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Steve Grogan Est. 2004
FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Browns restructure QB Deshaun Watson's contract

Thu Aug 29 10:19pm ET
Field Level Media

The Cleveland Browns restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson's contract in a move that created $35.83 million in salary cap space, multiple media outlets reported on Thursday.

Per the reports, the Browns converted $44.79 million of Watson's $46 million base salary this season into a signing bonus. The move gives the Browns more than $62 million in cap space.

Also on Thursday, Cleveland released quarterback Tyler Huntley, leaving the Browns with Watson, Jameis Winston and Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the quarterback room ahead of the season opener against the visiting Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 8.

The Browns adjusted Watson's NFL-record $230 million fully guaranteed deal prior to the start of free agency in 2023, clearing approximately $36 million in cap space.

Watson, 28, will have cap hits of $72.9 million in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with $172 million and $99 million in dead cap hits, respectively.

Watson has played just 12 games for the Browns over two seasons since they acquired him from the Houston Texans. He served an 11-game suspension to begin the 2022 season for violating the league's personal conduct policy, in connection to lawsuits from more than two dozen female massage therapists alleging sexual harassment and assault.

Then, multiple injuries limited Watson to six games in 2023, when he threw for 1,115 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 61.4 percent of his passes.

Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler during his time with Houston, has thrown for 16,756 yards, 118 touchdowns and 45 interceptions in 66 games (65 starts) since entering the league in 2017. He has a 36-29 record as a starter.

Huntley signed a one-year, $1.29 million contract with the Browns in March.

Huntley, 26, spent four seasons as a backup to Lamar Jackson with the Baltimore Ravens. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2022 after completing 67 percent of his passes for 658 yards and two TDs with three interceptions in six games (four starts).

Huntley has thrown for 1,957 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in 20 games (nine starts) with the Ravens. He signed with Baltimore in 2020 as an undrafted free agent out of Utah.

In another move Thursday, the Browns re-signed running back D'Onta Foreman, 28, after releasing him on Tuesday.

Foreman had signed a one-year deal with the Browns, his fifth NFL team, in April. He rushed for 425 yards and four TDs in nine games (eight starts) with the Chicago Bears in 2023.

A third-round pick by Houston in 2017, Foreman has gained 2,668 yards from scrimmage with 17 touchdowns in 52 games (21 starts) with the Texans (2017-18), Tennessee Titans (2020-21), Carolina Panthers (2022) and Bears.

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Myles Gaskin Aug 29 11:30pm ET
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According to Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell, the surprising decision to waive running back/kick returner Kene Nwangwu on Tuesday was mostly about their belief in Myles Gaskin. Gaskin is currently on the practice squad, but he's likely to be elevated to the game-day roster in Week 1 to serve as the team's No. 3 RB and kick returner. He'll be behind starter Aaron Jones and backup Ty Chandler on the RB depth chart. The 27-year-old has returned only eight kicks between his college and NFL career, but the Vikes liked what they have seen in training camp. In the end, Gaskin proved more versatile on special teams and as a pass-protector in the backfield than Nwangwu. Gaskin, a former seventh-round pick 2019 by the Miami Dolphins, won't have any fantasy value unless one of Jones or Chandler miss time with injury in 2024.

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Drake Maye Aug 29 10:13pm ET
Drake Maye

Dynasty | The Patriots have named Jacoby Brissett their starting quarterback. Dynasty Analysis: Brissett was outplayed throughout training camp and the preseason by rookie Drake Maye but the Patriots are clearly playing it safe here. With an offensive line that's, well, offensive, and a receiving corps that's paper thin, this may not be the best situation to throw a rookie into. Maye will still likely make some starts this season but New England is going the safe route here. Brissett will be a low-end QB2 to start the year and likely waiver wire fodder at some point in the season.

