Fantasy News

The Lions signed Josh Reynolds to a new contract.

After joining the Lions midseason and giving the passing offense a desperately needed boost, Reynolds is coming back to Detroit on a two-year deal reportedly worth up to $12 million. In seven games for the Lions in 2021, Reynolds has 19 receptions for 306 yards and two touchdowns.

Via: Mike Garafolo 3/8/22 - 12:01 PM ET

Aaron Rodgers is returning to the Packers.

Rodgers’ friend Pat McAfee was the first to break the news, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the back-to-back league MVP is getting a record-breaking four-year, $200 million deal making him the highest paid player in league history at $50 million per year. Included in the deal is $153 million guaranteed, but it’s still described as a team-friendly deal that’ll lower the cap number for Green Bay in 2022. McAfee says that Rodgers seriously considered retirement, but he’s back with the Pack as they look to get back to the Super Bowl in what looks like a wide-open NFC.

Via: Pat McAfee 3/8/22 - 11:27 AM ET

The Cowboys are placing the franchise tag on Dalton Schultz, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Schultz would have almost certainly gotten a hefty long-term deal on the open market following a breakout campaign, but Dallas still could extend him with a multi-year contract. The former Stanford standout is the third tight end to be given the franchise tag over the past two days (along with David Njoku and Mike Gesicki), so teams hoping for a big upgrade at the position may have to turn to the draft—where there are notably quite a few promising options. Schultz should be a strong TE1 option in 2022 on a high-powered passing attack and entering the season as the clear top option at the position for the Cowboys.

Via: Ian Rapoport 3/8/22 - 10:02 AM ET

The Dolphins are placing the franchise tag on Mike Gesicki.

While Gesicki might not be a top-tier run blocker in a Mike McDaniel offense that is going to want to run the ball, it’s not a surprise that the Dolphins are tagging an extremely talented tight end target in Gesicki. The former second-round pick would make around $11 million on the franchise tag (though he might argue he should be designated as a wide receiver, which would make him more money on the tag), but we’ll see if he and Miami can agree to a long-term deal by the deadline this summer. Gesicki scored just twice last season, but he’s coming off career-highs in receptions (73) and yardage (780).

Via: Adam Schefter 3/8/22 - 09:08 AM ET

Calvin Ridley has been suspended indefinitely for gambling on NFL games.

Ridley’s suspension is for at least the 2022 season, and it could last beyond that considering how strict the league is on gambling. The former first-round pick bet on games after leaving the team last season, but it’s still a very serious violation, and the NFL’s letter says his actions “put the integrity of the game at risk.” Ridley can file for reinstatement after next year’s Super Bowl, and he can also appeal the suspension within three days. The former Alabama star will turn 28 in December (he was considered old for a rookie), so the suspension standing would have Ridley back on the field in the final year of his rookie deal for his age-28/29 campaign. This season, the Falcons will have his salary completely off the books, but surely they cannot be happy about Ridley’s suspension knocking out his trade value after he left the team in the middle of last year. From a fantasy perspective, Ridley’s dynasty value has nose-dived over the past several months, but it might not be a bad idea to buy-low from a frustrated owner.

3/7/22 - 03:32 PM ET

Jack Doyle has announced his retirement from the NFL.

The veteran tight end—turning 32 in May—had one year remaining on his deal, but he’s hanging up his cleats after nine seasons in the league. Doyle’s best year came in 2017 when he caught 80 passes for 690 yards and four touchdowns, and overall, the former undrafted free agent had 295 receptions, 2,729 yards, and 24 touchdowns since entering the NFL in 2013. Doyle was a very reliable player for Indy, so they will need to replace him as the franchise tries to get back in the playoffs next year, especially with Mo Alie-Cox set to hit free agency. We wish Doyle all the best in the future.

3/7/22 - 03:01 PM ET

The Browns are declining Andy Janovich’s option.

Janovich will now become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins a week from tomorrow. The veteran fullback should get a good look from teams in need of a fullback this offseason.

Via: Ian Rapoport 3/7/22 - 02:51 PM ET