News you can Use

 

• RB Kevin Jones visits with Patriots
  05-13 2:41 am
  

  According to NFL Network's Adam Schefter, last week the New England Patriots "very quietly" had free agent RB Kevin Jones in for a visit. Jones suffered a torn ACL last season and is still currently recovering from the injury.
  

  OPINION: This is the exact kind of move that the Patriots or the Broncos would make. Johnson (ACL) most likely won't be fully healthy until 2009, but if he can get relatively close 100 percent, he is sure to find a home before this season begins. Where K.J. lands this off-season will determine everything.
  

• Report: Harrison denies role in shooting to Colts
  05-12 11:55 pm by ESPN Football News
  

  Marvin Harrison told the Colts that he was not involved in a shooting his gun has been linked t
  

• Chargers sign long-snapper Binn to four-year deal
  05-12 9:30 pm by ESPN Football News
  

  Long snapper David Binn signed a four-year contract on Monday that will keep him with the San Diego Chargers through 201
  

• Pro Bowl kicker Gould inks 5-year deal with Bears
  05-12 3:48 pm by ESPN Football News
  

  The Chicago Bears have signed kicker Robbie Gould to a five-year contract extension through 2013. Financial terms weren't immediately availabl
  

• WR Terrell Owens wants to finish career in Dallas
  05-12 3:33 pm
  

  According to DallasNews.com, Cowboys WR Terrell Owens would like to finish his career in Dallas. "I definitely want to end my career with the Dallas Cowboys, and go into the Hall of Fame as a Dallas Cowboy," Owens said. "I'm going to let God fight this battle for me. There was a situation where the contract didn't work out in Philly. With this, I'm going to let it play out and not try to be a distraction. I'll let it take care of itself. I'm a firm believer that things will work out for the best."
  

  OPINION: Owens will turn 35 in December. Not many receivers can play at the level of a top five fantasy receiver at that age, but Galloway has proven it possible. Galloway turned 36 late last season and played outstanding, so we feel fairly confident that Owens can follow Galloway's lead (meaning two more elite years left). Marvin Harrison dropped off last year after turning 35, but some think that his down year had more to do with his injury, not his age... but are they one in the same? Only time will tell... As for Owens, we're banking on at least one more elite season. Past that, we will have to just wait and see. Believe in T.O. in 2008!
  

• Paolantonio: Goodell's Spygate responsibility
  05-12 12:29 pm by ESPN Football News
  

  As much as many people would like to dismiss Spygate, several questions remain. It's Roger Goodell's job to seek answers to those questions when he meets with Matt Walsh on Tuesday, writes Sal Paolantoni
  

• Report: Raiders to add pass-rusher Spires to D
  05-12 7:45 am by ESPN Football News
  

  The Oakland Raiders reportedly have found their replacement for Chris Clemons at defensive en
  

• Redskins' Taylor slaying suspects won't face death
  05-12 7:02 am by ESPN Football News
  

  The four men who are charged with the first-degree murder and armed burglary of former Redskins star Sean Taylor won't face the death penalty, according to multiple media reports
  

• RB Kevin Smith on his way to starting for DET in 2008?
  05-12 2:45 am
  

  According to ProFootballWeekly.com, the Lions are "tickled" with rookie RB Kevin Smith.
  

  OPINION: If Kevin Smith can learn to catch the ball out of the backfield, he may lock-up the starting gig before August even approaches. If he struggles with that part of his game, you may see Tatum bell play a lot on third-downs early on in the 2008 season. Smith has a lot of upside in 2008 and beyond.
  

• TE Kellen Winslow (knee) not available for OTAs
  05-12 2:18 am
  

  According to Cleveland.com, Browns TE Kellen Winslow (knee) is not expected to attend OTAs.
  

  OPINION: Winslow has top three fantasy upside, there is no doubt about it - Hopefully he can get, and stay, healthy in 2008.
  

• RB Michael Turner back from injury
  05-11 1:25 am
  

  According to AJC.com, Falcons RB Michael Turner is back from injury. Turner underwent shoulder surgery at the end of the season last year, but appears to be healthy and ready for 2008.
  

