Fantasy News

Le’Veon Bell has not signed a long-term deal with the Steelers, will play this season on the franchise tag.

The Steelers couldn’t come to an agreement with their star running back before the 4:00 PM ET deadline. Bell will make $12.1 million on the franchise tag this season, and he could hit the open market in 2018 if the team decides against tagging him again. Playing on the one-year tag has no impact on his fantasy value this season if he does not hold out from trainig camp; however, Bell reportedly had not yet signed his franchise tender, and it is unclear if he will any time soon—a holdout would not be ideal, despite Bell's great work ethic. Bell averaged 157 total yards per game last season and should remain a bellcow for the Steelers offense this season. He’s an easy top-three back and should be drafted as such in fantasy drafts later this summer, but a potential holdout is something to keep an eye on.

7/17/17 - 04:00 PM ET

The Rams placed running back Lance Dunbar on the PUP list.

It’s unclear why Dunbar is on the PUP, but he can be taken off at any time. Dunbar is expected to fill a Chris Thompson-type role in Sean McVay’s offense.

Via: TheRams.com 7/28/17 - 07:58 PM ET

The Rams have released quarterback Aaron Murray, according to Greg Auman.

Murray signed with the Rams around the start of free agency. Sean Mannion is locked in as Jared Goff's main backup. Murray will likely get interest from other teams.

Via: Greg Auman 5/11/17 - 09:58 PM ET

Jamaal Charles wants to do more in practice.

Charles is cleared to do everything and he wants to do more, but he coaches have decided to take it slow with their veteran running back. Jeff Legwold of ESPN says when the team signed Charles, they felt he would be a “situational player” and they are taking it slow so he will be ready to do that in the regular season. Right now, Charles is wearing a knee brace, but says he’ll take it off if he doesn’t feel comfortable with it. The All-Pro running back seems confident that he’ll be more than just a situational player, but he’ll be a difference-maker even in a limited role if healthy. Charles is currently going outside the top 40 running backs in fantasy drafts.

Via: ESPN 7/28/17 - 07:54 PM ET

Kirk Cousins will officially play out season on the franchise tag for the second consecutive year.

This was expected. The Redskins and their quarterback could not come to an agreement, and both sides are content to play out the season on another one-year deal with the tag. Things become interesting after the season, as the Redskins will have to commit $34 million if they franchise tag Cousins for a third straight year. If Cousins becomes an unrestricted free agent, he could have his eyes on San Francisco to connect with former offensive coordinator and now 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, but there will definitely be other teams interested (potentially the Cardinals if Carson Palmer retires). The focus for both Cousins and the Redskins is this season, though. He’ll have to adapt to a revamped receiving group with the loss of DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon and the addition of Terrelle Pryor (and a fully healthy Josh Doctson), but Cousins should be a solid QB1 again in 2017.

7/17/17 - 04:02 PM ET

Titans head coach Mike Mularkey said Eric Decker will start out in the slot.

Mularkey said the veteran receiver can play multiple positions, but will mainly play the slot to start. Richard Matthews is locked into one outside spot, and fifth-overall pick Corey Davis seems likely to start in the other. Decker should be an excellent target for Marcus Mariota while working in the slot, but he might not get the amount of snaps necessary to be a top fantasy option at the position. He’s definitely worth drafting as someone that’s been very productive throughout his career.

Via: Jim Wyatt 7/28/17 - 06:18 PM ET

Victor Cruz is vising the Bears on Monday, according to Kimberly Jones.

Suddenly, there is a lot of reported interest in Cruz. Earlier today, it was made known that Cruz was visiting the Jaguars in a couple weeks. Cruz will find a team to sign with a team at some point.

Via: Kimberly Jones 5/11/17 - 04:42 PM ET