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QB Michael Penix Jr., Falcons agree to contract terms

Fri Jun 21 8:20pm ET
Field Level Media

The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to contract terms with quarterback Michael Penix Jr., their first-round pick, according to multiple media reports on Friday.

Penix, selected eighth overall out of Washington, is getting a four-year rookie deal valued at $22.88 million, including a $13.46 million signing bonus.

All contracts involving first-round selections include a fifth-year team option.

The Falcons have invested heavily in the quarterback position. Six weeks before the draft, they signed veteran free agent Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal that includes $100 million guaranteed.

Cousins, who will turn 36 before the regular-season begins, is looking to come back from a right Achilles tendon tear that ended his 2023 season in October with the Minnesota Vikings.

That commitment made all the more surprising Atlanta's decision to use a first-round selection on a quarterback. Penix was the fourth signal caller drafted out of a record-tying six first-round QB picks.

Penix, 24, is coming off a spectacular senior season in which he led the Huskies to the national championship game. He threw for a national-high 4,903 yards and had 36 touchdown passes while getting intercepted 11 times.

He wound up as the Heisman Trophy runner-up behind LSU's Jayden Daniels, and Penix captured the Maxwell Award, which goes to the country's top college football player. Each of the past two seasons, Penix broke Washington's single-season passing record.

Penix is expected to formally sign the contract on Friday, according to media reports, and complete the Falcons' eight-player draft class signings. He has participated in every offseason training session from rookie minicamp to OTAs and the mandatory minicamp.

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Player Notes
MarShawn Lloyd Jul 10 4:00pm CT
MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft despite not having an impressive resume of production. In two seasons at South Carolina and one year at Southern California, he posted 1,234 rushing yards, 299 receiving yards, and 15 total touchdowns. However, his 17.8 yards per reception on 13 catches in 2023 and his size-adjusted athleticism led to interest among RB-needy NFL teams. "Following the NFL draft, we heard both [Matt] LaFleur and Adam Stenavich say to some effect that Lloyd brings a different element to this position group for Green Bay, Paul Bretl of ESPN wrote. "After a short time of watching Lloyd on the practice field, you see what LaFleur and Stenavich were referring to, with him bringing a level of burst and acceleration that the other backs just don't have." While he'll begin training camp behind Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon, his versatility and change-of-pace skill set will be hard to keep off the field in 2024. "He definitely can be a weapon out of the backfield," Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said. "I love all the measurables. He's a 220-pound back that runs 4.4 and can run routes out of the backfield. I think he could be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses." With Jacobs entering his age-26 season, he could carry greater injury risk, and Lloyd has the potential to be a top handcuff running back in fantasy football since he's set to play in an ascending offense led by Jordan Love.

From RotoBaller

AJ Dillon Jul 10 3:50pm CT
AJ Dillon

Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon was once viewed as a future breakout star in fantasy football, but his disastrous 2023 campaign and the addition of rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd have his value at an all-time low. The Boston College product rushed 178 times for 613 yards and two touchdowns last year, and his 3.4-yards-per-carry average was by far the worst of his career. However, heading into his fifth NFL training camp, the 26-year-old is reportedly in the best shape of his life. "Dillon is looking more trim this offseason while still maintaining his muscle mass," Paul Bretl of ESPN wrote. "The result appears to be a more explosive version of Dillon, which the Packers need." While it's a great sign that Dillon is motivated for a bounce-back year, he could be approaching fantasy irrelevance. Josh Jacobs is the clear lead back, while Lloyd is an explosive rusher and pass-catcher that Green Bay will likely feature in the RB2 role. Deep-league fantasy managers can still consider picking him up in the late rounds of drafts, as he could become a viable flex option if Lloyd disappoints and Jacobs struggles to stay healthy.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Jul 10 3:40pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has hauled in 197 receptions since entering the NFL in 2019, and heading into his first year with Matt LaFleur, he wants to be heavily targeted in the passing game. "I was talking to (LaFleur) about that actually and I was telling him I feel like I want to catch it a little bit more," Jacobs said. "I feel like I didn't get to show that as much as I would have liked. So, that's definitely something in the conversations we had." The former first-round pick has two 50-plus catch seasons on his resume, and he was a solid receiver out of the backfield in college, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he gets his wish. Former Packers running back Aaron Jones earned 311 targets in five seasons with LaFleur, the fifth-most among all ball carriers during that span. Jacobs is being drafted as a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2, which could prove to be a discount in PPR formats.

