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Commanders sign former Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman

Sun Apr 28 2:48pm ET
Field Level Media

Quarterbacks Sam Hartman, Kedon Slovis and John Rhys Plumlee were among the free agents who agreed to contracts this weekend following the NFL Draft, according to multiple media and team reports.

Hartman, who starred at Notre Dame after a five-year tenure at Wake Forest, will receive a $20,000 signing bonus and a $225,000 base salary guarantee from the Washington Commanders, NFL Network reported.

Slovis, who played at Southern California, Pittsburgh and then BYU, is signing with the Indianapolis Colts, the NFL Network reported.

Plumlee played at Ole Miss and then UCF, could be projected as a wide receiver in the NFL, and agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team announced.

Other quarterbacks who agreed to terms, according to NFL Network reporting, are Louisville's Jack Plummer (Carolina Panthers) and Western Kentucky's Austin Reed (Chicago Bears).

The Las Vegas Raiders announced they are signing former South Alabama QB Carter Bradley, son of longtime NFL coach Gus Bradley.

The Commanders also are signing Southern California running back Austin Jones, according to his agency, which will reunite him with former Trojans assistant coach Kliff Kingsbury, now Washington's offensive coordinator.

Players following in their father's footsteps include former FAU and Missouri State wide receiver Terique Owens, son of former NFL flanker Terrell Owens, signing with the San Francisco 49ers, according to Terrell Owens and multiple media reports.

Former Southern Miss running back Frank Gore Jr., son of the former NFL great at the same position, is signing with the Buffalo Bills, the NFL Network reported.

The Denver Broncos have committed a $25,000 signing bonus and $250,000 salary guarantee to former Memphis and Old Dominion running back Blake Watson, the NFL Network reported.

After Michigan had 13 players selected from the national championship team in the draft, four more former Wolverines are signing as free agents, ESPN reported. Defensive lineman Braiden McGregor (New York Jets), defensive back Josh Wallace (Los Angeles Rams), offensive lineman Drake Nugent (49ers) and offensive lineman Karsen Barnhart, who will be with his former coach Jim Harbaugh, the new head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.

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Player Notes
Anthony Richardson Jun 3 3:00pm ET
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On the Pat McAfee Show on Monday, Indianapolis Colts second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) said he's almost fully recovered from season-ending surgery on his right shoulder last year. "I'm at about 95% right now and it took me about four months to start throwing again," Richardson said. It took Richardson around four months before he could resume throwing and he's been taking part in organized team activities this offseason as he heads into his second year in the NFL. The 22-year-old former first-rounder isn't planning on changing the way he plays to avoid injuries as a runner and he says he's a lot more comfortable in head coach Shane Steichen's offense. Richardson has more injury risk than most QBs because of his propensity to take off and run with the football, but he also has high-end QB1 upside despite playing in only four games in 2023 before getting hurt.

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Trevor Lawrence Jun 3 2:40pm ET
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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence said he would love to have a contract extension in place before training camp begins at the end of July, but it's not going to be an issue for him if he doesn't get it. Lawrence's representatives and the Jaguars have been working on an extension for months, and the deal is expected to make him one of the highest-paid QBs in the NFL in terms of average annual salary. He's entering the final season of a fully-guaranteed, four-year deal worth $36,793,592 that he signed after being taken first overall in the 2021 draft. Lawrence's fifth-year option was picked up, which fully guarantees him $25.664 million in 2025. The 24-year-old said he's more concerned with continuing to develop in his third season in head coach Doug Pederson's offense than with his extension. With better health in 2024, Lawrence could easily take another step forward.

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Jelani Woods Jun 3 2:30pm ET
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Indianapolis Colts former third-round tight end Jelani Woods is entering a pivotal season early in his career, and his blend of size, speed and open-field ability could give the Colts offense the kind of downfield weapon that is tough to find at the position. Injuries have limited Woods early in his career. He played in 15 games (two starts) in his rookie year in 2022 and had 25 catches for 312 yards and three touchdowns, but he didn't play at all in 2023 due to injuries to both of his hamstrings. The 25-year-old changed his training regimen to specifically strengthen his legs this offseason and feels much better. Head coach Shane Steichen said Woods has "been making a ton of plays" at OTAs this offseason. The Colts have a crowded TE room with Woods, Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree and Will Mallory, but if he stays healthy, Woods has the upside to be the Colts' top pass-catching TE.

