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NFL owners vote to approve private equity investment

Wed Aug 28 8:56am ET
Field Level Media

The NFL is opening its doors to private equity funds.

At a meeting in Eagan, Minn., on Tuesday, NFL owners voted in favor of a resolution that allows funds to purchase up to 10 percent of a franchise.

The league met with several firms earlier this month as it explored whether to change its rule disallowing institutional money in team ownership. The NFL was the only major North American sports league that prohibited private equity ownership in a franchise before Tuesday's vote.

Private equity funds will only be able to achieve "passive ownership," which would not come with any decision-making power within a team's ownership suite or front office.

The league provisionally approved eight funds to buy a stake in a franchise. Sixth Street Partners, Ares Management and Arctos Partners are operating on their own. Another five funds make up a consortium interested in investing: Blackstone, the Carlyle Group, CVC Capital Partners, Dynasty Equity and Ludis.

New York Jets Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin founded Ludis, and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday that Martin took the initiative to form the consortium.

ESPN reported that the owners voted 31-1 in favor of the measure, with the Cincinnati Bengals the lone holdout.

"They spent a lot of time, a lot of work and I'm appreciative of the kinds of interest that we have from the financial community that spent the time they did putting this together," Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, per ESPN. "This is a win for the game."

An Ares Management spokesperson said in a statement, "Ares is honored to have been accepted by the NFL to be able to invest in its iconic football franchises. The NFL has long engendered deeply loyal fanbases, innovative approaches to media and some of the most viewed and highest valued sports franchises in the world. We are excited for the opportunity to support the continued growth of NFL teams through Ares' extensive investment experience and strong relationship networks in the sports, media and entertainment sector."

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Player Notes
Haason Reddick Aug 28 10:00am ET
Haason Reddick

New York Jets pass rusher Haason Reddick was dealt to the organization from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, but he made it clear he wanted a long-term deal, and the Jets have not signed him to one. This has led to Reddick requesting another trade, but the team is still holding out hope that he will play in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. "I'm assuming he's in phenomenal shape," head coach Robert Saleh said. "He's a veteran. He knows what he needs to get ready. He's had success in multiple buildings and multiple schemes with multiple coaching staffs, so he's going to know what he needs to do to be ready for Week 1." Reddick has sneakily been one of the most productive pass rushers in the NFL, ranking fourth in total sacks (50.5) since 2020 despite playing for three different teams during that stretch. The New York defense was already one of the best units in the NFL last season, so getting Reddick on the field could make the team even more dangerous in 2024. The Jets are looking to go all in for a Super Bowl, so they should be motivated to work something out for the two-time Pro Bowler.

From RotoBaller

Arden Key Aug 28 9:40am ET
Arden Key

Free-agent outside linebacker Tyus Bowser visited with the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday and is scheduled to meet with the Tennessee Titans next, according to Adam Caplan. Bowser was released by the Baltimore Ravens after missing the entire 2023 season due to a knee injury. The 2017 second-round pick out of Houston played in 89 games for the Ravens and tallied 152 tackles, 19.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, four interceptions, and 16 pass deflections. NFL squads can never have enough depth on the edge, and Tennessee has not been shy about bringing in pieces for its revamped defense. Tennessee's defensive additions include cornerbacks L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie, safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, and linebackers Kenneth Murray and Ernest Jones, among others. If Bowser signs with Tennessee, he could serve as the first edge rusher off the bench behind Harold Landry and Arden Key.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Aug 28 9:30am ET
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson signed with the organization on a three-year, $22.5 million deal this offseason following four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. The former fourth-round pick out of Stanford caught 57 passes for 618 yards and four touchdowns in his first 54 career games. With veteran Tyler Higbee (knee) still recovering from a torn ACL, Parkinson will serve as the team's TE1 in 11-personnel packages to begin the season, according to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic. While the 25-year-old is unlikely to see a healthy target share while competing with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp for targets, he could be a factor in the red zone early in the 2024 campaign. Fantasy managers shouldn't count on him as an every-week starter, but he could be in streaming contention in favorable matchups.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Aug 28 9:20am ET
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb ended his holdout on Monday after signing a four-year, $136 million contract extension, making him the second-highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. Lamb has been away from the team for most of the offseason and preseason, but he is not worried about returning to form quickly. When asked if he could play 60-plus snaps in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns, Lamb said, "Yes, bro. No question. I'll be ready." While there remains at least a small risk that Lamb could get out to a slow start, he has plenty of chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott, and he maintains his target hog role. The former first-round pick out of Oklahoma caught 135 passes (most) for 1,749 yards (2nd) and 12 touchdowns (3rd) last year and finished as the overall WR1. Dallas did not add any impact pass-catchers this offseason, and with Brandin Cooks getting a year older, Lamb should be set up to post monster numbers again in 2024.

