Wed Mar 29 5:24pm ET
Field Level Media
Free agent wideout Marvin Jones took to social media Wednesday to announce he's returning to the Detroit Lions, a team he played with for five seasons.
ESPN reported Jones landed a one-year deal worth $3 million, with incentives that could take it to $5 million.
Jones, 33, played the last two seasons in Jacksonville.
He caught 289 passes for 4,296 yards and 36 touchdowns in 69 games (67 starts) for the Lions from 2016-20.
Jones has 542 catches for 7,386 yards and 58 TDs in 145 games (114 starts) for the Cincinnati Bengals (2012-13, 2015), Lions and Jaguars.
He was selected in the fifth round of the 2012 draft by the Bengals.
Dynasty | The Lions have signed free agent wide receiver Marvin Jones. Dynasty Analysis: Most players have wanted out of Detroit in recent years, but Jones is going back after spending two years in Jacksonville. It's a solid signing for the Lions, who have Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams penciled in as their starters. At this point in his career, Jones is likely best served as a third receiver anyway, Now 33, he has seen his ranking fall all the way down to WR94. Barring an injury or two, it's hard to see him having too much of an impact, making him very much a fringe roster player at the moment.
Former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. is expected to sign a one-year, $3 million deal worth up to $5 million with the Detroit Lions, according to a source. Jones spent the last two years with the Jaguars, but before that he played in Detroit from 2016-20. In 16 regular season games (10 starts) for Jacksonville in 2022, he caught 46 of his 81 targets for 529 yards and three touchdowns, numbers that all represented his lowest marks since his rookie season in 2012 with the Cincinnati Bengals. The 33-year-old had his only 1,000-yard season with Detroit in 2017, but fantasy managers should probably expect numbers more in line with his 2022 campaign in 2023. Jones figures to see infrequent work in Detroit this time around behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and second-year wideout Jameson Williams.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Patriots are still pursuing an addition of DeAndre Hopkins Dynasty Analysis: It seems all but certain Hopkins will be playing for another team in short order though the aging superstar is certain to take his time to explore all options. The Patriots, by all appearances, are in an all-out blitz to add receiver help for struggling Mac Jones and an addition of Hopkins to start across from recently acquired Juju Smith-Schuster would provide a significant boost. In his age-31 season, Hopkins' dynasty value continues to slip and he's now found as DLF's WR39.
Dynasty | The Patriots continue to pursue an acquisition of Jerry Jeudy Dynasty Analysis: The Broncos have flatly denied that Jeudy and fellow receiver Courtland Sutton are on the trade block but things move fast in the NFL and it only takes a good offer to restart communications. Jeudy has yet to prove he can remain healthy for a full season but is trending in the right direction and arrows could, again, be pointing up in 2023 with Russell Wilson getting a full off-season of chemistry building with his receiver duo. As for Jeudy, he turns 24 in April and could be in a contract season should the team not elect to pick up his fifth-year option, due by May 1. Jerry Jeudy is listed as DLF's WR24.
Dynasty | In Bucky Brooks' most recent mock draft, Bijan Robinson is selected 21st-overall by the Chargers Dynasty Analysis: A selection by the Chargers has been a common theme in recent mock drafts and the stars would seem to be aligning with Austin Ekeler unhappy about his contract status and the Chargers seemingly unwilling to do much about it given the running backs available in he 2023 NFL Draft. Given Robinson's generational-back label, it's hard to imagine the upside runner not being scooped up earlier and the Eagles at 10th-overall have been rumored to be interested. In fantasy, Robinson's drafted situation is arguably the most interesting of all the skill position players and, as the unquestioned top-overall selection in fantasy drafts, fingers will be crossed for a good situation, Philadelphia topping the list. Robinson is found as DLF's top 2023 rookie.
Dynasty | In Mike Tannenbaum's most recent mock draft, Hendon Hooker is selected 5th-overall by the Seahawks Dynasty Analysis: Well, that's an eye-opener and Tannenbaum's says as much while explaining that this mock is a twist on the draft as he takes a GM view for each team. Hooker has been rising since the NFL Combine with only his recent ACL injury holding back further ascent. Tannenbaum mentions Hooker's size, arm strength and decision making as upside traits which should garner a high selection. Hooker is found as DLF's QB5 but, as the R28 (overall) on our superflex rankings. It doesn't seem to be a stretch to believe he will be a late-second selection in superflex drafts as injury concern gives way to upside potential in the quarterback-premium format.