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Bijan Robinson Jun 3 2:20pm ET
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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (ankle) is taking part in organized team activities on Monday. It's great to see that Robinson is already recovered from a minor ankle injury that he suffered during OTAs in May. After being taken with the eighth overall pick in the first round in last year's draft out of Texas, Robinson carried the ball 214 times for 976 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and four touchdowns, adding 58 receptions on 86 targets for 487 yards and four touchdowns through the air in 17 games in his first year in the league. Tyler Allgeier remains in Atlanta's backfield, but the 22-year-old Robinson is the clear lead back and should be able to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in his sophomore campaign if he stays healthy in 2024, especially with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins taking over an offense that should look to prioritize getting the ball in the hands of its best playmakers more often.

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CeeDee Lamb Jun 3 2:10pm ET
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According to sources, contract talks between the Dallas Cowboys and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb are expected to "speed up" beyond its previous pace since "there's at least a number" with the announcement of Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson's record-setting, non-quarterback contract extension on Monday. Jefferson inked a four-year, $140 million extension with the Vikes. Lamb hasn't been in attendance at any of the team's voluntary organized team activities this offseason as he seeks a new contract, which he should get before the start of the 2024 regular season. The 25-year-old led the NFL with 135 receptions last year and went for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, making him an elite, high-end WR1 target for fantasy managers this fall.

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Gabriel Davis Jun 3 2:10pm ET
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Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said that wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) should be cleared for training camp this summer. The same can be said for defensive lineman Arik Armstead (knee), who is also recovering from a knee injury this offseason. Davis signed a three-year, $39 million deal with the Jaguars in March after spending the first four years of his career with the Buffalo Bills. The 25-year-old deep threat had at least six touchdowns in all four of his seasons in the league, but he's been extremely inconsistent and finished 2023 with 45 catches for 746 yards in 17 regular-season games. Davis will be locked in as a starter in a very capable Jacksonville offense, but he'll be competing for targets with Christian Kirk, first-rounder Brian Thomas and tight end Evan Engram and will likely continue to be a boom-or-bust fantasy asset at wide receiver.

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Justin Jefferson Jun 3 10:20am ET
Justin Jefferson

All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson has agreed to a four-year, $140 million contract extension to remain with the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The deal makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL and includes $110 million in guaranteed money. The No. 22 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is arguably one of the best players in the league, regardless of position, and he has posted 392 receptions for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns through his first 60 games. At just 24 years old, he has been named to three Pro Bowls and three All-Pro squads. He also won the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award after posting 1,809 receiving yards. Jefferson is well on pace to become a future Hall of Famer, so hopefully, he can stay healthy after missing seven games last year. Although he's set to play with Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy at quarterback in 2024, he should remain at least a mid-range WR1 in fantasy football.

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Darren Waller Jun 3 10:10am ET
Darren Waller

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller is expected to make a decision on his 2024 playing status by next week's mini-camp, and people in and around the organization expect he will announce his retirement, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. Waller has had a tough time staying healthy lately, as he's missed 19 games over the last three years with lingering lower-body injuries. The 31-year-old posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders in 2019 and 2020, but he hasn't reached 700 yards since. If Waller decides to call it a career, target competition for No. 6 overall pick Malik Nabers will be even further reduced. Meanwhile, Daniel Bellinger and rookie Theo Johnson will likely compete for TE1 duties. Either player will have limited upside in Daniel Jones' offense. Whether Waller continues to play or not, his career exceeded expectations considering he was a converted wide receiver and had fewer than 200 receiving yards to his name in the three years before his 2019 breakout season.

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Aaron Rodgers Jun 2 11:23pm ET
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New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers has thrown at least 25 touchdowns in each of the 13 seasons that he has played at least 10 games, but only four quarterbacks in NFL history have thrown 25 or more touchdowns in a season after failing to complete a pass in the previous season.

Fantasy Spin: After his first season with the Jets ended almost as soon as it began, Rodgers will return to an improved offensive line and supporting cast. At his age, a return to MVP form seems unlikely, but Rodgers should still be a high-end QB2.

From TheHuddle

Sam Howell Jun 2 8:30pm ET
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Brandon McManus Jun 2 8:10pm ET
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The Washington Commanders released kicker Brandon McManus on Sunday night. The veteran was recently accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit stemming from several alleged incidents that occurred during an overseas flight last season while he was with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since then, McManus signed a one-year deal with the Commanders in March. However, he'll now be looking for work, although teams will unlikely consider signing him anytime soon.

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Brandon McManus Jun 2 7:53pm ET
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Washington Commanders PK Brandon McManus was released on Sunday, June 2. The move comes in the wake of sexual assault allegations against the kicker.

