DLF’s Weekly Impact Events

Karl Safchick

bridgewater

Many of you have grown to love Ryan McDowell’s version of DLF’s Weekly Impact Events and with good reason. With Ryan being involved in infinite projects for DLF, he has passed the proverbial torch onto yours truly. I will do my best to bring you the news of the dynasty world each week. The format of the articles will largely stay the same, but I will be adding some IDP news to the series.

With the NFL Draft being just under a week away, the rumors are becoming abundant. There are tens of teams projected to select each prospect. There are plenty of other news stories that have occurred this week as well. Without further adieu, let’s get going on my first edition of DLF’s Weekly Impact Events!

Jadeveon Clowney, DE FA

Earlier this week, Ed Werder reported that many teams “expect the Houston Texans to trade down” and that the Atlanta Falcons are their “most likely trade partner.” Potential dynasty owners of Clowney would love this. If Clowney lands with the Texans, he would presumably make the transition to outside linebacker in Romeo Crennel’s 3-4 scheme. If that were the case, his dynasty draft stock would plummet since most of his value comes from him being a defensive end. Most other teams rumored to be interested in Clowney are 4-3 base teams.

Cam Newton, QB CAR

The Carolina Panthers have exercised the fifth year option on Newton. There’s no surprise here since Newton is a franchise level quarterback. The Panthers have no intentions of letting him see free agency anytime soon.

Navarro Bowman, LB SF

The General Manager for the San Francisco 49ers, Trent Baalke, announced earlier this week that he expects Bowman to open the season on the PUP list. Bowman is only a couple months into his rehab on his knee and will likely need more time to get into midseason form. If Bowman is placed on the PUP list, he will not be eligible to play until week six.

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Rueben Randle, WR NYG

The “hype train” seems to be in full effect in the dynasty community regarding Randle, but this week the General Manager of the New York Giants, Jerry Reese, gave dynasty owners a reason to “pump their brakes.” “The Jury is still out on (Randle)” Reese said. He also indicated the Giants could target receiver in the draft. Seemingly piling on, Victor Cruz stated he’d love to see the Giants target someone like Mike Evans. If you’re a believer in Randle, you can take this as “coach speak.” If you were already cautious of Randle, you have more reason to be a non-believer.

Adrian Clayborn, DE TB

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have declined to exercise the fifth year option on Clayborn. Next offseason, Clayborn will become a free agent, making this a contract year. With Leslie Frazier in town, there are questions about whether or not Clayborn is a “scheme fit.”

C.J. Spiller, RB BUF

According to the Buffalo Bills official website, the team will consider signing CJ Spiller to a long term extension. Spiller is signed through 2015, but can opt out of his contract after the 2014 season. With father time calling for Fred Jackson, Spiller could finally see a feature back role with the team. While dynasty owners have hoped to hear this news for years, the Bills may finally be showing their franchise back that they see him as more than a back by committee.

Denarius Moore, WR OAK

ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez says the Oakland Raiders could pursue a trade partner in which they would be parting ways with Moore. The Raiders signed James Jones this off-season and have been rumored to be interested in Sammy Watkins. Dynasty owners have been perplexed on what exactly to think of Moore for years. While he is the definition of inconsistency, he has shown flashes of high caliber ability. Moore is worth a back end roster spot, especially if he gets traded to a team in which he will see opportunity. The 49ers have an abundance of late round draft picks and a need at the position.

Mark Ingram, RB NO

It is no surprise the New Orleans Saints did not pick up the 2015 option on Ingrams contract. With the diminishing market for running backs, and Ingram’s lack of production, there was no way the Saints were going to pay him over $5 million to stay on the team. This could mean a few different things for your dynasty team. If you’re a Khiry Robinson owner, he could see more playing time in two years. If you’re still an Ingram apologist, he may finally see an opportunity with a running back needy team in 2015.

Earl Thomas, S SEA

Dynasty owners and Seattle Seahawks fans alike were ecstatic this week when the team and Thomas agreed on a four year, $40 million extension. Thomas is one of the best safties in the game today. Not only does he make an impact on the field, but he is a great IDP option.

Robert Quinn, DE STL

Earlier this week, the St Louis Rams exercised the fifth year option on Quinn’s contract. He will wreck havoc on players like Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson for the foreseeable future. In IDP leagues, Quinn is considered by most to be the premier player at the position outside of JJ Watt. The Rams likely have no interest in letting Quinn see free agency in the coming years.

Robert Griffin III, QB WAS

Washington Redskins Head Coach Jay Gruden says the team will have fewer designed runs for Griffin than in years past. The coach says they will “sprinkle in” some runs for Griffin, but the team’s focus is to get the ball downfield and to keep their quarterback healthy. Fewer runs for Griffin means a lower ceiling for points on your fantasy team. As a dynasty owner, though, long term health is paramount for value on quarterbacks.

Geno Smith, QB NYJ

Smith will open mini camps as the starter for the Jets. Marty Mornhinweg, the Jets Offensive Coordinator, said this week, “one thing I want to make sure of is nothing impedes (Smith’s) progression.” This is welcome news for Smith’s dynasty owners and could be bad news for people holding out hope for Michael Vick.

Julio Jones, WR ATL

The Atlanta Falcons have exercised the fifth year option on Jones’ contract. This comes as no surprise as Jones is one of the premiere playmakers in the game when healthy. He is being considered 100% healthy going into training camp this summer.

Justin Hunter, WR TEN

Hunter has gained some weight this off-season. This is more welcome news as much of Hunter’s inability to be physical came from his small frame. Hunter is primed for a surprising 2014 campaign and is a favorite of many DLF writers.

Jake Locker, QB TEN

Staying in Tennessee, the Titans have declined to exercise the fifth year option on Locker. It’s no surprise the team did not want to pay Locker first round, fifth-year quarterback money. Next season will be a contract year for Locker and he will have to show something if he intends to compete for a starting gig anywhere in the NFL in 2015.

Teddy Bridgewater, QB FA

Earlier this week, Adam Schefter reported that the Minnesota Vikings have shown interest in Bridgewater, though they “likely would not select him with the 8th pick.” Presumably if the Vikings were interested enough, they would pull a similar move that they did last year to select Cordarrelle Patterson. The Vikings would be a great fit for a rookie quarterback since they have one of the best running backs in the game, a serviceable offensive line and a receiving corps that includes Greg Jennings and Patterson.

Once again, I’d like to thank Ryan McDowell, Ken Kelly and the staff at DLF for presenting me with an opportunity to give you guys the best possible dynasty related news in the industry. Check in every Friday morning for the news that affects your team.

Follow me on Twitter: @KarlSafchick