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Howdy Reader,​
Welcome in,
I hope your weekend’s rolling along just right.
Whether you’re poolside, catching a break between errands, or sneaking this in before your Sunday fantasy group chat gets rowdy again, we’re glad you’re here.
Bob Harris is back with another edition of The Fantasy Notebook. It's one of the best ways to stay sharp while the rest of your league dozes through July. If you want to be the most informed manager in your league, start here.
And of course, Cecil Lammey has the News and Notes you need to stay on top of everything that matters.
Let’s get to it.
J
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What's New At Footballguys
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Barkley's Workload, Hurts' Ceiling, and Even More Gibbs? The Fantasy Notebook
By Bob Harris - Exclusive to Footballguys
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Unexpected Developments
Remember two weeks ago when I suggested in this space that any developments before the start of training camps wouldn't be in anybody's best interests?
Well . . .
Chiefs star wide receiver Rashee Rice was sentenced to 30 days of jail time and five years' probation Thursday for his role in a multicar crash last year. The NFL can now expedite its disciplinary process for Rice, who is likely to receive a multi-game suspension at some point during the 2025 season.
Also on Thursday, Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison pleaded no contest to a lesser charge to resolve a 2024 DUI citation. The plea agreement, however, still leaves him subject to NFL discipline.
"We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter, which remains under review," the NFL said in statements on both players Thursday.
You can learn more about both situations in our Fantasy Fallout: Suspensions Loom for Rice and Addison article.
Meanwhile, Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, a second-round pick in April, was arrested and charged with battery and domestic violence in Florida last Saturday. Judkins allegedly struck a woman in the mouth with a "closed fist" during a physical altercation earlier this month.
Read more about Judkins in The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly section below.
Commanders wideout Terry McLaurin voiced displeasure and frustration with his contract negotiations -- or more accurately, the lack thereof -- while 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings asked for a new deal or a trade.
It's not yet clear if McLaurin will report to training camp with teammates this coming Tuesday. Jennings was slated to report to camp with the Niners, a good thing with fellow receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall opening camp on the PUP list . . .
The News Wasn't All Bad
The Jets signed receiver Garrett Wilson to a four-year, $130 million extension and gave cornerback Sauce Gardner a four-year, $120.4 million deal this week. Gardner and Wilson became the first two former first-round picks under the NFL's current financial system, which went into effect in 2011, to receive extensions in their first year of eligibility (after three years).
Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt landed a record-setting three-year, $123 million deal, while the Chiefs signed guard Trey Smith to a record $94 million contract.
Oh, and in Los Angeles, Chargers running back Najee Harris, who injured an eye in a Fourth of July fireworks incident, opened camp on the non-football injury list (he can come off that list at any time). Veteran wideout Mike Williams, who returned to the team as a free agent this offseason, announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday.
And yes. The Chargers have already opened training camp. Their opponent in this year's Hall of Fame Game (which is just 11 days away), the Lions, open camp today.
That's right. Football draws nigh. Life is good . . .
CONTINUED...
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Washington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin said that no contract extension talks have taken place over the last month. He is entering the final season of a three-year, $68 million extension that was signed in 2022 and has expressed frustration over the situation, although he does not want to be traded.
Our view: The Commanders begin their training camp on July 22, and McLaurin has expressed his frustration recently to reporters. We'll see if he decides to hold out or hold in when camp begins. At this time, it doesn't seem like anything is going to happen but stuff is about to get real in a few days. We firmly believe that deals get done at deadlines, and there's another one coming up.
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New England Patriots second-round draft choice RB TreVeyon Henderson agreed to terms on a four-year contract with the Patriots Friday, July 18, according to a source. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal is fully guaranteed.
Our view: Henderson is a tremendous talent, both as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. He's a big-play specialist, with 22.1 percent of his carries going for 10 yards or more for Ohio State in 2024. As a rookie, Henderson will be working in tandem with Rhamondre Stevenson in the Patriots backfield. Henderson has a current ADP of RB23 and Stevenson has a current ADP of RB39.