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Ja'Marr Chase Aug 28 9:10am ET
Ja'Marr Chase

The Cincinnati Bengals and Ja'Marr Chase are still in contract negotiations, and if the two sides reach a new deal, it could make him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the contract talks are centered around reaching a deal that matches or surprises Chase's former college teammate, Justin Jefferson. The Vikings All-Pro signed a four-year, $140 million extension this offseason, so that's the ballpark Chase is reportedly looking to be in. The good news is head coach Zac Taylor said he feels confident that Chase will play in Week 1, so fantasy managers can continue to consider him in the top five of fantasy drafts in all scoring formats. Despite playing with an injured Joe Burrow or backup Jake Browning last year, Chase tallied 100 receptions for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns. If Burrow is at full health in 2024, the superstar wideout could be in contention to finish as the overall WR1.

From RotoBaller

Michael Carter Aug 27 11:53pm ET
Michael Carter

Dynasty | The Arizona Cardinals have cut running back Michael Carter. Dynasty Analysis: The fact Emari Demercado is on the initial 53 for Arizona is a bad sign for Carter's future for sure. It also means Trey Benson is the clear handcuff to James Conner moving into the season. Carter could land on his feet as a third down or change-of-pace back somewhere but he's way off the dynasty radar at this point.

C.J. Beathard Aug 27 11:53pm ET
C.J. Beathard

Dynasty | The Jaguars have waived quarterback CJ Beathard. Dynasty Analysis: Beathard gets an injury settlement and Jones gets to be Trevor Lawrence's backup. This was a close battle but a late preseason injury to Beathard pretty much sealed the deal. Jones will now look to continue his development behind Lawrence and hope for a shot as a starter again elsewhere. The former first rounder is a tough hold on a dynasty roster, however.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Aug 27 11:53pm ET
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Dynasty | The Commanders have released running back Chris Rodriguez. Dynasty Analysis: Rodriguez had some nice moments last year but was caught up in a numbers game after Washington traded for Austin Ekeler. With much of the "deep sleeper" bloom off the rose now with his release, it's going to be tough for dynasty managers to hold on to Rodriguez.

Robbie Chosen Aug 27 11:52pm ET
Robbie Chosen

Dynasty | The 49ers have released wide receiver Robbie Chosen. Dynasty Analysis: The Chosen one will not be suiting up for the 49ers after all. With Brandon Aiyuk likely staying (at least at the moment), San Francisco didn't have a need for the speedster. After spending time with the Panthers, Jets, Cardinals, Dolphins and now the 49ers, it's fair to wonder if this may be the last we see of him. He's not worth a dynasty roster spot, unless you're in a league that rewards for multiple in-season name changes.

AJ Dillon Aug 27 11:52pm ET
AJ Dillon

Dynasty | Packers running back AJ Dillon has been placed on season-ending IR. Dynasty Analysis: Wow. The Packers brought him back this year to back up Josh Jacobs and it seems he's not going to be recovered enough from last year's neck injury to do that. MarShawn Lloyd may have the inside track to back him up but Jacobs is in line for a monster workload. As for Dillon, this is going to be a tough time to justify keeping him on a dynasty roster.

Deon Bush Aug 27 11:23pm ET
Deon Bush

Kansas City Chiefs RB Emani Bailey, LB Swayze Bozeman, TE Baylor Cupp, DT Neil Farrell, OT Chukwuebuka Godrick, CB Kamal Hadden, RB Keaontay Ingram, LB Curtis Jacobs, DE Truman Jones, DT Fabien Lovett Sr., CB D.J. Miller, OT Lucas Niang, QB Chris Oladokun, WR Cornell Powell, RB Louis Rees-Zammit, WR Nikko Remigio, WR Justyn Ross, CB Keith Taylor and WR Montrell Washington were waived on Tuesday, Aug. 27. The Chiefs also waived S Tyree Gillespie (undisclosed) with an injury designation and released S Deon Bush, LB Cole Christiansen and DT Matt Dickerson.

