina Panthers have elevated rookie Bryce Young to the No. 1 quarterback spot, a move coach Frank Reich said Thursday is "the next step" in the top pick of this year's draft, becoming the Week 1 starter.

These are all semantics at this point. The only thing we were worried about was Young coming in and having a terrible camp, and it doesn't look like he is trending in that direction. He should be drafted as the Panthers' QB1, which puts him on the radar in 2QB and SuperFlex leagues.

Another weapon for the Rams: LA has agreed to terms with veteran WR Demarcus Robinson.

Related Players: Puka Nacua, Ben Skowronek, Van Jefferson

Robinson was mostly buried on the Chiefs depth chart before having a mini breakout with the Ravens last year, catching 50 balls for 500 years. Given the Rams current wide receiver room, this is likely the best case scenario for Robinson. He makes for an interesting option as a last round dart throw, particularly if you have already have Matthew Stafford.

Though Khalil Herbert is taking first-team reps during OTAs, the competition for the RB1 with the Bears includes D'Onta Foreman, Travis Homer, and fourth-round pick Roschon Johnson.

In the article, running backs coach David Walker was quoted as saying, “No one has earned a seat in that room yet, and they’re all going to earn their seats from what we do now until August whatever, whenever that third preseason game is,” Walker said. “So that’s the good thing and they know it. That’s been communicated to them.”

This makes the presumed "backups" more intriguing in fantasy drafts, as they are basically free at the moment. Roschon Johnson is coming off the board as the RB46 in the 13th round, while D'Onta Foreman is the RB51, in the 14th.

Vikings are to officially release Dalvin Cook on Friday. One of the NFL’s most dynamic playmakers, Cook is coming off a fourth straight 1,000-yard season and has 52 career TDs. Now he’ll be a free agent at age 27 and will have multiple suitors.

Related Players: Alexander Mattison, Ty Chandler

The move has been long-rumored, so this doesn't come as much surprise. According to talks throughout the offseason, Mattison should be expected to takeover the lead-back role, with Chandler acting as the team's No. 2.

Vikings OC Wes Phillips on whether second-year RB Ty Chandler is ready for an increased role: "I think he's going to have to be."

Chandler probably has the advantage in the competition for the presumptive No. 2 RB spot behind presumptive No. 1 RB Alexander Mattison.

Related Players: Dalvin Cook

Yet more smoke to the fire that is Dalvin Cook playing the 2023 season outside of Minnesota. We're past June 1st, so the news on Cook moving on is presumably right around the corner.

Per Fortier, who was at the presser with head coach Ron Rivera; Rivera still considers it a competition between Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett.

In a later conversation, Fortier asked if it was important for Brissett to receive first-team reps. The veteran responded with "we'll cross that bridge when we cross that bridge."

This is clearly an annoying situation for fantasy owners. The easiest thing we can boil this down to at this point; Jacoby Brissett represents a clear floor for both himself and his pass catchers in Washington. On the other hand, Sam Howell offers a very intriguing ceiling while offering what amounts to an incredibly low floor.

We'll have to wait and see how this develops.

Barring any setbacks, based on the timeline and the progress from that Jimmy Garoppolo has shown, he is expected to be ready for training camp.

Related Players: Brian Hoyer, Aidan O'Connell

Not to beat a dead horse, but Garoppolo has an extensive injury history and a brand new offense to adjust to. Garoppolo has Davante Adams and not a whole lot sitting behind him as it stands. The quarterback is currently ranked as the QB29 in 4for4's rankings for all of these reasons.

Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels says Josh Jacobs is not under contract (hasn’t signed franchise tag) and therefore is not at mandatory minicamp. Perfect attendance, otherwise. Once again, he spoke highly of Jacobs & is respectful of this process.

Related Players: Ameer Abdullah, Brandon Bolden, Zamir White

Even though we haven't heard any updates, it's hard to assume that Josh Jacobs won't be suiting up well ahead of Week 1. Zamir White would be the contingency draft for the weary, as he was technically the first running back this coaching regimen had a hand in taking last year.

The news comes after a report by SportsHandle.com, which cited an investigation into a Colts player's "pervasive" betting, including wagers placed on his own team. The player was not named in the report, nor did team officials reveal his identity.

The sliding scale on the importance of this for fantasy is, obviously, enormous. If we're talking about special teamer or a rotational defensive player, it's not going to affect us much. On the other hand, there are veteran offensive players that could impact the immediate outlook on someone like Anthony Richardson.

We will continue to update this piece as news that impacts fantasy comes to light.

Per Kevin Seifert, "All that remains is for the Vikings to formalize Dalvin Cook's exit, a denouement that seems likely if not completely certain."

Related Players: Alexander Mattison

We've seen the Vikings allow Alexander Mattison to fill in as a 1v1 replacement for Cook in the past but fantasy managers often overlook how Mattison has been thoroughly inefficient with those opportunities over the last two seasons.

Nonetheless, rumors leading up to an eventual trade (hello, Dolphins) will continue to boost Mattison's stock until it finally shoots him up to where we should probably avoid him. At this time, Mattison's ADP is in the 7th round as the RB25.

Per Zac, Elijah Moore was frequently targeted by Deshaun Watson throughout Wednesday's practice, mostly on quick passes. Their best connection of the day came in a red-zone 7-on-7 period for a touchdown as Moore used a double move and turned to see the ball delivered right where he wanted it. The Browns are clearly stressing three things: fast tempo, an attacking mindset on defense, and feeding wide receiver Moore.

Related Players: Marquise Brown, David Bell, Donovan Peoples-Jones

Jackson would continue later in the article; "We’re seeing Moore line up in different spots and plenty of Moore going in motion. How his exact role shakes out remains to be seen, but from two open practices, it’s clear the Browns want to get him the ball on short passes and let him create."

This is good news for Moore and those of us who wanted to see him get another chance after his interesting talent set was left to die on the vine while catching passes from the Zach Wilsons of the world. If the Browns really do use him in the inside and outside, there is a chance we can see Moore in some 2WR sets this season.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy resumed throwing this week after having surgery on his elbow roughly three months ago, general manager John Lynch told SiriusXM radio Wednesday.

Related Players: Trey Lance, Sam Darnold

The article would go on to quote Lynch as saying that the 49ers are "incredibly encouraged" by Purdy's recovery and that the hopes are that he is ready for training camp and, thus, the regular season.

“I mentioned Trey, I mentioned Sam, we feel good about that position holistically,” he said. “So we’re not going to do anything to put Brock in a situation where he’s not fully healed. That means not just getting back, but getting back, getting reps in under your belt — the whole deal. So we’ll take it as it comes, as we’re doing. He’s working incredibly hard, and the early returns are good.”

Purdy should be considered the heavy betting favorite to step into Week 1 as the 49ers' starting quarterback.

Per Lindsey, Chargers WR Mike Williams hasn’t been on the field during the open portion of OTAs to reporters, but here he is working out. Williams was unable to play in the postseason because of a small back fracture.

Related Players: Keenan Allen, Quentin Johnston, Josh Palmer

Any time missed by Williams would immediately boost the early-season projections for rookie Quentin Johnston. Thiry's original tweet had clips from the veteran's Instagram account that showed him working out just fine, so we should presumably see him on the field before too long, barring any setbacks.