By: Justin Frye

Dynasty leagues can be won and lost through savvy maneuvering at the flex spots. As a competitive team, boring vets can be highly valuable flex options that won’t break the bank. In a rebuild, trading those guys to chase upside while bottoming out for a high pick is a smart choice. So who are some players to target for flex options in a dynasty league?

Michael Gallup, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Starting the column off with an injured WR is not ideal, but this is how I’m hunting value. Michael Gallup is getting closer and closer to making his 2022 debut off the torn ACL that ended his 2021. Just in time for a Cowboys offense in desperate need of playmakers. CeeDee Lamb has yet to truly take over as an alpha, and the next highest valued player is a rookie who hasn’t been dressed for a game yet.

Gallup struggled as a young player in the top role, but I’m interested in him now with a veteran QB and Lamb there. After that struggle from Gallup, the Cowboys added Amari Cooper. Cooper finished his three full years in Dallas as WR10, WR15, and WR27. The last two were with both Gallup and Lamb as teammates. With Lamb playing his same slot role, Gallup has upside to grow into the Cooper role and be a top 20 guy.

Who are some other solid flex options at WR that I’d target? Jakobi Meyers just continues to beat anyone in his way in Foxboro and will put up numbers. Allen Lazard is the de facto alpha in Green Bay, and showed to end 2021 what that means by being top 20 WR over the final 5 weeks. Curtis Samuel is healthy again and being used similarly to 2020 when he finished top 25 at WR.

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots

If targeting flex play RBs, Rhamondre Stevenson is just a prototype of the player I’m after, but he’s a smart buy. Starter Damien Harris is still the top guy in Foxboro, but he’s a free agent at the end of the year. The Patriots don’t pay for past performance, and spent picks on two rookie RBs in the 2022 NFL draft. I don’t see Harris back, which means Stevenson ascends into the role.

Additionally, Stevenson has a solid playable role this season. He is not likely to be consistent but can give you a multiple TD week any given week and has a top 15 or higher upside should Harris go down. As for 2023, it’s likely to be wheels up on his stock and will be viewed as a top 20 guy. While the WRs and TEs I’m selling as a contender, these RB types need to be held until they hit that higher level then sold off.

Who are similar RBs I’d target with similar long-term upside? Tony Pollard in Dallas, while he’s a free agent at season’s end, I love what he’s shown on the field and Ezekiel Elliot could be cut this offseason. Brian Robinson hasn’t played yet, so the unknown in Washington presents upside to push Antonio Gibson out the door for good. Rachaad White is Stevenson just one year earlier, as Fournette is likely there until the 2024 offseason. Khalil Herbert is Stevenson but with a lesser 2022 role and potentially returning starter ahead of him next year.

Tyler Higbee, TE, Los Angeles Rams

I’ll be honest, I missed on Tyler Higbee for 2022. I wasn’t interested and thought he’d be at best the 3rd option in a balanced offense with an injured QB. Through two weeks though, the running game is a mess and Higbee is the second option in LA. If he continues to hold off Allen Robinson, he’ll be a viable flex for rosters, especially in any TE premium (TEP) leagues.

Even for cheap DFS, he’s labeled as gross despite leading the position in targets. He is only still as cheap as he is because of the lack of TDs, which is not a sticky stat. In his two games, he’s seen three red zone targets, which is second at TE. If the usage remains he’s a likely top six TE this year, which plays in your flex even non-TEP leagues.

Who are some other solid flex options at TE that I’d target? Gerald Everett for the Chargers has been busy at TE as well, and is tied to Justin Herbert for 2023 as well. Tyler Conklin is running a nearly full-time role for a Jets team playing a ton on offense, which is a good indicator that the stats could follow. Deepest cut option is Juwan Johnson in New Orleans, who’s a TE on multiple platforms and has taken the top TE option from Adam Trautman and can put up a few points with TD upside.

Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, New York Giants

This is where we’ll speculate on some guys who are still unknown and have potentially fruitful roles in late 2022 and beyond. Sterling Shepard is currently the top option for the Giants, after taking a pay cut to return from an injury in 2021. Enter rookie Wan’Dale Robinson, the only WR the Giants regime has much invested in having taken him early in round 2 of the 2022 draft.

Rookie in an offense without a true alpha target hog and a coach who’s willing to showcase talented players? Sign me up for that. Add in the injury discount that he likely carries, and I’m buying regardless of contender or rebuilding, offering a healthy middling flex type like discussed above even, if I need the upside shot. He played RB and WR in college and might see some Deebo Samuel-type role.

