4-30-10
BRETT FAVRE – MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Brett Favre has been informed that he will need surgery on his left ankle if he wants to play in the upcoming season. Favre is debating whether to have the surgery or retire. ~espn.com
Trader Take: We’ve all seen this will-he-or-won’t-he-retire drama with Favre before – last year he had issues with a biceps tendon in his throwing arm – so it’s really, really hard not to be cynical. We’re going out on a limb here with a prediction: We think Favre will have the surgery and do the rehab, which would conveniently allow him to skip training camp. He will make his grand return to play in two preseason games.
4-29-10
The Philadelphia Eagles have signed Kevin Kolb to a one-year contract worth a guaranteed $12.25 million. ~espn.com
Trader Take: Kolb is now under contract with the Eagles through the 2011 season, which gives him a two-year audition as the designated replacement for Donovan McNabb (Redskins). After spending two years soaking up the Philadelphia playbook and watching McNabb operate the pass-happy Eagles offense, Kolb started two games in 2009 when McNabb was injured, becoming the first NFL quarterback to throw for 300+ yards and two scores in his first two career starts. We think those two huge fantasy outings are just a flash of the great things to come from Kolb in 2010, although he may post a few clunker games in his first full season as a starter. You’ll have to watch Kolb’s average draft position heading into the preseason. Everybody knows about his enormous upside in the Eagles offense, so don’t expect to get the Eagles’ new No. 1 quarterback in the lower rounds of your drafts.
RYAN CLADY – DENVER BRONCOS
Denver Broncos All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady has undergone surgery to repair a torn left patellar tendon that he suffered while playing basketball. Clady is expected to take three months to recover. ~espn.com
Trader Take: Assuming Clady has no setbacks in his recovery, he should return sometime in August and not miss any regular-season games.
BEN TATE – HOUSTON TEXANS
Rookie running back Ben Tate could have a regular role in the Texans’ backfield. ~houstontexans.com
Trader Take: We had expected Houston to pursue one of the top rookie running back prospects aggressively during the 2010 NFL Draft, but it apparently didn’t happen. Although the 5’11’’, 215-pound Tate is considered a prototype north/south runner, he has impressive 4.4 speed. Since the Texans did not make a hard charge to acquire one of the higher-rated rookies, they must have reason to believe that Steve Slaton will bounce back from neck surgery, Arian Foster will contribute significantly or Tate is their guy. The message for now: don’t get too high on Tate, and watch the Slaton/Foster/Tate battle in preseason.
QUARTERBACK SITUATION – BUFFALO BILLS
The Buffalo Bills say they are ready to move forward with the quarterbacks currently on their roster. ~rocnow.com
Trader Take: After trying and failing to land Tim Tebow (Broncos) during the 2010 NFL Draft, the Bills say they will chose their starter from a quartet of Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brian Brohm and Levi Brown. The early money is on Fitzpatrick, but it’s hard to see any Buffalo quarterback being fantasy-relevant this year. And yes, it’s going to be a long season in Orchard Park.
JOEY GALLOWAY – WASHINGTON REDSKINS
The Washington Redskins have signed Joey Galloway to a one-year deal. ~espn.com
Trader Take: Assuming Galloway makes the team, he probably will line up as a WR3 or WR4 for the Redskins, so he probably will have no fantasy value.
4-28-10
4-27-10
BEN ROETHLISBERGER – PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Ben Roethlisberger says he will not appeal his four-to-six game NFL suspension for violating the league’s Personal Conduct Policy. The troubled quarterback also has promised to comply with what has been asked of him – and more. ~espn.com
Trader Take: It’s the smart move. Roethlisberger needs to put this mess behind him and start repairing his badly tarnished image. Getting into a big fight with the league about the suspension would only drag things out. From a fantasy perspective, you should drop Roethlisberger to the middle teens in your quarterback rankings. Since he is not going to play the entire season, Big Ben not a fantasy QB1, but there is no reason why you can’t stash him on your bench until the suspension ends. According to the early buzz, the athletic Dennis Dixon is the leading candidate to fill in for Roethlisberger, but that could change. Hines Ward and Heath Miller probably will start slowly without Roethlisberger, so both players should drop a four or five spots in your rankings – for now. Since Mike Wallace is a deep threat, Dixon, who is not a prolific passer, may have trouble getting him the ball consistently. Wallace is still fantasy WR3, but he also probably will start slowly.
JAY CUTLER – CHICAGO BEARS
Jay Cutler sees no reason for the Chicago Bears to add Terrell Owens. ~chicagobreakingsports.com
Trader Take: Cutler obviously does not make personnel decisions for the Monsters of the Midway, but he definitely seems to have the ear of team management. If Cutler really does not want T.O. there, it probably will not happen. Despite what the quarterback says, Chicago’s wide receiver corps is still one of the weakest in the league. Cutler is still predicting big things for Greg Olsen in Mike Martz’s tight end-unfriendly offense, and we’re still skeptical.
ADALIUS THOMAS – FREE AGENT
The New England Patriots have released linebacker Adalius Thomas. He is already drawing interest from the New York Jets. ~espn.com
Trader Take: Signing with the Super Bowl-contending Gang Green obviously would be a nice fit. Thomas can play outside linebacker, inside linebacker and defensive end. He also knows Jets head coach Rex Ryan’s defense from their days together with the Baltimore Ravens, where Ryan was a defensive coordinator. In addition, Thomas knows Patriots head coach Bill Belichick’s schemes, which is obviously information that Ryan would love to get his hands on.
JOHN HENDERSON – FREE AGENT
The Jacksonville Jaguars have released two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle John Henderson, which clears the way for first-round draft pick Tyson Alualu to start. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: Jacksonville is overhauling its defense, and Henderson’s production has dipped in recent seasons. Nevertheless, capable defensive tackles are usually in high demand around the league, so Henderson probably will not be out of work long.
