Fantasy News

Cam Newton has shortened his throwing motion.

Last night, the Panthers announced they would be live broadcasting Newton throwing the football at minicamp this morning, and there were rumors of a revamped throwing motion for the former league MVP. Newton’s throwing motion does indeed look different, as he appears to bring the ball more right up to his ear for a quicker release. This new motion should help Newton get rid of the ball faster and lead to less wear-and-tear on his shoulder, but it might take some time for him to get used to throwing the ball accurately with a different release. However, Newton wasn’t one of the NFL’s most accurate passers in the first place, and the good news is he’s on the field now and has a few months to get this throwing motion ready for Week 1 against the Rams on September 8. With a new release and heading into his second season in Norv Turner’s offense, don’t be surprised if Newton puts up the most efficient passing numbers of his career in 2019.

Via: Carolina Panthers 6/11/19 - 08:54 AM ET

Kyle Rudolph is signing a contract extension with the Vikings.

Rudolph made an announcement that didn’t officially announce an extension, but the Pro Bowl tight end is reportedly going to sign one tomorrow. When Minnesota drafted Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. in the second round of this year’s draft, many assumed Rudolph’s time with the Vikings would end after this season (the final year of his contract). Instead, Rudolph is set to continue his Vikings career long-term while working in tandem with Smith Jr., so we expect the Vikings will utilize a lot of two-tight-end sets and run the ball a lot with Dalvin Cook and company in 2019 and beyond. Fantasy wise, Rudolph is the preferred redraft option of the two primary Vikings tight ends this season.

Via: Kyle Rudolph 6/10/19 - 11:33 PM ET

Niners run game coordinator Mike McDaniel says signing Tevin Coleman was like “Christmas in March.”

McDaniel was with Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan and Coleman in Atlanta for two seasons, so the coaching staff knew what they were getting in the explosive running back—and they were extremely thrilled when they signed him. McDaniel said signing Coleman “was the equivalent of a March Christmas because we hold him in such high regard”; and passing game coordinator Mike LaFleur (who was also in Atlanta with Shanahan, Coleman, and McDaniel) added, “he can run and he’s explosive, no doubt. The thing that really sticks out with Tevin is how fearless and physical this guy is. He is a man out there. When you tell him to put his foot in the ground and go north and south, he’s going to do it times 10… When we need him to get us a yard, he’s going to get us a yard every single time.” These comments make it sound as if Coleman is clearly the best bet to be San Francisco’s lead running back this season, including at the goal line, which could give him the most consistent fantasy value and the highest upside. However, Shanahan plans to use all his running backs, and things are likely to change on a week-to-week basis. It’ll be interesting to see how reps are split this preseason, but Coleman will almost certainly be the first Niners running back off the board in fantasy drafts late this summer.

Via: 49ers.com 6/10/19 - 06:44 PM ET

The Lions signed quarterback David Fales.

Fales spent the last two seasons with the Dolphins, where Adam Gase, who is familiar with Lions head coach Matt Patricia, was the head coach. It’s possible Patricia received some insight from Gase about Fales before signing him. Fales will compete for a roster spot in Detroit, but he’s off the fantasy radar right now.

6/10/19 - 11:22 AM ET

The Lions have waived Connor Cook.

The team signed Cook in January, but they are moving in a different direction after some on-field offseason training. The former Michigan State star will draw interest from other teams around the league, but he’s been on four teams since being drafted in the fourth round in 2016.

6/10/19 - 11:19 AM ET

Albert Wilson (hip) is expected to be ready for Week 1.

Wilson said to reporters, “there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be out there Week 1,” which would be over ten months since the season-ending hip injury suffered on October 21. In his first year with the Dolphins, the dynamic offensive weapon scored four touchdowns in seven games, and he should start in the slot with DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills on the outside. For now, consider him a deep-league, late-round flier as we monitor his health in camp, but keep in mind that Miami is expected to throw a ton in 2019.

Via: Miami Herald 6/9/19 - 11:43 AM ET

Cam Newton (shoulder) will throw at mandatory minicamp.

The Panthers say their franchise quarterback will participate in “all quarterback drills” during the team’s minicamp, which begins Tuesday. Newton won’t participate in team drills (likely as to not risk any injury with more bodies around him), but this is obviously a very positive sign—and the best news is that Newton is “pain-free” after his arthroscopic surgery earlier this offseason, according to Panthers head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion. Expect Newton to be 100% and ready to go for the start of training camp this summer.

Via: Panthers.com 6/8/19 - 11:29 AM ET