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Deebo Samuel gets $17M guaranteed in reworked deal

Wed Mar 19 4:42pm ET
Field Level Media

The Washington Commanders and newly acquired Deebo Samuel agreed on a one-year renegotiated deal that guarantees the wide receiver $17 million, ESPN reported Wednesday.

The Commanders also added another $3 million in incentives, per the report.

The Commanders acquired Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers earlier this month in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. The trade became official on March 12, the start of the new league year.

Samuel, 29, had been set to make a base salary of $16.6 million in 2025 with no money guaranteed prior to the reworked deal, per the report.

Samuel dealt with rib and calf injuries in 2024 but played in 15 games, all starts. He tallied 51 catches for 670 yards, added 42 carries for 136 yards and scored four touchdowns.

He had 334 receptions for 4,792 yards and 1,143 rushing yards with 42 touchdowns in 81 career games (73 starts) with the 49ers, who selected him in the second round of the 2019 draft. He earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro first-team honors in 2021.

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Player Notes
Deebo Samuel Mar 19 4:13pm CT
Deebo Samuel

Dynasty | The Washington Commanders have guaranteed $17 million in Deebo Samuel's contract instead of having that money come as roster bonuses. Dynasty Analysis: Well, that was nice of them. Samuel won't make any more money with the deal, but having that all guaranteed, well, guarantees he'll get all of it in the end, regardless of injury or illness. The Commanders are simply taking care of their newest asset and making him feel right at home. Samuel's production is going to be interesting to watch this year as Terry McLaurin is surely still going to be Washington's WR1. His dynasty value is pretty static at the moment as he looks like a decent WR2 going into next season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Deebo Samuel Mar 19 3:20pm CT
Deebo Samuel

The Washington Commanders reworked new wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.'s deal on Wednesday and are guaranteeing $17 million of his previously non-guaranteed salary for the 2025 season while also adding another $3 million worth of incentives, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. Samuel will now play his first season in D.C. on a one-year deal worth up to $20 million, including the $17 million guaranteed. The 29-year-old is set to serve as Washington's No. 2 receiver this year behind Terry McLaurin as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing final year in San Francisco in which he had a 51-670-3 line on 81 targets over 15 starts. Samuel, who was an All-Pro in 2021, will be a multi-faceted weapon for an offense led by impressive second-year QB Jayden Daniels. He could bounce back as a strong WR2 in fantasy, but durability is a concern despite him being on the right side of 30.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Mar 19 3:20pm CT
C.J. Stroud

The Houston Texans signed free-agent left tackle Cam Robinson to an undisclosed deal on Wednesday, a source tells ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime. Robinson, who was a former second-round pick (34th overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017 out of the University of Alabama, was acquired from the Jaguars by the Minnesota Vikings last year but struggled in his 10 games in the NFC North. The 29-year-old will now head to the AFC South to help protect quarterback C.J. Stroud's blind side after the Texans surprisingly traded left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders this offseason. Robinson will be part of Houston's overhaul on the offensive line, and they will be hoping that he will fare better as a pass protector with a full offseason to learn the system. Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Robinson's deal is for one year and is worth $14.5 million.

From RotoBaller

Jack Gibbens Mar 19 2:30pm CT
Jack Gibbens

The New England Patriots are signing linebacker Jack Gibbens to a one-year deal, according to ESPN Patriots reporter Mike Reiss. Gibbens signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2022 after being undrafted out of Minnesota and has totaled 167 tackles (93 solo), 1.5 sacks, one interception, four pass deflections, and 6.5 run stuffs in 29 career games. Gibbens is set to work with new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, whom he was coached by in 2022 and 2023 with Tennessee. Gibbens will likely serve as a core special teamer and a rotational piece at inside linebacker in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Julius Chestnut Mar 19 2:20pm CT
Julius Chestnut

The Tennessee Titans are re-signing running back Julius Chestnut to a one-year contract, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. Chestnut signed with Tennessee after going undrafted in 2022 out of Sacred Heart University, and he has contributed on special teams and offense over the last three seasons. Overall, the 24-year-old has logged 31 rushes for 102 yards, five receptions for 52 yards, four tackles, and one fumble recovery in 23 career games. While Chestnut is unlikely to be fantasy-relevant in 2025, the run of unfortunate injury luck for backup running back Tyjae Spears keeps him on the fantasy football radar in the deepest of fantasy football leagues. That said, if the Titans select a running back in the 2025 NFL Draft at any point, Chestnut could be a cut candidate after training camp.

From RotoBaller

Justin Simmons Mar 19 2:10pm CT
Justin Simmons

The Atlanta Falcons are signing former Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams safety Jordan Fuller, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The 2020 sixth-round pick out of Ohio State spent the first five seasons of his career with Los Angeles before a one-year stint in Carolina. Overall, the 27-year-old has piled up 333 tackles (203 solo), five forced fumbles, seven interceptions, and 18 pass deflections in 57 career games. Fuller is poised to start opposite All-Pro safety Jessie Bates III, and it appears the team will not be bringing back Justin Simmons for the 2025 campaign.

