Fantasy News

Le’Veon Bell nixed a five-year deal just before the July 17 NFL deadline, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Bouchette reports the Steelers thought they had a deal with Bell for more than $12 million per year, but Bell himself turned down the offer. Bouchette also reports he was told Bell wants $15 million per year, and also cites one of Bell’s rap songs “Focus” in which Bell says “I need 15 a year and they know this.” Considering Falcons running back Devonta Freeman just became the highest paid running back in the NFL at just over $8 million per year, Bell might have trouble getting $15 million from the Steelers. If this is believed to be true, it would not be surprising at all 2017 is Bell’s final season in Pittsburgh. It’s also worth noting the Steelers don’t appear very happy with Bell not reporting to training camp yet.

Via: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 8/18/17 - 01:56 PM ET

Lions receiver Kenny Golladay lights up preseason opener.

The third-round rookie out of Northern Illinois caught three-of-four targets for 53 yards and two touchdowns. Both of Golladay’s touchdowns came in the end zone, with the first coming on a throw right at the goal line that he made a play on and the second one coming on a nice back-shoulder catch at the front pylon. There’s been a ton of hype for the rookie receiver—from Chad Johnson saying he has “it” to reports of him dominating in the red zone in practice—and this did nothing to quiet it. The Lions have no choice but to give the rookie a lot of playing time this season, so he certainly has a chance to deliver solid fantasy value and is worth a pick later in fantasy drafts. Look for him to get a good amount of work with Matthew Stafford and the first team this Saturday against the Jets.

8/13/17 - 04:52 PM ET

Russell Wilson throws for 200 yards and two touchdowns in second preseason game.

Wilson was 13/18 for 206 yards and two touchdowns against the Vikings. Seattle drove down the field and scored on the opening drive, then they scored late in the first half against Minnesota’s second-team defense. He didn’t have receivers Paul Richardson and Tyler Lockett, but Wilson looked great, throwing the ball with velocity and accuracy. Wilson should bounce back in a big way in 2017 now that he’s healthy.

8/19/17 - 11:09 AM ET

Colts GM Chris Ballard says Andrew Luck’s shoulder might be stronger than last year.

Ballard visited the broadcast booth of the Colts’ preseason game versus the Lions and said Luck is “doing really well.” Ballard also added “his strength levels are probably better than they were at any point last season.” This would lead us to believe Luck is ramping up his rehab process and starting to throw at 100% speed. The Colts have been very quiet about the situation and haven’t rushed it at all, but Luck should come out of this process much healthier—and probably better—than he was last season. The most important thing is the long-term health of their franchise quarterback so that he hopefully never deals with shoulder issues again, but it appears Luck is making great progress. It’d be a surprise if he wasn’t ready for Week 1, though he might not get many practices in before that, which would probably lead to some rust.

8/13/17 - 03:59 PM ET

Bilal Powell will play in tomorrow night’s preseason game against the Lions.

Powell didn’t play in the first preseason game, but he’ll be out there for the Jets tomorrow night. Teammate Matt Forte (hamstring) won’t be playing in the game after he missed practice all week, so Powell will look to carve out a bigger piece of what the team had indicated will be a pretty even timeshare. He’ll probably get a few series in the game.

Via: New York Jets 8/18/17 - 01:44 PM ET

Bears receiver Markus Wheaton broke his finger.

Wheaton is having an unlucky few weeks, as he just returned from his appendectomy and now he’s dealing with this. It’s unclear if this will force Wheaton to miss any time, but there’s a good chance it’d affect him if he plays with it.

Via: Chicago Bears 8/13/17 - 02:09 PM ET

Jarius Wright catches all three targets in Week 2 of the preseason.

The 27-year-old Vikings slot receiver had 16 yards in the exhibition against the Seahawks. Wright is probably on the roster bubble after the team added some players to the receiving group this offseason.

8/19/17 - 11:02 AM ET