JEREMY THOMPSON – GREEN BAY PACKERS
The Green Bay Packers have released outside linebacker Jeremy Thompson after just two seasons in Titletown. Thompson says he will retire because of concerns about a neck injury that he had suffered last season. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: We wish Thompson good luck with his post-NFL endeavors.
2010 NFL DRAFT
A record 45 million people watched a portion of the 2010 NFL Draft on three different television networks. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: Showing round one to a Thursday prime time audience and rounds two and three the next night obviously paid huge dividends for the NFL. Although there has been no official announcement, expect the league to air the 2011 NFL Draft using the same format.
4-26-10
JASON CAMPBELL – OAKLAND RAIDERS
The Oakland Raiders acquired Jason Campbell from the Washington Redskins in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick. Oakland also signed Campbell to a one-year, $4.5 million extension, which will keep him in Oakland through 2011. ~espn.com
Trader Take: With Campbell in the fold and expected to start, the Raiders probably will make bust extraordinaire JaMarcus Russell take a pay cut or release him outright. Fantasy-wise, Campbell looks like a middle-to-low-range QB2. Campbell loves to throw to his tight ends, so Zach Miller now looks like a rock-solid fantasy TE2 with a little upside. Young receivers Louis Murphy and Chaz Schilens also may have some value in deeper leagues, depending on how fast each player builds a rapport with Campbell.
LENDALE WHITE & LEON WASHINGTON – SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
The Seattle Seahawks added two new faces to their backfield Saturday, acquiring LenDale White and Leon Washington. ~espn.com
Trader Take: As strange as it may sound, it looks like White will start and receive the goal-line carries – assuming he is effective – but it’s hard to see the plodding former Tennessee Titan racking up 1,000 rushing yards and double-digit scores behind Seattle’s below-average offensive line. He has never done anything big as a pass-catcher, and that will not change. Consider White a low-end fantasy RB3 or a middle-to-low-range flex option. Washington’s value depends on his health – there are concerns that he is still not fully recovered from the broken right leg that he had suffered last season. If Washington can’t play well or can’t play, period, Forsett is Seattle’s insurance policy as a third-down back. If Washington is healthy, Forsett’s fantasy value takes a hit. Julius Jones could be the odd man out.
MARSHAWN LYNCH – BUFFALO BILLS
Although the Bills drafted C.J. Spiller of Clemson, team general manger Buddy Nix says he has no plans to trade Marshawn Lynch.
Trader Take: A three-headed rushing attack of Lynch, Spiller and Fred Jackson would make the fantasy value of each player unpredictable from week to week, but Lynch probably would be the first choice for goal-line touches. Lynch, who has made it known that he wouldn’t mind a change of address, had looked as good as gone when Buffalo drafted Spiller. Although Nix says the team wants to keep Lynch, we think the right offer would change the general manager’s mind. Stay tuned.
RYAN MATHEWS – SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
San Diego Union-Tribune: Ryan Mathews is expected to start. ~signonsandiego.com
Trader Take: Even if he doesn’t start immediately, Mathews should receive regular touches starting in training camp. Right now, the heir apparent to LaDainian Tomlinson looks like the rookie with the highest upside in 2010.
TIM TEBOW – DENVER BRONCOS
Josh McDaniels on Tim Tebow: “He’s a quarterback. That’s all he’s going to do.” ~espn.com
Trader Take: So much for all that talk about the Broncos using Tebow as an H-back or tight end. Kyle Orton is the best quarterback on the Denver roster right now, and the Tebow show probably will not start until 2011 at the earliest. As we told you before, forget about Tebow in redraft leagues. If you’re going to roll the dice with the high-risk, high-reward Tebow in a keeper-league format, good luck to you.
COLT McCOY – CLEVELAND BROWNS
Mike Holmgren says he does not expect Colt McCoy to play this year. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: Don’t rule out McCoy seeing a little mop-up duty late in the season, but this is the right decision. Let Seneca Wallace or Jake Delhomme struggle with a shabby wide receiver corps and a below-average offensive line while McCoy learns the pro game.
4-23-10
THE 2010 NFL DRAFT
Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow, Dez Bryant and the Big 12 highlighted Round 1 of the 2010 NFL Draft. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: The NFL’s decision to move Round 1 to prime time on a weekday is looking good right now – the round moved faster than expected and went off without a hitch – but the television ratings will give us the final verdict on whether the league will continue this experiment in 2011.
TIM TEBOW – DENVER BRONCOS
The Broncos made the biggest splash in Round 1 of the 2010 NFL Draft, parting with three picks to move up and grab Tebow with the No. 25 overall selection. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: Tebow was an outstanding college player, and nobody should question his athleticism, on-the-field success and character. However, the opinions on head coach Josh McDaniels’ decision to part with a second-rounder, a third-rounder and a fourth-rounder to get Tebow, who is viewed realistically as a long-term project, are as mixed as the opinions about the Florida star’s pro prospects. At the risk of saying the obvious, McDaniels and Tebow are joined at the hip; Tebow’s success or lack of it will define McDaniels’ tenure. Fantasy-wise, forget about Tebow in redraft leagues. In keeper-league formats, Tebow looks like a high-risk, high reward prospect. We probably will not start to get a read on whether Tebow can cut it in the NFL as a starting quarterback until 2011 at the earliest.