From RotoBaller

Ahkello Witherspoon Mar 19 2:00pm CT
Ahkello Witherspoon

The Los Angeles Rams re-signed veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon to a one-year contract on Wednesday, the team announced on X. The 2017 third-round pick out of Colorado has appeared in 30 games for Los Angeles over the last two seasons following two years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and four years with the San Francisco 49ers. Overall, Witherspoon has collected 235 tackles (198 solo), 12 interceptions, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and 58 pass deflections in 90 career games. The 29-year-old will continue to be a veteran contributor on a young Los Angeles defense in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Milroe Mar 19 1:50pm CT
Jalen Milroe

Former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe was clocked under a 4.5 second 40-yard dash time by multiple scouts at the university's Pro Day, according to NFL insider Albert Breer. One scout clocked Milroe at a 4.45, while another reported a 4.44. The 22-year-old is a polarizing quarterback prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft after two seasons as Alabama's starter. Milroe racked up 726 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns in 2024, but he threw for just 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The Texas native is likely to be a Day 2 or Day 3 pick, meaning it would be a surprise if he starts early in his rookie campaign. However, his speed and rushing upside would put him on the fantasy football radar if he does see playing time. Even if he's not a great passer, he can rack up fantasy points on the ground, similar to Justin Fields at the end of his Chicago Bears career.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Mar 19 1:50pm CT
Will Levis

According to Terry McCormick of Titaninsider.com, the Tennessee Titans are not actively or currently shopping quarterback Will Levis. However, he said the team could strike a deal on draft night to ship the 2023 second-round pick. There were reports on Tuesday that teams have called regarding Levis' availability, but the Titans are keeping all options open, and a trade is not inevitable. In 21 games with Tennessee, the Kentucky product has thrown for 3,899 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. While all signs point toward the Titans selecting Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the organization could opt to keep Levis as a backup or trade him down the line when Ward potentially officially becomes the selection at the top of April's draft.

From RotoBaller

Carson Wentz Mar 19 1:40pm CT
Carson Wentz

Veteran free-agent quarterback Carson Wentz and the Cleveland Browns have a mutual interest in bringing him in as their bridge quarterback, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Wentz spent the last two seasons as a backup for the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams following seven years as a primary starter with the Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, and Washington Commanders. Overall, the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of North Dakota State has thrown for 22,410 yards, 153 touchdowns, and 67 interceptions in 98 career games. While Wentz is unlikely to emerge as a legitimate NFL starter again, he could provide average quarterback play for Cleveland in 2025 as they search for a new franchise QB following Deshaun Watson's disastrous tenure with the organization. According to Cabot, Wentz could be the backup plan if the Browns do not sign Russell Wilson.

From RotoBaller

Cam Ward Mar 19 12:40pm CT
Cam Ward

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said on the Dan Patrick Show that from what he's gathered, the Tennessee Titans seem pretty comfortable holding onto the top overall pick in this year's draft to select University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward, who is the consensus top QB in what is considered a weak overall draft class. The Titans have already met with Ward and have come away impressed, and a report surfaced on Tuesday night that they might also be willing to trade Will Levis this offseason. Basically, there is momentum for the Titans to keep the No. 1 overall pick, which could complicate matters for the New York Giants, one of the few remaining teams without a plan at the most important position in football. Even if the Titans hang onto Levis going into training camp, if they take Ward first overall, he will be the likely starter come Week 1 in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Rondale Moore Mar 19 12:30pm CT
Rondale Moore

Free-agent wide receiver Rondale Moore (knee) is visiting with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday as he continues to make the rounds, a source told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Moore, a former second-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals, has already met with the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets as he resets following a season-ending knee injury that he suffered last summer with the Atlanta Falcons. The 24-year-old is taking his time and making sure his next team is the right fit. There is plenty of opportunity in Tennessee behind No. 1 wideout Calvin Ridley, even after the free-agent signing of Van Jefferson. The question is who will be throwing the passes for the Titans in 2025? Tennessee would surely be an intriguing destination for Moore in terms of opportunity, but he never had over 435 yards or one touchdown in any of his three years in Arizona, and there's also the question of how effective he'll be coming off a major knee injury.

