Comprehensive Information - Rankings - Draft Guide - Cheatsheets - Newsletters & More Throughout the Year Since 1996. http://www.ffmastermind.com Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com Yahoo! Sports reports New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks sent the team a little message by not showing up for practice Wednesday. Pay day is coming soon for Nicks. That was the unstated goal of Nicks' not attending the Giants' organized team activity practice, a source indicated Wednesday. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252797 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252797 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports San Francisco 49ers WR Michael Crabtree has undergone surgery on his torn Achilles'. He is expected to miss at least six months of action, but HC Jim Harbaugh said Crabtree is not expected to miss the full season. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252787 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252787 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com USA Today reports San Francisco 49ers WR Michael Crabtree suffered a torn Achilles tendon during organized team activities Tuesday and will soon undergo what could be season-ending surgery, a person informed of the injury said. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the 49ers haven't commented on the injury, which used to be an automatic season-ender but has since become one that can sometimes be rehabbed in a matter of months -- as Baltimore Ravens LB Terrell Suggs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers DE Da'Quan Bowers did last year. Both players tore the tendon in the spring and returned to the field after starting the year on the physically unable to perform list. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252781 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252781 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com Free-agent LB Brian Urlacher has announced his a retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons via his Twitter page. "After spending a lot of time thinking about my NFL future, I have made a decision to retire. Although I could continue playing, I'm not sure I would bring a level of performance or passion that's up to my standards. When considering this, along with the fact that I could retire after a 13-year career wearing only one jersey for such a storied franchise, my decision became pretty clear," he stated. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252777 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252777 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com Premium subscribers take note. FFMastermind.com's Michael Nazarek recently drafted in the 2013 FF Index Mock Draft Best Ball Experts League. He drafted in the #2 slot, and offers specific draft pick analysis to Draft Guide subscribers. Only the top Experts from the previous season compete in this very unique and competitive league. Check it out by logging into your premium account! Patrons can ORDER our 2013 Pre-Season Draft Guide for just $15.95 to get immediate access! http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252738 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252738 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports surgery to install a plate in the broken left arm of New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski has been completed, and the infection in the arm has cleared. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252726 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252726 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com USA Today reports Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III has been throwing a football since late April, his father said on Friday. The 2012 offensive rookie of the year appears ahead of schedule and on track to realize his goal of starting the Washington Redskins' Sept. 9 Monday night season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. RGIII wrote himself on his Twitter account that his throwing regimen included "a couple roll out throws'But some take Friday off.'' http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252686 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252686 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com USA Today reports a disc issue in New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski's back is being examined and could require surgery. ESPN's Adam Schefter adds Gronkowski's back issue is considered minor, according to a source. If he needs surgery, it'd be during the time frame that he'd be out with arm surgery. A quote from a person close to Gronk: "He is going to be fine long term. (He is) not worried about the short term, I.e. start of training camp." Gronkowski recently underwent an MRI on his back to check on a disk issue from last season according to ESPN and media reports. The injury is not considered serious, the source said. If he needs back surgery, it would be performed during the time frame he would be sidelined after his forearm surgery, which is expected next week. Gronkowski will see noted spine specialist Robert Watkins in the near future following his surgery on his forearm. That surgery if all goes well will take about 10 weeks for Gronkowski to recover from. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252683 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252683 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com Super Bowl, Drafter's Edge, and Executive Draft Master premium package subscribers take note. With the release on our initial 2013 Masters List Customizeable Cheatsheets, we add the debut of the Enhanced 2013 Executive Draft Master! This Excel App takes drafting to the next level with Customizable Cheatsheets and Updated Projections from the Definitive Fantasy Football Information Service, as well as Auction Values that adjust ON THE FLY as you draft! This year's software includes a TOP PLAYERS LIST regardless of position! In addition, it includes Decimal Options (applicable for Auction Drafts) - 0, 1 or 2 decimals for those of you who play in leagues that require auction values less than $1. Patrons can ORDER our Enhanced 2013 Executive Draft Master for just $11.95. Best of all, it comes FREE with a Super Bowl Package purchase! http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252681 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252681 Tue May 14, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com Premium Pro Bowl and Super Bowl package subscribers take note. The Initial set of FFMastermind.com 2013 May Fantasy Player Re-Drafter Rankings with Projections & Analysis has been released for your viewing pleasure. This initial set includes Tiered rankings (both PPR & Non-PPR) and projections via the Masters List Excel App. for QBs, RBs, WRs, TEs, PKs, and team defenses as well as specific player analysis discussing sleepers, creepers, and situations to watch over the coming months. Premium package subscribers can view this set by logging into their premium account. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252590 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252590 Tue May 14, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com 2013 Pro Bowl and Super Bowl package subscribers take note. Are you looking for UPDATED fantasy keeper/dynasty player rankings? Need to make a cutdown on your roster by June? No problem! Keeper Korner columnist Brent Lathrop has just released his 2013 May Dynasty/Keeper Fantasy Rankings (including comments for each player ranked) for your viewing pleasure. Remember, these rankings could change significantly once training camps begin later this summer, but they do represent a good current guideline for how we feel players in keeper/dynasty leagues stack up. Log into your premium account and Enjoy. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252589 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252589 Fri May 10, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com Looking for an accurate 2013 NFL Depth Chart? No problem. FFMastermind.com debuts our 2013 NFL Depth Charts! These special depth charts go three teams deep for all 32 NFL teams and can be viewed with a premium Pro Bowl or Super Bowl package purchase. They will be updated often as we march towards the start of the 2013 NFL season! Log into your premium account to check out the first cut! http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252498 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252498 Wed Apr 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com Wondering what's in our 2013 100+ page Madness Rookie Draft Reference Guide? No problem! Patrons can enjoy a special Free Sneak Peek into this comprehensive premium document! Enjoy. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252027 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252027 Thu May 23, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com Scout.com reports Pittsburgh Steelers RB Jonathan Dwyer is getting the first-team reps at OTAs this week. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252804 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252804 Thu May 23, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com CSNBayArea.com reports free-agent WR Randy Moss would listen if the 49ers called him about returning to the team in 2013. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252803 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252803 Thu May 23, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com CSNBayArea.com reports San Francisco 49ers WR Mario Manningham (knee) optimistically believes he'll be ready to play come Week #1. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252802 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252802 Thu May 23, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The News-Tribune reports Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch's motion to suppress evidence hearing stemming from his 2012 DUI has been delayed until July 5th. The motion was originally expected to be heard yesterday and a jury trial was scheduled for June 21. Now the entire case has been pushed back and there's no trial date set, making it possible that this bleeds into training camp. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252801 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252801 Thu May 23, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Cincinnati Enquirer reports the Bengals have signed second-round draft pick RB Giovani Bernard to a four-year contract. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252800 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252800 Thu May 23, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports former Chicago Bears LB Brian Urlacher plans to file his NFL retirement papers immediately. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252799 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252799 Thu May 23, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports with WR Michael Crabtree out indefinitely due to a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered on Tuesday, the San Francisco 49ers now must decide how to replace him. HC Jim Harbaugh has opted not to disclose whether they team will consider adding players not currently on the team. 'We don't comment on anybody but the players that we have here on this team,' Harbaugh told reporters on Wednesday, via quotes distributed by the 49ers. It sounds like the 49ers initially will hope that players currently on the roster will step up. 'You look at the young receivers on our team that will emerge, because they have to emerge,' Harbaugh said. 'So, [I'm] excited to watch them compete for that spot.' Asked specifically whether Randy Moss could return to the team, Harbaugh reiterated his non-response response. 'We're excited for the young receivers that we have,' Harbaugh said. 'Really feel that somebody's going to emerge there because they have to. And competition will create that. And we'll look forward to watching that.' At least Harbaugh used more than a few words to evade the question. Asked about the possible return of WR Randy Moss, QB Colin Kaepernick simply said, 'That's not my decision.' Harbaugh explained how the injury happened, and he emphasized that the 49ers don't anticipate the injury will end Crabtree's season. 'He was coming in motion and just was planted and started a route,' Harbaugh said. 'And [it] felt like somebody kicked him in the Achilles, which sometimes people say it feels like. But, good news is he woke up from the surgery and first thing he asked [the doctor] how it went. So, he talked about the success of the surgery and that didn't anticipate that he'd be out for the year. And his comment to that was he's got no choice but to be back. So, every day now is a healing day. And that starts today.' http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252798 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252798 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The New York Daily News reports free-agent WR Ramses Barden, the Giants' third-round pick in 2009, is heading back to the New York area and will take a physical with team doctors on Thursday. And if all goes well for the unrestricted free agent, according to an NFL source, he could sign a one-year deal to return before the end of the day. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252796 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252796 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the Cleveland Browns have waived QB Thaddeus Lewis. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252795 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252795 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the New York Jets' first open OTA practice Wednesday looked a lot like many of their games last season -- their best receivers were on the sideline. Starters WR Santonio Holmes (foot rehab) and WR Stephen Hill (knee swelling) didn't practice. Neither did WR Clyde Gates (hamstring) and WR Jordan White (undisclosed). "We had a good-looking receiving corps that wasn't out there," HC Rex Ryan said. Holmes' absence was expected, as he's still recovering from a LisFranc injury that required surgery last September. Ryan said Holmes won't be ready for next month's minicamp, but he expects him to be ready for training camp in late July. Chances are, he'll be limited in camp. The team's goal is to get him ready for Week 1. Hill underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last December, and said as recently as two weeks ago that he was 100 percent. But he has sat out the first two OTA practices, according to Ryan. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252793 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252793 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com AP reports the New England Patriots have claimed OT Kevin Haslam off waivers from the San Diego Chargers. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252792 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252792 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the New York Giants have signed 7th-round draft pick OG Eric Herman to a four-year contract. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252791 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252791 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the Carolina Panthers have signed first-round draft pick DT Star Lotulelei to a four-year contract. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252790 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252790 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the NFL has suspended St. Louis Rams OG Rokevious Watkins one game for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252789 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252789 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the Jacksonville Jaguars have signed WR Jeremy Ebert and waived DT Jeris Pendleton. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252788 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252788 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Detroit News reports Lions RB Mikel Leshoure is being held out of team drills at OTAs with an undisclosed injury. "He's battling some stuff," HC Jim Schwartz said. "He can do some individual stuff but he's not ready to do any team work." Meanwhile, WR Nate Burleson (leg) has been a full participant. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252786 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252786 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the San Francisco 49ers have signed 4th-round draft pick WR Quinton Patton to a four-year contract. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252785 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252785 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the Jacksonville Jaguars have signed 7th-round draft pick CB Demetrius McCray to a four-year contract. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252784 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252784 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks was a no-show for today's OTAs and that left Giants HC Tom Coughlin both unaware of the reason for Nicks' absence and unhappy about it. 'I don't know,' Coughlin said when asked where Nicks was on Wednesday. 'He should be here.' http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252782 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252782 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Detroit Lions official website reports Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew said he wasn't happy with last year. He's dropped 10 pounds to be more explosive and expects a big year. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252780 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252780 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the Kansas City Chiefs have signed free-agent S Quintin Demps. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252779 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252779 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports New York Giants FB Henry Hynoski was carted off the field today with an undisclosed injury during OTAs. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252778 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252778 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports the Tennessee Titans start their OTAs next week and it looks like they'll get full participation from QB Jake Locker at the sessions. Locker has spent the offseason recovering from shoulder surgery after suffering multiple dislocations of his left, non-throwing shoulder during the 2012 season and says that he has healed up enough that he expects to have no limitations when he joins his teammates on the field next week. While Locker stopped short of the rave reviews about his physical condition that we're accustomed to hearing at this time of year, he made it clear that he feels ready for everything the Titans will throw at him. 