DEZ BRYANT – DALLAS COWBOYS
Ignoring concerns about Bryant’s character, the Cowboys traded up to acquire the dynamic receiver and kickoff returner with the No. 24 overall pick in Round 1 of the NFL Draft. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: The Cowboys had obvious needs at offensive line and safety, but the explosive Bryant was too good to pass up. Bryant’s agonizing fall in the Draft should not surprise you; character concerns are poison the NFL nowadays. Despite what Jerry Jones says, the decision to select Bryant is the closest thing to an admission that the Roy Williams experiment has been a disappointment. There are plenty of mouths to feed in the Dallas passing attack, and we don’t know Bryant’s role in the offense yet, so it’s hard to gauge his fantasy value for redraft leagues at the moment. In keeper-league formats, Bryant obviously looks like a safe investment; he is the best receiver in the draft this year.
4-21-10
BEN ROETHLISBERGER – PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The NFL has officially suspended Roethlisberger for six games without pay for violating its Personal Conduct Policy. He also must undergo a “comprehensive behavioral evaluation” by medical professionals. Roethlisberger cannot attend any offseason activities until he has completed the evaluation. Roethlisberger would be allowed to attend training camp and play in preseason games with approval from the medical evaluators and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Goodell is expected to evaluate Roethlisberger’s progress before the season starts and could reduce the suspension to four games without pay. Failure to comply with the league’s ruling could lead to a longer suspension for Roethlisberger. ~espn.com
Trader Take: We had predicted a suspension ranging from four to eight games, so no surprise here. From a fantasy perspective, things are cloudy with Roethlisberger and the Steelers as long as the possibility of a trade is there. We’ll give you our opinion of the fantasy fallout for Pittsburgh and Roethlisberger when we learn something definitive about his future in the Steel City.
MIKE SHANAHAN – WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Shanahan on Terrell Owens: “No, we will not go in that direction right now.” ~profootballtalk.com
Trader Take: No surprise here. Donovan McNabb apparently had been lobbying the Redskins to sign Owens. We all know Owens has lost a couple of steps and is no longer the dominant force that he still was when he and McNabb played together in Philadelphia from 2004 through 2005. On the other hand, you could make the case that T.O. is almost as good as any wide receiver currently on the Redskins roster. It will be interesting to see if anybody signs Owens.
NFL 2010 SCHEDULE
The NFL has finally released its 2010 regular-season schedule. ~nfl.com
Trader Take: All the scheduled Week 17 games are divisional matchups. The league is obviously trying to make a majority of the Week 17 games meaningful, so teams will not rest their stars. We doubt all the games will be meaningful, but we’re curious to see how many will be.
2010 NFL SCHEDULE – WEEK 17 GAMES
Yahoo! Sports: Four reasons the all-divisional Week 17 scheduling won’t solve things. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: This article is an interesting read. Should fantasy league commissioners start moving championship games to Week 17? Nope. Again, we doubt all the scheduled divisional games will be meaningful, but we’re curious to see how many will be.
2010 NFL SCHEDULE – MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
ESPN Monday Night Football will debut September 13 with a doubleheader: Baltimore Ravens at New York Jets and San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs. ~epsn.com
Trader Take: Thirteen of the 17 MNF matchups are divisional games. The Super Bowl XLIII Champion New Orleans Saints will make two appearances (Week 2 and Week 16), while the AFC Champion Indianapolis Colts are scheduled for one appearance (Week 8). We’ll also see the New York Jets a MNF-high three times (Week 1, Week 5 and Week 13). Donovan McNabb will host his former team (Week 10), and Brett Favre – if he plays this season – will return to the East Coast to face his other former team, the Jets (Week 5).
2010 NFL SCHEDULE – SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
The NBC Sunday Night Football crew will broadcast the Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints 2010 season opener (Thursday, Sept. 9). The first Sunday night game is set for Sept. 12 with Donovan McNabb and the Washington Redskins hosting the Dallas Cowboys. ~profootballtalk.nbcsports.com
Trader Take: There are some interesting matchups on the schedule. Peyton Manning will face off against brother Eli (Week 2). The Minnesota Vikings and Brett Favre – if he returns – will visit Lambeau Field (Week 7). Sunday Night Football will not skip a week when the World Series is in full swing with the New Orleans Saints hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers October 31 (Week 8). There is no Week 17 game listed as part of the flex scheduling. The league will announced the matchup at a later date.
2010 NFL SCHEDULE – THANKSGIVING DAY GAMES
For the first time in two years, the Thanksgiving Day games don’t all look like turkeys. ~profootballtalk.com
Trader Take: The New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions contest may be a little more competitive than you think. The Dallas Cowboys will host the defending Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints in the late afternoon game, which looks like a barnburner. For the nightcap, the Cincinnati Bengals will hook up with the New York Jets in the Jets’ new stadium.
2010 NFL SCHEDULE – CHRISTMAS GAME & NFL NETWORK SCHEDULE
Christmas Night: NFL Network will broadcast the Dallas Cowboys at the Arizona Cardinals. ~profootballtalk.com
Trader Take: The Cowboys/Cardinals clash would have more sizzle if Kurt Warner was still playing. NFL Network’s first game is Thursday, November 11 with the Baltimore Ravens at the Atlanta Falcons (Week 10).
4-20-10
Roethlisberger practiced with the Steelers Monday, which was their first full workout since missing the playoffs last season. Meanwhile, Roger Goodell says Roethlisberger violated the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy with his “pattern of behavior” and “bad judgments.” ~nytimes.com
Trader Take: The message from Goodell is loud and clear: you don’t have to be convicted or even charged with a crime to violate the Personal Conduct Policy. Making poor decisions and putting yourself in bad situations is apparently all it takes. Bringing unfavorable publicity to your team and the NFL is also a huge no-no.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The entire Steelers team is playing under a new zero-tolerance policy regarding off-the-field misconduct. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: Considering the reports we keep hearing about how upset the team ownership is about the Ben Roethlisberger fiasco, this is hardly a surprise.
