Dynasty Fantasy Football Player News
Trevor Lawrence signs extension
FollowThe Jaguars have signed quarterback Trevor Lawrence to a contract extension.
Dynasty Analysis
Lawrence and the Jags agree to a five-year, $275 million contract extension with a reported $200 million guaranteed, including $142 million up front. Lawrence also received a $37.5 million signing bonus. It's a massive contract for a quarterback billed as the "next great thing" but realistically performing as "the next good thing." Lawrence is currently ranked as our QB9 and that seems about right for a player who has yet to really show he's truly an elite fantasy option.
(Source: ESPN)Sam Darnold the QB1
FollowThe Vikings currently have Sam Darnold as their QB1.
Dynasty Analysis
Noted. It seems Minnesota will attempt to create a competition between Darnold and rookie JJ McCarthy, a competition McCarthy will almost assuredly win. Darnold looked like he had a chance for another legitimate shot at starting but the drafting of McCarthy has thrown a big bucket of cold water on that sentiment. It's hard to see him holding this spot for long in training camp. Darnold is roster worthy in 2QB leagues but a tough hold in 1QB formats.
(Source: ESPN)Sterling Shepard resurfaces with Tampa Bay
FollowThe Tampa Bay Bucs have signed wide receiver Sterling Shepard.
Dynasty Analysis
It's a feel-good story for Shepard but hardly a needle mover in dynasty leagues. Shepard could prove serviceable down the line should he make the team but that's no guarantee. Injuries have really affected his play over the past few years and he's not nearly the player he once was. Dynasty managers should simply keep him on their watch lists at the moment as he isn't roster worthy, despite finding a new home.
(Source: ESPN)Aaron Jones to split time?
FollowEarly reports are indicating the Vikings are planning on using both Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler extensively this season.
Dynasty Analysis
Well, this isn't fun. Off-season reports don't mean much but dynasty managers who are leaning on Jones to be a featured option for the Vikings next season may be disappointed. It shouldn't be a shock as Chandler has looked good in spurts. Jones is also on a short-term deal and largely disappointed last season despite a monster playoff game against Dallas. Chandler may end up being a bargain this off-season.
(Source: The Athletic)Treylon Burks a special teamer?
FollowThe Tians are reportedly working Treylon Burks out on special teams.
Dynasty Analysis
In other words, Burks needs a trade. After adding Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd in free agency, the writing seems to be on the proverbial all for Burks, who simply hasn't shown much after being taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. To make matters worse, the player the Titans traded for the pick (AJ Brown) seems to be doing just fine in Philadelphia. Regardless, Burks' dynasty value is at an all-time low and he may even be a drop candidate should he remain in Tennessee.
(Source: NFL.com)Christian McCaffrey signs extension
FollowThe 49ers have signed running back Christian McCaffrey to an extension.
Dynasty Analysis
McCaffrey resets the running back market by getting a two-year deal for $38 million with $24 million guaranteed. It's easy money for McCaffrey, who is still the best running back in reality and fantasy. This deal likely keeps him with the 49ers through the duration of his effectiveness. The only concern with McCaffrey is his age as he's now 27 years old. While he hasn't shown many signs of decline, dynasty managers need to be a little cautious in building around him at this point. Regardless, he remains the best bet in fantasy football for contending teams on a week-to-week basis.
(Source: CBS Sports)Logan Thomas signs with San Francisco
FollowThe 49ers have signed free agent tight end Logan Thomas.
Dynasty Analysis
The one-year deal will give San Francisco some solid depth at the position and some insurance behind George Kittle. Thomas was solid last year in Washington where he posted a 55/496/4 line in 16 games but has never really established himself as an elite-level option after converting from quarterback years ago. Thomas has some back-end roster appeal because the 49ers do utilize multiple tight ends but it's hard to see him being anything close to a weekly starter if Kittle stays healthy.
(Source: ESPN)Justin Jefferson lands extension
FollowThe Minnesota Vikings and wide receiver Justin Jefferson have reached an agreement on a new contract extension.
Dynasty Analysis
It's a four-year, $140 million contract extension that includes $110 million guaranteed. It also makes him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. This extension will also set the bar for Ja'Marr Chase, who the Bengals are now going to have to make happy. Jefferson will now be locked in through the 2028 season and while he's one of the best receivers in the game, his dynasty value will still be tied to the development of JJ McCarthy. Jefferson remains one of the top two players in dynasty leagues.
(Source: ESPN)Darren Waller expected to retire
FollowGiants tight end Darren Waller is expected to soon announce his retirement.
Dynasty Analysis
Nothing is official as of yet but it certainly sounds like an announcement is imminent. The longer this mystery lasted, the more likely this was going to be the outcome. Waller has battled myriad injuries over the past few years and was only able to post a 52/552/1 season last year, his first (and likely only) with the Giants. Now 31, Waller's career will be remembered for two back-to-back monster seasons with little at the beginning or the end. Dynasty managers hoping for a late career resurgence will likely need to look elsewhere here soon.
(Source: ESPN)Jaylen Waddle gets his money
FollowThe Dolphins have signed wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to a contract extenstion.
Dynasty Analysis
Waddle gets a contract worth $84.75 million with a whopping $76 million in guaranteed money. The deal also makes him the fourth-highest paid wide receiver in the league. It's a giant contract for a player who is currently the WR2 on his own team but it's clear Miami sees him as the long-term focal point of their passing offense. After three straight 1,000-yard seasons, 18 touchdowns, and 251 receptions, it's not hard to see why. Waddle is currently our WR12, and that could actually represent a bit of a "buy low" window at the moment.
(Source: CBS Sports)