Fantasy News

The Texans released Steven Mitchell Jr.

Mitchell has spent each of the past three seasons in Houston after going undrafted in 2018, so the familiarity (even with a new regime in town) could mean a return is in the cards at some point. For now, Mitchell is off the fantasy radar.

4/12/21 - 05:01 PM ET

The Patriots have terminated the contract of Julian Edelman following a failed physical.

Edelman missed most of the 2020 season with a knee injury, and the team is now moving on as they look to remake the depth chart. Perhaps something will be worked out to bring back the soon-to-be 35-year-old, but if not, the release is obviously a surprising and unglamorous end to Edelman’s career in New England. Since entering the league as a seventh-round pick in 2009, the former Super Bowl MVP collected three rings and totaled a 620/6,822/36 line in the regular season, but the biggest contributions came in the playoffs where he ranks behind just Jerry Rice in career receptions (118) and receiving yards (1,442). Retirement could be an option for Edelman considering age and health, though it wouldn’t be a surprise if Tom Brady gave him a call.

4/12/21 - 04:15 PM ET

The Bengals have claimed Thaddeus Moss, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Moss was recently released by Washington, but he now lands in an interesting spot with Joe Burrow having been his college quarterback at LSU. Plus, Cincinnati has a fairly open depth chart, so Moss should at least have a clear shot at No. 3 duties if he can impress this summer. The son of Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss caught 47 passes for 540 yards and four touchdowns from Burrow in their lone season together in Baton Rouge.

Via: Ian Rapoport 4/12/21 - 04:10 PM ET

Giovani Bernard is signing a one-year deal with the Buccaneers, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Bernard was reportedly recruited personally by both Tom Brady and Bruce Arians, so it’s no surprise that he was persuaded by a chance to get a ring in Tampa Bay. The backfield was already in good shape with Ronald Jones II and Leonard Fournette, but Bernard gives them a top receiving threat to see the field in passing situations. From a fantasy perspective, this news is a definite downgrade to both Jones II and Fournette, as Bernard should chip away some carries, too—and a case could even be made for the newcomer having the best outlook in full PPR formats. It would now be a surprise if the Bucs spent an early pick on a running back later this month.

Via: Tom Pelissero 4/12/21 - 03:53 PM ET

James Conner had toe surgery.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says Conner is dealing with “moderate” turf toe suffered in an off-field indecent this offseason, but that the former Steelers running back is expected to be 100% this June. Conner is currently visiting the Cardinals, and he’s reportedly getting a physical with them, so he could be set to find his new team soon.

Via: Ian Rapoport 4/12/21 - 02:15 PM ET

Taylor Gabriel has retired from the NFL.

Despite going undrafted and coming from a small-school Abilene Christine (and being “small” himself for the NFL), Gabriel was able to put together a strong and productive seven-year career. Gabriel’s career ends with 228 receptions for 2,860 yards and 14 touchdowns in six seasons played, spending two years with the Browns, two with the Falcons, and two with the Bears. The former undrafted free agent was immediately a very capable deep threat upon entering the league, averaging 17.3 yards per reception as a rookie in 2014; and he was a big contributor to the 2016 Falcons team that went to the Super Bowl (and the year the offense was the league’s best and Matt Ryan won MVP). We wish Gabriel luck as he moves past his playing career.

Via: Taylor Gabriel 4/10/21 - 08:01 AM ET

Washington waived Thaddeus Moss.

Moss spent last season with Washington, basically as a player that was stashed on injured reserve. The former LSU tight end will look to land with another team and could benefit from what will hopefully be a more normal offseason than last year when he entered the league as an undrafted rookie.

4/9/21 - 02:33 PM ET