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Brandon Aiyuk Aug 29 10:13pm ET
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Dynasty | The 49ers have signed wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to a contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: Well, that was painful, Aiyuk's contract status has been the source of more ups and downs than a roller coaster at Knott's Berry Farm but he ends up staying with San Francisco and gets a four-year, $120 million contract extension that will keep him under team control through 2028. It's another massive deal for the 49ers, who now have a whopping eight players making more than $15 per season and one quarterback who is going to be in need for his own extension in a couple of years. Aiyuk should provide low-end WR1 or high-end WR2 as he attempts to build on his 75/1,342/7 breakout last season.

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Emanuel Wilson Aug 29 10:00pm ET
Emanuel Wilson

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson has an excellent chance to open the season as the team's second-string running back behind Josh Jacobs. Per their depth chart, Wilson is listed as the Packers' third-string back. However, with rookie MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) missing time, the door is open for Wilson to take on a more significant role. Green Bay is scheduled to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in their regular season opener next Friday night. Unless there is an update on the rookie's status, Wilson will open the season as the second to receive carries out of the backfield. Though the second-year undrafted free agent hasn't received much workload thus far in his NFL career, he has run well when given the chance. Fantasy managers should keep him on their radar for now, as although he may not garner much standalone value, he would be an asset to roster if he were Jacobs' handcuff.

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Johnny Wilson Aug 29 9:40pm ET
Johnny Wilson

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Johnny Wilson (concussion) was held out of practice again on Thursday and remains in the league's concussion protocol. Wilson suffered the concussion on Aug. 13 during joint practices with the New England Patriots and has yet to be allowed to return to practice. It is still being determined whether or not he will be cleared ahead of the Eagles home opener against the Green Bay Packers next Friday night. He's currently the fourth wideout on the team's depth chart behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and newly acquired Jahan Dotson. The sixth-round rookie never recorded more than 43 receptions or 897 yards during any of his collegiate seasons, nor does he project to get much playing time this season in a deep Philadelphia wide receiver corps. However, at 6-foot-7, Wilson would pose as a formidable red zone threat if he ever cracked the lineup.

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Gunner Olszewski Aug 29 9:30pm ET
Gunner Olszewski

New York Giants wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (groin) is "heading in the right direction," as per coach Brian Daboll, and should be ready to roll for the team's regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 8. Olszewski missed all of minicamp after picking up a foot injury during OTAs and was cleared to participate at the start of training camp before suffering a groin injury back on Aug. 17. The sixth-year veteran isn't expected to contribute much as a receiver as he's not listed as a starting wideout on New York's depth chart. However, he is slated to be the Giants' primary kick returner in 2024. Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton have been rotating on punt returns during his absence, and we expect to see an update on his injury over the coming week. Depending on your league's rules regarding points for kick and punt returns, Olszewski could provide some value for fantasy managers. Otherwise, he is better left alone until the situation on the depth chart before him clears up.

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Tip Reiman Aug 29 9:20pm ET
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Arizona Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman (undisclosed) did not practice again on Thursday. Cardinals' head coach Jonathan Gannon has yet to provide the exact nature of his injury, though he said he'd be held out for the rest of the week and return to practice on Monday. The rookie third-round pick has missed time due to an undisclosed reason, though it can't be too serious if he's expected back with the team early next week. Reiman is currently listed as the team's third tight end per its depth chart and brings solid blocking ability to the table. He'll attempt to stave off Travis Vokolek while he is shelved and will slot in behind Trey McBride and Elijah Higgins for playing time this season. Reiman holds little value outside of a deep dynasty league bench stash.

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Haason Reddick Aug 29 7:20pm ET
Haason Reddick

New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas said that nothing has changed on the team's end regarding the situation with defensive end Haason Reddick. Douglas said the team has been "clear and direct" in their communication and said the ball is in their court. "I have faith that this will all get resolved," Douglas said. With just over a week left until the start of the 2024 regular season for the Jets, the 29-year-old Reddick hasn't been with his new team at all this offseason or summer. Reddick, who was traded from the Eagles to the Jets early this offseason, subsequently requested a trade from the Jets, with Douglas saying the organization has no plans to trade him. If Reddick doesn't get a new long-term contract that he desires, it's possible that his holdout could spill over into the regular season. The situation has made him one to avoid in IDP fantasy leagues for now.