ERIC FOSTER – INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Foster, a defensive tackle, has been sued after an alleged sexual assault on an Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis student in January. ~footballnewsnow.com
Trader Take: This one could potentially get messy, but an out-of-court settlement seems likely. Although the authorities botched the investigation, Foster may face a league suspension.
TONY SCHEFFLER – DETROIT LIONS
ERNIE SIMS – PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
The Eagles acquired Sims in a three-way trade with the Lions and the Denver Broncos. In exchange for Sims, Philadelphia sent a fifth-round pick to the Broncos, who sent Scheffler and a seventh-rounder to Detroit. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: Maybe a change of scenery can help Sims, a former first-round pick, pull his career off the scrap heap. He struggled with injuries last season and did not seem to be a good fit for Lions head coach Jim Schwartz’s defense. The Lions needed help at tight end, because Casey FitzSimmons (concussion) retired, and Brandon Pettigrew is coming off knee surgery. If Pettigrew is slow to recover, Scheffler could have some TE2 value.
TARVARIS JACKSON – MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The Vikings re-signed Jackson to a one-year, $1.1 million deal. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: Jackson was a restricted free agent, so there is no drama here. In case you’re wondering, nope, Brett Favre has not made a decision yet.
MARVIN HARRISON – RETIRED
Philadelphia police are hoping a grainy surveillance video will help them find the killer of a man who alleged before he died of gunshot wounds last year that former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison helped arrange the hit. Harrison’s attorney, however, says his client was not involved and would have no comment because of two pending civil lawsuits filed as a result of the 2008 incident. ~epsn.com
Trader Take: Not to downplay the allegations, but we’re surprised to see that this investigation is still alive.
4-19-10
BEN ROETHLISBERGER – PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Sources: The NFL will suspend Roethlisberger by Tuesday. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: We respect the guys at Yahoo!Sports, but this report contradicts a recent ESPN.com article that insisted the league was not planning to discipline Roethlisberger until sometime after the 2010 NFL Draft, which kicks off Thursday. The NFL is also planning to release the 2010 schedule Tuesday. Does commissioner Roger Goodell really want to hand out Big Ben’s punishment now and dampen what should be an otherwise good week for the NFL?
BEN ROETHLISBERGER – PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Terry Bradshaw says Roethlisberger is ruining his career; Bradshaw has offered to help the beleaguered quarterback.
Trader Take: After Bradshaw blasted Big Ben publically a few days ago, this offer of help comes as a surprise. Bradshaw, a Hall of Famer and Steelers icon who is tight with the Rooney family (they own the Steelers), may be just the right guy to help Roethlisberger, but will Big Ben take him up on the offer?
ALBERT HAYNESWORTH – WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Despite reports and rumors that suggest otherwise, Mike Shanahan says the Redskins have not discussed trading Haynesworth. ~washingtonpost.com
Trader Take: The Redskins reportedly offered Haynesworth to the Philadelphia Eagles during the Donovan McNabb trade talks, so it would not be a shock to see Haynesworth suiting up for another team. Can Haynesworth and new head coach Mike Shanahan coexist? Stay tuned.
CHRIS JENNINGS – CLEVELAND BROWNS
Jennings has been released from jail following his Saturday arrest for allegedly punching a bouncer outside a Cleveland night club; authorities are trying to decide whether they should prosecute him. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: Stay tuned on this one. We’re sure another player having a run-in with the law is the last thing commissioner Roger Goodell wanted to see following the Ben Roethlisberger fiasco.
TED GINN, JR. – SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
The Miami Dolphins have traded Ginn to the 49ers in exchange for a fifth-round pick (the 145th overall selection) in the upcoming NFL Draft. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: Although a change in scenery should do Ginn a world of good – he has been unfairly portrayed as the symbol of the failed Cam Cameron regime – it’s hard to see him having an immediate fantasy impact as a wide receiver. However, he does fill San Francisco’s need for a speedy, talented kickoff and punt returner.
4-16-10
BEN ROETHLISBERGER – PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Steelers have held internal discussions about trading Roethlisberger, but they have not talked with any teams about dealing the embattled quarterback. ~nfl.com
Trader Take: If you wanted more proof about how angry the Steelers ownership is about Roethlisberger’s latest troubles, here it is. A trade seems very unlikely this year, but it is not completely out of the question.
BEN ROETHLISBERGER – PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Steelers president Art Rooney II: Discipline for Roethlisberger will not come until after the 2010 NFL Draft at the earliest, and the Steelers’ punishment will be coordinated with the NFL office. ~espn.com
Trader Take: Many major sports media outlets are predicting a two-to-four game suspension for Roethlisberger. However, we keep hearing how angry the Rooney family is, and we’ve heard the Steelers have had internal discussions about trading Big Ben. In addition, we’ve seen NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hand out some lengthy suspensions to others who have violated the league’s Personal Conduct Policy. This makes us think the Steelers and the NFL are really going to come down on Roethlisberger with a big suspension – something in the four-to-eight game range, minimum. If it’s more than eight games, that would not surprise us.
BEN ROETHLISBERGER – PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The 20-year-old college student who accused Roethlisberger of sexually assaulting her in a Georgia nightclub says he exposed himself too. The accuser also says she repeatedly told the quarterback “no” and tried to get away from him. ~espn.com
Trader Take: The allegations are deeply disturbing to say the least. In fairness, we have to point out that Roethlisberger has denied all the claims and authorities have announced they will not prosecute him, mainly because the accuser did not want to go to court. Stay tuned for what we think will be a lengthy suspension.
LEON WASHINGTON – NEW YORK JETS
Washington has signed his $1.759 million tender. He says he hopes to be recovered from a broken right leg in time for training camp. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: When healthy, Washington is a dynamic kickoff/punt returner and explosive third-down back. The Jets have said they plan to ease him back into the offense slowly, so his fantasy value early in the season probably will be low.
