Fantasy News

Philip Rivers is signing with the Colts.

The dots have been connected between Rivers and the Colts for a while now, and this was one of the most predictable moves during free agency. Rivers has familiarity with Indy head coach Frank Reich, which will make his transition to his first-ever new team easier—a major plus for a veteran quarterback. Jacoby Brissett is set to go back to the bench as one of the clear top backup quarterbacks in the league. Meanwhile, Rivers will benefit by playing behind one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, with a promising group of skill position players that is set to add more firepower this offseason. Rivers isn’t a bad darkhorse 2020 NFL MVP pick at the moment.

Via: Judy Battista 3/17/20 - 03:49 PM ET

The Steelers terminated Johnny Holton’s contract.

Holton is a versatile player that can contribute on special teams, so he should not have much trouble finding a new team. However, Holton is not really on the fantasy radar at the moment.

3/16/20 - 01:00 PM ET

The Dolphins are signing Jordan Howard, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport says Miami is “closing in” on a deal with Howard, so we expect they’ll come to an agreement very soon. Howard could be a major value signing this free agency period, as he’s been under the radar because of a shoulder injury that basically wiped out the second half of the bruising running back’s lone season in Philadelphia last year. But the former Bear and Eagle is one of the NFL’s most powerful runners, and he knows how to finish games and drives. From 2016-2018, Howard was second in the league in rushing behind only Ezekiel Elliott. This should be a great signing for Miami as they look to set the tone as a physical football team under Brian Flores. The Dolphins have not been shy about targeting free agents over the past couple of days.

Via: Ian Rapoport 3/17/20 - 02:50 PM ET

Multiple reports: The Browns are signing Austin Hooper.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler was the first to report that this deal was close, and NFL Network now reports that the two sides are in agreement (the contract cannot become official until Wednesday at 4:00 PM ET) on a deal to make Hooper the NFL’s highest-paid tight end. The signing is a surprise, as Cleveland has former first-round pick David Njoku at tight end, but new head coach Kevin Stefanski and the new regime must have identified Hooper as a player that fits perfectly in his offense. Njoku is a definite trade candidate this offseason. Hooper had 146 receptions over the past two seasons with the Falcons.

3/16/20 - 12:40 PM ET

The Packers tendered Allen Lazard.

Lazard is an exclusive rights free agent, so he isn’t going anywhere barring a surprising trade. Lazard emerged as a favorite of Aaron Rodgers last season, and he’ll have an inside track on winning a large role for Green Bay in 2020.

3/17/20 - 01:28 PM ET

Benjamin Watson has officially retired from the NFL.

You can read Watson’s entire retirement statement in the link below, but he leaves the gridiron as an accomplished player on and off the field. Watson returned to the Patriots (the team he started his career with) in 2019 in the hopes of winning a Super Bowl title as a major contributor, but he was a member of the New England team that Super Bowl XXXIX after the 2004 season. The tight end’s career ends with 547 receptions for 6,058 yards and 46 touchdowns while playing for the Patriots, Browns, Saints, and Ravens. We wish him the best of luck on his post-playing career.

Via: Benjamin Watson 3/16/20 - 12:33 PM ET

The Jaguars tendered Keelan Cole at the second-round level.

This almost ensures Cole will not go anywhere in 2020, as the former undrafted receiver will be with Jacksonville for his fourth NFL season. The Jags have a lot of depth at wide receiver, but perhaps this tender indicates the team plans to use him more this year.

Via: Ian Rapoport 3/17/20 - 01:08 PM ET