Fantasy News

Aaron Rodgers is expected to play for the Packers this season.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says that Rodgers “has indicated to people close to him that he does plan to play for [Green Bay] this season”. Rodgers really doesn’t have much leverage unless he really wants to “retire” so this isn’t a surprise despite all the offseason talk about the reigning MVP’s status. Reality may be setting in, and that means Rodgers—with three years remaining on his Packers contract—playing for the only NFL team he’s played for again this season. However, perhaps Rodgers returning will indeed be a “Last Dance” type of year if he can somehow get the Packers to promise to trade him next offseason if he reports and plays in 2021. Things can change, but expect Rodgers to be out there for the Packers this fall.

Via: Ian Rapoport 7/26/21 - 12:50 PM ET

Marlon Mack (Achilles) is 100% for the start of camp.

This is great to hear after Mack suffered a torn Achilles very early last season, and the former Colts starting running back will avoid the PUP list. Mack will now be in more of a complementary role with Jonathan Taylor leading the Indy backfield, but the veteran will provide great depth for a team looking to compete for a division title in 2021.

7/26/21 - 11:31 AM ET

The Texans are open to trading Deshaun Watson.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports via Twitter: “The #Texans are now willing to listen — and have been for some time — to trade offers for star QB Deshaun Watson”. This is not surprising considering 1) Watson does not want to play for Houston, and 2) Watson is dealing with off-field issues that the Texans probably don’t want to deal with. The price will be extremely high for Watson (Pelissero speculates that it would take three first-round picks and more, but we’d say this high asking price might just be a starting point in trade negotiations considering Watson’s off-field concerns). It’ll be interesting to see which teams are interested in acquiring Watson, all things considered. Despite the presence of Jalen Hurts, the Eagles have been the team most linked to the star quarterback this offseason.

Via: Tom Pelissero 7/26/21 - 07:35 AM ET

The Bears are signing Jesse James, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

Chicago had a roster spot open with Anthony Miller traded to Houston, and this is another indication that Matt Nagy’s offense will rely more on the tight ends this season. James will compete for a role behind Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham.

Via: Mike Garafolo 7/25/21 - 07:54 PM ET

Joe Burrow will not be placed on the PUP list to begin training camp.

The team announced that Burrow will not be placed on the list, which is excellent news considering the severity of his torn ACL suffered in late November. The full expectation was that Burrow would be good to go by the regular season, but now he should have pretty much a full camp—though Cincinnati may still hold him out of preseason action. All three of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd have a case to be a top-30 option at wide receiver.

7/25/21 - 11:59 AM ET

Dede Westbrook is officially signing with the Vikings today.

This has been expected for a day or so according to multiple reports, and it’ll become official today as Westbrook joins Minnesota for the start of training camp. The former Jaguars receiver is coming off of a torn ACL, but he should have a good shot to win the No. 3 receiver job alongside Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen this season.

7/25/21 - 10:42 AM ET

Deshaun Watson is reporting to training camp.

This is a bit of a surprise considering Watson’s stance all offseason has been that he wants to be traded, but he’s reporting for the start of training camp (presumably to avoid getting fined). NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says: “However, Watson’s stance about the organization and desire to be traded remains unchanged” despite his reporting to camp. Still, it doesn’t seem like Watson would be willing to miss game checks either if he’s already reporting for Day 1 of camp. There are also the disturbing off-field allegations that Watson is dealing with, and this entire situation is an odd one. But Watson is clearly lightening his stance somewhat and might not have much power to force his way out of Houston.

Via: Ian Rapoport 7/25/21 - 09:44 AM ET