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CeeDee Lamb Aug 29 7:15pm ET
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The Dallas Cowboys signed wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to a four-year extension this week, and with that situation taken care of, all eyes shift toward quarterback Dak Prescott. The former fourth-round pick out of Mississippi State is entering the final year of his current deal, and time is running out to reach an extension before Week 1 of the regular season. However, team owner Jerry Jones said the situation remains unchanged, and Todd Archer of ESPN reports the two sides don't appear to be close to a deal. This will be a situation worth monitoring, but there is no indication Prescott will miss any game action if he heads into the season without a long-term contract. With the Cowboys' rushing attack likely to be downgraded this season, Dallas could have a pass-happier offense in 2024. Prescott could be a value pick as his QB10 ADP, especially if he sees additional red zone carries and pass attempts.

Brandon Aiyuk Aug 29 7:11pm ET
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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has signed a four-year extension with the team, ending his long holdout.

Brandon Aiyuk Aug 29 7:00pm ET
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has signed a four-year extension with the organization on Thursday. Finally, the drama is over as Aiyuk will be tied to the team for the next five seasons. The 49ers were forced to open their wallet as they will give Aiyuk $120 million over the next four seasons. Fantasy managers can now safely draft Aiyuk without any worries of him sitting out or a trade happening. Last season, Aiyuk finished with 75 receptions for 1,342 yards, and seven touchdowns in 16 games. The 26-year-old keeps getting better and should remain a focal point in this offense for years to come. He should have enough time to get ready in time for the regular season, so fantasy managers should have Aiyuk in their lineups for Week 1.

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Tim Boyle Aug 29 6:50pm ET
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The Miami Dolphins have decided to sign quarterback Tim Boyle to their practice squad on Thursday. Boyle was released by the Houston Texans after they opted to keep C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills as their two quarterbacks. The 29-year-old journeyman has appeared in 20 games with four different teams over the last five seasons. During that time, Boyle has thrown for 934 yards with four touchdowns and 12 interceptions, so don't expect any fantasy value for Boyle if he's asked to take over under center at some point. He figures to serve as depth on the practice squad and will be the third option behind Tua Tagovailoa and Skyler Thompson.

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Trent Taylor Aug 29 6:43pm ET
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Jaret Patterson Aug 29 6:40pm ET
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Robbie Chosen Aug 29 6:30pm ET
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The Miami Dolphins have decided to bring in veteran wide receiver Robbie Chosen on Thursday. The 31-year-old will head to the practice squad where he can be claimed by another team at any point. Chosen hasn't made much noise on the field in a few years. He finished with four receptions for 126 yards and one touchdown in nine games with the Dolphins last season. He was in camp with the San Francisco 49ers, but Chosen was unable to make the 53-man roster. This is a depth move in case of an injury, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect Chosen to contribute much in 2024.

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Clayton Tune Aug 29 6:30pm ET
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Jordan Matthews Aug 29 5:43pm ET
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Carolina Panthers practice squad TE Jordan Matthews was signed to the 53-man roster Thursday, Aug. 29. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

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Equanimeous St. Brown Aug 29 5:43pm ET
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Free-agent WR Kevin Austin, TE Michael Jacobson, RB Jacob Kibodi and WR Equanimeous St. Brown were signed to the New Orleans Saints practice Wednesday, Aug. 28.

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Deon Cain Aug 29 5:03pm ET
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Buffalo Bills WR Deon Cain was released from the practice squad on Thursday, Aug. 29.

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Alec Pierce Aug 29 5:00pm ET
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce has been receiving high praise from head coach Shane Steichen regarding his consistency through training camp, according to Nate Atkins of the Indy Star. In addition, general manager Chris Ballard has also expressed praise for the third-year wideout. In the final preseason game, Pierce caught both of his targets from quarterback Anthony Richardson and is currently listed as the No. 3 option on the depth chart. If Josh Downs (ankle) is not cleared to play in the season opener, Pierce could see a significant uptick in work along with rookie wideout Adonai Mitchell. If Pierce can establish himself as a reliable No. 3 pass-catcher in this offense, he could be worth stashing in deeper leagues.

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