'I don't know a whole lot about it as far as if it's supposed to be better or stronger, but I can tell you it feels better and just the same as it did before I got hurt,' Locker said, via Titans Insider. 'I haven't had any problems with it. I haven't had any moments with it where, I'm like, 'Aw, man, I can feel that,' or 'it slipped a little bit.' It feels great. It feels normal and I'm excited about that.' http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252776 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252776 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports when the Pittsburgh Steelers hired OC Todd Haley last year, many people predicted that he and QB Ben Roethlisberger would get along about as well as oil and water. There were a few moments where things were less than placid, but the two men were able to play nice in the public eye for the most part as the team finished 22nd in the NFL in points per game. That doesn't mean they saw things eye-to-eye, however, and Roethlisberger admits that he made some requests for changes to the offense in 2013. Others made similar requests and Roethlisberger says that it has resulted in an offense that everyone's excited about. 'There's been some changes this offseason in some of the offensive philosophies, playbook and some things that I think are good,' Roethlisberger said, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. 'It's some compromise from all the different position coaches, the running back coaches, the line, and quarterback coaches. I think we've taken a little bit of everything and made it a lot better. You can ask anybody on offense that, including coaches, and they'll tell you that we all like the way the offense is and where it's going.' http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252775 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252775 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Houston Chronicle reports Texans LB Tim Dobbins no-showed the team's OTAs on Tuesday. "Yeah, OTAs are voluntary," HC Gary Kubiak said. "Dobbins isn't here." http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252774 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252774 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Nashville Tennessean reports it seems the Titans are unlikely to sign free-agent DE John Abraham. "All those clamoring for a John Abraham signing should brace themselves for disappointment. The money Dwight Freeney got didn't help things," said writer Jim Wyatt http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252773 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252773 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Denver Broncos official website reports the Broncos have waived RB Mario Fannin and designated S Blake Gideon reserve/retired. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252772 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252772 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com For the 17th consecutive year, FFMastermind.com is proud to offer special EarlyBird Discount Rates for our Premium Services. With the release of our Initial 2013 Keeper/Dynasty Player Rankings and our 2013 Top 12 Non-PPR & PPR Fantasy Player Rankings, the 2013 Premium Season is underway. How do you get access to these special off-season items? That's easy. Just head over to our Secure Order Form and order our 2013 Pro Bowl package or Super Bowl package and you'll be hooked up to receive access to premium information EACH MONTH for the NEXT 9 MONTHS. Fantasy football to us is a year-round job, not just a seasonal hobby. Why Fantasy Football Mastermind? Click HERE and we''ll tell you why. Remember, it's never too early to get a leg up on your competition! http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252771 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252771 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports New York Jets WR Santonio Holmes (foot) is working on the side today during the team's OTAs. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252770 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252770 Wed May 22, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com Scout.com reports the Carolina Panthers have signed rookies DT Kawann Short and OG Edmund Kugbila to four-year contracts. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252769 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252769 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The New York Daily News reports Giants WR Hakeem Nicks is finally fully healthy, he said. He said he hasn't had any problems with the knee that vexed him throughout last season, and that he's feeling "as good as I've felt in awhile." http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252768 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252768 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Darrelle Revis (torn ACL) now has clearance to cut and change directions. 'I feel very confident,' Revis told NFL Network in the latest installment of Health of the Game: Project Revis. 'If Todd tells me to cut, I am cutting. I am not trying to think about [it].' Revis remains confident that he'll return to the form that made him the best cornerback in the league. 'The first time I step out there, I'll be fine,' Revis said. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252767 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252767 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NFL.com reports Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo (back surgery) is unlikely to be ready for minicamp. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252766 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252766 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Cincinnati Enquirer reports Bengals WR Mohamed Sanu (foot) spent the final month of the regular season on IR, Sanu finally hit the field for a full practice for the first time since the injury. He's reported 100 percent health for months, but returning to the field still elicited excitement from the second-year receiver out of Rutgers. 'I feel real strong and explosive,' said Sanu, who caught 11 passes for 98 yards and four touchdowns in the three games prior to his season-ending injury. 'It felt great to be back out there on the field doing the things I was doing last year: running routes full speed, stopping and going, run blocking, catching balls again.' Sanu reported no pain or thought of the injury and didn't view the first practice as much of a hurdle in the process of moving forward. For his position coach James Urban, however, seeing Sanu in action felt like a passed test. The last time CB Brandon Ghee took part in a Bengals practice, he was attempting to knock down a Aug. 2 training camp pass for Jermaine Gresham, landed awkwardly and dislocated his wrist. It repeated the latest chapter to the same story for the 2010 third-round pick. He showed progression with every passing season, but can't stay healthy enough to prove it on Sundays. With Tuesday's first practice of OTAs and his return to field, he can only cross his fingers that this will be the year his body cooperates. 'It was tough, but things happen,' Ghee said, reporting 100-percent health. 'All about how you bounce back. It shows character. I'm going to try to do exactly what I did last season and get back on this field.' http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252765 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252765 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports free-agent CB Charles Woodson has signed a one-year contract with the Oakland Raiders. The deal has a 'max' value of $4.3 million with a base value of $1.8 million. Incentives make up the $2.5 million balance, and it's unclear unknown what Woodson has to do to earn any, some, or all of that amount. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252764 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252764 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the Atlanta Falcons have signed 4th-round draft pick TE Levine Toilolo to a four-year contract. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252763 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252763 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Cincinnati Bengals official website reports Bengals OT Andre Smith no-showed the team's OTAs this week. According to HC Marvin Lewis, Smith is going to show up at some point. "He's got to deal with some stuff that he has to take care of and when he gets it taken care of he will be back up here,' Lewis said. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252761 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252761 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports Packers restricted free-agent CB Sam Shields was absent from the start of OTAs on Tuesday. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252760 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252760 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the San Diego Chargers have signed free-agent OT Max Starks to a one-year contract. The team also released OT Kevin Haslam. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252759 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252759 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Arizona Cardinals official website reports Cardinals TE Jeff King has missed OTAs after undergoing knee surgery in the off-season. Coaches hope he can begin practice in early June. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252758 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252758 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports Green Bay Packers 4th-round draft pick OL J.C. Tretter suffered a broken ankle during a fumble recovery drill in OTAs, and will be sidelined six months. He'll likely miss the entire 2013 season. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252757 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252757 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the Cleveland Browns have claimed RB Miguel Maysonet off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252756 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252756 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Miami Herald reports Dolphins rookie CB Jamar Taylor had sports hernia surgery in Philadelphia this morning but is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, barring a setback. Typical recovery time is four to six weeks. Taylor had been bothered by the injury for a while, and decided to go ahead with the surgery. He tried treatment but that did not help the injury. And though Taylor can take Tylenol, he cannot take anti-inflammatories because, as we reported here previously, his kidneys were negatively affected by a blood pressure medication that he is no longer taking. That kidney issue was discovered at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and was a factor in some teams passing on him in the draft -- though the kidney should not be an issue going forward. Taylor will return to Miami at the end of the week to begin rehab. Taylor, who impressed the team in rookie minicamp, will compete for a top-four cornerback job during training camp. CB Brent Grimes (looking fully recovered from last September's Achilles injury) and CB Richard Marshall (looking fully recovered from last season's back injury) opened with the first team. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252755 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252755 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Miami Herald reports Dolphins RB Lamar Miller opened OTAs with the first team and showed his usual good burst. RB Daniel Thomas and RB Marcus Thigpen got work behind Miller. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252754 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252754 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports Dallas Cowboys RB Demarco Murray missed the first day of OTAs because of a hamstring tweak. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252752 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252752 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the 50th Super Bowl will be held in the San Francisco Bay Area and the NFL championship will go to Houston the following year. Team owners voted Tuesday for the 49ers' new stadium as host of the 2016 game. That facility in Santa Clara, Calif., is due to open for the 2014 season. The only previous Super Bowl played in northern California was at Stanford Stadium in 1985. San Francisco beat out South Florida, which was stymied in its bid to stage an 11th Super Bowl when the Florida Legislature did not support financing to renovate Sun Life Stadium, the home of the Miami Dolphins. "After losing a Super Bowl [to the Baltimore Ravens], it feels really good to win a Super Bowl," San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York cracked. Houston, which also beat out Miami, was awarded the 2017 title game. Reliant Stadium, the home of the Houston Texans, has hosted once before, in 2004. "I can't tell you how excited I am for Houston in being selected as the site for the 2017 Super Bowl," Texans owner Bob McNair said in a statement. "This is a worldwide stage that will be constructed in Houston and the world will be watching. It's an opportunity to showcase our wonderful city, the NFL and the Super Bowl all at the same time." http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252751 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252751 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The News Tribune reports Seahawks QB Russell Wilson's impressive performance throwing the ball was the main attraction during rookie minicamp a year ago. But an eventful Monday at the VMAC pushed Wilson's development in his second season to the back burner. However, Wilson's continued development did not go unnoticed by Seattle HC Pete Carroll. 'He's threw a couple of balls today, things that we talked about over the offseason that he'd like to take a shot at, and he did it today just to see what would happen with full awareness of why he was doing it,' Carroll said. 'We were talking about trying to throw the deep ball last year over guys' outside shoulder; we're just a million miles ahead of where we were. He's the kind of player that will affect other guys ' he affects everyone around him ' and hopefully that will help everyone play better and faster.' http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252750 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252750 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com Scout.com reports the Baltimore Ravens have signed 4th-round draft pick LB John Simon to a four-year contract. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252749 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252749 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Buffalo News reports for the first time in voluntary offseason workouts, Buffalo Bills WR Stevie Johnson (lower back) was on the field. He had been forced to watch previous practices because of a lower back injury. "It definitely feels good to just be out there on the field, even through the little pains I have," Johnson said. "It's getting better every week. They gave me a six- to eight-week thing to even get on the field, and it's only been about three, so I feel good." http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252748 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252748 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the Cleveland Browns have waived S Eric Hagg. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252747 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252747 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the Seattle Seahawks have waived QB Josh Portis. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252746 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252746 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports Cincinnati Bengals CB Leon Hall missed OTAs last season as he recovered from an Achilles injury and he's going to miss at least a portion of the team's organized team activities again this year. The Bengals website reports that Hall tore a ligament in his thumb while lifting weights. As a result, Hall is going to be on the sideline when the team starts this year's set of OTAs on Tuesday. According to the report, Hall is expected back at some point during OTAs so this isn't nearly as serious an injury as the Achilles issue from last year. Given Hall's status as a veteran foundation of the defense and the team's need to keep such a player in the lineup, it wouldn't be surprising if he took things easy until at least the team's mandatory minicamp next month. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252745 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252745 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com Register today with a simple $200 deposit for the 2013 Fantasy Football Players Championship. The 2013 FFPC Grand Prize has increased to $250,000 with record individual league prizes of $11,000 each. Draft Live at Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas or draft online from the comfort of your home. For the 6th consecutive year, the FFPC is the only high stakes contest to place the entire prize pool in attorney escrow for the duration of the season. The FFPC continues to set the standard in lightning fast payouts - you will have your prize award within days of winning it! http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252744 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252744 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Charlotte Observer reports Panthers LB Jon Beason continues to recover from surgeries on his right knee and left shoulder, and is not expected to do much, if anything, during OTAs. Beason, who had three surgeries in a 17-month span, is hoping to be 100 percent for the start of training camp in July. Beason has played in five games since signing a five-year $51.5 million extension in 2011 that made him the NFL's highest-paid middle linebacker. After RB DeAngelo Williams restructured his contract last week, many have asked whether Beason might do the same. To this point, Beason has not been approached about re-working his deal. The Panthers are about $8.5 million under the salary cap ' more than enough to sign their five draft picks. There is too much money left on Beason's deal for the Panthers to cut him, even if they wanted to. Beason, 28, who went to three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2008 to 2010, has vowed to return better than his pre-injury form. With LB Luke Kuechly entrenched at middle linebacker, Beason's future will be at the strongside spot. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252743 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252743 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Miami Herald reports SS Reshad Jones will show up to the Dolphins OTA session today after all, a source close to the safety said late Monday night. Jones initally intended to stay away from the OTA sessions the Dolphins will conduct Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for the same reason he skipped an offseason conditioning session Monday -- because he is unahppy with his current contract. But the player changed his mind after his agent Joel Segal and Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland spoke several times late into Monday evening, the source said. Details of the conversation are not known, but according to the Jones family source, Ireland gave Segal some assurance the Dolphins would open discussions with Jones on a contract extension "eventually" if the player showed up. It's unclear what "eventually" means. It's possible the Dolphins could wait to see if Jones continues his good attendance in the offseason program and count that plus his play the last season-and-a-half as reasons for extending the player's contract. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252742 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252742 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the NFL and NFL Players Association are on the verge of pushing back the draft to May and moving up the start of the league year to before the Indianapolis scouting combine, according to league and union sources. The change of the draft to May would be effective in 2014, according to a source. As for the draft, the NFLPA is close to signing off on allowing the NFL to move the draft to May from April for at least the next three years, according to sources. Under the current collective bargaining agreement, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell can set the date of the draft without the NFLPA's approval, although he would prefer to have the union's blessing to maintain league harmony. The start of the new league year is now expected to be moved to before the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis rather than after it, per league sources. The NFLPA wanted to give free agents a chance to find new teams sooner. The new league year would start before the combine in 2015 and 2016, a source said. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252741 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252741 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports free-agent DB Charles Woodson will receive quite a greeting from Oakland Raiders fans when he makes a free agent visit to the team's facilities on Tuesday. A few of his potential teammates in Oakland will give him a warm reception as well. Woodson spent his first eight NFL seasons with the Raiders after being selected with the fourth overall pick in 1998. He signed with Green Bay following the 2005 season and helped the Packers win a Super Bowl title five years later before being released by the team in February. He has said he would like to play for a contender and has visited a handful of teams since being let go by Green Bay -- including San Francisco and Denver. His agent, Carl Poston, has told ESPN's Josina Anderson that the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants have also expressed interest. Woodson and the Raiders have also had preliminary talks. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252740 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252740 Tue May 21, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo underwent a minor surgical procedure on his back last month to remove a cyst that will keep him out of organized team activities that begin Tuesday and run for the next three weeks. Sources said the surgery also could keep the Dallas Cowboys' starting quarterback out of action until training camp. The team's minicamp will be held June 11-13 and the club is set to travel to Oxnard, Calif., on July 19 for training camp. Romo, however, told The Dallas Morning News on Monday night that he expects to be ready for camp. "If this was the regular season and I had to play next week, I could,'' Romo told the newspaper. "This is just about being smart. That's why I did it now. This will have no effect on training camp. No way will it have an impact. And I still think there's a good chance I'm on the field for minicamp.'' With Romo on the sideline, QB Kyle Orton will work with the first-team offense. Signed as a free agent last year, Orton played in one game for the Cowboys. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252739 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252739 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports according to the Seattle Times, Seahawks QB Josh Portis was arrested and charged with a gross misdemeanor on May 5 after being pulled over on a freeway just outside of Seattle. The officer noted a 'strong odor of intoxicants coming from the vehicle' and Portis registered reading of .092 and .078 in tests following the stop. Washington's legal limit is .08. Portis was released from the Seahawks practice squad last November before being re-signed by the team in April. Portis has not played in a regular season since signing with the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2011. Portis was on the practice field and participated in the team's first OTA workout on Monday. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252737 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252737 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports Arizona Cardinals LB Daryl Washington has pleaded not guilty to his arrest earlier this month on assault charges stemming from an incident with his ex-girlfriend. According to AP, Washington entered the plea Monday. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252736 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252736 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Everett Herald reports Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch was not at the team's OTA on Monday. On the absence, HC Pete Carroll just said that OTAs are voluntary. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252735 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252735 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the St. Louis Rams have signed free-agent TE Zach Potter. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252733 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252733 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The San Diego Union-Tribune reports Chargers WR Vincent Brown says his ankle is back to normal. Eventually, his workload will follow. The Chargers are taking things slow on the practice field with their third-year wide receiver. Sidelined for all of 2012 with a broken left ankle, he's mostly been limited to mental reps during team drills at organized team activities, sporadically mixing in with the third- or second-team offense. The second week of OTAs began Monday. "First of all, all glory to God for allowing me to come back from an injury like that," Brown said. "Being back and running around out here, I feel like a 10-year-old kid again, running around, catching balls. I'm just happy to be back." After individual drills, Brown spent most of his Monday morning as he did last week, processing the new offense while players like WR Robert Meachem and occasionally WR Dan DePalma worked with the second team. WR Malcom Floyd and WR Danario Alexander are seeing first-team reps on the outside with WR Eddie Royal in the slot. "Some of those guys that had offseason injuries or whatever it is," HC Mike McCoy said recently, "we're just going to work back in and gradually work them up to where they need to be and get them back to 100 percent." While Brown said Monday his ankle is "100 percent," he acknowledged respect for the process. He expects to be full-go come training camp. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252732 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252732 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The News Tribune reports the Seahawks' leading sack guy the past three seasons, DE Chris Clemons, was not in attendance at Seattle's first OTA because he's back in Georgia rehabbing from ACL knee surgery. Clemons' replacement, DE Bruce Irvin, will not be available because he has to sit out the first four games for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing drugs. And DE Cliff Avril, one of the team's splashes in free agency, did not practice today because of a plantar fascia issue with his foot, which according to Seattle head coach Pete Carroll he injured four weeks ago. So is Avril's injury serious? 'Well, it hurts,' joked Carroll. 'You could ask him about it. The plantar fascia thing is a real uncomfortable thing. You just have to wait it out. 'It's something that you can come back from. It's not a problem. But you just have to wait it out. He's real anxious to go, and he's doing very well in his rehab. And he runs some this week for the first time. So it will take another couple weeks at least.' DE Red Bryant and TE Zach Miller had to deal with a torn plantar fascia in their foot during the second half of last season. Along with Avril, RB Christine Michael (hamstring), CB Tharold Simon (foot), OL James Carpenter (knee) and TE Cooper Helfelt (unknown) did not practice today. TE Anthony McCoy suffered an ankle injury coming out of a cut during 7-on-7 and had to be carted off the field. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252731 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252731 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports the Jacksonville Jaguars have signed 7th-round draft pick CB Jeremy Harris. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252730 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252730 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports New England Patriots LB Brandon Spikes is not volunteering for voluntary workouts. And while that seems like the definition of no news, the fact it's so unusual makes it so. According to the Boston Herald, Spikes has been working out on his own, and isn't staying away because he's unhappy with his contract, which expires after this season. Every other starter has been at the facility in some capacity since the offseason program began on April 15. A source told Howe that Spikes would report by or before the team's June 11-13 minicamp. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252729 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252729 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Houston Texans official website reports Texans LB Darryl Sharpton (hip) participated in OTAs today in a limited fashion. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252728 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252728 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Nashville Tennessean reports the Titans hosted free-agents OL Winston Justice and OL Antoine Caldwell on Monday. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252727 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252727 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports the Seattle Seahawks have signed second-round draft pick RB Christine Michael. In addition, the Seahawks released LS Adam Steiner and re-signed TE Darren Fells, a former professional basketball player. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252725 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252725 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com CSNPhilly.com reports Eagles RB LeSean McCoy left the field today to have his knee examined on the sideline and did not return before the session came to an end. McCoy did not appear to be seriously injured and the Philadelphia Inquirer adds McCoy spoke briefly as he went to lunch, giving the impression it wasn't serious. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252723 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252723 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports New York Jets RB Mike Goodson, arrested last week on drugs/weapon charges, showed up for the Jets 1st OTA today (voluntary). That said, he isn't practicing. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252722 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252722 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Chicago Tribune reports the Bears have terminated the contract of DT Andre Fluellen. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252721 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252721 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Denver Post reports Broncos RB Willis McGahee is not expected to attend OTA today. "He's following the same routine he's done his whole career. He'll be there," his agent said. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252720 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252720 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Buffalo Bills official website reports free-agent FB Montell Owens visited the Bills on Monday. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252719 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252719 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports free-agent WR Chad Johnson has been arrested for violating the terms of his probation in his 2012 domestic violence case. Johnson missed two visits with his probation officer, and failed to prove he had enrolled in a domestic violence education class. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252718 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252718 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Houston Chronicle reports Texans S Ed Reed is recovering from arthroscopic hip surgery he had in April to repair a torn labrum. The Texans have termed Reed's surgery to be minor and expect him back for training camp or midway through it. Training camp begins three months after Reed's surgery. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252717 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252717 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com Detroit Lions Insider Chris McCoskey reports Lions WR Calvin Johnson confirmed that he played with broken fingers last season. He said he's been trying to straighten them out without offseason surgery. "Ain't nothing that's going to prohibit me from doing what I got to do," Johnson said about the situation. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252716 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252716 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports the Chargers haven't shown much interest in re-signing free-agent CB Quentin Jammer since he became a free agent in March, but Jammer isn't giving up hope that the only NFL team he's played for might still come around. Jammer was at a charity golf tournament near San Diego this weekend and said that he would like to remain with the Chargers even though GM Tom Telesco has been spending the team's money in other places this offseason. Jammer understands that the team has identified more pressing priorities, but hopes he's somewhere on that list. 'I'd love to come back,' Jammer said, via the San Diego Union-Tribune. 'I've had conversations with them. I totally understood the direction they were going in. They said the door wasn't completely closed. Hopefully, maybe down the road a little bit, the Chargers will offer me something.' http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252715 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252715 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Packers LB Desmond Bishop (hamstring) expects to be ready for August. "My injury side is perfect," Bishop said. "It's 100%. But I have little nicks and knacks here just from being out and trying to get back in. So we'll see how I feel, but I don't really want to rush it. There's no point in rushing it right now." http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252713 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252713 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Eagles TE Clay Harbor spent one day of practice at outside linebacker. WR Jason Avant took practice repetitions with defensive backs. Neither player is changing positions. Rather, it seems to be an effort to explore different scenarios, if needed. The Eagles begin their second week of OTAs on Monday. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252712 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252712 Mon May 20, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports New England Patriots QB Tom Brady leads off Peter King's "Monday Morning Quarterback" piece on SI.com, with King speaking to Brady about his offseason and also his charity of choice, Best Buddies. Brady tells King: "Going into my 14th year, I have never had more confidence in how I am throwing the football. I've never felt better throwing the football." Brady details some of the work he's done with throwing coach Tom House, and how he's developed a quick rapport with House. "The same way Tom Martinez was always there to watch and give me corrections, Tom House has told me why certain corrections need to be made," Brady tells King. "Look at a baseball swing and a golf swing. It's all mechanics. Look at how Barry Bonds swings. Look at how Floyd Mayweather punches. Mechanics. When you've got to fit it into the tightest windows, mechanics are crucial. And to me, the offseason is crucial. If you make a throw within four feet, that's not going to be good enough. You have to make the throw within four inches of your target. That's good enough. And that's why the mechanics you adjust and learn in the offseason are important. You're going to keep them during the season." http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252711 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252711 Sun May 19, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports Buffalo Bills rookie QB E.J. Manuel told SiriusXM NFL Radio on Friday that he has figured out the system used by HC Doug Marrone and OC Nathaniel Hackett. 'The funny thing is it's easier to learn than the offense I had at Florida State,' the 16th overall pick in the draft said, via ESPN.com. 'It's a true West Coast-type progression offense. That's really what I wanted when I was coming through the pre-draft process. I wanted something that I could just go in and say 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, check it down and run it. That's it, it's that simple. I love it. . . . The learning curve for me is a lot shorter simply because of what I had at Florida State. [The Seminoles' offense is] more complex and a little bit harder to catch on and learn. This offense is very simple. I've done a great job with it.' http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252710 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252710 Sun May 19, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Tribune-Review reports free-agent QB Charlie Batch says he has no plans to retire from the NFL. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252709 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252709 Sun May 19, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com CSNHouston reports Texans LB Brooks Reed is '100 percent' after January groin surgery and was able to work out ahead of the beginning of the club's organized team practice activities. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252708 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252708 Sun May 19, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports The Buffalo Bills nearly have their entire 2013 rookie NFL draft class under contract. Buffalo reached a four-year agreement with second-round pick and rookie WR Robert Woods, a source says. The Bills now have contract agreements with seven of their eight draft picks. First-round pick QB E.J. Manuel, who was taken No. 16 overall, remains the only unsigned player from the 2013 class. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252707 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252707 Sun May 19, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The New York Daily News reports the Jets didn't make offer or express interest in QB Brian Hoyer before he signed with the Cleveland Browns last week. There was some interest last year, though. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252706 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252706 Sun May 19, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Boston Herald reports Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will have a fourth procedure performed on his left forearm tomorrow at Massachusetts General Hospital, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The date was somewhat up in the air, but come tomorrow Gronk will have some definitive answers about whether he's finally free and clear from an infection that's dogged him for months. It's been widely reported that Dr. Jesse Jupiter will perform the surgery. According to MGH's website, Jupiter specializes in the care of traumatic and reconstructive problems of the upper limbs, including fracture healing and failure to heal. Dr. Thomas Gill, the Patriots head team physician, is also expected to be on hand. Cultures are expected to be taken from the forearm, and if they come back clean of infection, a new plate will replace the one that's been keeping the broken forearm bone in place. If the cultures still have evidence of infection, Jupiter won't be able to put in the new plate, and it's back to square one, and the possibility of missed games creeps into the equation. Results from the cultures are expected to come one week after surgery. If all goes well, the plate will be switched, and Gronk will start out on his 10-11 week recovery phase. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252705 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252705 Sun May 19, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports statistics don't always tell the entire story, but they do a pretty good job of providing everything you need to know about how 2012 went for Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald. His 71 catches were his least for a season since 2006 and he never had a lower average than the 11.2 yards per catch he picked up last year. The Cardinals finished 5-11 after winning their first four games and Fitzgerald is quite sure that he doesn't want to go through another year like that in 2013. 'It was the most frustrating season, time, I've ever had professionally or even amateur. I've never had a year like that,' Fitzgerald said, via the Arizona Republic. 'It was tough mentally. Physically, it was tough. It builds resolve. I know I never want to go through a season like that personally or as a team and I'm going to do everything in my power not to ever repeat that. It left a real bad taste in my mouth.' With QB Carson Palmer and QB Drew Stanton in Arizona, it's highly unlikely Fitzgerald will have to suffer through another season like that in 2013. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252703 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252703 Sun May 19, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The National Football Post reports the Tennessee Titans think they can get more out of TE Delanie Walker than they did TE Jared Cook. In fact, their coaches are planning on playing Walker for more snaps than they played Cook. Why? They think Walker is a more versatile tight end. They see him as a player who can do the things Cook did in terms of splitting out and creating mismatches, and they also see him as a player who can be an in-line tight end who is a factor in the run game and run the more traditional tight end pass routes. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252702 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252702 Sun May 19, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports it will be interesting to see how New York Jets GM John Idzik handles the RB Mike Goodson situation. He cut the two nobodies arrested recently for possession of marijuana, Claude Davis and Cliff Harris, both of whom were signed by the previous administration. But that doesn't mean he will take the same approach with Goodson, whose contract includes a $1 million signing bonus. The bonus is divided into payouts, and he has yet to receive the full amount; he has pocketed at least $500,000. If Idzik tries to send a message and decides to cut him before the legal process plays out, it would be harder to recoup the money, according to a source. He'll have a better chance if he waits for the courts (and the league) to rule on the matter. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252701 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252701 Sun May 19, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Morning Journal reports a lawsuit against Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson was transferred from Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court to Lorain County Common Pleas Court. Kathleen Hunter and Krystal Jones filed a lawsuit in March against Trent Richardson, his brother Terrell Richardson, Trent Richardson's girlfriend and others . The lawsuit alleges that Trent Richardson and other people assaulted them verbally and physically at Richardson's Columbia Township home on Dec. 10, 2012. Elyria City Prosecutor Matt Mishak said yesterday that there are conflicting statements and lack of evidence for there to be probable cause for an arrest. Based on the information the sheriff's department received, unless there's something new that would help with the conflicting statements, Mishak said he doesn't see any charges filed. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252700 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252700 Sat May 18, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports the medical condition that made DL Kyle Love unfit for further employment with the Patriots has not kept him from working for the Jaguars. According to USA Today, Love passed a Friday physical in Jacksonville, with one caveat ' the he receive treatment for Type-2 diabetes. Clearance came after the Jaguars subjected Love to a 'battery of tests' at the team's facility. On Thursday, the Jaguars claimed Love's contract on waivers, following his release by the Patriots. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252699 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252699 Sat May 18, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports a source with knowledge of the situation says the New York Giants and unsigned WR Victor Cruz continue to talk, but that the process is 'moving slowly.' Talks are expected to resume this week. Cruz, who has not yet signed a one-year, $2.879 million restricted free agency tender, has been staying away from the team's offseason workouts as he pursues a long-term deal. He reportedly wants more than $10 million per year; the Giants at last word were in the $7 million annual range. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252698 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252698 Sat May 18, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Eagles TE Clay Harbor has spent one day practicing at outside linebacker, while Avant has seen time at defensive back. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252697 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252697 Sat May 18, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the New York Jets could add another quarterback to replace QB David Garrard on their roster. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252696 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252696 Sat May 18, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports New York Jets RB Mike Goodson was arrested Friday morning on drug possession and weapon charges, according to the New Jersey state police. Goodson was found with another man stopped in the center-left lane on Interstate 80 in Denville, N.J., just after 3 a.m. ET, police said. A tow truck driver found them and called 911 due to concerns about the physical condition of Goodson, who was in the passenger seat of a GMC Yukon SUV. He was transported to St. Clare's Hospital, then brought to police offices where he was deemed healthy enough to discharge. Before heading to the hospital, Goodson was found carrying a small amount of marijuana, while there was additional marijuana and a loaded .