Who are some other upside young flex options at WR that I’d target? Skyy Moore tops the list, tied to the best QB in football, and no pass catchers standing out there yet. Tyquan Thornton is nearly a copy-paste of Robinson’s write-up, but Meyers is better than Shepard. Romeo Doubs blew up camp but has stumbled through two weeks, but expect a breakout soon. Rondale Moore isn’t a rookie but Greg Dortch is playing his role and is a playable flex with less athleticism.

Conclusion

Who I target depends on the situation. With a rebuild I’m after the RBs or younger WRs, as a competitive team with strong starters I might chase cheaper options at WR or TE. Obviously, know where you’re weaker and stronger and add to those weaknesses to make a more well-rounded roster. I gave lots of options, and while I like the main person in each group best, I’m not overpaying for them over others I discussed, so do some shopping and know the easier managers to deal with! Best of luck!

The post Dynasty flex sleepers right now appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The Fantasy Football landscape is more intense than the blazin hot sauce at Buffalo Wild Wings after two weeks of football. Today, it’s vital to cover none other than the Week 3 Waiver Wire. Hence, I’m going to untwine several names to scoop up off the wire.

Garrett Wilson

Garrett Wilson is looking to be another special former Ohio State wideout, after hauling in a whopping 102 yards and 2 touchdowns against the dog pound last Sunday (which exceeded his first stat-line in Week 1: four catches for 52 yards). Many NFL faces have pointed out that Wilson already gives off “Justin Jefferson vibes”. It should be noted that Wilson doesn’t even have Zach Wilson at QB yet — who is on track to return in Week 4, per NFL.com.

Raheem Mostert

The flash-like RB Raheem Mostert, who is owned in 51.7% of ESPN leagues, is ascending to be the top dog at RB amid a high-powered offense. Mostert out-snapped Chase Edmonds yesterday & ousted 79 total yards. It seems that Mostert’s chemistry with Mike McDaniel is beginning to pay off.

Michael Gallup

The Dallas Cowboys elusive wideout Michael Gallup is finally back after he tore his ACL last season. Gallup inked a five-year deal worth $62.5 million dollars this off-season and he’s expected to be a big part of the puzzle moving forward. He’s only owned in 44% of ESPN leagues, but I expect that number to rise in the next 1-2 weeks.

Evan Engram

The Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram is in a superior situation than last season, to say the least. He is proving to be reliable with Trevor Lawrence – as he ousted eight targets and several catches in Week 2. Michael Salfino of The Athletic is firm that Engram is a top TE add heading into Week 3.

Jared Goff

The Detroit Lions veteran sharpshooter, Jared Goff, is coming off a monster game with four touchdown passes. He finished with a 121.7 passer rating for the day. It may be wise to grab the Lions QB that is nominated for FedEx Air Player of The Week & that is only rostered in 23% of Yahoo leagues.

Logan Thomas

Logan Thomas, also known as Taysom Hill before Taysom Hill, nicely recorded a touchdown in Week 2. He’s also proven to be able to stretch the field – as he caught a 27-yard pass in Week 2 and a 20-yd catch in Week 1. I love the Commanders big weapon next to Scary Terry and Jahan Dotson.

Marcus Mariota

The Falcons dual-threat QB has been a stingy foe against the mighty New Orleans Saints defense in Week 1 & the ultra-dangerous LA Rams defense in Week 2. As of late, Mariota registered a couple of passing touchdowns against the Aaron Donald-led defense. He should continue to blossom with the young WR-TE duo in Kyle Pitts and Drake London.

The post Week 3 Waiver Wire right now appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

The secret is out: the Dallas Cowboys will likely release their star wide receiver, Amari Cooper. The Boys feel comfortable with pardoning the wideout, especially after carrying Ceedee Lamb, Michael Gallup, Dalton Schultz, and Ezekiel Elliot. The chances of retaining Gallup in 2022 took a boost after the recent Cooper news.

The Cowboys could retain Gallup and pair him with their talented wideout Lamb. I wouldn’t be shocked if Jerry wants his beloved NFC East squad to pick up a cheaper WR3 for his explosive offense. If they lose Gallup, they really need to ink a wideout in free agency. I expect them to re-sign Gallup and add another wideout. I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to sign a talented wide receiver, especially with Dak and Zeke in their prime. So, who could they sign? Well, here are a few free-agent wide receiver options for the Boys.

Zay Jones

The Raiders WR Zay Jones would be the ultimate value signing for Dallas. Jones is an ideal replacement on the outside for Cooper. He’s 27 years old, coming off a modest season of 546 yards, and he doesn’t have any injury concerns. Jones has never missed more than two games in a season. Jerry wouldn’t have to break the bank for Jones to say the least. The Raiders will likely sign JuJu or Tae, so Jones most likely won’t be returning to Sin City.

