It’s never too early to check in on player news ahead of the 2022 season, and our news desk has you covered. Let’s take a look at the latest news and notes around the NFL.
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Dak Prescott expected to run more in 2022
Mike McCarthy has said the Cowboys will implement more quarterback runs and quarterback movement plays in 2022 after being limited in 2021 as a result of Dak Prescott’s gruesome injury he sustained against the New York Giants in October of 2020. McCarthy also stated, that Prescott is quicker, more comfortable, and moving better this offseason compared to last year, per Dallas Cowboys beat writer, Clarence Hill Jr. (Source: Clarence Hill Jr. via Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Prescott finished 2021 as a top 10 fantasy quarterback despite not being very effective with his legs. His surgically repaired ankle was still an obvious area of concern and clearly limited the star quarterback’s ability to keep plays alive with his legs, as well as be a consistent threat to take off and run in the red zone. Dak finished the 2021 season with 48 rush attempts, 146 yards, and only a single rushing touchdown. Those are all career low rushing numbers, apart from 2020 in which he only played five games before sustaining the season-ending fracture to his right ankle. If reports out of camp are accurate and Dak is indeed able to add his legs back to his arsenal in combination with an efficient passing attack, ending as a top-three fantasy quarterback in 2022 is well within the realm of possible outcomes.
Baker Mayfield subject of trade talks between Browns and Panthers
Cleveland and Carolina are engaged in trade talks involving Baker Mayfield according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. (Source: Jonathan Jones on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The biggest hold-up revolves around Mayfield’s salary and which team pays how much. Carolina is motivated to make a deal for the veteran QB with minicamps beginning Tuesday so he can get as many reps with new teammates as possible. As far as Cleveland goes, this is probably the best offer from their only potential trade partner. This deal seems on the verge of happening. Stay tuned!
Rams hopeful Odell Beckham Jr. will return for 2022 season
Los Angeles Rams COO Kevin Demoff is confident that the team will bring back Odell Beckham Jr. (Source: The Athletic )
Fantasy Impact: It’s been quiet on the OBJ front as of late, but the latest from Demoff leads to believe that the veteran wide receiver will reunite with the team that traded for him last year. In eight games after coming over from Cleveland last year, Beckham Jr. recorded 27 catches on 48 targets for 305 yards and five touchdowns. His impact was felt even greater in the Rams’ postseason run, catching 21 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns before getting injured in the Super Bowl. If and when OBJ is signed to a roster, he will likely start the season on the PUP list, as he recovers from two ACL tears in less than two years. Even if he runs it back with the Rams, the eight-year pro is probably best avoided in fantasy drafts with his return from injury still a question mark.
– Dan Lovi
Dalton Schultz reporting to minicamp Tuesday amid contract negotiations
Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz is reporting to minicamp Tuesday, according to a report from NFL insider Tom Pelissero. Schultz has already signed his franchise tag tender, locking in a $10.931 million salary for 2022, but he and his representatives continue to seek a long-term deal. (Source: Tom Pelissero on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Schultz had a breakout season in 2021, catching 78 of his 104 targets for 808 yards and eight touchdowns. With Amari Cooper now in Cleveland, Michael Gallup recovering from a torn ACL, and third-round rookie Jalen Tolbert serving as the only real reinforcement Dallas brought in for the passing game, Schultz is expected to play an even bigger role in the offense in 2022.
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