BRUCE GRADKOWSKI – OAKLAND RAIDERS
Gradkowski will undergo surgery for a torn pectoral muscle suffered during weight training, but he is expected to be ready for camp. The Raiders have signed Kyle Boller as an insurance policy. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: Since it sounds like JaMarcus Russell is on thin ice in Oakland, we had high hopes for Gradkowski as a deep sleeper after he sparked the team late in 2009. If Gradkowski recovers fully, we would not worry about Boller stealing his job.
The NFL will officially release its 2010 schedule at 7 p.m. EDT Tuesday, April 20. NFL Network and ESPN will cover the schedule release live. ~espn.com
Trader Take: Finally! We’re sure you’re looking forward to this as much as we are. They say the NFL reshuffled the schedule to add more divisional games later in the season. The goal is to stretch out the division races and make some of the usually meaningless Week 17 games count. We’ll see how that goes.
TONY SCHEFFLER – DENVER BRONCOS
Scheffler has signed his $1.176 million tender; the Broncos may try to trade him. ~sportingnews.com
Trader Take: It would not be a shock to see Scheffler follow Brandon Marshall out of town. As the article says, Scheffler is a poor fit for head coach Josh McDaniels’ offense, and the tight end has been in and out of McDaniels’ doghouse.
BRIAN WESTBROOK – FREE AGENT
The Green Bay Packers are showing interest in Westbrook. ~jsonline.com
Trader Take: If Westbrook signs with the Packers, they would probably use him mainly as a third-down back. Without knowing roughly how many touches he would receive per game, it’s hard to speculate about Westbrook’s fantasy value in a green and gold uniform. However, it’s hard to see him taking away a ton of carries from Ryan Grant.
BEN ROETHLISBERGER – PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The NFL is weighing possible disciplinary action against Roethlisberger, who met with league commissioner Roger Goodell one day after learning he won't be charged in the alleged sexual assault of a Georgia college student. ~espn.com
Trader Take: It looks like a suspension is definitely coming for Roethlisberger, but the question is how many games will he miss? Leave Big Ben, Hines Ward, Heath Miller and Mike Wallace where they are in your rankings for now until we learn more.
BEN ROETHLISBERGER – PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Terry Bradshaw rips Ben Roethlisberger. ~nfl.fanhouse.com
Trader Take: There is no fantasy news with this one, but word of what apparently has been an ongoing Bradshaw/Roethlisberger rift was a surprise to many outside the Pittsburgh media market. By the way, a Pittsburgh company that had marketed “Big Ben’s Beef Jerky” products has terminated its sponsorship with Roethlisberger.
BRANDON MARSHALL – DENVER BRONCOS
Marshall has signed his one-year, $2.512 million tender, which means the Broncos could be close to trading him. ~nfl.fanhouse.com
Trader Take: For those of you who miss the Donovan McNabb watch, you now have the Marshall watch to take up your time. Although the Seattle Seahawks were the only team that Marshall visited during his free agency, there are probably other interested teams. Losing Marshall obviously would be a blow to Kyle Orton and the entire Denver offense. Marshall, however, would be a fantasy WR1 just about anywhere he plays.
MIKE WALLACE – PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Wallace likely will start in Santonio Holmes (Jets) place. ~espn.com
Trader Take: Even if Wallace gets Holmes’ old starting gig, don’t pencil him in for Holmes numbers just yet. Ben Roethlisberger is facing a likely suspension, and Charlie Batch, who has not attempted a regular-season pass since 2007, likely would fill in. We all obviously would rather see Roethlisberger, not Batch, throwing to Wallace. There are also whispers that Pittsburgh may use a more run-oriented attack without Big Ben under center. In addition, the Steelers could spend a high-round draft pick on a wide receiver, which could complicate things. Stay tuned.
PATRICK KERNEY – SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Citing a desire to play but a battered body that won’t let him, Kerney has retired. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: Happy retirement wishes to a player who was known as a good guy and a hard worker. Finding a replacement for Kerney is one of many things on the rebuilding Seattle Seahawks’ list of things to do.
MARSHAWN LYNCH – BUFFALO BILLS
The Bills are offering Lynch in exchange for a second-round pick. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: Lynch has not been a happy camper in Orchard Park – even with a new coaching staff on board – so the Bills would be wise to move him. As a power back, Lynch is clearly starter material, and he is a better receiver than many think. If he is traded, Lynch’s fantasy value obviously would depend on the playing situation wherever he ends up. Lynch leaving Orchard Park would cement Fred Jackson in as the Buffalo Bills’ unquestioned starter.
DONOVAN McNABB – PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Source: McNabb trade talks could continue until draft day, and there is currently no front-runner to acquire his services. ~espn.com
Trader Take: This espn.com article contradicts reports that the Oakland Raiders are the favorite to land McNabb and refutes the rumor that Philadelphia is demanding at least a top-42 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft in exchange for McNabb. By the way, the Buffalo Bills and the Minnesota Vikings are also rumored to be in the McNabb sweepstakes. McNabb’s fantasy value obviously will depend on where he is playing in Week 1. If McNabb is traded and Kevin Kolb becomes the Eagles’ new starter, Kolb would have a ton of upside as a high-end QB2.
FRANK GORE – SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Gore is opposed to playing in a three-headed backfield. ~blog.santarosapressdemocrat.com
Trader Take: Put down the Pepto Bismol, Gore owners – this scenario seems unlikely to happen. Granted, Gore has absorbed a lot of punishment through the years, but he is the 49ers best offensive player and needs to be on the field as often as possible. San Francisco director of player personnel Trent Baalke recently suggested the team could use a three-back attack like the New Orleans Saints do if they drafted C.J. Spiller to share touches with Gore and Glen Coffee. The 49ers have more pressing needs at offensive line and cornerback, among other areas, so it looks very doubtful they will spend a high draft pick on another running back.