A.J. Green

The Cowboys would be able to resurrect A.J. Green’s career more than any other team on his wishlist. Green could take a short-term contract to play with Prescott, Zeke, and Lamb. If he wants to chase a Super Bowl and put up quality numbers, it would be wise for him to sign with Dallas. Green had 848 yards last season with Murray and I believe he can surely put up better numbers with Prescott.

Cordarrelle Patterson

Cordarrelle Patterson would be a nice, versatile addition to the Cowboys offense. The Tavon Austin experiment with the Cowboys wouldn’t come close to the success that Patterson could unleash with Dallas. Patterson had a career season in Atlanta, but Matt Ryan (and Calvin Ridley) could be gone in 2022. Outside of being a talented WR3 fit for Dallas, Patterson has been All-Pro in his career as a kick returner and he’s a special RB. He could be a supreme x-factor in pivotal playoff matchups.

Honorable mention:

JuJu Smith-Schuster

“never say never”

It would be a surprise if the Cowboys cut ties with Cooper and then made a splash signing at the WR position in free agency (outside of Gallup). Still, I could feel like Jerry would be tempted to sign a younger, talented wideout in the candy shop of free agency. The Cowboys want Prescott to win an MVP award and they really want to win a Super Bowl, while Zeke (and Dak) are in their prime. JuJu Smith-Shuster would be an intriguing signing. He’s also stated how he loves everything about Dallas.

The post Free agent WR targets for the Dallas Cowboys: who can replace Amari Cooper? appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala and Charlie Vakassian

The NFC East was a scrappy, unique, and competitive division in 2021. The Dallas Cowboys, who were led by Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons, claimed division gold and won the NFC East. Many fans are wondering if Jalen Hurts will take the league by storm, or if Washington will add a talented QB and return to the playoffs. So, which squad will win the polarizing division in 2022? Well, here are our picks to win the NFC East. 

Dallas Cowboys (Jake): 

The Dallas Cowboys have underperformed in the post-season with Dak Prescott, but I expect them to achieve regular-season dominance next season. Prescott threw a career-high 37 passing touchdowns last season and it seems the 28-year-old still has his best football ahead of him. 

Prescott will be complemented well in 2022 and beyond by LB Micah Parsons. The Cowboys LB won Defensive Rookie of The Year and ousted one of the best rookie performances from any position of all time. 

I expect the Cowboys to be more than okay without Michael Gallup, especially because their offense was firing on all cylinders without him for eight games last season. I assume they will keep Cooper in 2022 while letting Gallup test free agency. 

I wholeheartedly believe the well-balanced Cowboys are one of the clearest division favorites in the entire league. Since 2016, they’ve won their division three times. If Prescott stayed healthy in 2020, they would have likely won the East two seasons ago. 

The Eagles asserted their dominance on their NFC East rivals in 2021 and there doesn’t appear to be any signs that their division foes are close to edging them out. The Cowboys demolished the Commanders 56-14, the Eagles 51-26, and the Giants 21-6 in the back half of last season. 

The Giants appear to be rebuilding as Joe “run a lap” Judge was booted from the Giants head coaching gig. The Giants could also trade Saquon Barkley and it appears Evan Engram will depart from the Big Apple. The Philadelphia Eagles should take positive steps with Jalen Hurts, but I don’t see the Eagles possessing a scary ceiling in 2021 with their mediocre defense. Washington is a dark horse team to make some noise next season, especially if they add a modest QB in their offensive attack. I still don’t expect the Commanders to obtain a signal-caller like Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray, or Aaron Rodgers. If they add Marcus Mariota or Matt Corral, they could have a similar result as the 2021 Eagles (9-8). I don’t see them being an NFC heavyweight like the Cowboys if they have a great offseason.

Washington Commanders (Charles):

The NFC East was once one of the proudest divisions in football. The 1980s and ’90s were filled with intense competition and elite talents, with several Super Bowl appearances and wins among the 4 teams. 

Zoom ahead to the present, and things don’t look quite as rosy. Since 2017, there have been at least two teams each season finishing below .500, and in 2020 every single NFC East team finished with a losing record. 2021 was barely any better, with only Dallas doing enough to be competitive, and Philadelphia sneaking in by the skin of their teeth.

2022 projects to be a very different set of scenarios for the East. The Giants have a new GM and HC, and a fresh outlook. The Cowboys have some tough decisions to make, being over the cap and needing help on offense. Washington seeks an upgrade under center, and the Eagles need a bit of everything. 

