Footballguys #46 - 6/7 - Gut Check Column, News & Notes and MORE

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here](. --- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #46 -- Wednesday Night, June 7th, 2017 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Good Thursday to you. We've got a killer new Gut Check column from our Matt Waldman plus the News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J SITE NEWS A. [Gut Check No. 398: Tight Ends In Fantasy-Rich Offenses]( Our Matt Waldman builds a profile of tight ends in fantasy-rich passing offenses. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [BAL - TE Dennis Pitta waived/injured](#1) 2. [NYG - Odell Beckham seeking new deal](#2) 3. [NE - WR Brandin Cooks impressive at minicamp](#3) 4. [MIA - OC optimistic about TE Julius Thomas](#4) 5. [ARI - WR Andre Ellington going back to RB](#5) 6. [BAL - Baltimore will meet with WR Jeremy Maclin](#6) 7. [BUF - WR Jeremy Maclin leaving Bills visit](#7) 8. [TB - QB Jameis Winston great with tight ends](#8) 9. [WAS - QB Kirk Cousins talks pick up](#9) 10. [CLE - QB Brock Osweiler impressing](#10) 11. [NYJ - WR Eric Decker medically cleared](#11) 12. [NYG - RB Paul Perkins may be three-down back](#12) 13. [ARI - WR John Brown dealing with injuries](#13) 14. [CHI - Mitchell Trubisky running second-team](#14) 15. [NYJ - Jets reached out to WR Steve Smith](#15) 16. [DAL - TE Rico Gathers misses practice](#16) 17. [NFL - RB Chris Johnson expects to join a team](#17) 18. [LAC - OLB Chris McCain limps off](#18) 19. [OAK - Jon Feliciano to undergo MRI](#19) 20. [NYJ - ArDarius Stewart has thumb injury](#20) 21. [DAL - Jaylon Smith takes part in some drills](#21) 22. [DAL - Chaz Green working at LG](#22) 23. [DAL - ILB Daryl Washington hopes to join Cowboys](#23) 24. [BAL - Baltimore possible for WR Eric Decker](#24) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [BAL - TE Dennis Pitta waived/injured](=) Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Baltimore Ravens TE [Dennis Pitta](=) (hip) was waived/injured Wednesday, June 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's likely a wrap for his pro career. Hip injuries kept him from staying on the field, but Pitta fought back hard to get back in 2016 and had a great season with 86 catches. The Ravens clear up $2.5 million in cap space with this move and could be in the market for guys like WR Jeremy Maclin or WR Eric Decker. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [NYG - Odell Beckham seeking new deal](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter New York Giants WR [Odell Beckham Jr](=).'s absence at organized activities, though no one in his camp has admitted it, is directly related to his desire for a new contract, according to sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's not a holdout until mandatory work is missed. These OTAs are voluntary so it's not a really big deal...yet. Beckham has a cap hit of $3.3 million in 2017, and he's under contract through 2018 at a tremendous value as he's still on his rookie deal. His current average annual salary ($2.6 million) ranks 59th in the NFL at the WR position per Spotrac.com. Which means he's ridiculously under paid. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [NE - WR Brandin Cooks impressive at minicamp](=) Source: Boston Herald - Jeff Howe New England Patriots WR [Brandin Cooks](=) has been one of the breakout performers during minicamp this week and his speed has set him apart from his teammates, in the opinion of the Boston Herald's Jeff Howe. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cooks will add a dimension to a pass offense that was already very difficult to slow down. His fantasy ceiling isn't as high as it was in New Orleans because of the myriad of options in New England, but he is still a high weekly ceiling WR2 and he certainly enhances the value of Tom Brady. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [MIA - OC optimistic about TE Julius Thomas]() Source: ESPN.com - James Walker Miami Dolphins TE [Julius Thomas](=) has the chance to be a 10-touchdoown player if he can stay healthy, according to offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Thomas is back with Adam Gase, and he could be a valuable fantasy asset once again in this offense. He was a fantasy favorite working with Gase in Denver, and Thomas could improve upon the production he had in two years with Jacksonville. Thomas just needs to stay healthy as the fourth-round pick in 2011 has never played a full 16-game season as a pro. Projecting him for around 40 catches and 5-7 touchdowns is not out of the question. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [ARI - WR Andre Ellington going back to RB]() Source: The Arizona Republic - Kent Somers Arizona Cardinals RB [Andre Ellington](=) is moving back to running back, and the team will be looking for him to have a tougher running style, according to head coach Bruce Arians. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Well that didn't last long. Ellington was moved to wide receiver this offseason to make the most of his quickness, agility and speed in the open field. When John Brown is healthy, Jaron Brown as the no3 wideout and rookie Chad Williams impressing, Ellington gets moved back to the backfield. Having a tougher runner style just isn't in his DNA, and Ellington should only be used in space. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [BAL - Baltimore will meet with WR Jeremy Maclin](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Free-agent WR [Jeremy Maclin](=) (Chiefs) is scheduled to meet with the Baltimore Ravens after finishing his meeting with the Buffalo Bills, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Maclin has a few suitors out there including the Ravens and the Bills. There's not much proven talent behind Mike Wallace at the WR position in Baltimore. Adding Maclin would make sense as he could start and become a reliable target for QB Joe Flacco. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [BUF - WR Jeremy Maclin leaving Bills visit](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Free-agent WR [Jeremy Maclin](=) (Chiefs) has finished his visit with the Buffalo Bills Wednesday, June 7, and is scheduled to meet with the Baltimore Ravens next, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] He's leaving with options as Maclin is scheduled to visit with the Ravens. The Bills could use some proven talent behind Sammy Watkins, and Maclin would likely be an upgrade over guys they added earlier this offseason like Corey Brown and Andre Holmes. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [TB - QB Jameis Winston great with tight ends]( Source: Florida Football Insiders - Roy Cummings Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB [Jameis Winston](=) has the fifth-best passer rating when targeting tight ends since he entered the league three years ago, according to Pro Football Focus. However, he is third-worst in the league when targeting other positions. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That was the way Winston was in college at Florida State. During his final season with the Seminoles, Winston targeted the TE position more than any other QB in the FBS. He's still heavily targeting the position now in the pros. We'll see if Winston creates great chemistry with rookie TE O.J. Howard. Many saw Howard as the best TE in this rich TE class, and he's got the physical traits that could make him a special player for the Buccaneers. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [WAS - QB Kirk Cousins talks pick up](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Washington Redskins QB [Kirk Cousins](=) has had encouraging contract talks recently, which owner Daniel Snyder has gotten involved in, and he expressed an interest in re-signing Cousins. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Talks may have been more positive lately, but that's because they were so frosty (and basically non-existent) before this offseason. Cousins representation has met with team president Bruce Allen twice in 2017, and that marks the first time they've sat down to talk since Cousins was first slapped with the franchise tag two years ago. There is belief that even if a deal isn't completed by the July 15 franchise tag deadline, one could be completed after the season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [CLE - QB Brock Osweiler impressing](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Cleveland Browns QB [Brock Osweiler](=) has impressed in organized team activities, and one player privately predicted Osweiler would be the starter heading into camp in July. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's...interesting, but there's a long way to go before the start of the regular season. Osweiler has more experience than Cody Kessler and he's got a stronger arm too. Even if he wins the job, we don't see any of the Cleveland QBs as viable fantasy options. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [NYJ - WR Eric Decker medically cleared](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Updating a previous report, New York Jets WR [Eric Decker](=) is healthy following offseason hip and shoulder surgeries. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That means the team can trade him away. Decker is a weapon when healthy. He's got reliable hands, runs good routes and can be consistent in the red zone. Decker should have more than a few suitors, either as a trade target or when the Jets release him. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [NYG - RB Paul Perkins may be three-down back]() Source: ESPN.com - Jordan Raanan New York Giants RB [Paul Perkins](=) has the skills to become a three-down running back, according to running backs coach Craig Johnson. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Giants lack of moves at running back jive with this stance on Perkins, who is still only a mid-round pick in early drafts. Shane Vereen will get some passing down work and rookie Wayne Gallman is a good fit for a shotgun offense, but Perkins will get first crack at this job and if he is as good as the Giants think he is, he'll be a value pick. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [ARI - WR John Brown dealing with injuries](=) Source: NFL Network - Omar Ruiz Arizona Cardinals WR [John Brown](=) (hamstring) is dealing with a hamstring injury, according to head coach Bruce Arians. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Brown's 2016 was marred with injuries and medical conditions. Hopefully this isn't related to the sickle cell trait that affected his hamstring last year. All of the news had been positive on Brown this offseason until this, so the comeback hype train should slow down a bit. Jaron Brown and JJ Nelson would get first crack at any snaps Brown gives up while he's sidelined, with rookie third-round pick Chad Williams also potentially on the fast track to playing time. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [CHI - Mitchell Trubisky running second-team]() Source: ESPNChicago.com - Jeff Dickerson Chicago Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky has been running the second-team offense since QB [Mark Sanchez](=) (knee) injured his knee last week. With Sanchez not expected back until training camp, Trubisky is set to continue in the role during next week's mandatory minicamp. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The rookie first-round pick should see a lot of action with the second team while Sanchez recovers. By the time Sanchez is back, Trubisky may have the primary backup role behind Mike Glennon sewed up. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [NYJ - Jets reached out to WR Steve Smith]( Source: NFL Network - Kimberly Jones The New York Jets recently contacted WR [Steve Smith](=) (Ravens) to gauge his interest in coming out of retirement and playing in 2017, according to the NFL Network's Kimberly Jones. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] I guess it never hurts to ask. But it seems unlikely Smith would want to come back and play for the Jets. They're likely going to tank this year and going 6-10 is probably a pipe dream. If Smith were to return (seems doubtful) it would be for a Super Bowl contender. