Fantasy News

The Lions are signing Chase Daniel, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Daniel goes over from one NFC North team (the Bears) to another in a slightly surprising move, though Chicago has been linked to other veteran quarterbacks to push current starter Mitchell Trubisky. Daniel helps give Detroit more insurance behind franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Via: Adam Schefter 3/17/20 - 11:08 AM ET

The Cowboys have placed the franchise tag on Dak Prescott, according to multiple reports.

Things appeared trending in this direction, but the bad news for Dallas is that this allows star receiver Amari Cooper to hit free agency. The Cowboys and Prescott have until July 15 to agree to a long-term extension or the quarterback will be forced to play the year on the one-year tag. Jerry Jones typically finds a way to get a deal done for his guys, but this one will be interesting given the huge money quarterbacks receive.

3/16/20 - 10:29 AM ET

The Panthers are allowing Cam Newton to seek a trade, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport says the Panthers organization and Newton’s agents have agreed to allow the former league MVP quarterback to seek a trade. It’s interesting that this is happening now instead of before the legal tampering period began yesterday, but not many quarterback dominoes have fallen yet with teams waiting on Tom Brady’s decision (just Marcus Mariota to the Raiders among the big names). Carolina is now said to be in the mix for Teddy Bridgewater, and it will be interesting to see what they do at the position. Newton is not likely to play for the Panthers again.

Via: Ian Rapoport 3/17/20 - 10:58 AM ET

The Titans placed the franchise tag on Derrick Henry.

Obviously, this was fully expected after the Titans were able to complete a long-term contract with quarterback Ryan Tannehill yesterday. Tennessee was not going to let one of the best players in the league walk in free agency, and this will give the two sides until the middle of July to negotiate a long-term contract instead of having Henry play the year on the franchise tag. The bottom line is you can expect Henry to be the focal point of the Titans offense in 2020, as it seems unlikely he’ll be a long holdout despite any unhappiness with getting tagged.

3/16/20 - 10:20 AM ET

The Saints have agreed to terms with Drew Brees on a two-year, $50-million deal, according to Ian Rapoport.

It was already known that Brees would be returning to New Orleans after contemplating retirement earlier this year, so this is basically just a formality. The Saints will hope to make a deep run in 2020, but it will be very interesting to see the kind of competition the NFC South has with Tom Brady potentially heading to Tampa Bay. Assuming another receiver (or two) is added in a deep draft class, Brees should be a solid QB1 this year.

Via: Ian Rapoport 3/17/20 - 10:19 AM ET

The Vikings signed Kirk Cousins to a two-year contract extension.

This is a bit of a surprise because it’s out of nowhere, but Minnesota is ensuring their franchise quarterback does not enter 2020 in a contract year. Cousins signed a three-year, fully guaranteed $84 million contract a couple of offseasons ago, and this new extension figures to give the Vikings quarterback a bump in salary with more large guaranteed money. Cousins appeared to take command of the team last season while helping lead the Vikings to an upset postseason win in the Superdome, and he’ll look to continue building on his success this season and beyond.

3/16/20 - 09:55 AM ET

Tom Brady is not re-signing with the Patriots.

While things appeared to become more iffy as the unofficial tampering period began and the start of the new league year approached, this is an absolute stunner. In two separate statements to the Patriots organization including Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft and to the Patriots fans, Brady says he will continue his football career with another team after 20 years in New England. The Buccaneers and Chargers are seen as the only two teams in the mix for Brady, but perhaps a darkhorse team is out there. We would think Tampa Bay is the favorite to sign the greatest quarterback in NFL history given their plethora of weapons on offense. Throughout his career with the Patriots, Brady won six Super Bowls (with nine total Super Bowl appearances), four Super Bowl MVPs, and three NFL MVPs while throwing for 74,571 yards, 541 touchdowns, and 179 interceptions in the regular season and another 11,388 yards with 73 touchdowns and 35 interceptions in the postseason. Brady had a 219-64 regular season record and a 30-11 postseason record in the postseason with New England. His run of success, especially for one team, is unprecedented and will probably be difficult for another player to ever match. He joined the franchise as the 199th selection in the 2000 draft, and he leaves a legend. Patriots fans will undoubtedly support Brady wherever he goes, but it will be surreal to see No. 12 in another uniform.

3/17/20 - 08:45 AM ET