Dynasty | In Mike Tannenbaum's most recent mock draft, Dalton Kincaid is selected 16th-overall by the Commanders Dynasty Analysis: This selection is noteworthy in that it's a continuation of a very recent mock draft trend and narrative, Kincaid being selected over Michael Mayer. Kincaid's athletic profile continues to create intrigue, especially given Mayer's sub-optimal athletic display during the NFL Combine. While Mayer's abilities are well known, the upside of Kincaid ensures' he'll be one of the first two off the board during the NFL Draft. He's found as DLF's TE2 and our R22 overall.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to terms on an undisclosed deal with free-agent kicker Chase McLaughlin on Tuesday. The 26-year-old went 30-for-36 on his field-goal tries, including nine successful attempts from 50-plus yards, in 16 games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. He also made all 21 of his extra-point attempts. McLaughlin will certainly be an upgrade in range from Tampa's previous kicker in Ryan Succop. However, with the Buccaneers transitioning from the now-retired Tom Brady under center, their kicking situation will be shaky for fantasy purposes. In his four NFL seasons while kicking for six different teams, McLaughlin has made 78.8 percent of his 85 field-goal attempts in 47 games played.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is tempering expectations for the transition from future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love in 2023. "Certainly, I think we're fooling ourselves if we think he's going to go out there and perform at a level to the likes of an Aaron Rodgers," LaFleur said. "This guy is a once-in-a-lifetime generational talent, and I don't think it necessarily started that way when he first started. But he progressed into that." The Packers must still complete a trade to send Rodgers to the New York Jets, but LaFleur has moved on to Love. The former first-rounder has just one career NFL start (in 2021) and will need all the work he can get before Week 1 of 2023. Fantasy managers can expect plenty of ups and downs from Love in his first full season as Green Bay's starter.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said he expects quarterback Ryan Tannehill to be the starter in 2023. Vrabel also said that Tannehill is improving after suffering a season-ending ankle injury last December. The Titans also have last year's third-round pick, quarterback Malik Willis, on the roster, but it was clear at the end of 2022 that the Titans view him as a work in progress under center. The 34-year-old Tannehill completed 65.2 percent of his passes in 12 starts last year, throwing for 2,536 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. Tennessee's offense will likely remain run-heavy in 2023, although they should be looking to add receiving help in next month's draft. If Tannehill is starting in Week 1, he'll be a low-ceiling QB2 in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said on Tuesday that second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder will begin the 2023 season as the team's starter under center. "The plan is to start Desmond," Smith said. "That's our plan going forward right now." The Falcons drafted Ridder in the third round last year, and he spent the first 13 games backing up veteran Marcus Mariota. The 23-year-old then started the final four games of the season and completed 73 of his 115 passes for 708 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. The team was encouraged by Ridder's progress, and he'll begin 2023 as the starter, even though Atlanta signed Taylor Heinicke in free agency. Ridder will need to keep improving to hold off Heinicke this season, and he should be considered a QB2 with upside in his first full season as the starter.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders agreed to terms with free-agent wide receiver DeAndre Carter on an undisclosed deal on Wednesday. Carter will stay in the AFC West after spending the 2022 season with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he posted career-highs in catches (46), targets (65) and receiving yards (538) while scoring three touchdowns for the second straight season. The 29-year-old also had a career-high 11.7-yard average on 29 punt returns for the Bolts. In Las Vegas, he'll serve as receiving depth behind Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers and Hunter Renfrow. Carter will probably only become valuable in standard 12-team leagues in 2023 if a receiver in front of him misses extended time due to injury.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers free-agent wide receiver Scotty Miller agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday, according to a source. Miller will stay in the NFC South after spending the first four years of his NFL career with the Buccaneers. In his four seasons with the team, he caught 74 of his 128 targets for 924 yards and four touchdowns in 50 regular season games (eight starts). The 25-year-old former sixth-rounder in 2019 had 23 receptions for 185 yards in 15 regular season games on 40 targets in 2022. He was buried on Tampa's receiver depth chart behind Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Julio Jones and Russell Gage, so the move to Atlanta should allow him to have a bigger role, although it won't necessarily make him a big fantasy weapon.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | In Bucky Brooks' latest mock draft, C.J. Stroud is the first-overall selection by the Panthers Dynasty Analysis: Brooks' mock draft isn't particularly noteworthy other than Stroud's placement at the top is a continuation of the recent narrative. While the Panthers have yet to confirm Stroud will be the top selection, it's widely believed to be so and nearly every NFL pundit mock draft is confirming the fact. Bryce Young may have hurt his draft stock by not performing during the NFL Combine while Stroud went on to have, arguably, the strongest showing ever at the position. Stroud is now DLF's rookie QB1 in all formats.