While a case can be made for just about any team, given the history of randomness in the NFC East, I am selecting the Washington Commanders to take the division crown for the second time in two years. With a ridiculously talented front seven (Chase Young, Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen, Da’Ron Payne, Jaimin Davis, Cole Holcomb) and an underrated secondary, led by William Jackson and Kam Curl, Washington takes the cake on defense. The offense was their big issue heading into 2021 and continued to be. Ryan Fitzpatrick suffered a hip injury that knocked him out in Week 1, and Taylor Heneike filled in admirably, but still struggled for the most part. The offensive line was a pleasant surprise and ranked 6th overall according to PFF. They will need to re-sign star guard Brandon Scherff, as tagging him for the third year in a row would result in an exorbitant one-year price tag. 

With the offseason fast approaching, Washington looks to upgrade their QB room. Head coach Ron Rivera has already commented on bringing in an established veteran, similar to the Rams getting Matthew Stafford. Keep an eye on Russel Wilson, as he would be the big name to go after. If the draft is the lane they take, then Matt Corral out of Ole Miss is the guy. A cannon of an arm with sneaky athleticism, I would have Corral as the second-best quarterback in the NFC East, ahead of Daniel Jones and Jalen Hurts. With elite options in RB Antonio Gibson and WR Terry McLaurin, along with dependable TE Logan Thomas, the Commanders have weapons to make even a slightly competent QB succeed. 

The Cowboys are on paper the best team in the NFC East, but they are $22M over the cap, and will likely have to make some cuts in order to just get under. Amari Cooper and DeMarcus Lawrence could be cap casualties. Not to mention offensive weapons Dalton Schultz and Michael Gallup are heading to free agency, leaving the assets at Dak Prescott’s disposal perilously thin. The offensive line has been suffering injury after injury, leaving the dependability of Tyron Smith and Zack Martin in question.

The Eagles don’t seem to know what direction they are heading in. Jalen Hurts shows flashes of skill and then makes ridiculously dumb decisions in the same game. They have no wide receivers outside of Devonta Smith. The defense lacks playmakers, with Darius Slay and Fletcher Cox already past the age of 30. 

The Giants are looking to be headed for a retool if not a rebuild. Players like James Bradberry and Saquon Barkley may be traded to free up the cap, worsening the roster in the short term. 

Washington has enough talent on offense, and an elite defense, to bounce back and take the NFC East in 2022. Mark my words.

The post Who will win the NFC East in 2022? appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The Las Vegas Raiders made the playoffs last season, but they had a tough (and cringy) loss against the AFC Champions Cincinnati Bengals in the wildcard matchup. Derek Carr and Hunter Renfrow were outmuscled by Joe Burrow and the 2021 Offensive Rookie of The Year Ja’Marr Chase, but the Raiders should hold their heads high this offseason.

The Raiders have plenty of room to improve on offense and their ceiling is sky-high. Derek Carr has been phenomenal with Josh Jacobs, Darren Waller, and Hunter Renfrow, but the offense can really lift off with a big addition at wideout. The Desean Jackson experiment won’t last forever, as the Eagles legend is 34 years old. With that said, here are a few free agents that Josh McDaniels should strongly consider signing.

Michael Gallup

The buzz surrounding JuJu Smith-Schuster and Las Vegas has been hot and cold. Furthermore, JuJu seems in love with the Dallas Cowboys in numerous ways and there’s also a strong possibility he reunites with the Steelers. I foresee JuJu taking a prove-it deal with Dak and replacing Michael Gallup, while Gallup looks for a new home.

I honestly believe that the shiny and overly popular free agent wide receiver Michael Gallup is the perfect fit for the Las Vegas Raiders. Josh McDaniels ought to be the most aggressive buyer for Michael Gallup in free agency.

Gallup had a single-season career-high receiving yards mark in 2019 (1,107) and 11 touchdowns in 2019 and 2020 combined. He can be a consistent, big catch WR on the outside, while Renfrow mows down defenses from the inside.

The Raiders have the 16th most cap space in the NFL, but they should really prioritize Gallup to ensure that they give him the best offer among any interested teams in his services. I believe they are simply the best combination of fit, riches, and ascending culture to attract him.

Cordarralle Patterson

If Gallup re-signs with Dallas or heads elsewhere (potentially a Top 5 team on a prove-it deal), the Las Vegas Raiders could really get creative with Cordarrelle Patterson in their offensive attack. The combination of Josh Jacobs, Kenyan Drake, and Patterson at RB would be entertaining, but quick screens and deep shots to Patterson at WR across from Darren Waller would be more thrilling. The methodical scheme with play-action shots deep down the field by McDaniels would be firing off all cylinders with Patterson in the offense.

Patterson is a much younger version of Desean Jackson and he can be a more versatile athlete. Patterson was named second-team All-Pro by Pro Football Focus at the flex position.

