NFL Player News

After starting for the better part of four years at NC State, Leary (6’1/215) transferred to Kentucky for his final season. Life wasn’t easy for Leary in the SEC, as his 56.1 percent completion percent, 5.4 percent turnover worthy play rates, and 12 interceptions were his worst since 2021. Playing with an underwhelming wide receiver corps only amplified Leary’s struggles in 2023, but the numbers are hard to ignore. Leary flashed in 2021 when he threw for 3,435-35-5, and has an adjusted completion percent of 70.4 for his career. The Ravens will give him a chance to win a backup role with a strong showing in the preseason, with a chance to carry him on the practice squad if they don’t feel he’s ready for the active roster.

After Javonte Williams struggled in his first year post-ACL surgery, it isn’t surprising to hear that the Broncos could be more open to how they distribute backfield touches in 2023. While Williams struggled, rookie UDFA Jaleel McLaughlin rushed for 76-410-1 while adding another 31-160-2, looking like the far more efficient and explosive back. Payton was far from committed to a specific running back walking into an RB1 role when asked about a potential camp competition, and said, “Who knows what we’re gonna get,” when trying to sum up how he could see things playing out. Williams will likely be drafted as the presume RB1 in most fantasy drafts this offseason, setting up Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, and. Blake Watson to look like massive values if either earns a significant role. Samaje Perine, while still with the team, feels like the early odd man out in what’s become a young, crowded backfield.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Fashanu’s four-year deal is worth just north of $20.5 million in guaranteed money. The No. 11 pick could play behind veterans Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses early in his career, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the rookie tackle get work on both sides of the ball at some point in the season. Fashanu earned a PFF pass-blocking grade of 88.4 in his final season at Penn State and didn’t allow a sack on 733 pass-block attempts.

Swain was a sixth-round pick of the Seahawks back in 2020 and caught 38 passes for 502 yards and six touchdowns in his two seasons with the team. He spent time with the Broncos and Dolphins in 2022 and spent most of last season on the Dolphins’ practice squad. Swain didn’t play a regular-season snap in 2023 and has appeared in just four regular-season games over the last two years. He’ll have to battle for a spot on the Bears’ 53-man roster this offseason. In addition to Swain, the Bears also signed tight end Tommy Sweeney

The location has changed, but the names remain the same. Last year’s AFC title game that was played in Baltimore between the Ravens and Chiefs is set for a rematch, as the Chiefs will play host to the Ravens to kickoff the 2024 regular season. The two AFC powerhouses will face off on NBC — a network many are saying is the best one to catch a game on. While Lamar Jackson will look to win his second-straight MVP and third in six seasons, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are aiming to become the first team to win three-straight Super Bowl championships. Both teams could once again square off in the playoffs, making the opener an exciting preview of potential things to come for what’s sure to be a great season.

Patrick is a seven-year veteran who has started in 54 of the 96 games he’s appeared in since entering the league as a UDFA in 2017. He spent the last two seasons with the Bears and made 15 starts in 2023. While he has ample experience at guard, Patrick has also played over 1,900 snaps at center, making him a versatile player who can be moved anywhere along the interior.

Doaks was a seventh-round pick of the Dolphins back in 2021 and has yet to play in a regular season contest. Set to turn 26 before the start of the season, the former Cincinnati Bearcat could get a chance to compete for a spot on another 53-man roster later this offseason; he’d have little to no fantasy upside even if he were to make a roster.

Averett returns to the AFC North, where he spent the first four years of his career as a member of the Ravens. The veteran corner spent time with the Lions and 49ers last season but didn’t appear in a regular season game. His signing comes after a tryout with the Raiders during their rookie minicamp. He’ll presumably need to battle for a spot on the 53-man roster in camp.

The 28-year-old former Bill missed all of 2023 after suffering a practice field “medical event” with the Giants. His age, limited production history, and missed 2023 will impact his 53-man roster odds, but he has signed at the right time of the offseason to at least give himself a shot.

The former Georgia State standout entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Chiefs, playing four seasons in Kansas City before joining the Dolphins for three seasons. He spent the previous three seasons with the Vikings and Raiders but never saw the field for either franchise despite continually finding himself on the active roster. Wilson accumulated 2,499 yards and 12 touchdowns on 218 career receptions.