  OPINION: We rank Michael Turner inside our top 15RBs heading into the 2008 season, but some on staff here at OPINION believe the stud is bound for top 8RB numbers in his first year as a Falcon. On the topic of handcuffs, Jerious Norwood is obviously a must-own for Turner owners this upcoming fantasy season, but keep an eye on rookie RB Thomas Brown. Brown is a smaller running back (5-8, 200), but he is fast and very powerful. Just keep an eye on him as the off-season rolls along.
  

• New coach Harbaugh's Ravens brawl at minicamp
  05-10 3:11 pm by ESPN Football News
  

  The Baltimore Ravens are doing more than merely fighting for jobs at their first mandatory minicamp under new coach John Harbaugh
  

• Rookies Manningham, Woodson hurt in minicamp
  05-10 12:42 pm by ESPN Football News
  

  Receiver Mario Manningham and quarterback Andre' Woodson were sidelined by injuries Saturday during the New York Giants' minicamp for rookies and free agent
  

• Cocaine charge dropped against Broncos' Thomas
  05-10 7:13 am by ESPN Football News
  

  The Florida state attorney's office has dropped its case against starting Denver Broncos defensive tackle Marcus Thoma
  

• Ex-Pro Bowl lineman Sharpe gets 6 years in prison
  05-10 7:07 am by ESPN Football News
  

  Former NFL lineman Luis Sharpe was sentenced Friday to six years in prison and four years' probation for a series of drug offense
  

• RB Cedric Benson won't be released?
  05-10 12:07 am
  

  According to ESPN's John Clayton, the Chicago Bears will "bring halfback Cedric Benson to training camp" and allow him compete for the starting job.
  

  OPINION: The Bears aren't going to react to his recent legal troubles until it all plays out. As for the starting running back gig in Chicago... if you ask us, it's Forte's job to lose.
  

• WR Koren Robinson: Raiders may have interest?
  05-10 12:05 am
  

  According to ESPN's John Clayton, the Oakland Raiders could have interest in recently cut WR Koren Robinson. Clayton also suggests that Robinson may have interest in Kansas City.
  

  OPINION: Robinson could have some fantasy value if in the right situation. Monitor this situation.
  

 

News you can use!

Seahawks guard Sims to have right knee surgery
05-05 5:28 pm by ESPN Football News

The Seattle Seahawks announced Monday starting guard Rob Sims will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right kne

RB Shaun Alexander, who is in Cincy, heads to New Orleans next
05-05 5:04 pm

According to NFL.com, after he his visit with the Bengals on Monday, free-agent RB Shaun Alexander will then go visit with the New Orleans Saints.

OPINION: Alexander landing in New Orleans would be bad news for Pierre Thomas owners and great news for Rudi Johnson owners... but our guess is that Alexander lands in Cincy when all is said and done - Be sure to keep checking back with us on this one.

RB Rashard Mendenhall robbed at gunpoint?
05-05 4:45 pm

According to SunTimes.com, Steelers rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall was robbed at gunpoint early Monday. Mendenhall was robbed of his phone, cash and wallet at 2 a.m. by two individuals.

OPINION: Mendenhall was not hurt during the incident. "It was obviously a scary moment," said his agent, Mike McCartney of Priority Sports. "But he is fine. He is doing great. He said he doesn't have anything that is worth his life."

RB Cedric Benson on his way out of Chicago?
05-05 4:17 pm

According to ESPN's John Clayton, Bears RB Cedric Benson could be on his way out of Chicago after his recent "run-in" with law. Over the weekend, Benson was pepper sprayed and charged with boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest. The runner denied being drunk and resisting officers, but Clayton reports that the Bears "aren't too tolerant of players with off-the-field issues" and this could be "the final straw" for Benson.

OPINION: Even before this boating situation, we had Matt Forte penciled in as the Bears' opening day starter. The metal plate in Benson's leg was concern enough, now the back may not even be on the team come August. Matt Forte is in for a big rookie campaign and possibly an outstanding NFL career.

