Fantasy News

Jon Gruden doesn’t know if Marshawn Lynch will be on the Raiders roster this year.

Gruden had a great interview with Jerry McDonald of the Bay Area News Group to recap his first 30 days of his second stint as the team’s head coach. There were reports a couple weeks ago that Marshawn Lynch didn’t show up to a meeting that was planned with Gruden, but Gruden said that’s not true because you aren’t even allowed to have any “real contact” with players because of the collective bargaining agreement (which he hates). Then when asked if he thinks Lynch will be with the team this year, Gruden said he doesn’t know and said, “right now, he’s out leading ballcarrier” and added players around the league have respect for him. Ultimately, Lynch’s status with the Raiders for 2018 might come down to whether they are able to add a back they feel comfortable with as the starter or not.

Via: The Mercury News 2/15/18 - 09:01 AM ET

Ryan Grant is signing with the Colts, according to James Jones.

The former NFL receiver James Jones is breaking some news this offseason, and he says Grant was deciding between the Colts and Raiders, opting to sign with Indianapolis. With Donte Moncrief gone, Grant will have a chance to emerge as the team’s number two receiver behind T.Y. Hilton, which could lead to solid fantasy value. Unless the Colts add anyone else in free agency or the draft, Grant might compete with Chester Rogers for the number two role. It’s reportedly a one-year deal for Grant, which will let him try to play well and earn a bigger contract next offseason. It’s good to see him land in a nice spot after the Ravens failed him on his physical and voided his four-year deal with them.

Via: James Jones 3/20/18 - 12:06 PM ET

Cam Newton will continue to be utilized as a runner under new OC Norv Turner.

This is the least bit surprising, as Newton is built unlike any other quarterback to be able to run the ball and withstand the punishment from defenders. On his conference call with reporters, Turner said of his quarterback: “He’s incredible as a runner. He’s just an amazing player at that position. There’s two ways that he ends up carrying the ball, obviously: It’s designed runs, and then he’s made a lot of plays where he’s kept the ball in passing situations or when he drops back to throw it and the opportunity to run opens up. I think that’s a real threat to defenses. Defenses, they’re really bothered by that. He’s always got to have that as part of his game. He’s always got to have the threat to run. Depending on who we’re playing, how we’re playing and things that are going, I think it’s always going to be a part of what we do.” Turner also didn’t sound too concerned about Newton’s ability as a passer, stating that they’ll just focus on his technique while helping him get the ball out quicker. Newton’s rushing isn’t going anywhere, and he offers overall QB1 upside if his accuracy gets more consistent under Turner.

Via: Panthers.com 1/23/18 - 04:47 PM ET

The Cowboys are trading for fullback Jamize Olawale, according to Ian Rapoport.

Olawale spent each of his six NFL seasons with the Raiders after going undrafted in 2012, but he was previously on Dallas’ practice squad in 2012. The Raiders signed former Cowboys fullback Keith Smith in free agency, so the two teams are basically switching fullbacks this season. Olawale has more H-back qualities than Smith, so perhaps the Cowboys will get him involved on offense as a receiver this season. However, he isn’t on the fantasy radar at the moment.

Via: Ian Rapoport 3/20/18 - 11:12 AM ET

Johnny Manziel will play in The Spring League next month.

Manziel made the announcement on Twitter, stating: “Back in Texas where it all started. I’ll be joining @TheSpringLeague in Austin to get #ComebackSZN started! Can’t wait to get back on the field and show NFL scouts what I can do! #cantwaitforspring”. There were many rumors of Manziel joining the CFL, but his actions as of late, including an interview with Good Morning America yesterday, indicated he’s trying to get back into the NFL as quick as possible. All it takes is one team to believe Manziel has truly changed to give him a shot in OTAs and/or training camp, and we anticipate him playing well in The Spring League. It starts on March 28 and will likely be watched by a good amount of people with “Johnny Football” in action.

Via: Johnny Manziel 2/14/18 - 11:00 AM ET

The Jaguars are releasing Allen Hurns, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Hurns broke out as an undrafted free agent in 2014 with 51/677/6 line, and then he followed that up in his second season with 64 receptions for 1,031 yards and ten scores, but injuries have limited him to 21 games over the past two years. It’s slightly surprising that Jacksonville is releasing him, but Hurns shouldn’t take too long to resurface and would offer more fantasy potential elsewhere anyway, as Marqise Lee, Donte Moncrief, Dede Westbrook, and Keelan Cole were all potentially going to be ahead of him on the depth chart. Hurns is still just 26-years-old.

Via: Adam Schefter 3/20/18 - 10:19 AM ET

New Panthers OC Norv Turner wants to “build on” Christian McCaffrey’s success.

Turner was on a conference call with reporters today and said it’s “pretty amazing” McCaffrey was thrown to 124 times this season and that the rookie was “very productive.” The longtime NFL coach added “we’ve had success with backs like Christian, so we’ll look at things we’ve done in the past and build on the things that he had success with this year.” At the very least, McCaffrey will remain heavily involved in the passing game next season, but he should also be more involved after getting only 117 carries as a rookie. Turner declined to answer whether the roster needed a back for the power running game, and it’s possible he believes McCaffrey is a guy that can carry the load. We certainly think he’s capable of doing so.

Via: Panthers.com 1/23/18 - 04:42 PM ET