Fantasy News

Le’Veon Bell will not participate in training camp “barring something exceptional,” according to his agent Adisa Bakari.

Bakari was asked whether Bell will take the same approach as last year (when he reported to the team a few days before the start of the regular season), and he confirmed that would be the case. Of course, that shouldn’t impact fantasy owners much because the 26-year-old stays in shape as well as anyone through his own training, and last season, he totaled 1,946 yards and 11 touchdowns after sitting out the preseason and training camp. The notable part of his agent’s comment is “barring something exceptional,” as a trade is all we can think of since the two sides are no longer able to agree to a long-term deal. The most likely scenario remains Bell playing out the 2018 season before hitting free agency in 2019.

Via: Sirius XM NFL 7/17/18 - 01:39 PM ET

BJ Kissel of Chiefs.com calls Sammy Watkins in the Chiefs offense is a top storyline heading into training camp.

Kansas City gave Watkins a big contract to sign with them in free agency, and its’ been all positive talk about the 24-year-old’s acclimation to his new offense. Watkins reportedly showed great chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes II throughout offseason training, and the combination will look to build more chemistry throughout the preseason. After signing Watkins, Chiefs GM Brett Veach said, “this guy has a chance to be the best receiver in the NFL,” and head coach Andy Reid said he hopes defenses try to press Watkins because he and Tyreek Hill can challenge anyone deep down the field. There are a ton of weapons in Kansas City’s offense, which could limit his fantasy value, but Watkins appears poised to be a big part of things. He might climb up draft boards throughout the summer, but Watkins has no business going outside the top 30 WR in any fantasy drafts and should be considered a potential top 15 option at his position.

Via: Chiefs.com 7/17/18 - 09:43 AM ET

The Steelers and Le’Veon Bell did not agree to a long-term deal before the 4 PM ET deadline.

Bell will now play the 2018 season on the franchise tag—his second straight year playing on the tag. The All-Pro running back will make an NFL-high $14.5 million for his position, which will equate to $26.2 million earned over two seasons. If Bell is tagged next season, he’d be paid another $20+ million, but that’s a long way away and might be unlikely. Now, Bell is very likely to sit out all of training camp and the preseason like he did last season, but it would be a surprise if he holds out into the regular season. Expect Bell to report to the Steelers a handful of days before their September 9 regular season opener versus the Browns. Because he keeps himself in extraordinary shape, Bell missing the entire preseason isn’t a big concern; however, it could be the tie-breaker if you’re stuck between a few guys atop fantasy drafts.

7/16/18 - 04:00 PM ET

C.J. Anderson could be Carolina’s lead runner this season.

Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer writes “it appears that Anderson will take the lead in the traditional running back role” over Christian McCaffrey. Rodrigue also calls Anderson the “likely starter” for the team. Anderson is coming off his first-career 1,000-yard season and has shown he can play at a high level when he’s at his best, and the Panthers brought him in for an important role, but we’re still not so sure McCaffrey won’t be the Panthers’ lead runner in the backfield this season. Also, it’s worth considering how long Anderson was available in free agency and how long it took him to sign with a team—if the Panthers wanted him to be their lead back, one would think they would have went after him sooner. The Panthers backfield will be one of the biggest positions to watch this preseason.

Via: Charlotte Observer 7/16/18 - 03:19 PM ET

Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer doesn’t believe Christian McCaffrey will get many more carries this season.

Rodrigue writes that McCaffrey could be even more involved as a receiver after catching 80 passes for 651 yards as a rookie last season, but that “he’ll have to capitalize on the carries he gets, since it appears that Anderson will take the lead in the traditional running back role.” This is only one reporter, with a lot of time to go until the season, but it’s a little concerning to hear McCaffrey could have about the same role as last season. However, McCaffrey is a very good runner, and we expect his talent could lead him to getting a lot more work on the ground than people might expect.

Via: Charlotte Observer 7/16/18 - 03:12 PM ET

The Jets are releasing former second-round receiver Devin Smith, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Smith was a 2015 second-round pick of the Jets, but his career has unfortunately been derailed by injuries. As a rookie, Smith tore his ACL in Week 14 and then started the 2016 season on the PUP and was limited to four games that season. Then, Smith tore his ACL to the same knee during last offseason. Smith has played in 14 games, catching ten passes for 135 yards and a touchdown. Despite not playing since 2016, Smith is a talented deep threat and should get another chance with another team. Hopefully he can get to 100% and stay there as he attempts to have a long NFL career.

Via: Adam Schefter 7/16/18 - 01:23 PM ET

Aaron Rodgers hopes to play until he’s 40.

Rodgers spoke to Peter King of NBC Sports and said he’d “love to play to 40.” The key is that Rodgers says he doesn’t plan or want to change his playing style of moving around, which is something he says no one (like Steve Young and John Elway) were able to move around the same as when they were younger. Rodgers’ “aim” is to be able to continue moving the way he is now as he approaches 40. Rodgers had previously said he might want to play to his mid-40s like Tom Brady does, but now it sounds like he’ll be happy to keep playing at an elite level at 40. The bottom line for this season is that Rodgers isn’t going to play any differently because of another broken collarbone suffered last year. Expect him to be his usual dynamic self in 2018.

Via: NBC Sports 7/16/18 - 07:28 AM ET