Guest of the League
Best Ball SCOUT 235
FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Panthers, player personnel VP Adrian Wilson split

Sun Jul 7 11:17am ET
Field Level Media

The Carolina Panthers and Adrian Wilson, the vice president of player personnel, have parted ways after just one season, Pro Football Talk reported Sunday.

"Adrian Wilson will not continue in his position as Vice President of Player Personnel for the Carolina Panthers," the team confirmed to the outlet. "Consistent with our organizational policy on employee matters, we will have no further comment."

The Panthers hired Wilson, a North Carolina native, in February 2023.

He went to the organization from the front office of the Arizona Cardinals, where he spent eight seasons. He rose to VP of pro personnel in 2021-22 and was named co-interim general manager late in the 2022 season.

Wilson, 44, played 12 seasons with the Cardinals (2001-12) and the safety was a first-team All-Pro in 2009. The five-time Pro Bowl selection is a member of the team's Ring of Honor.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

TFC Live Stream Event

Player Notes
Courtland Sutton Jul 25 12:40pm CT
Courtland Sutton

The Denver Broncos added $1.5 million in incentives on Thursday to wide receiver Courtland Sutton's contract for the 2024 season. Sutton still has two years left on his current deal. The 28-year-old was set to make $13.6 million this year and $14 million in 2025 and was a potential training camp holdout candidate, but he has reported this week and now has added incentives to be productive for the Broncos. Not only will Sutton be losing quarterback Russell Wilson, who he had developed considerable chemistry with, but he'll now be taking passes from either Jarrett Stidham or rookie Bo Nix in 2024. Volume shouldn't be the problem as Denver's unquestioned top pass-catcher, but efficiency probably will be, as well as some serious touchdown regression after he put up a career-high 10 scores. Sutton profiles as a low-upside WR4/flex in 2024.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Jul 25 12:30pm CT
DeAndre Hopkins

Amidst some talk about a trade and/or a contract extension, Tennessee Titans veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins sounds like he wants to stay with the Titans in 2024 and beyond. "I take it day by day. I love Tennessee. I love what Miss Amy's doing. This is the happiest I've been with any organization. I'll let that speak for itself," Hopkins said. The five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro wideout recorded the seventh 1,000-yard season of his career in 2023 in his first year in Tennessee and also recorded seven touchdowns in 17 games. The 32-year-old veteran wasn't as productive deep down the field for the Titans last year, though, and the addition of wideout Calvin Ridley is going to take valuable aerial targets away. This should be a pass-happy offense under new head coach Brian Callahan, but Hopkins' fantasy stock is down entering 2024, and managers should consider him as more of a WR3/4.

From RotoBaller

Brian Callahan Jul 25 12:30pm CT
Brian Callahan

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan discussed the team's tight end room at training camp earlier this week. "It's not a room that's gonna be dominated by one guy We're gonna fill the tight end role with a lot of different players, as opposed to maybe just one or two guys like some teams do," Callahan said. Chigoziem Okonkwo was the team's top pass-catching tight end in 2023, but that resulted in only 54 receptions on 77 targets for 528 yards and one touchdown in 17 games (11 starts) in his second NFL season in an offense that didn't see a lot of passing volume. The 24-year-old is probably the best bet to lead the position again in 2024, but it doesn't guarantee he'll be a weekly fantasy play, especially after the team added receiver Calvin Ridley this offseason. Competing with Okonkwo for playing time at the position will be Josh Whyle and Nick Vannett.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Jul 25 12:20pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said at training camp on Thursday that the team isn't going to limit second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) as a runner. "People ask this, too 'Hey, are you gonna limit the run game?' And I kind of think like, 'Shoot, are you gonna limit Steph Curry from shooting 3-pointers. Well, that's one of Anthony (Richardson's) strengths. We're not gonna get away from that," Steichen said. General manager Chris Ballard said earlier this week that the 22-year-old former first-rounder will be full-go in camp after needing season-ending right-shoulder surgery after just four games played in his rookie season in 2023. Because of his playing style and ability to extend plays with his legs, Richardson is more injury-prone than some other QBs, but he also has elite upside. Despite having never played a full season, Richardson is going to a popular midrange QB1 target in fantasy drafts this fall.