Tre’Quan Smith

The Saints young wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith had to suffer from a brutal passing attack in New Orleans with a half injured Taysom Hill (and Ian Book) for a large chunk of 2021. I believe he would be the perfect value signing for Vegas this offseason.

I don’t expect him to join the Saints and their mysterious QB situation long-term, especially with Michael Thomas returning and Deonte Harris possessing a unique role as the reliable deep threat WR. He would provide excellent depth at the Raiders WR position and he would surely help the Raiders passing game late in the season.

The post Top free agent wide receivers the Raiders should target appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The Dallas Cowboys illustrious wide receiver Amari Cooper has been a fine weapon for 2021 Comeback Player of The Year favorite Dak Prescott over the past few seasons. Cooper rightfully earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2019 with a career-high receiving yard mark (1,189) and eight touchdown catches that tied a career regular season high.

Despite Cooper elevating his efficiency with Prescott, the Cowboys elected to draft WR Ceedee Lamb to bolster the WR group in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. Flash forward to 2022, it appears that Lamb has been a fantastic draft pick and the 27-year-old Cooper is slowly fading out of the big picture. In fact, the notorious Boys owner and GM Jerry Jones expressed his frustration with Cooper following the NFC East team’s early exit from the postseason. Per CBS Sports, Jones stated loud and clear that Cooper “ought to be able to catch it in the middle when they’re going with him”.

Jones could really opt to cut ties with Cooper for two reasons. If the Cowboys throw Cooper under the bus and then proceed to cut him, they could save a whopping $16 million. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they pardon Cooper and then use that extra money to keep the younger, highlight-reel WR Michael Gallup in town. Gallup is a free agent in 2022 and it seems obvious that he won’t be staying barring a large increase in cap space for the Boys.

So, will Cooper stay or go now? Well, if Dak does lose his physical beast of a wideout, here are the likely landing spots for Cooper’s services.

New York Jets

I would not be blown away if Jones sent Cooper to no man’s land, also known as the 4-13 New York Jets. The Jets are in the opposite aisle of the Cowboys, as they rest in the bottom of the AFC.

The Jets could look to make a big move at the WR position to help out the struggling 2021 rookie signal-caller Zach Wilson. The second overall pick from the 2021 draft struggled mightily last season as he threw more interceptions (11) than touchdowns (9). The 22-year-old QB will need more help than his 2019 rookie WR Elijah Moore, who led the team in receiving yards (538) and receiving touchdowns (5). The second-year WR Denzel Mims took a sophomore slump not just for himself, but for every WR in the league last season. Saleh knows that he needs talent across the board, but he needs to help Wilson with more explosions and a WR like Cooper can help override the weaknesses the Jets carry upfront.

We’ve seen young QBs in recent years like Josh Allen, Kyler Murray, and Tua Tagovailoa receive their firepower. It may be time for Zach Wilson to have a true opportunity to put up fireworks in the Big Apple.

The Jets have the fifth-most cap space in the league with roughly $48 million and attractive draft compensation in the 2022 and likely 2023 draft. Robert Saleh has the ammunition to acquire the Cowboys misfit wideout.

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons WR group is looking like the Walking Dead in 2022. It’s been well noted that the Falcons missed their ex WR Julio Jones this season. To make matters worse, ATL will likely not have Calvin Ridley on their roster for training camp. Ridley retired mid-season and he’s been heavily rumored in trade talks over the past couple of weeks.

The 7-10 Falcons that arguably exceeded expectations this past season could take a massive jump to a winning record next season if they pair Amari Cooper with the 2021 rookie stud Kyle Pitts. The former Gator TE appears to be a future rockstar as he registered 1,026 yards in just his first season. Pitts The 21-year-old TE has a slow start to the year and he didn’t quite take off until October 10th against the Jets, but he did flash his rare ability against the Jets and many times afterward.

The third place NFC South squad shouldn’t completely pull the plug on their talented 36 year old QB. If the Falcons can equip Matty Ice with serious firepower, the Falcons could make a strong push for NFC South prominence as the Buccaneers may not have Tom Brady next season. If TB12 announces his retirement this offseason, all four NFC South squads will arguably have a massive question mark at QB. The door could be open for the Falcons to add a few pieces around their QB that led them to a Super Bowl and make a strong push for playoff city.

The Falcons cap situation is gloomy and it’s no secret that Ryan carries the highest cap hit on his team with a $48.6 million figure. The Falcons restructured his contract last offseason and I’d expect them to do that this offseason again. Ryan could be open to restructuring his contract if it helps them make a large addition, as well.

