Guest of the League
Draft Hero Est. 2023
Dynasty $125 - FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Vikings' Justin Jefferson 'not mad' at Kirk Cousins for departure

Wed Jul 10 12:08pm ET
Field Level Media

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson said he understands quarterback Kirk Cousins' decision to sign with the Atlanta Falcons.

Cousins, after all, signed a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed after spending the past six seasons with Minnesota.

"I'm not mad at him at all for that," Jefferson said Tuesday on "The Rich Eisen Show."

The Vikings addressed Cousins' departure by signing veteran Sam Darnold and selecting J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

"I always knew that Kirk was going to do whatever he needs to do for (him) business-wise," Jefferson told Eisen, "and I just knew that everything just wasn't the way he wanted it to be here, especially just with having to pay me and having to pay so many other different guys. I feel like he just wanted a new start, a new opportunity to start with Atlanta and a clean slate and I'm not mad at him at all for that. I'm grateful for what he has brought to me and the things that we have accomplished together.

"But at the end of the day, it's a business and you've got to do what you've got to do for yourself and for your family, and I clearly understand that. But it's on to the next. It doesn't really matter what quarterback it is in my eyes. I'm always going to try to make the best of the opportunity. I'm always going to try to be the quarterback's friend and make his job a lot easier. It doesn't matter if it was Kirk or if it's Sam or if it's J.J. I'm going to make it as easy as possible for him."

Jefferson, the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension last month.

After leading the NFL in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809) in 2022, Jefferson reached the 1,000-yard mark for the fourth straight season in 2023 despite missing seven games due to injuries.

Drafted in the first round (22nd overall) in 2020, Jefferson is a three-time Pro Bowl selection with 392 catches for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns in 60 career games (57 starts). His career average of 98.3 receiving yards per game is the highest in NFL history.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

TFC Live Stream Event

Player Notes
James Cook Jul 29 8:40am CT
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook missed practice on Sunday due to a personal matter and has returned on Monday morning. His absence was excused on Sunday, so the likely starting running back is back on the field. Cook posted 1122 yards on 237 attempts and two touchdowns on the ground and 445 yards on 44 receptions with four scores. He had plenty of goal-line chances stolen by Josh Allen quarterback keepers, so Cook does have the potential to find the endzone a bit more this season. As of right now, Rotoballer has him ranked as the 15th-best RB in PPR formats. He'll see most of the groundwork with Ty Johnson as his main backup.

From RotoBaller

Tyquan Thornton Jul 29 8:20am CT
Tyquan Thornton

New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton has added some muscle to his frame as he heads into a pivotal third season. The former second-round pick has had difficulty staying healthy enough to complete a full season as he's appeared in 22 games across two seasons so far. His speed is what brought his name to the forefront, but after being one of the thinnest receivers for his size at 6'2, he's now reportedly up to 192 pounds. He'll try to fend off any further shoulder injuries while he competes to get out of the roster bubble and into the receiver depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Jul 29 8:20am CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving has been transitioning seamlessly into the team's offensive scheme so far in training camp. According to Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers, Irving's scheme familiarity with Oregon's offense has given him the leg up in getting acclimated to what the Bucs want to do this year. His versatility on the ground and through the air has allowed him to excel in many areas of the offense. Even though Rachaad White seems to be the number-one back, Irving looks like he could get plenty of snaps, especially in pass-catching situations.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Jul 29 8:00am CT
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison spoke publicly on Sunday about his arrest in July for the first time. The second-year wideout vowed to "keep learning" after his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence. He also said that he was "surprised by the support he received" from his teammates and coaches. Addison stated that he was in a dark place and the team helped him come out of it and return to the field at a high level. Head coach Kevin O'Connell and teammate Justin Jefferson spoke in support of Addison as well. There could still be a suspension in the near future, but Addison will be participating in training camp in the meantime.

From RotoBaller

Marshawn Kneeland Jul 29 7:50am CT
Marshawn Kneeland

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams (knee) was confirmed to have suffered a torn ACL on Sunday. He was seen being carted off the field and a torn ACL was initially feared, but it has now been confirmed with an MRI. Williams was looking to be the first reliever for Demarcus Lawrence this season after posting 4.5 sacks, 26 total tackles (15 solo), and five tackles for loss. Marshawn Kneeland and Durrell Johnson are the next two defensive ends on the depth chart, so their performances throughout training camp will likely be closely monitored.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Jul 29 7:50am CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) put in the most work he's done so far in training camp during Sunday's practice. The veteran signal-caller went through agility drills, but didn't seem to be going full speed. Justin Fields continues to take first-team snaps while Wilson recovers from the calf injury. The good news is that Wilson seems to be trending in the right direction, but it's unclear when he'll return to the field with the rest of the team. Mike Tomlin has already spoken about Fields being able to win the starting position, but it remains to be seen whether that's truly the case.

