Footballguys #280 - 2/1

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here]. --- [Footballguys.com] Volume 17, Issue #280 -- Tuesday Night, February 1st, 2017 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Good Thursday to you. We're rolling towards the big game and have the News and Notes you need. Let's get to it. J SITE NEWS INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [ATL - WR Julio Jones listed as limited] 2. [NE - TE Martellus Bennett limited] 3. [NE - Limited practice for WR Malcolm Mitchell] 4. [PIT - Le'Veon Bell still weighing surgery] 5. [ARI - WR Larry Fitzgerald putting off retirement] 6. [DEN - RB C.J. Anderson expects to be cleared soon] 7. [TB - QB Mike Glennon may be too expensive for Bucs] 8. [TB - Tampa Bay plans to bring back Ryan Griffin] 9. [TB - Tampa Bay talking with DE William Gholston] 10. [WAS - WR Josh Doctson could start in 2017] 11. [SEA - TE Luke Willson willing to test market] 12. [JAX - Jags to decide on Kelvin Beachum's status soon] 13. [CAR - Curtis Fuller expected to be promoted] 14. [HOU - Owners says QB Brock Osweiler needs to step up] 15. [HOU - WR DeAndre Hopkins may receive new deal] 16. [HOU - Houston wants to re-sign CB A.J. Bouye] 17. [HOU - Owner hopes QB Tom Savage competes for QB job] 18. [NFL - Malik Hooker to miss NFL combine] 19. [ARI - QB Carson Palmer addresses rumor] 20. [NYJ - Stump Mitchell hired by Jets] 21. [CLE - QB Jeff Garcia interviews with CLE] 22. [HOU - DE J.J. Watt doing well] 23. [BAL - TE Crockett Gillmore had nightmare year] 24. [DAL - Uzoma Nwachukwu signed] 25. [PIT - RB Fitzgerald Toussaint re-signs] 26. [SEA - TE Jimmy Graham admits he barely practiced] --------------------------------------------------------------- 1. [ATL - WR Julio Jones listed as limited] Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Atlanta Falcons WR [Julio Jones] (toe) was limited during practice Wednesday, Feb. 1. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jones has assured everyone that he won't be limited by his toe injury in the Super Bowl. While he might feel good going into the game, it's far from certain that he'll make it through the contest without an aggravation. The Falcons will likely spread the ball around even if Jones is at full speed. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 2. [NE - TE Martellus Bennett limited] Source: Boston Herald - Jeff Howe New England Patriots TE [Martellus Bennett] (knee) was limited during practice Wednesday, Feb. 1. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bennett hasn't been healthy since October, but the extra rest before the Super Bowl should help him be as good as he has been in months for the big game. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 3. [NE - Limited practice for WR Malcolm Mitchell] Source: Boston Herald - Jeff Howe New England Patriots WR [Malcolm Mitchell] (knee) was limited during practice Wednesday, Feb. 1. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mitchell's health could be determining factor in his playing time for the Super Bowl. Waiver claim Michael Floyd hasn't made a big impact or gotten on the same page as Tom Brady yet. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 4. [PIT - Le'Veon Bell still weighing surgery] Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra Updating an ongoing story, Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell (groin) is still assessing his options to determine if he needs offseason groin surgery. 'I'm kind of in the process of seeing a couple of doctors, seeing if I have to get surgery or not,' Bell said. 'I'm hoping for the best, but I understand it's a tough game. If I don't get surgery, I go into the rehab process, work hard, get back to how I was last year, or actually, better. I'm going to take it from there.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bell's injury was worse than the Steelers let on and one that fantasy owners should remember because technically that means he still hasn't had a fully healthy year in the NFL, and this one included three games off. Perhaps the Steelers miscalculated by giving him as many as 38 carries in a game at times last season. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 5. [ARI - WR Larry Fitzgerald putting off retirement] Source: ESPN.com - Jim Trotter Arizona Cardinals WR [Larry Fitzgerald] announced Wednesday, Feb. 1, that he is 'definitely' returning for a 14th season and play out the final year of his contract in 2017, according to ESPN's Jim Trotter. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This should help Cardinals fans breath a sigh of relief, as Carson Palmer seems likely to return if Fitzgerald is coming back. The Hall of Famer actually had his second highest catches total ever last year and his value is strong in PPR leagues with Michael Floyd no longer in Arizona and John Brown's long-term health a question due to a sickle-cell condition. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 6. [DEN - RB C.J. Anderson expects to be cleared soon] Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos RB [C.J. Anderson] (knee) said he has been running at full speed and expects to be cleared for all football-related activities later this month. He said he has not make any cuts while running yet but is not feeling much pain. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Anderson was reportedly in consideration to return if the Broncos made the playoffs, but this report makes it clear that that was never a possibility. Devontae Booker was a bust in his stead, so expect Anderson to be the clear starter going into next season, albeit one that still hasn't had a full healthy season in the NFL. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 7. [TB - QB Mike Glennon may be too expensive for Bucs] Source: PewterReport.com - Scott Reynolds Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht indicated the team would like to re-sign impending free-agent QB [Mike Glennon], but he may be too expensive to sign since he likely will receive interest from teams looking for a starting quarterback. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Glennon will likely get a contract that makes most people scream overpaid, but after Brock Osweiler's deal last year, nothing will surprise us. Glennon was surprisingly good in his rookie year for a mid-round pick, and he is probably one of the best options outside of Tony Romo for a team looking for a starter for the short term. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 8. [TB - Tampa Bay plans to bring back Ryan Griffin] Source: PewterReport.com - Scott Reynolds The Tampa Bay Buccaneers plan on re-signing impending free-agent QB Ryan W. Griffin this offseason and have him compete for the No. 2 quarterback job during training camp next season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Griffin is a priority for the Bucs because backup Mike Glennon will likely leave for greener pastures and an opportunity to compete to start elsewhere. He has been with the team since the Saints released him before the 2015 season and Tampa claimed him on waivers. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 9. [TB - Tampa Bay talking with DE William Gholston] Source: PewterReport.com - Scott Reynolds Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said the team has had contract talks with impending free-agent DE William Gholston and that the team considers Gholston a priority. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gholston was part of a defensive line that was dominant at times this year and a defense that really came on at the end of the season. He'll be coveted if the Bucs can't keep him. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 10. [WAS - WR Josh Doctson could start in 2017] Source: ESPN.com - John Keim Washington Redskins WR [Josh Doctson] (Achilles') could be a starting option for the Redskins next season if the team is not able to re-sign impending free-agent WRs [DeSean Jackson] and [Pierre Garcon] and if Doctson completely recovers from his Achilles' tendon injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Doctson's achilles issue is still a bit shadowy and the team seemed frustrated at times with the lack of progress. Even if both of the veterans walk in free agency, Washington could feel compelled to invest in another starting quality wideout. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 11. [SEA - TE Luke Willson willing to test market] Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent TE [Luke Willson] said he would like to re-sign with the Seahawks this offseason but will explore all of his options before making a final decision. He said the team did make an offer to him during the season, but he did not take it seriously. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Willson made a few plays for the offense as the season went on, but he was largely in Jimmy Graham's shadow. His athleticism would make him a player a new team could play in a larger role if he hits free agency. Deep dynasty leaguers should watch this situation. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 12. [JAX - Jags to decide on Kelvin Beachum's status soon] Source: ESPN.com - Mike DiRocco The Jacksonville Jaguars have until Wednesday, Feb. 15, to decide if they will pick up the option in Kelvin Beachum's contract that would keep him with the team for four more seasons. Beachum said he does not know which way the team is leaning at this point. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Beachum played fifteen games and was part of a line that did a great job limiting sacks compared to previous years, but the team could be uncertain because they have a new power structure. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 13. [CAR - Curtis Fuller expected to be promoted] Source: Charlotte Observer - Joseph Person Carolina Panthers assistant defensive backs coach Curtis Fuller is expected to be named the team's new secondary coach this week, according to sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Panthers lost Sean McDermott to head coaching job in Buffalo, but it looks like they will be able to have continuity among their defensive coaches without him. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 14. [HOU - Owners says QB Brock Osweiler needs to step up] Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Houston Texans owner Bob McNair said QB [Brock Osweiler] needs to step up his performance next season after he struggled in 2016. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The only option the Texans seem to have is hoping for Osweiler to improve and calling him out publicly, as he is due 16 million dollars whether they want to keep him or not. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 15. [HOU - WR DeAndre Hopkins may receive new deal] Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Houston Texans owner Bob McNair said the team will try to sign WR [DeAndre Hopkins] to a long-term extension this offseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hopkins took a big step back for fantasy this year, but he's still one of the premier receivers in the league. They can use their fifth-year option to keep him this year, but if they wait to sign him long term, a rising salary cap will cause his price to spike. Hopkins may want to leave if he wants a better quarterback situation and more productivity, [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 16. [HOU - Houston wants to re-sign CB A.J. Bouye] Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Houston Texans owner Bob McNair said the team wants to sign impending free-agent CB A.J. Bouye to a long-term contract this offseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bouye isn't a household name, but he will be coveted if he hits the open market as a versatile and productive defensive back. The Texans should have a good chance to keep him as Bouye has said he wants to stay with the team. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 17. [HOU - Owner hopes QB Tom Savage competes for QB job] Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Houston Texans owner Bob McNair said he would like to see QB [Tom Savage] compete for the starting quarterback job next season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Savage wasn't worse than Brock Osweiler, but that's not saying much. Ideally, the Texans will bring in someone like Matt McGloin, who flourished with head coach Bill O'Brien at Penn State and not cost much. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 18. [NFL - Malik Hooker to miss NFL combine] Source: NFLDraftScout.com - Matt Miller Ohio State S Malik Hooker (shoulder, abdomen) will miss the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine after undergoing separate surgeries for a torn shoulder labrum and a hernia Tuesday, Jan. 31, according to NFL Draft Scout's Matt Miller. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Hooker will be ready for training camp and should remain a top-10 draft choice. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hooker has rare range for a safety prospect, which will make him very valuable in a pass-heavy league that requires flexibility on defense. He also played in a top program, which should ease any concerns of teams looking to spend a high pick on him that would have liked to work him out before the draft. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 19. [ARI - QB Carson Palmer addresses rumor] Source: The Arizona Republic - Jay Dieffenbach Arizona Cardinals QB [Carson Palmer] sent a text message to The Arizona Republic writer Kent Somers to dispel rumors, stating Palmer's Arizona home is not on the market. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Palmer's report should be heartening for the team as they wait to see who their quarterback will be next season. He appears to want to keep the perception that he will be with the team in 2017. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 20. [NYJ - Stump Mitchell hired by Jets] Source: Newsday - Kimberley A. Martin Former Arizona Cardinals running backs coach Stump Mitchell was hired by the New York Jets Wednesday, Feb. 1, in the same capacity. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mitchell was a long-time member of the Cardinals organization as a player and then as a coach for the last four years. He'll be inheriting a backfield in flux as Bilal Powell finished the season as the starter and playing like one too. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 21. [CLE - QB Jeff Garcia interviews with CLE] Source: ESPNCleveland.com - Tony Grossi Former QB [Jeff Garcia] interviewed with the Cleveland Browns recently for their quarterbacks coach opening. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Garcia was a resourceful quarterback and a fantasy darling during his years in the league. He could help whoever the Browns end up with at quarterback, with the likelihood very slim that they will take a passer at #1 this year. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 22. [HOU - DE J.J. Watt doing well] Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Houston Texans DE J.J. Watt (back) said his rehab from back surgery is going well. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Texans were able to win another division title and even a playoff game without Watt this year. Next year, if they can improve at quarterback and get a healthy Watt back, they could go even farther in January. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 23. [BAL - TE Crockett Gillmore had nightmare year] Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio - Alex Marvez Baltimore Ravens TE [Crockett Gillmore] (back, shoulders, hamstring) had multiple shoulder surgeries, a broken back and a torn hamstring in two places in 2016. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gillmore is a skilled receiver, but it seems like his body isn't going to hold up under the rigors of playing in the NFL. The Ravens have future opportunity at tight end, but they have 2015 second-round pick Maxx Williams and speedy wide receiver convert Darren Waller developing at the position too. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 24. [DAL - Uzoma Nwachukwu signed] Source: DallasCowboys.com The Dallas Cowboys signed free-agent WR Uzoma Nwachukwu (Seahawks) to a reserve/future contract Tuesday, Jan. 31. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Nwachukwu is a speedy receiver who could vie for a roster spot if Terrance Williams and Brice Butler don't return to the Cowboys as impending free agents. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 25. [PIT - RB Fitzgerald Toussaint re-signs] Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler Pittsburgh Steelers RB [Fitzgerald Toussaint] was re-signed to a one-year exclusive rights contract Tuesday, Jan. 31, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Steelers have some decisions to make at running back with LeVeon Bell and DeAngelo Williams both entering free agency. Karlos Williams only has one game left to serve on his suspension, so he could be battling Toussaint for the backup role, or even more if Bell is allowed to walk. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 26. [SEA - TE Jimmy Graham admits he barely practiced] Source: CBSSports.com - Dave Richard Seattle Seahawks TE [Jimmy Graham] admitted at the Pro Bowl that he 'barely practiced' during the weeks leading up to Sundays this season so that he'd be ready for the games. In addition, he 'barely' did any work in the offseason or training camp either, according to teammates. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Graham had some stretches of brilliance this year and his return from patellar tendon surgery was a smashing success for fantasy, but he might not be able to sustain that level going forward. We'll watch the Seahawks actions at tight end this offseason closely for clues to their internal assessment of Graham's future. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of Footballguys. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J --- Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! Get your 3 Free Downloads [here]. You are currently subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here]. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 *