Los Angeles Rams

Sean McVay likes to have a blockbuster trade with his coffee in the morning. It’s clear that McVay wasn’t scared to make a push for big name profiles like Jalen Ramsey, Ndamukong Suh, Odell Beckham Jr, Matthew Stafford, and Von Miller. The LA big lights have clearly rubbed off on McVay since he took over as the Rams ring leader. The Rams are coming off a monster victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Aaron Donald shined. They are now fighting for a Super Bowl spot next weekend against their arch-nemesis in the SF 49ers, but they won’t slow down in the offseason. Odell Beckham Jr. will likely be headed elsewhere in the offseason as he is an overly shiny free agent and McVay could look to restock on firepower in the offseason.

The Rams bright head coach could look to add Cooper to an offense featuring 2021 Offensive Player of The Year candidate Cooper Kupp, soon-to-be healthy Robert Woods, RB Cam Akers, and gunslinger Matthew Stafford. Cooper may even be an upgrade over OBJ at this point in time. If Jerry Jones is open to sending Cooper to the NFC West superpower team, McVay may be tempted to close the books on the deal. If McVay loses at the hands of Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, McVay could be convinced that they just need a bit more explosion to secure a Lombardi trophy in the near future.

Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson has quietly been removed from the cream of the crop QB conversation and Jim Harbaugh needs to make sure that issue is resolved. Mark Andrews has been a rockstar and one of the league’s top tight ends. Marquise Brown has been a speed demon and clear threat in his young career. The Ravens still need to be in awe of the Kansas City Chiefs with Tyreek Hill, Buffalo Bills with Stefon Diggs, and Cincinnati Bengals with Ja’Marr Chase on the outside. It’s clear Jackson needs his own juice at the WR position.

The Ravens can’t settle with additions like Sammy Watkins, who essentially had half the production of Saints WR Deonte Harris in New Orleans’s broken passing offense. Amari Cooper would simply be the perfect addition for the once NFL’s youngest MVP in Lamar Jackson. The Ravens are also slipping in the AFC North, as the Bengals and Steelers grabbed recently grabbed playoff spots ahead of them. Cooper can be a veteran wideout that can still ascend with Jackson throughout the upcoming years.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence will be screaming “somebody to love” by Queen this offseason. The new-look Jaguars should look to help out their 22-year-old QB and they have the cap space to do so. The former first overall pick hasn’t been treated well in his short Jaguars tenure thus far. The first-year head coach Urban Meyer failed Jacksonville which led to his early demise. Lawrence was also only gifted Marvin Jones Jr. and Travis Etienne (suffered a season-ending injury in 2021) in the past offseason, so there are obviously a few empty chambers remaining in Lawrence’s revolver. The Jags starting QB and the whole offense are left with a very heavy burden.

The former Clemson star threw more interceptions (17) than touchdowns (12) and his 24th ranked Jaguars passing offense couldn’t put up a fight in countless contests. The Jaguars offense scored 10 or fewer points in six games last season, as well. The RB position should see a boost with the return of Clemson RB Travis Etienne. It’s time for the WR group to see a competitive stud join the locker room. The new coach, who could be Jim Harbaugh, should look to make a splash addition on offense and help his highly touted QB. The Jaguars face a mountain in 2022, but they can make a leap of progress if they add a few pieces for respectable measures moving forward. If Lawrence can take a massive jump in 2022 with Cooper, the Jaguars could have the best QB-WR combo in the AFC South.

Honorable Mentions

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears moved on from the unpopular Matt Nagy in 2022. Yet, they have a big name QB in rookie Justin Fields and they will likely ink a head coach that is offensive-minded. A coach wonder like Eric Bieniemy, Byron Leftwich, or Kellen Moore could see themselves in the frigid Chicago area soon.

The team in the Windy City can’t allow Fields to burn out, especially with the expected exit from Aaron Rodgers in the NFC North. The new head coach desperately needs to bring in a big-name wideout like Amari Cooper. The 25th ranked passing offense a year ago looked miserable. They truly can’t expect Darnell Mooney (1,055) to be the best talent they carry at the lead WR spot. The Bears should see the once standout Allen Robinson leave the building, who reportedly didn’t speak to Matt Nagy for five months. Jimmy Graham, who could end up in the Hall of Fame (largely for his magic in New Orleans), will be out of Chi-town in the near age, as well.

Miami Dolphins

The 2021 rookie Jaylen Waddle was phenomenal with 104 receptions, 1,015 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. Waddle, who is lightning quick, might just be the next Tyreek Hill. The former first-rounder Devante Parker ought to be traded finally. The Dolphins fell short of reaching the playoff prize after they largely failed to put up any type of offensive production in a 34-3 loss against the Tennessee Titans in Week 17.

