Fantasy News

The Steelers believe Vance McDonald “can be a No. 1 tight end.”

According to Bob Labriola of Steelers.com, the team acquired McDonald last preseason because they didn’t believe they had a true No. 1 tight end on the roster. Labriola believes having McDonald means the team won’t be looking for a top tight end this offseason. However, it is worth noting McDonald has had some injury issues and missed five games last season with Pittsburgh; it wouldn’t be surprising if they did make a move for another tight end if they like one in the draft. However, for now, McDonald looks like he could be a high-upside candidate late in 2018 fantasy drafts after he came on very strong at the end of the season—including 14 receptions for 188 yards and a touchdown in the Steelers’ playoff loss.

Via: Steelers.com 2/19/18 - 04:49 PM ET

The Raiders re-signed quarterback E.J. Manuel, according to Field Yates.

Considering the Raiders also signed Josh Johnson and still have Connor Cook—who new head coach Jon Gruden seems to really like coming out of Michigan State—on the roster, the backup quarterback competition should be wide open for Oakland this season. Manuel played pretty well in limited action when Derek Carr was out with his back issue last season, and he’ll have a legit chance to be the backup in 2018.

Via: Field Yates 3/22/18 - 05:44 PM ET

Jarvis Landry says contract negotiations with the Dolphins are going “slow.”

Landry spoke to NFL Network’s Jane Slater and said he would like to be back with the Dolphins, but it doesn’t sound like they’re close on any potential deal. The reception-machine says he doesn’t get into numbers, and it sounds like he just lets his agent do the negotiating to get the best deal for him. Slater reports that off camera, Landry told her this is about “feeling respected and compensated” and added that he loves Dolphins head coach Adam Gase. There isn’t much optimism regarding Landry’s chances of returning to Miami, but it wouldn’t be surprising if something came together.

Via: Jane Slater 1/25/18 - 03:30 PM ET

Frank Gore is signing with the Dolphins, according to multiple reports.

The move was first reported by Craig Mish of Sirius XM, and it’s a one-year deal for the former 49ers and Colts running back. The veteran Gore of course played his college ball at Miami, and the Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero reported earlier today that Gore really wanted to play for the Dolphins. After former Dolphins running back Damien Williams signed with Kansas City, it seemed inevitable that Gore would be signing with the team. Head coach Adam Gase and the front office are apparently trying to shift the culture for the franchise, and brining in a football player like Frank Gore is a great move to help set things in the right direction. Kenyan Drake is fully expected to be the starting running back for the Dolphins, but the future Hall of Famer Gore should get a good amount of work, despite the fact that he’ll be 35 next season.

3/22/18 - 03:44 PM ET

LeGarrette Blount says “we’ll see” if he returns to the Eagles in 2018.

Blount signed a one-year deal with Philadelphia last offseason and will now have the opportunity to test the free agent market again. The three-time Super Bowl champion was on ‘NFL Total Access’ and said how much he likes playing for the Eagles, and it sounds like he might prefer to return to the team. However, the Eagles have a very talented backfield including Jay Ajayi and Corey Clement, and it’s possible other teams will offer a lot more money than them. Blount won’t be getting franchise tagged, so he’ll hit the open market on March 14 if he doesn’t agree to a deal with the Eagles before then. If Blount does leave, the fantasy value of Ajayi would get an obvious boost.

Via: NFL Network 2/19/18 - 09:24 AM ET

Damien Williams has signed with the Chiefs.

The former Dolphins running back is coming off a bad shoulder injury that forced him to miss the end of last season, and he isn’t expected to be ready until the start of training camp at the earliest. Though Williams is a bigger-bodied running back at 5’11” and over 220 pounds, he is a very capable receiver and has at least 20 receptions in each of his four NFL seasons. Williams will help give the Chiefs excellent depth in the backfield in 2018. As for Miami, they’ll be looking for more players to add to the backfield mix behind incumbent starter Kenyan Drake now that Williams has moved on.

3/22/18 - 02:24 PM ET

Drew Brees, Saints both say they will get a deal done.

It would be a major shock if Brees played anywhere other than New Orleans next season, but it’s worth passing along the optimism from both sides. Brees has made it clear he wants to remain in the Big Easy for as long as he can, and Saints head coach Sean Payton told NFL Network’s Jane Slater that Brees “is coming back. We’ll get this done.” A deal could happen at any time, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Brees gave a hometown discount to help the team’s cap situation as they attempt to win another championship. Years might be the only thing the two sides will need to work to finish.

Via: Jane Slater 1/25/18 - 01:48 PM ET