ALEX D. SMITH & MICHAEL CRABTREE – SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Smith and Crabtree are working hard to build on-the-field chemistry. ~usatoday.com
Trader Take: According to other media reports, Smith has shown a much stronger command of the offense than he did last year and has impressed teammates with his new leadership skills. Smith is a solid QB2. After catching 48 balls for 625 yards and two scores in less than a full regular season played, Crabtree seems poised for a breakout season as a WR3 with upside.
DeMECO RYANS – HOUSTON TEXANS
Ryans has signed a new six-year contract worth up to $48 million. ~nationalfootballpost.com
Trader Take: The deal also includes $21.75 million in guaranteed money. Locking up the 25-year-old Ryans is undoubtedly a great move. He is a rock-solid playmaker and one of the main cogs in a steadily improving Texans defensive unit.
JOEY PORTER – ARIZONA CARDINALS
The District Attorney in Bakersfield, CA, will not file charges against Porter in connection with his March 27th arrest for suspicion of drunken driving, allegedly assaulting a police officer and allegedly resisting arrest. ~nationalfootballpost.com
Trader Take: Porter is not off the hook just yet. A league suspension ranging from one-to-four games is a strong possibility.
MARSHAWN LYNCH – BUFFALO BILLS
Lynch missed the start of Buffalo’s voluntary offseason workouts. ~nationalfootballpost.com
Trader Take: Hey Mr. Lynch, this is not a great way to impress new head coach Chan Gailey. Lynch is expected to share the rushing load with dual-threat Fred Jackson this season. Assuming Jackson keeps his starting job, Lynch looks like a No. 4/backup fantasy running back at best.
BRETT FAVRE – MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The McNabb-to-Minnesota trade rumors are not bothering Favre; he still remains undecided about whether he will play in 2010. ~espn.com
Trader Take: McNabb knows Brad Childress’ offense from their days together in Philadelphia, so a McNabb-to-Minnesota trade would make sense. Acquiring McNabb as a Favre insurance policy also would make sense. However, it’s doubtful McNabb would want to backup Favre (or anyone for that matter), and the team would run the risk of upsetting Favre. Unless the Vikings are 100 percent certain that Favre will not return in 2010, the odds are against them trading for McNabb – assuming he is still available.
SANTONIO HOLMES – PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The woman who accused Holmes of throwing a glass at her in an Orlando, Florida night club has declined to press charges, but she is going forward with a civil lawsuit against him. ~espn.com
Trader Take: Orlando police say they ended their criminal investigation after the alleged victim had refused to sign a complaint against Holmes. According to the lawsuit, the woman claims Holmes and a police officer intimidated her into not pressing charges, which Holmes disputes. Although a league suspension for Holmes does not seem likely at the moment, don’t rule it out completely.
MARION BARBER III – DALLAS COWBOYS
Cowboys team sources are disputing an NFL Network report that they are shopping Barber. ~espn.com
Trader Take: Dallas is loaded at running back, so trading the suddenly brittle Barber (he has had injury problems during the last two seasons) and rolling with a Felix Jones/Tashard Choice combo would be a reasonable move. The only thing we do know for sure: the Cowboys are seriously thinking about starting the dynamic Jones this season. If Jones gets the starting nod, Barber obviously would lose rushing and receiving touches but probably retain some value as a goal-line back.
SAGE ROSENFELS – MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The Oakland Raiders have inquired about the availability of Rosenfels.
Trader Take: With the Raiders also rumored to be in hot pursuit of Donovan McNabb (Eagles), it looks like Al Davis finally has run out of patience with JaMarcus Russell. Rosenfels obviously would be an upgrade over Russell and Bruce Gradkowski as a fair weather QB2. We don’t think the Vikings will even consider trading Rosenfels, unless they are 100 percent sure Brett Favre will return in 2010.
JAKE DELHOMME – CLEVELAND BROWNS
John Fox: The Panthers released Delhomme to avoid having a divided locker room. ~charlotteobserver.com
Trader Take: We don’t want to slight Delhomme – he is considered a class act – but the decision to release him was the correct move. After watching Matt Moore lead the team to a season-ending 4-1 mark and outplay the ineffective Delhomme all around, Moore deserves a shot at the starting job and looks like an intriguing QB2 sleeper candidate. Although Delhomme did latch on with the Browns, he does not rate as a fantasy starter.
BEN ROETHLISBERGER – PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Mike Tomlin is “highly concerned” about Roethlisberger. ~profootballweekly.com
Trader Take: By the way, Roethlisberger, who has denied all allegations, did not attend the start of the Steelers’ offseason workouts. We are not going to comment on the allegations, but Roethlisberger is now facing his second rape accusation in less than eight months. Depending on how things play out, Roethlisberger could face a lengthy suspension for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. Don’t drop Roethlisberger in your rankings just yet, but keep an eye on this situation.
CHARLIE BATCH – PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Batch signs a two-year deal to remain in Pittsburgh and back up Ben Roethlisberger. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: Normally re-signing a backup quarterback is not a big deal in the fantasy football world, but Batch will start for Pittsburgh if Ben Roethlisberger is suspended because of his current legal problems. As the article states, the 35-year-old Batch has thrown just two passes since 2007.
MATT FORTE – CHICAGO BEARS
Lovie Smith: Matt Forte will start in 2010. ~profootballtalk.com
Trader Take: Sorry, coach Smith, but you quickly turned us into skeptics when you were quick to remind us there will be “competition” between Forte and newcomer Chester Taylor. Since Taylor just signed a three-year, $12.5 million deal and made it clear to everyone who would listen that he wanted to start again, this so-called competition already looks very slanted in Taylor’s favor. Stay tuned.