The Dolphins could be also moving on from former first-round Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa after ditching former Dolphins head coach Mike Flores this offseason. If the Dolphins land Amari Cooper, it will be much more attractive for the Dolphins to land a big-name QB. With the addition of Cooper, they may be able to attract the attention of Seahawks Russell Wilson or former MVP QB Aaron Rodgers. The arrival of a gifted QB and WR would help the third place Dolphins keep pace with the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady might just retire after his recent divisional-round loss or he may announce he’s making the last ride with Gronk into the 2022 season. After all, Brady is chasing “Michael Jordan” and he failed to add another championship ring to his belt in 2022.

The Bucs parted ways with former Pro Bowl WR Antonio Brown late in the season. Chris Godwin is also coming off a torn ACL and he is a 2022 free agent. If the Bucs move on from Godwin, it would be ideal if the Bucs sought out another talented WR to pair with Mike Evans. They have been rumored to land Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, but I would love to see Bruce Arians level up by obtaining Amari Cooper. There are two things that are closest to Arians’s heart: a glass of whiskey and the number one passing offense.

The post 5 best Amari Cooper trade destinations appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

The Dallas Cowboys offense has elite firepower across the board. Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliot, Amari Cooper, Ceedee Lamb, and Michael Gallup are all featured on Kellen Moore’s high-flying orchestrated attack.  

There’s no secret that each profile commands a lot of resources to be happy with their situation. Prescott and each weapon are talented and in the prime of their career, so it will be very hard for Jerry Jones to afford to keep each prospect long term. With that stated, it appears that wide receiver Michael Gallup will be the odd man out. Gallup will be a free agent in the offseason and all signs point to the WR taking his talents out of Dallas. 

So, where could Gallup land in 2022? Let’s take a look. 

• New England Patriots 

The free-agent whisperer Bill Belichick could swoop in and sign the 25-year-old WR. Mac Jones has taken the league by storm and truly put on a clinic at the rookie QB spot. Jones has tossed 3,313 yards, 18 passing touchdowns, and he’s captured a 94.6 passer rating. The 9-6 Patriots are so close to taking the next step. If the emperor Belichick can sign a young and very talented wideout, Jones could be looking to put up monster points with Gallup, Henry, and Kendrick Bourne for years to come. 

• Dallas Cowboys

Jerry Jones knows that he has a QB with hall of fame potential and a RB on the decline of his career. I’m not saying that Elliot will be ditched to open up cap space for Gallup, but the Cowboys identity lies with their passing attack. When Gallup is healthy, he is a big reason why Dak puts up league-leading numbers and helps the offense keep pace with any team in the league. The Cowboys could very likely toy with Zeke’s contract and Tyron Smith’s deal to help the “young and ascending WR” stay on the roster. 

Jones will want Dak to be a QB worthy of MVP consideration year in and year out and Gallup is a big reason why Dak can conquer that step. 

• Green Bay Packers

The Aaron Rodgers-led team makes a lot of sense for Michael Gallup. Whether or not Davante Adams stays in Titletown long-term, Gallup would be a great asset to the Packers new direction. Gallup would be a tremendous number two WR for A-Rod across from Adams. If Adams hits the road, the Pack could have their franchise WR1 in the Cowboys stud. All in all, I believe that Rodgers will be around for another “last dance”, but he will be coming with more firepower the next time around. We witnessed Brady gifted with a dream team offense. It’s a strong possibility that Rodgers and his reunited GM load up for another Super Bowl run in 2022 (regardless of this season’s outcome).

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By: Brady Akins

Do you know when you’re playing Madden Franchise Mode? And by year three or year four you’ve absolutely loaded your roster past any reason? 

With late-round Draft gems, big-name free agent acquisitions, and unnecessary picks made of the sole purpose of just acquiring fun pieces to play with?

That’s kind of like the Cowboys’ real-life offense.

With a Pro-Bowl quarterback, an All-Pro running back, and a treasure trove of talented pass catchers– the Dallas Cowboys can be a fantasy football goldmine, but also a headache to sort through.

It can be difficult to parse out who’s worth a pick and who’s worth passing on in an offense with so many big names. But we did our best to narrow it down to three players from the Dallas offense to turn your attention toward.

Dak Prescott, Quarterback

Dak Prescott was on pace for a historic 2020 season before he got injured.

That’s not an exaggeration, or hyperbole. Prescott was on pace to absolutely destroy NFL records through the four and a half games he played last season.

With 44.4 pass attempts per game, Prescott would have finished second all-time in total pass attempts if he were to keep that pace with 710. With 371.2 passing yards per game, he would have finished just a hair under 6,000 yards– giving him the all-time record for yards in a season by about 500. 

