Fantasy News

Karlos Williams was conditionally reinstated by the NFL, according to Ian Rapoport.

The former Bills running back was suspended for multiple violations of the league’s substance abuse policy, but he is apparently “humbled and committed to not squandering his second chance.” The talent is certainly there for Williams—who rushed for 5.6 yards per carry with nine total touchdowns in 11 career games—and if he’s been staying in shape, he should get an opportunity this year at just 26 (in May). Fantasy owners should keep tabs on Williams for now.

Via: Ian Rapoport 2/21/19 - 09:51 AM ET

The Lions have agreed to a contract with Jesse James, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

James will not officially be able to sign a contract with Detroit until the start of the new league year at Wednesday at 4:00 PM ET, but this will almost certainly happen. The big tight end might slide right in as the starting tight end in an offense that added Danny Amendola to fill the slot role earlier today. The Lions also agreed to deals with defensive end Trey Flowers and cornerback Justin Coleman, so they’ve been active early in the free-agent negotiating window. James will turn just 25 this summer, and he’ll likely have some sneaky TE1 upside in 2019 fantasy drafts. This signing is good news for Vance McDonald’s fantasy value in Pittsburgh.

Via: Mike Garafolo 3/11/19 - 04:19 PM ET

Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman thinks danger for a running quarterback is “a little overrated.”

According to the Baltimore Sun, Roman says he’s not concerned about running quarterbacks, like Lamar Jackson, getting injured “because, and this is empirical data here, over the years, you kind of realize that when a quarterback decides to run, he’s in control. So now [if] he wants to slide, he can slide. If he wants to dive, he can dive, get out of bounds, all of those different things. He can get down, declare himself down.” Roman added that there might be more danger in the pocket when the quarterback’s eyes are downfield and blind-side hits occur. It sounds like there isn’t any concern about Jackson’s workload as a runner for Baltimore, which could mean big fantasy points for the former Heisman Trophy winner. Jackson does have the ability to twist his body to avoid taking big direct shots, which should help keep him healthy, but we still believe there should be at least some concern about a quarterback taking so many hits per game over the course of a season.

Via: Baltimore Sun 2/21/19 - 08:23 AM ET

The Bengals are re-signing C.J. Uzomah to a three-year deal, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The deal is reportedly worth $18 million, so this is starting-caliber money for Uzomah. Cincinnati had a hole atop the depth chart with three tight ends set to hit free agency, so this retaining Uzomah should help them feel better about the situation. Depending on what else happens this offseason, it’s possible Uzomah enters 2019 in the backend TE1 discussion for fantasy purposes.

Via: Ian Rapoport 3/11/19 - 03:24 PM ET

The Browns have signed wide receiver Jaelen Strong.

Strong suffered a torn ACL in December 2017 and did not play in 2018, but he’s back in the game getting an opportunity with Cleveland. The 2015 third-round pick of the Texans has a size/speed combination at six-foot-two with 4.44 speed and a 42-inch vertical, and he’s still just 25 years old. Strong will look to carve out a role as as potential starter or reserve receiver for the Browns in 2019.

2/20/19 - 01:23 PM ET

The Bears have signed Ben Braunecker to a two-year contract.

The 2016 undrafted tight end from Harvard will remain in Chicago to help deliver depth at the position. Braunecker isn’t on the fantasy radar right now, as he’s more of a real-life contributor than someone that’ll post big statistics.

3/11/19 - 02:14 PM ET

The Steelers will not place the transition tag on Le’Veon Bell.

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert told reporters that the team will not tag Bell this offseason. The franchise tag wasn’t going to happen for a third straight year, but there was some thought that the Steelers would place the transition tag on Bell to give them a chance to match any offer and then trade Bell (if he were to sign the tender) to his new team. Instead, it looks like Bell will now hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent, and it’ll be interesting to see how much interest he gets after sitting out the entire 2018 season. Bell is obviously looking for a big contract, and he might ultimately go to the team that offers him the most money after he didn’t make anything last year.

Via: Ed Bouchette 2/20/19 - 12:56 PM ET