Fantasy News

The Panthers have re-signed Cameron Artis-Payne.

Artis-Payne, who turns 29 this summer, saw just 22 touches last season behind workhorse Christian McCaffrey, but it’s possible he has a more sizable workload as the team looks to keep their feature back fresh in 2019. Through four seasons with the Panthers, Artis-Payne has averaged 4.2 yards per carry on 118 attempts. Carolina could also add a rookie compliment to McCaffrey that would push the Auburn product to No. 3 duties.

3/28/19 - 09:56 AM ET

Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians thinks Chris Godwin “is going to be close to a 100-catch guy.”

Let the hype train roll for the third-year receiver from Penn State. Arians said he believes Godwin will be close to the century mark in receptions “especially because I think he can play in the slot. He’s never coming off the field.” Clearly, Godwin is Tampa Bay’s clear No. 2 receiver opposite Mike Evans, which should be the case considering how well he’s played when given opportunities his first two NFL seasons. We’ve thought Godwin was an absolute steal in the third round of the 2017 draft, and it looks like he’ll prove it in 2019 and beyond. There’s a chance Godwin’s draft price skyrockets leading up to when most people draft in late August, but despite the hype, Godwin isn’t likely to be selected in the first few rounds of drafts, which could lead to some serious value in the middle rounds this summer.

Via: Buccaneers.com 3/28/19 - 08:49 AM ET

Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan thinks Jordan Matthews is playing the best football of his career.

Shanahan noted that while the former numbers of the former Eagles and Bills receiver have been down from his first three NFL seasons, he thinks Matthews has “gotten better.” He also said that numbers have more to do with than just the play of the receiver, but that “in terms of route running, catching the ball, getting up field, what you do after the catch, how you play the game,” he thinks Matthews has improved over the years. Matthews benefited from playing as a big slot in Chip Kelly’s offense his first two NFL seasons, putting up stat lines of 67/872/8 and 85/997/8 before he didn’t play quite as well in 2014; he was then shipped off to Buffalo after Nelson Agholor won the starting slot job in 2017, and then returned to Philadelphia during last season and averaged a career-high 15.0 yards per reception on 20 catches. In San Francisco, Matthews was brought in to compete for a starting role and to be a veteran presence in an inexperienced group. It’s possible he clicks with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, but the former second-round pick might be a better real-life contributor than fantasy asset in 2019.

Via: NBC Sports Bay Area 3/27/19 - 05:02 PM ET

The Buccaneers signed Blaine Gabbert to a one-year deal.

This was reportedly expected to happen, and now it’s official. Bucs head coach Bruce Arians had Gabbert with him in his final season in Arizona, and he liked what he saw from the former first-rounder. Ryan Griffin is also in the mix, but Gabbert will likely be Jameis Winston’s backup, and he would likely deliver at least solid QB2 value while surrounded by a great supporting cast if forced into the lineup in 2019.

3/27/19 - 11:31 AM ET

Jordy Nelson is retiring from the NFL, according to James Jones.

Nelson was released from the Raiders after they traded for Antonio Brown and signed Tyrell Williams, and despite reported interest from other teams, he’s decided to call it a career. The 33-year-old (34 in May) somehow only made one Pro Bowl, but he was arguably a top-three receiver in his prime with the Packers, putting up dominant lines of 68/1,263/15 (2011), 85/1,314/8 (2013), 98/1,519/13 (2014), and 97/1,257/14 (2016, while coming off a torn ACL). Overall, Nelson finishes his NFL career with 613 receptions for 8,587 yards and 72 touchdowns across nine seasons with the Packers and one in Oakland—and he would probably be over 10,000 yards if not for injuries. Also, it’s certainly worth noting that Jordy also showed up in big games, including nine grabs for 140 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl XLV, which Green Bay won 31-25 over Pittsburgh. While the numbers are there, Nelson unfortunately is unlikely to have the individual accolades to make the Hall of Fame in the eyes of the voters, but he is a Packers legend that should be honored greatly by the historic franchise in the coming years.

Via: James Jones 3/27/19 - 10:16 AM ET

The Cardinals have signed Damiere Byrd.

It will be a one-year deal, but Byrd should have a good shot at earning a role in Kliff Kingbury’s spread attack. While the 26-year-old only had 13 touches for 141 yards and two scores in three seasons with the Panthers, he showed flashes as a dynamic gadget player.

Via: Darren Urban 3/26/19 - 02:35 PM ET

The Bills are planning to release Chris Ivory, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Buffalo had the three oldest signed running backs in the league after adding Frank Gore to the backfield, so it isn’t a surprise that they’re moving on from the 31-year-old. LeSean McCoy and Gore will likely lead the way in 2019, but we don’t think the Bills are precluded from spending a second- or third-round pick on a rookie that would potentially take over as the starter. Ivory should get another opportunity elsewhere.

Via: Adam Schefter 3/26/19 - 02:24 PM ET