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3. CIN: No progress between CIN, Shemar Stewart
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Kelsey Conway
Cincinnati Bengals first-round draft choice DE Shemar Stewart did not make any progress in contract talks with the Bengals this week and will not report for training camp with the other rookies, according to a source.
Our view: This is an ugly situation with no end in sight. Stewart is unhappy with the language in his contract, so a lengthy holdout is expected.
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4. LAR: Terrance Ferguson agrees to terms
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
The Los Angeles Rams agreed to terms with second-round draft pick TE Terrance Ferguson on a four-year deal Saturday, July 19. The contract is worth $9,713,466, including $8,046,753 of guaranteed money.
Our view: Ferguson can be a weapon in the pros eventually. With most tight ends, it takes time to get up to speed so Ferguson is a dynasty target we love acquiring. This year, Ferguson gets to learn behind Tyler Higbee. With Higbee in the final year of his contract, Ferguson could be in line to take over in 2026 as the lead tight end for the Rams.
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5. GB: Savion Williams ready to practice
Source: PackersWire - Zach Kruse
Green Bay Packers WR Savion Williams (shoulder) has been cleared for training camp after recovering from offseason surgery, according to SI.com's Bill Huber.
Our view: We love Williams in dynasty formats because of his size/athleticism combination. He's a freakish athlete who can easily out-muscle smaller defenders for the ball. Williams is not a refined route-runner, and he'll have to earn playing time in a jam-packed room with the Packers.
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6. CLE: Dillon Gabriel earned extra reps
Source: NFL Network - Judy Battista
Cleveland Browns QB Dillon Gabriel saw more work than expected during spring practices because of his ability to process plays quickly.
Our view: Gabriel is a smart player who is clearly a developmental prospect. He should work as a third-string (or so) quarterback this year learning behind Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. Fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders is talented as a passer, but he's likely behind Gabriel in the pecking order.
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7. WAS: Noah Brown working out
Source: Commanders Wire - Bryan Manning
Washington Commanders WR Noah Brown (undisclosed) has been working out leading up to training camp. He was carted off the field during offseason workouts because of an undisclosed injury.
Our view: Good news for Brown here. Brown is a veteran with plenty of speed to take the top off the defense. He's working to earn the no.3 position on the Commanders' depth chart behind Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel. We'll see what he can do to earn that spot in training camp and the preseason.
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8. CIN: Demetrius Knight Jr. agrees to terms
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
The Cincinnati Bengals agreed to terms with second-round draft pick LB Demetrius Knight Jr. on a four-year contract Saturday, July 19, according to multiple sources. Although financial terms were not disclosed, nearly 80 percent of his deal will be fully guaranteed at signing.
Our view: Knight is the type of player that can seek-and-destroy a play. He's capable of being a 'green dot' guy in the NFL, and Knight's a natural leader on the field. He needs to work on his coverage, though, or else teams will pick on him one-on-one.
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9. DET: Toa Taua tries out
Source: ESPN.com - Eric Woodyard
Free-agent RB Toa Taua (UFL) tried out for the Detroit Lions Friday, July 18, but was not signed.
Our view: The Lions are just updating their emergency list here. They have a stacked room at the position, and don't get us started about how much we appreciate Sione Vaki in deep dynasty. Taua has worked out for the Eagles before, but he'll continue to work and try to get into the NFL on more than a tryout basis.
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That’ll do it for today, Folks.
Thanks for being here, and thanks for making Footballguys part of your day and part of your fantasy football journey. Whether you’ve been riding with us for 25 years or you just joined this week, we’re glad you’re in our huddle.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and we’ll see you tomorrow with the next update.
Peace, Love, and Fantasy Football,
J
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Written By Joe Bryant. News by Sigmund Bloom, Bob Harris, and Cecil Lammey
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