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Jermaine Burton Jul 10 3:30pm CT
Jermaine Burton

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton joins one of the best wide receiver groups in the NFL, and although it'll be tough to command targets, the 2024 third-round pick could see a healthy snap share in the slot. The Alabama product is reportedly working with former NFL wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh in slot drills during his time off before training camp. Chris Roling of The Bengals Wire believes Burton is a candidate to start in three-wide sets alongside Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase right away. "The Bengals could really use Burton in the slot after Tyler Boyd left via free agency. Mike Gesicki will eat some of the snaps there and sophomores like Charlie Jones could, too," said Roling. "But given the universal steal praise the Bengals have received over the Burton pick, it's pretty clear he has the talent and ability to create mismatches from that spot, too." Burton posted 132 receptions for 2,376 yards and 22 touchdowns in two seasons and Georgia and two seasons at Alabama. He is an intriguing late-round option in fantasy football drafts, especially since he could see a value spike if Chase or Higgins have to miss any time during the 2024 campaign.

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Tyrone Tracy Jr. Jul 10 3:20pm CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and any Day 3 pick is far from guaranteed to have a role in Year 1. However, the former wide receiver joined one of the weakest running back rooms in the NFL, meaning he has a legitimate shot to contribute on offense. Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com said Tracy for first-team reps during offseason activities this spring, and Tracy could become a piece of the passing game. "Tracy was already getting work in spring workouts with the first-team offense and clearly the Giants have an opening not just in the passing game, but as a kickoff returner as well," Stapleton wrote. Barring injury, Devin Singletary should be expected to take the first snap in the backfield for the G-Men, but Tracy, who had 113 receptions in six collegiate seasons, could work his way into a satellite back role, which could come with a solid target share considering the team's lack of high-end pass-catching weapons.

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Zach Evans Jul 10 1:00pm CT
Zach Evans

The Rams Wire's Cameron DeSilva lists Los Angeles Rams running back Zach Evans as being on the roster bubble heading into training camp this summer. The Rams re-signed Ronnie Rivers, drafted Blake Corum in the third round and signed Boston Scott in free agency this offseason, so Evans' place in the RB room is shaky. On top of it, Evans wasn't trusted by the coaching staff last year when Kyren Williams and Rivers were both hurt. With more RB depth in LA now, Evans could be the odd man out heading into the 2024 regular season. The 23-year-old sixth-round selection in 2023 only saw nine carries for 19 yards in 10 regular-season games in his first year in the NFL and might need an injury to a RB ahead of him on the depth chart in training camp or the preseason to make the final roster this year.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Jul 10 12:40pm CT
Brock Bowers

The Las Vegas Raiders did select rookie tight end Brock Bowers with the 13th overall pick in April, but he will have to earn a starting role in 2024. Bowers has a dynamic skill set as a pass-catcher and can line up as an in-line tight end, outside receiver or inside as a slot receiver. He has good hands, athleticism and speed, and is adept at picking up yards after the catch. The downside is that he's a little undersized at 6-foot-3, 243 pounds and was a questionable blocker in college at Georgia. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy's run-first scheme asks a lot out of TEs in the run game, so Bowers will have to make strides there to stay on the field and hold off last year's second-rounder, Michael Mayer. Mayer isn't as explosive as Bowers, but he made substantial growth as a blocker last year and is a talented receiver in his own right. If they both stay healthy, Bowers has the much higher fantasy ceiling.

From RotoBaller

Aidan O'Connell Jul 10 12:30pm CT
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders quarterbacks Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell split snaps with the starters during offseason team activities and will continue to do so when training camp begins later this month. Both signal-callers got off to rough starts during OTAs and struggled with accuracy, turned the ball over too much and failed to consistently push the ball down the field. They are both learning offensive coordinator Luke Getsy's scheme, but they both still have a ways to go. The front office and coaching staff are confident that Minshew or O'Connell will separate themselves in training camp and the preseason. It will depend on performance, but it wouldn't be a surprise if both Minshew and O'Connell take the field at some point in 2024. Minshew is probably the favorite given his experience and ability to make plays with his legs.