Dynasty | In Bucky Brooks' most recent mock draft, Anthony Richardson was selected 20th-overall by the Seahawks Dynasty Analysis: The selection is noteworthy due to the fact that nearly every NFL pundit mock draft now has Richardson falling to no later than 7th-overall (Raiders), while most now have him selected in the top four. A combination of intriguing athletic talent and leaguewide need make a selection outside the top seven picks unlikely, though any selecting team is taking a leap of faith the dynamic player can make major strides as a passer to go with his otherworldly mobility and speed. Richardson has risen to DLF's QB3 and the R4 (overall) on our superflex rankings.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said on Monday that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was interested in playing for the Patriots, but New England doesn't have any plans to pursue him, according to a league source. If the Pats signed Jackson to an offer sheet and the Ravens didn't match it, they'd have to surrender two first-round picks. The Patriots would also most likely need to give Jackson a contract worth far more than they ever gave to Tom Brady. New England's expectations this offseason are that Mac Jones will be the starter in 2023, but he'll have to beat out Bailey Zappe this summer. So far, the Colts are the only NFL team that seems to even be considering making a run at Jackson.
From RotoBaller
Former Baltimore Ravens star pass-rusher Calais Campbell intends to sign an undisclosed one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, according to sources. The Pro Bowler and former Walter Payton Man of the Year will bring leadership to a young team. The Falcons have made several key additions to their defense through free agency this offseason, with Campbell joining Jesse Bates, David Onyemata and Kaden Elliss. The 36-year-old isn't in his prime anymore, but he showed last year with Baltimore that he can still make an impact. In 14 regular season starts, he had 36 tackles (18 solo), 5.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, 14 QB hits and two forced fumbles. Campbell could be in more of a rotational role in 2023 with his new team, making him hard to rely on in IDP leagues.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead said the team is "definitely" discussing free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. The Rams have outlined what they are willing/able to do contractually where Beckham is concerned, but there doesn't seem to be a sense of urgency at this point in the year while Beckham evaluates all of his options. The 30-year-old receiver was an important member of the Super Bowl team from two years ago, but he spent all of last season recovering from a torn left ACL that he suffered in the Super Bowl. In his 12 games with the Rams in 2021, OBJ had 48 receptions for 593 yards and seven touchdowns. It remains to be seen if he'll be able to return to his pre-injury form after his serious knee injury early in 2022.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams are still playing out the idea of trading wide receiver Allen Robinson II, who they signed last spring to a three-year, $46.5 million deal. Robinson's role didn't develop the way the team initially envisioned. The team granted Robinson permission to seek a trade, with team and league sources saying that the Rams would be willing to take on part of A-Rob's $15.2 million in guaranteed salary, dependent on the pick exchange an acquiring team is willing to offer. There's still a chance he could be traded, but the Rams also aren't ruling out Robinson being a part of the offense in 2023. If he sticks around, the team would want Robinson to become more versatile. A change of scenery would probably be best for the 29-year-old's fantasy value in 2023.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich said he has had his eye on wide receiver DJ Chark for a couple of years and wants to expand his role in his first year with the team. "We want to develop him into a complete receiver, widen his route tree. It's not just going to be all the vertical stuff down the field," Reich said. The Panthers also disclosed on Tuesday that Chark recently had ankle surgery, but he could be ready for organized team activities. Injuries have been a problem for the 26-year-old pass-catcher, but if he stays healthy, he should have a big role for the Panthers alongside Adam Thielen. Chark has a 1,000-yard season under his belt and should be worth a late-round pick in fantasy drafts, even with a rookie quarterback expected to start for the team in 2023.
From RotoBaller