Fantasy News

Matt Forte has announced his retirement from the NFL after ten seasons.

Forte put out a very nice statement to Sports Spectrum in which he thanked God, his family, the Bears and Jets organizations, and the fans. During his ten NFL seasons, Forte rushed for 1,000 yards five times, and he had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first nine seasons. Forte’s career numbers are 2,356 carries, 9,796 rushing yards, 54 rushing touchdowns, 554 receptions, 4,672 receiving yards, and 21 receiving touchdowns. Forte is second all-time behind only the great Walter Payton on the Bears’ all-time rushing list, and he was one of the NFL’s most underrated players during his career—and less importantly, a great player to have on fantasy football teams. At the very least, Forte will get serious consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame after his outstanding career. It appears he won’t have any issues transitioning to the next part of his life, but we wish Forte luck.

Via: Sports Spectrum 2/28/18 - 12:12 PM ET

The Seahawks are signing quarterback Stephen Morris, according to multiple reports.

Morris was released by the Redskins earlier this week, and he lands in a good spot as the only quarterback on Seattle’s depth chart behind Russell Wilson. The Seahawks are going to add more at the position either through the draft or by signing another free agent at some point.

4/13/18 - 07:50 AM ET

The Redskins might still use the franchise tag on Kirk Cousins, according to ESPN.

Obviously, this would be not be ideal for Cousins in terms of picking where he wants to play next, but for the Redskins it would be a business decision that could enable them to perhaps get a premium draft pick in return for the quarterback. However, as the ESPN report notes, the Redskins would not be able to trade Cousins until he actually signs the franchise tag, which he could decline doing and just not play for a team. The Redskins will likely attempt to get a deal in place with another team before they actually place the tag on Cousins with the intention of trading him.

Via: ESPN 2/4/18 - 09:25 AM ET

Jarvis Landry is signing a long-term extension with the Browns, according to multiple reports.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says it’s a five-year, $75.5 million deal for the former Dolphins receiver. After Cleveland acquired Landry from the Dolphins last month, an extension was fully expected at some point—but it’s surprising to see Landry get such a huge contract when the Browns had some leverage with him already being franchise-tagged. Landry has played primarily in the slot throughout his career, but he does have a whopping 400 receptions over his first four seasons, which is an NFL record. While Landry might not offer huge 1,500-yard upside as a fantasy selection, the fact that the Browns are paying him big dollars indicate they expect him to be a huge part of the offense. You can follow the money here, and Landry should be among the safest WR options in fantasy drafts this summer.

Via: Ian Rapoport 4/12/18 - 11:01 AM ET

The Panthers have released running back Jonathan Stewart, the team’s all-time leading rusher.

While Stewart remained a solid contributor to a playoff team in Carolina last season, it’s not surprising to see them part ways with the veteran running back. Stewart played ten seasons with the Panthers and had a great run with them, carrying 1,699 times for 7,318 rushing yards and 51 rushing touchdowns along with 162 receptions for 1,295 receiving yards, and seven receiving touchdowns. Stewart’s 7,318 rushing yards are the most in franchise history, and he was a very consistent running back for them throughout the years, despite having only one 1,000-yard rushing season (in 2009). He’ll turn 31 in March, but Stewart should draw interest from other teams if he wants to continue playing. Meanwhile, this should be Christian McCaffrey’s backfield in Carolina, though the team is almost certain to add more to the backfield mix for 2018.

2/28/18 - 11:25 AM ET

The Bears have decided not to match New Orleans’ two-year offer to restricted free agent Cameron Meredith, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

This means Meredith is officially becoming a New Orleans Saint. Chicago had already spent big receiver money this offseason on Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel, but if not for Meredith’s 2017 knee injury, they probably wouldn’t have thought about letting him leave. However, the Bears are moving on, and the 25-year-old will now join a talented offense that already includes Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn at wideout. Fortunately, Sean Payton is a brilliant offensive mind that should keep everyone involved, but Meredith will probably be an inconsistent option for fantasy purposes in 2018. He’s just a late-round selection in fantasy drafts this summer.

Via: Adam Schefter 4/11/18 - 03:09 PM ET

49ers, Garoppolo “moving closer” to long-term contract, according to Ian Rapoport.

This is the least bit surprising, as the Niners clearly have one of the NFL’s premiere franchise quarterbacks and want to keep him with the franchise long-term. Rapoport says some work has to be done, but that a deal could get done in the “near future” and it is expected pay Garoppolo in the “upper echelon of NFL QBs.” Worst case scenario for the 49ers is they use the franchise tag on Jimmy G to lock him up for 2018, but a long-term deal should get done.

Via: NFL.com 2/4/18 - 09:17 AM ET