From RotoBaller

Gus Edwards Jul 10 12:20pm CT
Gus Edwards

The Athletic's Daniel Popper sees running back Gus Edwards as the Los Angeles Chargers' clear lead back heading into training camp. The secondary touches behind Edwards are open for competition, but Popper thinks J.K. Dobbins wins that battle if he's healthy over Kimani Vidal and Isaiah Spiller. Edwards was nursing an undisclosed injury during spring workouts, but head coach Jim Harbaugh said he should be ready for camp. Edwards, 29, had a career year in 2023 in his final season with the Baltimore Ravens, rushing for 810 yards and 13 touchdowns on 198 carries over 17 regular-season games (nine starts). While he should see plenty of touches in LA's new run-first offense, Edwards showed signs of decline last year and will face plenty of TD regression. He could also lose valuable touches to Dobbins (if healthy) and Vidal, so fantasy managers shouldn't reach for Edwards just based off his touchdown production last year.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Jul 10 12:10pm CT
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said that his agent and the Cowboys have had "conversations back and forth," with Prescott saying that "the money and all that will take care of itself." He was also seen in a walking boot recently while on vacation, but Prescott said his surgically repaired ankle is completely fine and there's nothing to worry about. The 30-year-old is coming off a career year and is heading into the final year of his current contract in 2024. The Cowboys cannot trade him and cannot use the franchise tag on him, so Prescott has some real leverage in contract talks this offseason. Prescott could be in line to make around $60 million per year on a new deal, which could be shorter in length if Dallas gets something done with him. Prescott isn't an elite QB1 in fantasy because of his lack of rushing, but he's certainly a decent fallback option as a midrange QB1.

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Jaheim Bell Jul 10 9:25am CT
Jaheim Bell

Dynasty | Patriots rookie tight end Jaheim Bell has been chosen as a potential rookie producer by several media outlets. Dynasty Analysis: This latest story pegs him as the second most likely rookie tight end to produce behind only (predictably) Brock Bowers. Bell has been a bit of a sleeper in most rookie drafts so these stories are at least worth noting. If you're in the midst of a late rookie draft, there are worse players to take a flier on, especially at the tight end position.

Javonte Williams Jul 10 9:24am CT
Javonte Williams

Dynasty | Broncos running back Javonte Williams is reportedly in a heavy competition as the starting running back for the Broncos. Dynasty Analysis: Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Samaje Perine, Audric Estime and undrafted rookie Blake Watson are all vying for time in what looks to be a newly re-shaped offense. Williams is the clear favorite to land the lion's share of carries but that's no sure thing after he mostly disappointed last season. Of all the position battles coming up, this one is of keen interest to dynasty managers. At this point, Williams is a hold in dynasty leagues but a shaky one at best.

Cordarrelle Patterson Jul 9 3:40pm CT
Cordarrelle Patterson

Pittsburgh Steelers running back/wide receiver/return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson signed a two-year, $6 million contract this offseason to join the team, almost immediately after the new kickoff rules were announced. Patterson, the NFL's all-time leader in kickoff return touchdowns (nine), was surely signed to help in that area, but Mark Kaboly of the Athletic believes he is likely to have a role on offense, too. "It's hard to imagine the Steelers gave him $6 million over two years to be only a kick returner," Kaboly wrote. "An accomplished receiver and running back over his career, Patterson will likely have a bigger role than being a specialist." The 33-year-old enjoyed his best season under current Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith when the two were in Atlanta in 2021. Patterson rushed 153 times for 618 yards and caught 52 passes for 548 yards and scored 11 total touchdowns. Pittsburgh has a strong running back duo in Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris, but its wide receiver group behind George Pickens looks weak on paper. That said, don't be surprised if Patterson is mixed in along with Van Jefferson and third-round rookie Roman Wilson. It'd be a surprise the 2013 first-round pick is a weekly fantasy contributor, but he might be a bargain-bin DFS play with upside in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Daijun Edwards Jul 9 3:40pm CT
Daijun Edwards

Former Georgia running back Daijun Edwards went unselected in April's 2024 NFL Draft before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent. According to Mark Kaboly of the Athletic, he could earn a role on the practice squad in 2024. "Edwards stood out during spring practices and could be a strong candidate for the practice squad," Kaboly wrote. "He was part of two national championship teams at Georgia, and the Steelers have dipped into the Georgia talent pool quite often. It wouldn't be surprising if Edwards leads the team in preseason rushing, but he will likely get caught in a numbers crunch." The 23-year-old racked up 2,083 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns in four seasons with the Bulldogs while competing for touches with Zamir White, James Cook, and Kendall Milton. He's unlikely to be on the fantasy football radar in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Jul 9 3:20pm CT
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White posted 990 rushing yards last season, the highest rushing total for a Buccaneer since Doug Martin in 2015 (1,402). Heading into Year 3, White aims to go "well above" the 1,000-yard mark on the ground. "Obviously, my goal is to do whatever I can to help the team win," White said. "We've been last, or 25th to last the past five or six years when it comes to rushing, Tampa Bay has been down bad. My goal, and what I expect me to do, is turn that around." The Buccaneers lost offensive coordinator Dave Canales this offseason, so it will be interesting to see the offensive identity under Liam Cohen. The team selected fourth-round rookie Bucky Irving in the 2024 NFL Draft, but White should remain the clear RB1 and could continue to receive a healthy opportunity share. If he keeps a workhorse role, another top-10 fantasy football season is well within reach.

