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Roger Goodell: NFL to fight Sunday Ticket ruling; open to private equity ownership

Thu Jul 11 4:19pm ET
Field Level Media

Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL plan a renewed fight in a court ruling over the league Sunday Ticket plan that could result in a damages toll over $14 billion.

Goodell underscored the path to further litigation the NFL plans to take in response to the class-action verdict from a Los Angeles jury ordering payment from the NFL of $4.7 billion in damages to the residential class and another $96 million to the commercial class, siding against the league on accusations the NFL violated antitrust laws by making out-of-market Sunday afternoon games available for distribution through the "Sunday Ticket" subscription.

Damages triple under federal antitrust laws, meaning the ruling could cost the NFL nearly a full year of reported profits: $14.39 billion.

"We obviously disagree with the jury verdict. It's a long process and we're aware of that. But we feel very strongly about our position, our policies, particularly on media," Goodell told CNBC in an interview Thursday at the Sun Valley Conference. "We make our sport available to the broadest possible audience. Sunday Ticket is just a complementary product. We're committed to following the litigation all the way and making sure that we get this right."

Goodell was asked if he took notice of the NBA media rights deal, which reportedly jumped nearly $50 billion to $76 billion with primetime games available seven nights per week at the end of the NFL regular season.

"Probably a lot of people in the NFL think they're underpaid. But, we have great relationships with our networks," Goodell said.

He also opened the door to private equity ownership in the NFL's 32 franchises, furthering a discussion he admitted took place in 2023 at the height of the PGA-LIV Golf controversy and financing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Based on "tremendous interest" Goodell said the NFL believes allowing private equity ownership could "make sense in a limited fashion."

"We believe that this could make sense for us in a limited fashion, probably no more than 10 percent of a team," he said.

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Player Notes
Taysom Hill Aug 13 1:00pm CT
Taysom Hill

The expectation is that New Orleans Saints super utility man Taysom Hill could play up to five positions this year -- fullback, running back, quarterback, tight end and wide receiver. It doesn't mean he'll play all those positions, but the Saints are keeping their options open. They want to get him traditional tailback/fullback work and they know he can line up out wide as a pass-catcher. The Saints value the unpredictability his versatility lends, and an offensive scheme change shouldn't alter that much. The 33-year-old is tight end-eligible in most fantasy formats, which makes him especially interesting, but mostly for his rushing prowess when the Saints line him up in the backfield. 2024 will likely be more of the same: Hill's boom performances will be extremely hard to predict given the unpredictable nature of his usage, making him more of a TE2 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Nate Peterman Aug 13 12:51pm CT
Nate Peterman

The Las Vegas Raiders signed free-agent quarterback Nathan Peterman to an undisclosed deal on Tuesday. Peterman rejoins the Raiders after recently being cut in training camp by the New Orleans Saints. The 30-year-old former fifth-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2017 spent two years with the Raiders from 2020-21 and went 3-for-5 for 25 yards in just two games played in that span. He has gone 85-for-160 for 712 yards, four touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 15 games (five starts) in his six seasons in the NFL. In Vegas, he'll be competing for the No. 3 role with Anthony Brown Jr. as Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell battle for the starting gig under center to kick off the 2024 regular season in early September.

Alvin Kamara Aug 13 12:50pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamar's contract impasse hasn't affected his preparation for the 2024 season, and the Saints believe he can regain his peak performance. Kamara is still looking for his first 1,000-yard rushing season. "He's really embraced the change in the offense," head coach Dennis Allen said. "Fits his running style." The 29-year-old has two years left on his current deal and includes $22.4 million in non-guaranteed salary in 2025, which is untenable for both sides. Kamara, who was a Pro Bowler in each of his first five seasons in the NFL, averaged a career-low 3.9 yards per carry in a stale Saints offense last year, but he made up for it in fantasy with 75 receptions for 466 yards in 13 games. There could be more efficiency in a new offense, but Kamara is also at the age when RBs typically start to show signs of decline. He's best targeted as an RB2 in PPR leagues.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Aug 13 12:40pm CT
Derek Carr

The New Orleans Saints' goal for offensive Klint Kubiak this year is to play faster and simplify things. A big concern, at least on paper, is an inexperienced offensive line. Offensive tackles Trevor Penning and Taliese Fuaga and left guard Nick Saldiveri have a combined six NFL starts. Quarterback Derek Carr will be asked to make fewer adjustments at the line of scrimmage in order to let him read the defense out and deliver the football accurately. "It's going to be a positive for him," head coach Dennis Allen said. "I'm hoping the ball gets out quicker. Our ability to run the football and play-action off of that is going to help us in terms of offensive line, from a protection standpoint." The 33-year-old played through injuries in 2023 in his first year in New Orleans and didn't show the type of upside he had with the Raiders. A bounce-back could be coming in this new offense, but fantasy managers should treat him as a low-upside, low-end QB2 until further notice.