From RotoBaller

Kirk Cousins Jul 25 12:10pm CT
Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said that quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles) "is read to go" and medically cleared for training camp, but that the team will do some "modifications" for his work this summer. Cousins will not start camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which is great news for all involved in Atlanta's offense heading into the 2024 campaign. The 35-year-old veteran tore his Achilles in late October last year and is now attempting to learn a new offense in his first year with the Falcons. Although he won't be throwing to All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson anymore, Cousins will have plenty of weapons around him in his new home. But with no rushing ability and coming off a serious injury going into his age-36 campaign, Cousins has a limited ceiling and cannot be trusted as anything more than a midrange QB2 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Jul 25 12:10pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) "woke up with a tight calf" on Thursday and was held out of training camp practice. Tomlin is calling Wilson day-to-day. With Wilson taking the day off, backup Justin Fields got first-team repetitions. The 35-year-old Wilson probably won't miss much time and is still fully expected to open the 2024 regular season as Pittsburgh's QB1 after two disappointing seasons with the Denver Broncos. At this point in his career, Wilson's leadership abilities are probably his greatest asset on the football field. In what is expected to be more of a run-first Steelers offense, Wilson will be more of a game manager in his first year in the Steel City and won't have a ton of fantasy upside as a low-end QB2 in fantasy with receiver George Pickens as his No. 1 wideout.

From RotoBaller

Kirk Cousins Jul 25 10:13am CT
Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins (Achilles) was medically cleared to practice, according to sources Thursday, July 25. The Falcons will be diligent with his workload, but Cousins is still expected to receive all first-team reps.

Fantasy Spin: Cousins has a great group of weapons around him to be a solid QB2 with some QB1 upside in certain weeks as long as he's healthy.

From TheHuddle

Haason Reddick Jul 25 10:03am CT
Haason Reddick

New York Jets LB Haason Reddick was placed on the Reserve/Did Not Report list Thursday, July 25.

From TheHuddle

Lamar Jackson Jul 25 9:10am CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (illness) returned to practice on Wednesday after missing Monday and Tuesday's action with an illness, but the two-time NFL MVP left the field after just one hour. According to team reporter Jamison Hensley, Jackson " looked weary while walking across the field and into the team facility." The former No. 32 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft has missed at least one practice every year due to an illness, but the bright side is it is not a major injury. For now, Baltimore is going to take it slow with Jackson. "We are going to work him back in, for sure," Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken said with a smile. "I know I'm being kind of a smartass. You'll have to ask him how he feels. But he was great in meetings. When we were on the field at the start [of practice], he said he was feeling good." The team has its first scheduled day off on Thursday, so hopefully, the day off will allow Jackson enough time to feel better and return to full practice in short order. He remains a high-end QB1 in fantasy football heading into his seventh pro campaign.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Jul 25 9:00am CT
Jordan Love

Earlier in the week, it was reported that Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love will not practice at training camp until he reaches an agreement on a new contract with the organization. According to NFL insider Dianna Russini, the two sides are getting close to reaching a deal. "Based on my conversations today, it's all making progress and heading there. Just not done at this time," Russini wrote on X. The 2020 first-round pick finally got a chance to start in 2023 following the departure of Aaron Rodgers, and he exceeded all expectations with 4,159 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. More importantly, he led Green Bay to a playoff victory over the No. 2 seed Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card round despite having one of the youngest offensive supporting casts in the NFL. Given the boom of the quarterback market, don't be surprised if Love signs a deal in the $50 million-salary range.

From RotoBaller

Derion Kendrick Jul 25 8:50am CT
Derion Kendrick

According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Los Angeles Rams fear Derion Kendrick (knee) suffered a torn ACL at the start of training camp. The former sixth-round pick is expected to start for L.A. in 2024, so this is a troubling development for the team and the 23-year-old defensive back. Since entering the league in 2022, Kendrick has racked up 92 tackles, one interception, and 14 pass deflections in 32 games. The two-time College Football Playoff National Champion will likely miss the entire 2024 campaign if additional testing confirms the initial diagnosis of a torn ACL, which could open the door for veteran Tre'Davious White to play a more significant role in his first season with the Rams.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Jul 25 8:40am CT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been in the offseason retirement rumors over the last two seasons, but he is back for a 16th NFL campaign (fourth with the Rams), and team reporter Stu Jackson said he is looking sharp at the start of training camp. "Matthew Stafford picked up where he left off with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, but best connections were on TD passes to TEs Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen," Jackson wrote on X. The 36-year-old gun-slinger is unlikely to be a trustworthy fantasy option in single-QB leagues, but he's a fine backup or QB2 in Superflex or two-QB formats. Stafford has thrown for at least 4,000 yards in nine of the 10 seasons that he has played in at least 16 contests. With a healthy Kupp and more experienced Nacua, don't be surprised if Los Angeles' continues to have a high-powered passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Jul 25 8:30am CT
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard signed a four-year, $44 million contract to join his longtime quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the organization last offseason, but after Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles on the first drive of the year, Lazard had a disastrous campaign. The former undrafted free agent caught just 23 passes for 311 yards and one touchdown in 14 games. With Rodgers back, Jets reporter Rich Cimini labeled Lazard as a potential bounce-back candidate. "Lazard was one of the standouts in the Jets' first practice, making two nifty catches on passes from quarterback Aaron Rodgers," Cimini wrote. "One good practice doesn't equate to a full comeback, but it should do wonders for his confidence. Privately, some in the organization felt he suffered from a confidence problem last season, his first in New York after signing a big free agent deal." With Mike Williams (knee) on the PUP list, Lazard will see extra reps with the first-team offense. Additionally, there's no guarantee that third-round rookie Malachi Corley will start the season ahead of Lazard in the target pecking order. While it's tough to get excited about Lazard's fantasy prospects, his cost outside the top 100 wide receivers makes him worth a dart throw in deep leagues. After all, he has the most chemistry with Rodgers, who is known for being a stickler on familiarly.