From RotoBaller

Carson Wentz Jul 9 3:10pm CT
Carson Wentz

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz signed with the organization this offseason after spending the last few months of the 2023 season with the Los Angeles Rams. The former No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft is obviously behind Patrick Mahomes on the depth chart, but Wentz working with Andy Reid could be a great thing for his career. "It was good to get him in this position and if he has an opportunity to play, he has an opportunity to play, Reid said. "Carson looks sharp. He's picking things up fast, smart guy, and he fits in well. Seems like a heck of a person, and he's good in that [quarterback] room." While Mahomes has remained healthy for most of his career, Wentz could be a high-end backup quarterback to stash in deep Superflex and two-QB leagues. The Chiefs now have plenty of weapons, and if anyone can dial up a game plan that leads to solid production from Wentz, it's Reid.

From RotoBaller

Kadarius Toney Jul 9 2:00pm CT
Kadarius Toney

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney is heading into a make-or-break year in 2024 as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. Toney missed training camp and the preseason in 2023 while recovering from surgery to fix the meniscus and cartilage in his knee. He struggled in the regular season with drops and was benched in December. Not only must Toney stay healthy, but he needs to rebuild his chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes while also showing he can be a top target for backup Carson Wentz in the preseason. Even after the offseason additions of Marquise Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy, there's an argument to be made that Toney is the team's most talented pass-catcher. However, the 25-year-old needs to show consistency in camp this summer and in the preseason to secure a spot on the active roster. If not, he's a candidate to be traded.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Allen Jul 9 1:20pm CT
Jonathan Allen

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, has two years left on a four-year, $72 million contract extension he signed in 2021. However, the remaining seasons include zero guaranteed dollars. There's a potentially incompatible $23 million salary cap hit in 2025, with only $6 million in dead cap. Washington drafted defensive tackle Johnny Newton in the second round this year, meaning there's a potential Allen replacement on the roster should another extension or restructure not be in the cards before the 2025 season. A knee injury kept Allen from playing in the season finale last year, but the 29-year-old took part in OTAs this offseason and should be ready for Week 1 this fall. The former 17th overall pick in 2017 out of Alabama dipped to 5.5 sacks in 2023 after recording 16.5 sacks the two previous seasons.

From RotoBaller

Louis Rees-Zammit Jul 9 1:20pm CT
Louis Rees-Zammit

The best and perhaps most direct way for Kansas City Chiefs running back Louis Rees-Zammit, a speedster and former rugby star, to earn a spot on the initial roster is by excelling as a kickoff returner. However, he will also compete with Deneric Prince and Keaontay Ingram for the third RB spot on the depth chart this summer in training camp. "He's done above and beyond what I've expected," special teams coordinator Dave Toub said of Rees-Zammit in late May. The 23-year-old's chances of making the Chiefs roster are aided by new rules allowing an extra 17th practice-squad spot during the regular season for international players. It will be interesting to see how offensive mastermind and head coach Andy Reid utilizes Rees-Zammit, but expecting the former Welsh rugby star to make an immediate impact in fantasy would be foolish.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Jul 9 1:10pm CT
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (ankle) said he will do his trip with his pass-catchers before training camp kicks off at the end of July as he has done the last several years. Prescott said the plan for now is for receiver CeeDee Lamb to be in attendance. The 30-year-old caused a stir over the weekend when he was seen wearing a walking boot while on vacation, but he was wearing it strictly as a precaution after some soreness developed in his surgically repaired right ankle following two hard workouts. Prescott was just being cautious and does not anticipate it being an issue when camp begins. He had surgery on his ankle back in 2020 due to a compound fracture and dislocation. Prescott should be 100% for the start of the 2024 season and should be considered a solid midrange QB1 target after coming off a great 2023 campaign.

From RotoBaller