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Chase Young Aug 13 12:30pm CT
Chase Young

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that New Orleans Saints edge rusher Chase Young's (neck) enormous skill set has impressed the team in training camp after he signed a one-year, $13 million deal in free agency. Young has been kept on a pitch count coming off offseason neck surgery, but he'll soon be full-go. He was considered a top-10 edge rusher after his rookie year in 2020, but injury problems and a lack of focus in Washington set him back. "He's disruptive -- he's big, he's physical, he's fast, he's motivated," head coach Dennis Allen said. The former second overall pick in 2020 out of Ohio State matched his career-high of 7.5 sacks in 16 combined games with Washington and the San Francisco 49ers last year and could help the Saints' defensive line become a formidable pass-rushing unit in 2024 if he can stay on the field.

From RotoBaller

Trey Lance Aug 13 12:20pm CT
Trey Lance

Dallas Cowboys former first-round quarterback Trey Lance has displayed a mixed bag in training camp and so far in the preseason, and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that he's currently in the QB3 developmental phase in Dallas. The Cowboys feel good about Cooper Rush as a QB2, and if they needed to try to win a game without Dak Prescott right now, Rush would be in there, not Lance. The 24-year-old went 25-for-41 for 188 yards in the preseason opener on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, adding 44 rushing yards on six carries. Rush made the start and played just one offensive series. Lance still has plenty of rushing ability and a strong arm, but there still accuracy issues. He's going to need to put forth some better performances in the preseason to make the Cowboys consider moving him up to QB2.

From RotoBaller

Trevon Diggs Aug 13 12:20pm CT
Trevon Diggs

The Dallas Cowboys have no reservations about cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) being ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener. Diggs is tracking positively after his torn left ACL in September, and the Cowboys will work him into individual drills soon enough at training camp. The 25-year-old defensive back has already been activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list. Dallas is going to make sure not to put too much on Digg's plate too soon this summer, but barring a setback with his knee, he should be in the starting lineup on defense to kick off the regular season, which will be a huge boost to Dallas' high-end fantasy defense. The two-time Pro Bowler is one of the best ball hawks in the NFL when healthy, as evidenced by his 18 interceptions in 47 career games in his first four seasons.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Aug 13 12:10pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings rookie first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) missed training camp practice on Monday with knee soreness, and tests revealed a meniscus issue that will require surgery. As with most meniscus surgeries, there will be a determination made during the procedure to either trip or repair. A trim would mean out for only a few weeks, but a full repair would mean many months on the sidelines. Regardless of which outcome it is for the 21-year-old 12th overall pick in this year's draft, he will not be opening his rookie campaign as Minnesota's starting QB. Instead, that designation will fall to former first-rounder Sam Darnold, who opened training camp listed as the QB1 on the unofficial depth chart. The Vikings hope McCarthy is their future franchise signal-caller, but they were already slow-playing his development, and this injury will push back his timetable.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Aug 13 11:10am CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (leg) was carted off the practice field on Tuesday following a kickoff drill, team beat reporter Pat Leonard reported on X. Leonard wrote that the injury looked bad, and Tracy had an air cast put on his leg. This is an unfortunate development for the 2024 fifth-round pick, as he has been making waves in training camp thus far. There will surely be further updates on his status, but if he has to miss time, it could clear an easier path for Eric Gray to occupy the RB2 role behind veteran Devin Singletary. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for updates.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Aug 13 10:23am CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

ESPN reporter Jordan Raanan is reporting rookie RB Tyrone Tracy just went down untouched on a kickoff return. The cart is out and they are putting his leg in an air cast.

Hunter Henry Aug 13 9:40am CT
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (unspecified) won't practice Tuesday. Head coach Jerod Mayo says he doesn't anticipate it being a long-term injury. The issue reportedly emerged during Sunday's practice, leading to Henry sitting out on Monday and now being set to miss at least one more session. After being rested for the preseason opener, he seems unlikely to play in Thursday's exhibition against the Eagles. However, the Patriots don't appear overly concerned about his availability for Week 1. Henry, who signed a three-year deal with New England in 2021, was a top offseason priority for Eliot Wolf, who secured a new three-year contract for him just before he hit free agency. The deal includes a base salary of $27 million, with a maximum value of $30 million, reflecting the franchise's high regard for him. Over his first three seasons with the Patriots, Henry averaged 44 receptions, 510 receiving yards, and six touchdowns per year. Despite experiencing standout games and periods of inconsistency, his production has been solid, especially considering the turnover in offensive coordinators and inconsistent quarterback play. Additionally, New England's offensive line struggles often required him to stay in as an extra blocker. A two-time Pro Bowler, Austin Hooper appears poised to take over as the primary backup, replacing Mike Gesicki from last season. If Henry returns to full health, he could be a reliable bye-week replacement tight end.