From RotoBaller

Mekhi Blackmon Jul 25 8:30am CT
Mekhi Blackmon

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (knee) suffered a torn ACL on the first day of training camp (Wednesday). He is likely to miss the entire 2024 season. Needless to say, this is an unfortunate development for the organization and the second-year defensive back. After being selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Blackmon posted 41 tackles, one fumble recovery, one interception, and eight pass deflections in 15 games as a rookie. His absence could give Andrew Booth Jr. extra reps and a better chance for snaps as a depth corner in 2024. Since Minnesota was counting on Blackmon to fill a depth role, it wouldn't be a surprise if they bring in a veteran free agent before training camp wraps up.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Jul 25 8:20am CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield exceeded all expectations in his first season with the organization. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft entered last year's training camp in a battle with Kyle Trask for the starting job, and he ultimately won it with ease. Mayfield passes for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 2023, and more importantly, he led the team to a division crown and a Wild Card victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Heading into 2024, the franchise is even more comfortable with him leading the offense. "He has to run the offense -- we talked about this, as far as getting the ball out where he needs to get the ball out and understanding the offense and making the correct checks," head coach Todd Bowles said. "I think he's taken it upon his shoulders. He came back in great shape and we expect him to do that. There's a lot more stability there than there was last year." The 29-year-old has limited fantasy upside since he doesn't do much as a runner, but the pass-catching group of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer, Rachaad White, and Cade Otton sets him up to post at least a few QB1 weeks in favorable matchups. He also has strong job security after signing a three-year, $100 million deal this offseason.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Jul 24 11:23pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Updating an earlier report, Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (illness) departed practice midway through on Wednesday, July 24, as he continued to deal with symptoms relating to an illness that kept him out of the first three days of practice. The Ravens have a day off on Thursday, July 25.

From TheHuddle

Cordarrelle Patterson Jul 24 9:40pm CT
Cordarrelle Patterson

Pittsburgh Steelers running back/returner Cordarrelle Patterson (hamstring) was placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list on Wednesday. Patterson suffered the injury during offseason training and is not cleared to practice. The injury is thought to be day-to-day, but the team placed him on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list until he can return to the team. Patterson has familiarity with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and is likely to see the bulk of his work in the return game with some utilization in the running game as depth behind incumbent starters Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Patterson is best left undrafted in fantasy leagues but could find more work if an injury happened to either Harris or Warren.

From RotoBaller

Nyheim Hines Jul 24 9:30pm CT
Nyheim Hines

Cleveland Browns running back Nyheim Hines (knee) was placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list on Wednesday. Hines has been working his way back from a torn ACL suffered before 2023's training camp in a jet ski accident. Once passing a physical, Hines should be in line to compete for a role as a returner and pass-catching specialist. Hines has a shot to get real work with the Browns' backfield up in the air. Nick Chubb (knee) began training camp on the PUP list and the team has Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman slated for backfield work as Chubb recovers. If Hines can earn a role in the Browns offense, he would be somebody to watch on fantasy waiver wires. For now, monitor Hines and his recovery.

From RotoBaller

Theo Johnson Jul 24 9:20pm CT
Theo Johnson

On Wednesday, New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen said that Theo Johnson (hip) should be practicing soon. He was placed on the PUP list last week and with a wide-open tight end room following the retirement of Darren Waller, Daniel Bellinger is in line to begin the season as the top tight end with blocking tight ends Jack Stoll and Chris Manhertz also on the roster. As a fourth-round rookie, Johnson looks to compete with Bellinger to get reps at the position once Johnson gets into camp. Johnson shouldn't be on your radar during fantasy drafts but could work his way into the Giants' rotation depending on his camp and preseason production.

From RotoBaller