WR Steve Smith: Delhomme looking healthy; Steve Smith to explode in '08?
05-05 4:05 pm

According to ESPN's John Clayton, Panthers QB Jake Delhomme (Tommy John surgery) threw in individual drills this weekend and the team is confident that he can have a full training camp.

OPINION: With Jake Delhomme healthy, Steve Smith has top 3WR upside. Last year, Smith pulled in 7 receptions for 118 yards and one touchdown in Week 1. He then pulled in 8 receptions for 153 yards and three touchdowns in Week 2. Delhomme suffered his season-ending shoulder injury in Week 3, any questions?

WR Limas Sweed already looking like a "red-zone presence"
05-05 4:01 pm

According to ESPN's John Clayton, Steelers rookie WR Limas Sweed worked with Hines Ward at the Steelers' minicamp and the underrated receiver "instantly established himself as a red-zone presence and big target" for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

OPINION: The best part about Sweed is that he is a hard worker. He was an absolute steal for Pittsburgh, as the team grabbed the youngster with the No. 53 overall pick. Sweed was the 9th wide receiver taken on draft day, which is insane considering that he was our #2 ranked WR heading into draft day.

RB Clinton Portis almost beats LaRon Landry in foot race?
05-05 3:55 pm

According to ESPN's John Clayton, Redskins RB Clinton Portis is in the best shape of his Redskins career, and he proved it by almost beating safety LaRon Landry in a foot race. Landry, who ran a 4.35 forty coming out of college, closely beat the challenging Portis.

OPINION: The Redskins coaching staff has made it a point that they will use Portis a ton in 2008. Portis, who is currently 26, is healthy and ready to rumble in '08. Consider him a top 10-14 overall pick heading into all 2008 fantasy football drafts.

TE Antonio Gates: Worst case scenario the TE is ready by Sept.
05-05 3:48 pm

According to NCTimes.com, Chargers TE Antonio Gates expects to be ready for Week 1, even if he is not ready for the start of training camp. "It's a feel thing," Gates said. "That's how I've always went about my business ---- on how it feels. (Doctors) give an estimate of time when you can be ready. Worst-case scenario is I'll be ready in September. The best-case scenario is I'll be ready in July."

OPINION: Gates is still our #1TE. Witten is worthy, no question, but Gates should be ready to roll by Week 1.

Ex-Lion Porcher sentenced to community service
05-05 2:43 pm by ESPN Football News

Former Detroit Lions defensive end Robert Porcher has been sentenced to 50 hours of community service for an assault on his ex-wif

RB LaDainian Tomlinson doesn't anticipate playing five more seasons?
05-05 1:10 pm

According to Rotoworld.com, Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson said in an ESPN interview that he doesn't anticipate playing five more seasons in the NFL.

OPINION: According to the report, Tomlinson wants to "go out on top" rather than ever play the game at a less than elite level. If Tomlinson plays just four more seasons, he would turn 32 right before that last campaign - Given his workload, four years could be pushing it, but 2-3 years is certainly possible. Despite the massive "I need to dump L.T. now while I still can" panic that is going on throughout fantasy leagues everywhere, we still feel that Tomlinson remains a top three overall dynasty pick.

Seahawks Release Alexander

Seahawks Release Alexander     -- Tue Apr 22 5:40 pm --
Two seasons after being the NFL's MVP, Shaun Alexander is looking for work. The Seattle Seahawks released the franchise's all-time leading rusher on Tuesday, reports NFL Network's Adam Schefter. There has been talk of the Seahawks cutting ties with Alexander since the team signed running backs Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett in free agency last month. Alexander signed a $62 million, eight-year contract before the 2006 season. Alexander, 30, was scheduled to earn $4,475,000 in 2008. (NFL.com)

Rhodes Released By Oakland

Rhodes Released By Oakland     -- Mon Apr 28 5:00 pm --
Raiders Clear $1.75 million In SalaryThe Oakland Raiders notified halfback Dominic Rhodes that he is being released. The move wasn't much of a surprise. The Raiders invested the fourth pick in the first round of the NFL draft on halfback Darren McFadden. Rhodes, 29, signed a two-year contract with the Raiders last year. He was suspended for four games last season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy, and ended up rushing for only 302 yards on 75 carries. (ESPN)