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Malik Nabers Aug 13 9:20am CT
Malik Nabers

Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (ankle) underwent a complete evaluation for his ankle injury, and head coach Brian Daboll confirmed that he's "good" and the issue is not "long-term." Daboll indicated that while Nabers will miss some practice time, he's not expected to be sidelined for an extended period. Nabers, who has stood out as New York's top receiver this summer, suffered the injury during a drill at Sunday's practice and was absent from Monday's sessionthe first practice he has missed since being selected as the No. 6 pick in the NFL draft out of LSU. During his absence, Veteran Darius Slayton stepped into Nabers' role as the X receiver. Daboll declined to provide a diagnosis, confirming that the tests didn't reveal a serious injury. There seem to be no significant concerns for Week 1. Nabers might be held out of the remaining two preseason games. Still, his rising ADP in recent weeks underscores the importance of his return to full health for fantasy managers hoping to see him reach his potential.

From RotoBaller

Darius Robinson Aug 13 9:10am CT
Darius Robinson

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon has confidently stated that first-round pick Darius Robinson has a "1,000 percent" chance of earning a starting role. The rookie defensive lineman, selected 27th overall by the Cardinals, made a strong impression in his preseason debut against the New Orleans Saints. Robinson's performance included a tackle and a quarterback pressure in ten snaps during the Cardinals' 16-14 loss on Saturday. His first play saw him tackle running back Alvin Kamara, marking his initial impact on the game. Robinson reflected on this moment, saying, "I'm ready to give my all each day, but it really hit me when I tackled Kamara. It was like, 'Alright, I'm here, ready, and focused.'" While Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones seem to be the leading candidates for the starting defensive end spots, Robinson's high draft position suggests he will be a crucial player for the Cardinals in the future. When he assumes a starting role, it may depend on his continued performance and development.

From RotoBaller

Chase Claypool Aug 13 8:50am CT
Chase Claypool

The Buffalo Bills have placed wide receiver Chase Claypool (toe) on IR, ending his season. Signed to a one-year deal during the offseason, Claypool had previously struggled with the Dolphins and Bears, recording just eight receptions for 77 yards and one touchdown over 12 games. Originally listed as a day-to-day concern, Claypool missed most of training camp due to a toe injury sustained on July 28. Claypool will not play this season unless he secures an injury settlement with the Bills and becomes a free agent. With Claypool sidelined, veteran wide receivers Mack Hollins and Marquez Valdes-Scantling emerge as the top contenders for depth roles in Buffalo's receiving corps.

From RotoBaller

Martavis Bryant Aug 13 8:40am CT
Martavis Bryant

The Washington Commanders have signed veteran wide receiver Martavis Bryant. Bryant, who has not played in an NFL game since 2018, spent time on the Cowboys' practice squad last season following his reinstatement from an indefinite suspension. Known for multiple suspensions due to substance abuse violations, Bryant last saw action in the XFL during its 2023 season. He was a fourth-round pick by the Steelers in 2014 and played three seasons with Pittsburgh before being traded to the Raiders. The Raiders released him after the preseason but re-signed him a few weeks later, completing the final year of his four-year, $2.7 million rookie contract and becoming a free agent in 2019. In his NFL career, Bryant has appeared in 44 games, recording 145 receptions for 2,183 yards and 17 touchdowns. If he can recapture some of his old form, he could provide a significant boost as a big-play receiver for new quarterback Jayden Daniels.

From RotoBaller

Martavis Bryant Aug 13 8:33am CT
Martavis Bryant

Free-agent WR Martavis Bryant (Cowboys) signed an undisclosed deal with the Washington Commanders Tuesday, Aug. 13.

From TheHuddle

Deon Cain Aug 13 8:23am CT
Deon Cain

Free-agent WR Deon Cain (Eagles) signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills Tuesday, Aug. 13. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

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Javonte Williams Aug 13 7:47am CT
Javonte Williams

Dynasty | Broncos running back Javonte Williams rushed 4 times for 15 yards and caught 1-of-2 targets for 5 yards in Denver's preseason opener. Dynasty Analysis: Even better, he looked like the clear starter and number one option for Denver. While Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime and possibly even Samaje Perine or Blake Watson nay be pushing him, it's evident Williams is in the lead and has a stranglehold on the position at the moment. Williams looks like a relatively cheap buy in dynasty leagues at the moment.

Robbie Chosen Aug 13 12:13am CT
Robbie Chosen

The San Francisco 49ers officially signed free-agent WR Robbie Chosen (Dolphins) to a one-year contract on Monday, Aug. 12.

From TheHuddle