From RotoBaller

Trevon Diggs Jul 28 6:00pm CT
Trevon Diggs

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Trevon Diggs (knee) was recently placed on the PUP list to begin training camp. Diggs is working his way back from a torn ACL he suffered in Week 3 of last season. The veteran defensive back been a big part of this defensive unit since his 11 interception campaign in 2021. It sounds like the Cowboys are being cautious with Diggs right now. They don't want to rush anything with a serious knee injury and it being this early into camp. There doesn't appear to be much concern over Diggs availability to start the season.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Jul 28 5:50pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) continues to miss practice after suffering an injury early in camp. Head coach Mike Tomlin continues to say it's a day-to-day issue and Wilson hasn't suffered any setbacks. On Sunday, Wilson went through a mock game scenario and threw on the side. The Steelers aren't going to rush anything this early in camp. Quarterback Justin Fields will continue getting the first-time reps, but it shouldn't be long before Wilson is back and ready to play again.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Jul 28 5:40pm CT
Jalen Nailor

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor has reportedly been impressing the organization early in training camp. The former sixth-round pick has done everything asked of him and continues to make a good impression. The biggest problem for Nailor has been injuries. He has been held to a total of 21 games over his first two seasons in the league. If healthy, Nailor has a real shot at earning the WR3 role on this offseason. The Vikings don't have a ton of viable options behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Right now, Nailor is competing with Brandon Powell and Trent Sherfield Sr. for the third wideout job. Nailor could offer some deep league value if he's able to secure that role heading into the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Jul 28 5:30pm CT
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White proved himself to be a reliable dual-threat option last season. He rushed for 990 yards while hauling in 70 receptions for 549 receiving yards in what was a successful year for the young back. It sounds like White could see different run packages under new offensive coordinator Liam Coen. It's a new system that will feature a variety of packages such as mid-zone, wide-zone, tight-zone, duo and gap runs. This new scheme could help White find more open lanes to run, which was something that was problematic last season. The Bucs did add rookie back Bucky Irving, but his presence shouldn't hinder the fantasy value of White.

From RotoBaller

Sam Williams Jul 28 5:20pm CT
Sam Williams

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams (knee) was carted off the practice field following a non-contact injury. Williams reportedly planted his left foot before immediately grabbing the back of his left knee. This doesn't sound like good news for a Cowboys d-line that has already lost some players this offseason. Williams recorded 22 tackles with 4.5 sacks in 17 games last season. The assumption is that Williams tore his ACL, but the Cowboys will have him undergo further testing before announcing anything.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Jul 28 4:43pm CT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford agreed to an adjusted contract on Sunday, July 28, per sources. The restructured deal gives Stafford an additional $5 million in 2024, and an additional $4 million guaranteed roster bonus in 2025.

From TheHuddle

Russell Wilson Jul 28 3:33pm CT
Russell Wilson

Updating a previous report, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) is expected to take part in some team periods for the first time next week, head coach Mike Tomlin said on Sunday, July 28.

From TheHuddle

Russell Wilson Jul 28 3:13pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) did not take part in practice once again on Sunday, July 28, but he did show progress by doing footwork drills.

From TheHuddle

Erick All Jul 28 2:10pm CT
Erick All

Cincinnati Bengals rookie tight end Erick All Jr. (knee) passed his physical and was cleared to practice. The 2024 fourth-round pick landed on the active/Non-Football Injury list after tearing his ACL during his final year at the University of Iowa. However, as expected, Cincy took the cautious approach by taking things slow with All's rehab process. The Bengals have Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample ahead of him on the depth chart. While that likely means All won't make an immediate impact for fantasy managers in redraft leagues this year, there is stash potential for those participating in dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Jul 28 2:00pm CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles expressed his confidence in quarterback Baker Mayfield. "Baker has the keys to the bus, and he's driving it, and he's comfortable," said Bowles. "We're comfortable with him. We're both in a great place right now. He has to run the offense. I think he's taken it upon his shoulders. He came back in great shape, and we expect him to do that." The 29-year-old entered the National Football League as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft by the Browns. However, after some mediocre seasons in Cleveland, he played briefly for the Panthers and Rams before arriving in Tampa last season. But it appears Mayfield has found a home, and he is coming off the best season of his career, finishing the 2023-24 campaign by throwing for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Without question, Mayfield's rapport with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans continues to improve, meaning he could be in store for an even better year in 2024-25.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Jul 28 1:50pm CT
Mike Evans

According to Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, wide receiver Mike Evans arrived at training camp in "great shape." "Mike came back in great shape, just like he did a year ago," said Bowles. "He's a professional. He loves to play the game. He knows what time it is. He knows how to come back and do things the right way." The 30-year-old has spent his entire career with the Bucs since entering the National Football League as the No. 7 overall pick in 2014. He's had some potent seasons along the way. However, Evans is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, finishing the 2023-24 campaign by amassing 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns off 79 catches. With Evans and Baker Mayfield continuing to build chemistry, the former may be in store for another stellar season despite being in the league for over a decade.

From RotoBaller

Chase Claypool Jul 28 1:40pm CT
Chase Claypool

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Chase Claypool (leg) left Sunday's practice. While details are scarce, the wideout appeared to be dealing with a painful left leg injury. The 26-year-old began his career in Pittsburgh with a bang, totaling 873 yards and nine touchdowns off 62 catches to finish his inaugural season. However, Claypool's production has significantly declined since, with the 2020 No. 49 overall pick amassing four touchdowns in the last four seasons. With that said, the Bills no longer have Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis on the roster, so everyone has a chance to claim the top spot on the depth chart. With that said, Claypool has a long way to go before earning the trust of fantasy managers, even if he plays better than Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Curtis Samuel during training camp. Fantasy managers should expect an update on his condition by Monday.

From RotoBaller

Clyde Edwards-Helaire Jul 28 1:30pm CT
Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) didn't practice on Sunday. Like his teammate, Marquise Brown, he's under the weather. However, it doesn't appear CEH will be out of action for long, so there's a chance he may return to training camp on Monday. The 25-year-old has spent four seasons in Kansas City since entering the league in 2020. Unfortunately, his production has been sporadic, rushing for 1,845 yards and 12 touchdowns off 441 carries and amassing 89 grabs for 765 yards and seven scores. The Chiefs have Isiah Pacheco as the No. 1 option on the depth chart, meaning Edwards-Helaire shouldn't be viewed as anything other than an insurance policy in fantasy drafts heading into the 2024-25 campaign.

From RotoBaller