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James Conner Jun 2 1:30pm ET
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Arizona Cardinals veteran running back and team captain James Conner is heading into his eighth NFL season in 2024 and his fourth with the Cardinals. He's coming off his first 1,000-yard season as a professional and said he wouldn't mind finishing his NFL career in the desert. Conner has grown close to quarterback Kyler Murray, spending time together on numerous outings. The 29-year-old veteran is entering the last year of the three-year deal he signed in 2022, which has ended up being a bargain for the Cardinals. "It would be awesome to finish my career here, but nothing changes," Conner said. Rookie third-rounder Trey Benson could eventually take over Conner's spot as the team's lead back, but as far as 2024 in concerned, Conner should remain the team's lead back in what should be an improved offense.

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Deuce Vaughn Jun 2 1:30pm ET
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As expected, the Dallas Cowboys have been experimenting with using pint-sized running back Deuce Vaughn as a receiver out of the slot during organized team activities this offseason. The second-year back was seen on Thursday at OTAs taking reps out of the slot as head coach Mike McCarthy looks to add some wrinkles to his offense going into Year 2 as the play-caller. Vaughn has also been taking backup returner reps to KaVontae Turpin. The 5-foot-6 running back saw limited action last year in his rookie campaign, getting just 30 touches for 80 scrimmage yards. But with Tony Pollard gone, Vaughn should see an increase in snaps in Year 2 in 2024. However, he's still currently third on the RB depth chart in Dallas behind Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, so he's not going to be on the fantasy radar on draft day in standard 12-team leagues.

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John Ross Jun 2 1:20pm ET
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Former first-round wide receiver John Ross recently signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as he looks to revive his NFL career. Ross spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs last July before retiring. Before that, he set a then-NFL record with a 4.22-second 40-yard dash at the combine and was taken ninth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals. He started just one game for Cincy in his rookie season and just 20 total, recording 51 catches for 733 yards and 10 touchdowns in four years. Ross last played in the NFL in 2021 with the Giants, catching 11 passes for 224 yards and one TD. "I haven't lost a step," Ross said. "I'm still the same guy. I feel like I'm better than what I was." The 28-year-old burner is intriguing in Philly's offense, but he'll most likely see most of his playing time on special teams as a kick returner.

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James Conner Jun 2 11:53am ET
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Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner is entering the final year of his current contract and said that he would be interested in remaining with the team beyond the 2024 season.

Fantasy Spin: The 29-year-old Conner topped 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career in 2023 and was fourth in the NFL in average rushing yards per game (80). However, he could wind up sharing offensive snaps this year with RB Trey Benson if the rookie gets off to a strong start. For now, Conner can be viewed as a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2 fantasy option, while Benson is worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Dak Prescott Jun 2 11:13am ET
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Negotiations between the Dallas Cowboys and QB Dak Prescott on a contract extension have been described as 'passive' so far, although the team wants to get a deal done before he hits free agency in 2025, according to ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler.

Fantasy Spin: Prescott has played well over the last few seasons and should be even more motivated to play at a high level in the final year of his current deal. He can be viewed as a solid QB1 option in all fantasy formats.

From TheHuddle

Justin Jefferson Jun 1 9:40pm ET
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According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, speaking on ESPN's SportsCenter on Saturday morning, the Minnesota Vikings are "pretty motivated" to get a deal finalized with wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The 24-year-old has been a menace for opposing defenses since entering the league, amassing 392 catches for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns. Understandably, he wants a lucrative extension, and while there hasn't been much movement on that front, it appears a deal could be reached in the "coming weeks," one that could be "market-altering." Although Jefferson no longer has Kirk Cousins slinging him the ball, the wideout should still be taken early in the first round in nearly every fantasy draft heading into the 2024-25 campaign.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Jun 1 9:20pm ET
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According to Chris Roling of USA Today, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) looked "great" on "most of his throws" during the team's recent OTAs. The signal-caller, who suffered a season-ending wrist injury in a game against the Ravens in mid-November, also "added muscle to his frame." Without question, injuries have been Burrow's biggest issue since entering the National Football League as the No. 1 pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. However, if he can remain on the field, he could be a top-five fantasy quarterback, just like in 2022, when he threw for 4,475 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Fortunately, it appears Burrow is taking the steps necessary to ensure he stays healthy during the 2024-25 campaign.

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D'Andre Swift Jun 1 1:40pm ET
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Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus called new running back D'Andre Swift "a weapon back" when asked why the team moved so quickly to sign him in free agency back in March to a three-year, $24 million deal. "You know we really needed that guy that can really operate on third down and even on first or second down and be a weapon in the deep part of the field and the short part of the field and take it the distance. And he's got a lot of gas," Eberflus said. Swift posted his first 1,000-yard season with the Eagles in 2023 and had career-bests in yards, carries (229), first downs (50) and yards per game (65.6). The Bears' offense now has a lot of dangerous weapons around rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, but in fantasy, it may be hard for Swift to match his 2023 exploits with Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson also demanding backfield touches.

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