From RotoBaller

Mason Rudolph Mar 19 12:20pm CT
Mason Rudolph

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to weigh all their options at the quarterback position for the 2025 season, including rolling with Mason Rudolph as their starter under center after bringing him back to the organization this offseason. Rudolph was drafted by the Steelers in the third round in 2018 out of Oklahoma State, is familiar with the organization and has good chemistry with receiver George Pickens. However, the 29-year-old is essentially game manager at the position and wouldn't give the offense as much upside as Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer. The Steelers are willing to wait on a decision from Rodgers and have prioritized the 41-year-old over re-signing Russell Wilson. Even if Pittsburgh lands Rodgers, it's not out of the question that they take a rookie signal-caller like Alabama's Jalen Milroe in the upcoming draft.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Mar 19 12:10pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings have rejected multiple trade calls on quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) and are telling other teams that they are moving forward with him as their quarterback, sources tell NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The Vikings plan to add a veteran as insurance for McCarthy, but Pelissero reports that they aren't currently pursuing free-agent QB Aaron Rodgers. Barring something unforeseen, McCarthy is Minnesota's QB1 this offseason. The 22-year-old first-round pick last year out of Michigan tore the meniscus in his knee after an impressive preseason performance and missed his entire rookie season. Despite that and Sam Darnold having a career year in 2024, the Vikes let Darnold walk in free agency, doubling down on McCarthy. They're showing even more faith in him by passing on Rodgers, but that could change if McCarthy struggles during offseason workouts.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Mar 19 12:10pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Minnesota Vikings are not pursuing free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers at this time and remain fully committed to J.J. McCarthy (knee). The Athletic's Dianna Russini says that the Vikings have strongly considered and will continue to monitor Rodgers as an option, but they aren't ready to commit at this point in the offseason, according to sources. They understand it could lead to Rodgers signing elsewhere or retiring. It sounds like the Vikings want to see how much McCarthy has progressed during offseason workouts before deciding how desperate they are to add a veteran QB option like Rodgers, who brings with him plenty of drama. McCarthy was taken in the first round in 2024 but missed his entire rookie campaign due to a torn meniscus. The ball is now in Rodgers' court. Does he want to wait out the Vikings, sign with the Steelers or Giants, or retire?

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Mar 19 11:13am CT
Aaron Rodgers

Dynasty | The Vikings are reportedly planning to start quarterback JJ McCarthy this season. Dynasty Analysis: In other words, they're moving on from the idea of signing Aaron Rodgers. It was always a bit of a long shot (and a curious move) for the Vikings to consider bringing on A-Rod since they invested a first round pick on McCarthy just last season. In the end, the cons looked to have outweighed the pros and Minnesota is clearly of the mindset McCarthy will be ready to start in week one. While nothing is truly official until Rodgers signs elsewhere, it really does look like McCarthy's value is trending up.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Pat O'Connor Mar 19 9:44am CT
Pat O'Connor

The Detroit Lions announced on Tuesday that they re-signed defensive lineman Pat O'Connor to an undisclosed deal. O'Connor will return to Detroit in 2025 for a second straight season. The 31-year-old veteran was originally drafted by Detroit in the seventh round (250th overall) in 2017 out of Eastern Michigan, but he debuted that same year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and stuck in Florida until rejoining the Lions organization last year. He had a career-high 18 tackles (five solo) and one sack in 12 regular-season games last year and will return as defensive-end depth for Detroit behind All-Pro Aidan Hutchinson (leg) and Josh Paschal. In O'Connor's seven years in the NFL, he has only compiled 42 tackles (19 solo), 2.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss and six QB hits in 80 games (no starts).

Kirk Cousins Mar 18 11:03pm CT
Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins has been the subject of multiple calls from or internal discussions by other teams in recent days, according to The Exhibit's Josina Anderson, who noted that her source said a team may be willing to offer a third-round pick to acquire Cousins.

Fantasy Spin: The likelihood is that at least two of the teams are the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns. As luck would have it, New York and Cleveland each have an extra third-round pick in next month's draft. Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen are desperate to land a quarterback as they try to save their jobs, while the Browns could be a wonderful landing spot for Cousins if they can fix the offensive line issues that plagued them in 2024. The 36-year-old probably won't push for low-end fantasy QB1 production in either spot, but the Browns may have enough in place to give him a shot at being a strong QB2.

From TheHuddle

Jalen Milroe Mar 18 10:30pm CT
Jalen Milroe

Former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe had dinner on Tuesday night in Tuscaloosa with Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, general manager Omar Khan and quarterbacks coach Tom Arth before his school's pro day, a source tells NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The Steelers failed to re-sign Justin Fields in free agency and have yet to re-sign free-agent QB Russell Wilson as they explore all options at the most important position in football. They did reunite with Mason Rudolph, but the Steelers are fully expected to add either Wilson or Aaron Rodgers while also potentially selecting a young signal-caller in the upcoming draft like Milroe. Pittsburgh owns the No. 21 overall pick in the first round, which could be right around the wheelhouse of where teams will be looking to take Milroe.

From RotoBaller

Kearis Jackson Mar 18 10:20pm CT
Kearis Jackson

The Houston Texans released cornerback Anthony Averett and waived safety Brandon Hill (leg) and wide receiver Kearis Jackson on Tuesday, according to KPRC's Aaron Wilson. Hill was waived with a failed-physical designation after he missed all of the 2024 season due to a right-leg injury. Averett, 30, hasn't appeared in an NFL game since 2022 with the Las Vegas Raiders. He latched on with the Texans' practice squad before the postseason but is now back on the open market. Averett had 13 tackles (12 solo) in seven games with the Raiders in 2022. Hill, 24, will need to prove his healthy before another team takes a chance on him. He has only played in two career games (in 2023 with Houston) and has zero tackles. Jackson, 25, spent most of last season on the New York Giants' practice squad. In the only two games of his career (in 2023 with the Titans), he returned six punts for 48 yards.

From RotoBaller