From TheHuddle

Mike White Aug 27 11:03pm ET
Mike White

Free-agent QB Mike White (Dolphins) is expected to sign with the Buffalo Bills' practice squad, according to sources.

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Jaleel McLaughlin Aug 27 10:13pm ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Dynasty | The Denver Broncos have released running back Samaje Perine. Dynasty Analysis: This comes as no surprise as reports circulated yesterday indicating Perine was on the trade block. It's also notable the Broncos kept four running backs - Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, and Blake Watson. Perine himself should have little problem landing a backup job but he's a hard sell as a dynasty asset.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Tim Patrick Aug 27 10:13pm ET
Tim Patrick

Dynasty | The Broncos have released Tim Patrick and he's subsequently signing with the Detroit. Dynasty Analysis: Patrick expects to be on the practice squad in the short term but the expectation is he's signed to the active roster shortly. It's a decent landing spot for him, though it's tough to see him carving out real value in the short term. His injury history is troublesome and he's looking like more of a roster clogger than anything else at the moment.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Robert Tonyan Aug 27 10:13pm ET
Robert Tonyan

Dynasty | The Minnesota Vikings have released tight end Robert Tonyan. Dynasty Analysis: This is a bad sign for Tonyan's career considering TJ Hockenson is still out with an injury. Tonyan had a great stretch with the Packers early in his career but he just hasn't been able to rekindle that magic over the past few years. He looks like dynasty waiver wire fodder at the moment.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Elijah Mitchell Aug 27 10:13pm ET
Elijah Mitchell

Dynasty | The 49ers have placed running back Elijah Mitchell on season-ending IR. Dynasty Analysis: This is significant for a couple of reasons. First, Mitchell is clearly not worth a dynasty roster spot at this point. Second, Jordan Mason clearly is. While Christian McCaffrey is going to get virtually every touch for the 49ers, Mason would be a huge difference maker should he miss time. Hmm. Interesting.

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Kyle Phillips Aug 27 10:13pm ET
Kyle Phillips

Dynasty | The Tennessee Titans have released wide receiver Kyle Phillips. Dynasty Analysis: Philips has just not panned out for the Titans, despite having multiple opportunities. He battled a hamstring injury and could wind up on another team but his dynasty shine is clearly dimming and it's hard to make a case for keeping him on a dynasty roster.

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Dalvin Cook Aug 27 10:13pm ET
Dalvin Cook

Dynasty | The Dallas Cowboys have cut running back Royce Freeman. Dynasty Analysis: Freeman looked to have an inside track at a job but ended up being cut along with Malik Davis in favor of both Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn. With Dalvin Cook also a possibility of being signed after his visit this week, this depth chart looks like a bit of a mess. Freeman is starting to run out of chances, despite performing relatively well when he's had chances.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Mike White Aug 27 10:00pm ET
Mike White

Free-agent quarterback Mike White is signing with the Buffalo Bills' practice squad, per Adam Schefter. White has also been a member of the Jets and most recently, the Dolphins, where he's played 14 regular season games, throwing for 2,219 yards, nine touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. This will be White's third AFC East team in as many seasons, but as far as a fantasy asset in 2024, White shouldn't be drafted in any format. As a member of the practice squad, White would have to be activated ahead of time if he were to get any action on the field in the event of a Josh Allen and Mitch Trubisky injury. If White does get the opportunity to start, he has looked the part in his limited time on the field.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Miller Aug 27 9:53pm ET
Anthony Miller

Baltimore Ravens OT Corey Bullock, RB Chris Collier, CB Bump Cooper Jr., WR Malik Cunningham, OG Darrian Dalcourt, LB Joe Evans, TE Qadir Ismail, QB Devin Leary, OG Tashawn Manning, OT Julian Pearl, DE C.J. Ravenell, LB Yvandy Rigby, LB Joshua Ross, WR Dayton Wade, CB Damarion Williams, NT Deadrin Senat and DT Josh Tupou were waived Tuesday, Aug. 27. The team also placed RB Keaton Mitchell (knee) on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list and released CB Ka'dar Hollman, RB John Kelly, WR Keith Kirkwood, WR Anthony Miller and CB Daryl Worley. LB Deion Jennings (undisclosed), CB Christian Matthew (undisclosed), CB Arthur Maulet (knee), CB Trayvon Mullen (undisclosed), WR Isaiah Washington (undisclosed) and RB Owen Wright (foot) were placed on the Reserve/Injured list but only Maulet was designated to return later in the season.

From TheHuddle