Fantasy News

Cam Newton (shoulder) says he’s “feeling great now.”

At the opening of his cigar bar/restaurant over the weekend, Newton told David Newton of ESPN: “I feel like I do have full strength right now. But me telling the doctor, that is different than, you know, whatever the clearance process may be.” Newton writes that the Panthers quarterback “is following the strict plan of team trainer Ryan Vermillion and doctors to the letter.” This is all great news for Newton, who hopes to throw before the start of training camp but is being sure to take things slow to avoid a setback. All signs point to Newton being 100% come Week 1, which would obviously be ideal for his 2019 fantasy value.

Via: ESPN 5/6/19 - 12:46 PM ET

The Buccaneers are signing Kerwynn Williams, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Williams spent 2014-2017 with Bruce Arians in Arizona, so he has familiarity with the new offense in Tampa Bay and joins a good spot to contribute this season. Peyton Barber has drawn great praise from Arians and the coaching staff this offseason, but Williams could become a regular contributor for the Bucs without a star workhorse running back on the roster. For now, Williams is not a recommended 2019 fantasy option yet, though.

Via: Ian Rapoport 5/6/19 - 11:13 AM ET

The Cardinals officially signed tight end Maxx Williams.

The 2015 second-round pick of the Ravens didn’t quite have the impact as a receiver that was expected when he was selected in the draft, but he’s a solid blocker that’ll at least help out there for the Cardinals. The tight end spot for Arizona is pretty wide-open, so perhaps Williams will work his way into a starting role. Williams is off the fantasy radar for now, though.

5/3/19 - 12:51 PM ET

Kerryon Johnson says the Lions hiring Darrell Bevell as the team’s offensive coordinator is “good news” for him.

Of his new offensive coordinator, Johnson said, “we all know what he likes to do (run the ball). We know what he brings to the table. Obviously, that’s the good news for me, but we’re trying to be a complete team. We’re trying to be a complete offense. We’re trying to be complete players.” That sounds like a Patriot-like answer, so that’s a positive for Matt Patricia to have one of his stars settings the tone as he attempts to build Detroit into a program like the one in New England. Johnson also said that he didn’t have an offseason to train like he should while he prepared for the Combine and the draft last year, but that this year he got bigger, stronger, and faster as he looks to play all 16 games for his team. Before a knee injury forced Johnson to miss the final six games of the season, he averaged 5.4 yards per carry (second-best in the NFL). It sounds like Johnson is expecting—and ready for—a heavy workload in a run-first offense in 2019. The lone notable concern for Johnson’s fantasy value is the presence of veteran running back C.J. Anderson, but there’s no question Johnson will be the top runner for the Lions this season.

Via: DetroitLions.com 5/3/19 - 09:22 AM ET

The Raiders are releasing tight end Lee Smith, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Smith was a great locker room presence that defended quarterback Derek Carr against media criticism last season. He’ll be missed by the Raiders in real life, but his release doesn’t have much of a fantasy impact.

Via: Ian Rapoport 5/2/19 - 04:57 PM ET

Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich talks up Peyton Barber.

Leftwich was asked about the Buccaneers running back group in general, and he answered with great praise of Barber. First, Leftwich said he loves what Barber gives them, then he added: “I like what Peyton brings. The tape really makes me have no worries when I watch Peyton play, to be honest with you. The tape says a lot of good stuff. He’s a phone booth guy, knows how to make guys miss, drop his shoulder. May not be the fastest guy, but he’s a runner with the football and it’s more important that when you turn around to hand that football up, you’re giving it to a runner, not a specific fast guy. He sees it as well, he makes the right cuts, so I’m perfectly fine with having Peyton in.” Leftwich wasn’t nearly as extensive about the other running backs on Tampa Bay’s roster, and he said 2018 second-rounder Ronald Jones II simply hasn’t had many opportunities. This praise, along with the fact that the Bucs didn’t add another running back in the draft, indicates the team is happy to go into the season with Barber as their No. 1 running back. Barber has had a very positive offseason from a fantasy perspective as a potential 20-touch player in a Bruce Arians offense.

Via: Buccaneers.com 5/2/19 - 04:40 PM ET

The Vikings declined to exercise Laquon Treadwell’s fifth-year option.

This isn’t a surprise because it would lock Treadwell into the fifth year of his deal based on injury only, so they can always simply decide to re-sign him after the season if a breakout occurs behind Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. A trade is also a possibility to see if a change of scenery does the former first-round pick good.

5/1/19 - 04:32 PM ET