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [DAL - TE Rico Gathers misses practice]() Source: The Dallas Morning News - Brandon George Dallas Cowboys TE Rico Gathers (illness) did not participate in practice Wednesday, June 7, because of an illness. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gathers has been an OTA star and could pass Geoff Swaim and James Hanna on the depth chart. The basketball convert has been physically dominant in practices and could become Jason Witten's long term replacement with more experience. He's one to watch in deep dynasty leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [NFL - RB Chris Johnson expects to join a team]() Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Josh Alper Free-agent RB [Chris Johnson](=) (Cardinals) said he expects to sign with a team before training camp and hopes to join a contending team. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Cardinals could well be that team. Right now they have only roster fringe but underrated Kerwynn Williams and Andre Ellington behind David Johnson, and Ellington was just moved back to running back after an aborted conversion to wide receiver. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [LAC - OLB Chris McCain limps off]() Source: Los Angeles Times - Dan Woike Los Angeles Chargers LB Chris McCain (undisclosed) limped off the field Tuesday, June 6, after suffering an undisclosed injury during practice. McCain has been working with the first-team defense during offseason workouts since franchise free-agent LB Melvin Ingram has stayed away from the workouts. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] McCain has seemed like a natural fit at the important LEO rush end position in Gus Bradley's defense. If he is out for an extended period, it could hurt the Chargers negotiating leverage with Ingram. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [OAK - Jon Feliciano to undergo MRI]( Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal - Michael Gehlken Oakland Raiders C Jon Feliciano (knee) suffered a knee injury during practice Tuesday, June 7, and was scheduled to undergo an MRI Tuesday, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Feliciano can back up all three interior line positions, so if he team loses him it could be a problem if injuries strike the starters on maybe the best guard-center group in the league. He was in pain and upset when trainers examined him, but eventually walked off of the field under his own power. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [NYJ - ArDarius Stewart has thumb injury]( Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini New York Jets WR ArDarius Stewart (thumb) has not practiced much lately because he is dealing with a thumb injury. Stewart is expected to have a key role in the passing game as a rookie. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Stewart will vie for snaps with fourth-round pick Chad Hansen and attempt to unseat deep threat Robby Anderson as a starter. The coming release or trade of Eric Decker will open up opportunity for the young Jets receiving corps, including 2016 draft picks Charone Peake and Jalin Marshall (after his suspension). [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [DAL - Jaylon Smith takes part in some drills]() Source: The Dallas Morning News - Brandon George Dallas Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith (knee) participated in all of the individual drills during practice Wednesday, June 7. He also participated in some special team drills but sat out team drills. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Smith looked good and could be the team's every down middle linebacker this year if everything goes well. He is still taking some practices off, which is probably a precaution, but could also mean that he's not as close as the workouts suggest. Either way, this is all very positive for the Cowboys, who might have gotten a top 10 player in the second round last year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [DAL - Chaz Green working at LG]() Source: The Dallas Morning News - Brandon George Dallas Cowboys OT Chaz Green worked with the first-team offense at left guard during practice Wednesday, June 7. Green said the team asked him about moving to guard last week. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] La'el Collins will take over at right tackle with Doug Free's retirement. Green can provide some depth at tackle while also vying for a starting guard spot. The Cowboys also lost top run-blocking guard Ronald Leary to Denver in free agency, opening up the spot that Green will possibly fill. The Cowboys remain one of the top lines in the league, but their depth and quality took a hit this offseason. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [DAL - ILB Daryl Washington hopes to join Cowboys]() Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Charean Williams Free-agent LB Daryl Washington (Cardinals) said he would like to sign with the Dallas Cowboys. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Washington has been out of the league for three years, but he's been reinstated by the NFL and is ready to go. The Cowboys need help on the defensive side of the ball, and Washington was an effective starter (and a Pro Bowl player) -- although it was years ago -- for the Cardinals. Dallas has no issue taking chances on players with baggage. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [BAL - Baltimore possible for WR Eric Decker]( Source: CBSSports.com - Jason La Canfora New York Jets WR [Eric Decker](=) will be traded or released this week. One of the teams the Jets are talking to regarding a possible trade are the Baltimore Ravens. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Ravens are in the market for WR help, and that's why they're looking at recently released Jeremy Maclin. That makes Decker a potential addition as well, and expect the Ravens to take a look at him. He missed 13 games in 2016 but when healthy Decker can provide a team with a sound receiver and red-zone threat. He would provide a great complement to WR Mike Wallace in Baltimore. [Back to Top](#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! 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