TORRY HOLT – FREE AGENT
Holt wants his next team to have an elite passer in place. ~blogs.nfl.com
Trader Take: Judging by Holt’s production last season, his NFL career is running on fumes. The 33-year-old receiver may have to settle playing for whatever team wants him. The Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots are possible destinations, but Holt isn’t saying whether he has talked to either team.
DeANGELO WILLIAMS – CAROLINA PANTHERS
John Fox shoots down the Williams-to-the-Detroit-Lions trade rumors. ~charlotteobserver.com
Trader Take: It’s a ridiculous rumor – there is no way the Panthers would break up one of the best running back tandems in the league – but we just wanted to put your mind at ease. Since Williams is in a contact year, you should expect a great season from him.
RONNIE BROWN – MIAMI DOLPHINS
Police: Brown failed a field sobriety test. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: Since this is Brown’s first offense, he has a good chance to avoid a league suspension for violating the Personal Conduct Code policy. However, he is not out of the woods just yet on this one. Brown, as you know, is trying to make a comeback from a significant foot injury that he suffered last season.
LYNELL HAMILTON – NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Hamilton will replace Mike Bell (Eagles) in the Saints three-headed backfield. ~nola.com
Trader Take: We were hoping Bell’s touches – especially the goal-line carries – would go to Pierre Thomas, but Sean Payton and company seem to have faith in Hamilton and want to give him a chance. Hamilton, however, has been injury prone dating back to his days at San Diego State, so there is a possibility that New Orleans will draft another runner as an insurance policy. It makes sense for the team to continue using a three-headed backfield approach that helped them win a Super Bowl. Bell was the fantasy RB40 in PPR leagues, so Hamilton, assuming he keeps Bell’s old job and stays healthy, is a just a backup and handcuff for Thomas.
MIKE BELL – PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
The New Orleans Saints let Bell go to Philadelphia. ~espn.com
Trader Take: If you have been predicting a breakout season from LeSean McCoy, hold the phone on that. Bell left one three-headed backfield for what looks like another one with LeSean McCoy and Leonard Weaver. Sure, McCoy is still the guy, but the Eagles clearly have some big plans for Bell since they pursued him so aggressively in free agency. However, we currently don’t know how Bell will fit in with the offense. A thunder-and-lightning combo of McCoy and Bell is a possibility.
LEON WASHINGTON & LADAINIAN TOMLINSON – NEW YORK JETS
Rex Ryan is disappointed that Washington is skipping the Jets’ voluntary offseason workouts; Ryan thinks Tomlinson still has some gas left in the tank. ~nj.com
Trader Take: Ryan says he considers Washington to be mainly a third-down back and punt/kickoff returner, but the outspoken coach also says he wants to ease Washington back into the backfield mix slowly. Washington is coming off a broken leg that he suffered midway through the 2009 season. Meanwhile, Ryan insists that Tomlinson, who turns 31 in June, is still a capable player, but we and many fantasy owners disagree. With Washington returning from a serious injury and LT past his prime, it looks like Greene will get the lion’s share of the touches.
MICHAEL TURNER – ATLANTA FALCONS
Turner says he is okay with a reduced workload in 2010. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: Turner’s ankle rehabilitation is on schedule (he suffered a high ankle sprain late last season), so he should be ready to go for training camp. Even with a slightly reduced workload, Turner is still a RB1 who should rebound nicely in 2010. No worries here.
CHARLIE WHITEHURST – SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
The Seahawks are big on Whitehurst, but Matt Hasselbeck is “still the guy”… for now. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: If Whitehurst is truly the Seahawks’ designated franchise quarterback of the future – and assuming they do not select a big-name quarterback in the upcoming draft – he should get a chance to play as soon as Seattle falls out of playoff contention. Some think the Seahawks’ decision to trade for Whitehurst was stupid, but the wisdom of the move is open for debate. We’ve all seen a lot of expensive first-round busts at the quarterback position through the years. Seattle did not mortgage the franchise to acquire Whitehurst, so he is not a gigantic gamble. By the way, new head coach Pete Carroll has developed some quarterbacks at USC, so we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt about whether Whitehurst is NFL starter material.
BRIAN WESTBROOK – FREE AGENT
The Minnesota Vikings are still a possible destination for Westbrook. ~sports.yahoo.com
Trader Take: Westbrook, who turns 31 in September, is coming off two concussions and has never exactly been the model of durability, so it’s no surprise that he has received very little interest around the league following his release by the Philadelphia Eagles. The Vikings are still searching for a running back to replace Chester Taylor (Bears). Reading between the lines on Childress’ remarks, it sounds like the Vikings will consider signing the aging dual-threat running back to back up Adrian Peterson if they can’t get anyone better.
JASON CAMPBELL – WASHINGTON REDSKINS
All early signs point to a wide-open QB competition at Redskins training camp. ~espn.com
Trader Take: If the Redskins fail to acquire a designated franchise quarterback of the future in the upcoming draft, don’t write off Campbell just yet. He could start for the team again this season out of necessity and would have so-so QB2 fantasy value. Although Campbell would have to prove himself in training camp, the sixth-year pro has shown that he is a hard worker and a quick learner.
DEVIN HESTER & GREG OLSEN – CHICAGO BEARS
Lovie Smith: Hester and Olsen will both have large roles in offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s offense. ~chicagobreakingsports.com
Trader Take: Last month, Martz told us that Hester would be “stupid good” lining up in the slot. However, Smith now insists that he and Martz both like Hester’s potential as a full-time receiver and want to give the speedster as many touches as possible each game. Although Olsen looks destined for an H-back role, Smith says he expects Olsen to be successful – even with blocking tight end extraordinaire Brandon Manumaleuna in the mix. Coach Smith, we’ll give you the benefit of the doubt on Hester for now, but we’re not buying what you’re selling with Olsen. Tight ends have rarely done well in Martz’s offense. It’s only April, but we already have a big case of cold feet about Olsen.