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun in the car. The 25-year-old Goodson was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams, possession of paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a loaded handgun and possession of hollow-point bullets. Goodson was taken to the Morris County Correctional Facility but left after his $50,000 bail had been posted. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252694 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252694 Sat May 18, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NFL.com reports a source says the San Diego Chargers have an agreement in principle for a two-year deal with free-agent DE Dwight Freeney. NBC Sports adds a source with knowledge of the deal says Freeney's two-year contract with the Chargers carries a base value of $8.75 million. The deal pays $5.25 million in 2013, via a $3.25 million signing bonus, $1.5 million in guaranteed base salary, and a $500,000 roster bonus tied to Freeney's presence on the weekly 46-man roster. It works out to $31,250 per game. Freeney is due to earn $3.5 million in 2014, $500,000 of which is linked to weekly roster bonuses. The contract carries a maximum value of $13.35 million, with $4.6 million tied exclusively to sacks. Though the targets aren't currently known, we're told that the numbers are realistic, based on his past production. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252693 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252693 Sat May 18, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com CBS Sports reports the San Diego Chargers are closing in on signing veteran pass rusher DE Dwight Freeney, according to a league source. Freeney, one of the game's dominant sack masters during his 10-year stint in Indianapolis, has been on the market for months, making a series of visits to teams. Most recently -- on Wednesday and Thursday -- Freeney met with the Chargers. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252692 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252692 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Chicago Bears official website reports the Bears have signed first-round draft pick OG Kyle Long to a four-year contract with a club option for a fifth year. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252691 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252691 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Washingtonian reports Tennessee Titans LB Moise Fokou has been arrested in Washington and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug. The allegations only concern the use of alcohol; Fokou has pleaded not guilty. A United States Park Police officer arrested the 27-year-old Fokou around 3 AM on a Friday in January. The officer pulled Fokou over after witnessing Fokou drive his BMW at a high rate of speed and across the solid double yellow lines on 14th Street near McPherson Square, the arresting officer said in a sworn statement. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252690 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252690 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Detroit Free Press reports Lions backup QB Shaun Hill currently has a boot on his left foot. He said he underwent minor surgery to repair a nagging injury. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252689 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252689 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the Miami Dolphins have signed 4th-round draft pick TE Dion Sims and 5th-rounder RB Mike Gillislee to four-year contracts. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252688 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252688 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports Dallas Cowboys OL Phil Costa (ankle surgery) has been fully medically cleared to play football. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252687 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252687 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com For the 17th consecutive year, FFMastermind.com is proud to offer special EarlyBird Discount Rates for our Premium Services. With the release of our Initial 2013 Keeper/Dynasty Player Rankings and our 2013 Top 12 Non-PPR & PPR Fantasy Player Rankings, the 2013 Premium Season is underway. How do you get access to these special off-season items? That's easy. Just head over to our Secure Order Form and order our 2013 Pro Bowl package or Super Bowl package and you'll be hooked up to receive access to premium information EACH MONTH for the NEXT 9 MONTHS. Fantasy football to us is a year-round job, not just a seasonal hobby. Why Fantasy Football Mastermind? Click HERE and we''ll tell you why. Remember, it's never too early to get a leg up on your competition! http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252685 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252685 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the NFL has suspended Seattle Seahawks DE Bruce Irvin four games for violating the league's policy against performance-enhancing substances. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252684 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252684 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports the Washington Redskins have signed 4th-round draft pick S Phillip Thomas to a four-year contract. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252682 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252682 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN reports the New England Patriots have signed 2nd-round draft pick LB Jamie Collins to a four-year contract. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252680 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252680 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com News 12 in New Jersey reports New York Jets RB Mike Goodson has been taken into New Jersey police custody for drug possession and weapons charges. Goodson was apparently so drunk that an ambulance was called and he had to be rushed to the hospital. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252679 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252679 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Eagles RB LeSean McCoy came into spring workouts in perhaps his best shape ever. He still has something to prove. He could have a blockbuster season. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252678 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252678 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports the Falcons have signed rookies S Zeke Motta, DE Malliciah Goodman, and DE Stansly Maponga. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252677 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252677 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com The New York Daily News reports free-agent DE Dwight Freeney's father says Freeney wants to play for the New York Giants, but can't because of their salary cap situation. In the father's eyes, they are "broke." http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252676 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252676 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NBC Sports reports Denver Broncos executive V.P. of football operations John Elway said he didn't anticipate asking QB Peyton Manning to restructure for cap purposes a deal that pays $40 million over the next two seasons, in two $20 million chunks. But Manning has signed a new deal. Though it has been disclosed on the league's official online transaction page as a 'renegotiated' contract, a source with knowledge of the situation says that the new terms don't alter the compensation in any way. The contract, according to the source, adds an insurance clause, which reflects that the team has purchased an insurance policy in the event Manning suffers a serious injury. The insurance would both compensate the Broncos and provide a cap credit in the event Peyton can't play. To get the cap credit, the contract must refer to the insurance policy. Manning will earn $40 million guaranteed over the next two seasons, in $20 million chunks for 2013 and 2014, respectively. The Broncos can avoid the $20 million payment in 2014 only if Manning suffers injury to the same area of his neck that kept him from playing in 2011. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252675 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252675 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com NFL.com reports free-agent CB Charles Woodson's rep says he has received an offer from the Denver Broncos. The rep also said Woodson is not considering retirement. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252673 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252673 Fri May 17, 2013 --from FFMastermind.com ESPN's Adam Schefter reports free-agent WR Donte Stallworth has received clearance for all football activities relating to his injuries from the hot air balloon incident. He should have a market for his services. http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252672 http://www.ffmastermind.com/quickbits.php#252672