OWEN DANIELS – HOUSTON TEXANS
Daniels: Contract talks with the Texans are moving in the right direction, but a holdout is still possible. ~profootballweekly.com
Trader Take: As the article pointed out, the Texans placed the highest possible tender on Daniels, so he is not going anywhere. We also expect him to sign his free-agent tender. Daniels is coming off a torn ACL, so his play on the field is what fantasy owners should be focusing on during the preseason. Daniels should still be ranked in the top-10 at his position.
DEREK ANDERSON – ARIZONA CARDINALS
Anderson will back up Matt Leinart. ~azcentral.com
Trader Take: When Kurt Warner had retired, many had assumed that Leinart was automatically the new starter. However, head coach Ken Whisenhunt declared an open competition at quarterback. Just eight days later, following the signing of Anderson, Whisenhunt declared that Leinart was the starter, pulling the plug on the so-called competition and any potential controversy. Whatever. Since the Cardinals are expected to rely on a more run-heavy offensive attack this season and there are doubts about Leinart’s ability (Anderson is in the mix, too), it’s hard to get excited about the former USC star. Consider Leinart a low-end QB2 – assuming he keeps the starting job.
BYRON LEFTWICH – PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Steelers have reacquired Leftwich from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick. ~nytimes.com
Trader Take: Leftwich is obviously a Roethlisberger insurance policy. As we have been telling you, all signs continue to point to a lengthy suspension for Roethlisberger for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. The league could discipline Big Ben as early as Wednesday. As the article points out, Leftwich backed up Ben Roethlisberger in 2008, so Lefty knows offensive coordinator Bruce Arians’ system. Pittsburgh now has Leftwich, longtime backup Charlie Batch and inexperienced Dennis Dixon all in the fold.
JASON TAYLOR – NEW YORK JETS
Taylor is expected to sign a two-year, incentive-laden deal with the Jets sometime Wednesday. ~espn.com/newyork
Trader Take: With Antonio Cromartie, Santonio Holmes, LaDainian Tomlinson and now Taylor all added to the mix, the Jets obviously think their time to compete for a Super Bowl is now. Taylor is the NFL’s active sacks leader with 127½ takedowns, so we figure defensive genius Rex Ryan will use Taylor mainly as a situational pass-rusher. Taylor will turn 36 in September.
NFL 2010 SCHEDULE – NEW ORLEANS SAINTS & MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The New Orleans Saints will host the Minnesota Vikings in the 2010 NFL Thursday night season opener in a rematch of the 2009 NFC Championship game. ~bleacherreport.com
Trader Take: Mark your calendar for Thursday, September 9. There is some bad blood between the two teams, particularly because the Vikings think Favre took a few illegal hits during that NFC Championship clash. The only question of course is will Favre return to lead Minnesota in 2010?
TORRY HOLT – NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
The Patriots have signed Holt to a one-year deal worth up to $1.7 million. ~bostonherald.com
Trader Take: Holt, who caught 51 balls for 722 yards with zero touchdowns last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, provides some much-needed depth at the position – especially with the early 2010 playing status of Wes Welker (ACL surgery) still a big question mark. We can probably all agree that the 33-year-old Holt’s days as a big-play wide out are in the rear view mirror. It’s hard to see him offering any consistent fantasy production as a backup possession receiver.
BEN ROETHLISBERGER – PITTSBURGH STEELERS
CHRIS HARRIS – CHICAGO BEARS
The Chicago Bears have reacquired strong safety Chris Harris from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for linebacker Jamar Williams. ~chicagobreakingsports.com
Trader Take: This is a good move for Chicago to help shore up a leaky secondary, but Bears fans are also getting a good laugh out of it. The decision to trade the talented Harris to Carolina in 2007 and roll with the ineffective tag team of Adam Archuleta and Kevin Payne at strong safety is considered one of the bigger personnel blunders of the Jerry Angelo/Lovie Smith regime. Meanwhile, the versatile Williams was the odd man out of a Bears linebacker corps that had become crowded with the return of Brian Urlacher (wrist). Williams can provide some nice depth for Carolina, which plays a 4-3 scheme like the Bears do.
ALAN FANECA – ARIZONA CARDINALS
Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca has inked a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals. ~espn.com
Trader Take: Although the Arizona offensive line managed to protect the aging Kurt Warner during the last couple of seasons, this unit has never been considered one of the better ones in the NFL. That’s why the 32-year-old Faneca is an upgrade for an offense that is expected to run more this season with Matt Leinart under center. Reggie Wells is the Cardinals’ current left guard, but expect either Wells or Faneca to move to right guard.
JAMARCUS RUSSELL – OAKLAND RAIDERS
Sources: The Oakland Raiders are getting ready to release JaMarcus Russell. ~espn.com
Trader Take: Russell’s days with the Raiders obviously were numbered after they traded for Jason Campbell. Don’t feel too sorry for Russell if or when he is pink-slipped. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft has been paid an estimated $39 million by the time the Silver and Black. Do you think it’s time for a rookie wage scale?
BRIAN WESTBROOK – FREE AGENT
Brian Westbrook has passed his physical with the St. Louis Rams and is currently deciding whether he wants to play for the club in 2010. ~espn.com
Trader Take: The fact that Westbrook wants to think it over suggests to us that he had wanted to hook on with a contender, rather than a team in full rebuilding mode. Stay tuned.