Sure, Prescott could and likely will regress a bit from that insane 2020 pace. But with three talented, highly-celebrated receivers in Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb, along with one of the NFL’s premier running backs by his side, it’s fair to assume that even with regression, Prescott will still be one of football’s highest producing quarterbacks.

In Week 1 against the Buccaneers, Prescott easily outdueled Jared Goff for the best losing performance. Prescott unleashed 403 passing yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT. The Cowboys QB did this all against a Buccaneers defense that locked up Mahomes, Rodgers, and Brees last post-season. It’s safe to say – Dak is back and he’s MVP material.

Prescott’s mobility might be a question– but he’s never been much of a runner in the NFL anyway. He’s a pass-first player, and a good one at that, having completed 68% of his passes last season, and still standing tied for fifth-overall in career completion percentage. 

To put it another way, Prescott was the highest-scoring fantasy football player in 2020 from Week 1 to Week 4, the four weeks Prescott played the game in its entirety. If you can get that player on your team, you should be willing to pay a high price.

Michael Gallup, Wide Receiver

Calling Micahel Gallup the second fiddle in the Dallas Cowboys offense isn’t exactly fair. Between star receivers Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb, as well as All-Pro running back Ezekiel Elliott, it’s probably fairer to call Gallup the fourth fiddle.

This is exactly why you should acquire him if you’re given the chance. Yes, he is now going to miss 3-5 weeks from a Week 1 injury, but that makes him the perfect hidden gem. Trust me, his value will be on a firesale from many rosters.

Gallup proved himself as an explosive threat in 2019 with over 1,100 receiving yards on only 66 catches. The Cowboys’ three-year veteran reached that catch mark through a high target volume, which he got in 2020 as well, with a combined 218 targets over his last 30 games.

That combined target total has Gallup placed 25th overall among players over the past two seasons. Again, Gallup is not your average fourth threat in an offense. He’s been a high-volume, reliable player for Dallas– even last year. In the midst of a season where Gallup lost his starting quarterback in Dak Prescott and was forced to compete for catches with the first-round rookie CeeDee Lamb, Gallup still finished with 105 targets.

Gallup rewarded the revolving door of Cowboys backup quarterbacks by turning those targets into 59 catches, 843 yards and five touchdowns– a stat line that had Gallup ranked as the WR38 without the help of Prescott for most of the season.

Remember what Prescott did in 2020 through four and a half games too. The quarterback averaged league highs per game in targets and passing yards with 44.4 and 371.2, respectively. It doesn’t matter if the two receivers ahead of Gallup are Jerry Rice and Randy Moss– those targets and yards have to go somewhere beyond the top two guys.

Gallup could be a major beneficiary from a super pass-happy offense– to the point of reaching over 1,000 yards and around the realm of 65 catches. Not so bad for the WR43.

Gallup only hauled in 36 yards on four catches in Week 1. It simply means there isn’t a better time to acquire the WR.

CeeDee Lamb, Wide Receiver

Of course, for as under-the-radar as Michael Gallup is as a fantasy football sleeper, CeeDee Lamb is the headline-grabber. 

As he very well should be, too. Everything that Gallup had working against him in 2020, a constantly changing quarterback position, and an overflow of pass-catching talent competing for targets were going against Lamb as well. But Lamb also had the disadvantage of inexperience, with all those factors working against him in his rookie season.

But Lamb shrugged it all off to finish the season as a surprise star. He was an overall WR22 in PPR leagues, a low-tier WR2 in 10-team leagues, despite not having a star quarterback in Dak Prescott and despite having to share the wealth with Amari Cooper and Gallup and Elliott and despite doing all of that without any pro experience in his bag.

Lamb showed that he may be in contention for the WR1 role very soon. Lamb notched seven catches, 103 yards, and 1 TD in Week 1. He even dropped numerous passes and still had a game!

Things should be easier for Lamb from here onward. Expect that WR2 to take a massive leap with things finally playing in his favor.

The post Dallas Cowboys offense carries elite talent across the board: here is who you should buy appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Written By Benedetto Vitale – Twitter (@TalksVitale)

With the offseason rumors and trade projections in full force, the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup becomes the next possible trade target in the NFL. Gallup didn’t have the most spectacular 2020 season. He finished with 59 receptions, 843 receiving yards, and five touchdowns. 

He seemed to get lost in the mix of the Cowboys offense after Dak Prescott fell to injury. However, there’s reason to believe he bounces back next year as a legitimate wideout option. Gallup is only 24 years old with plenty of time left in his career. Finding a new home may just be exactly what he needs to bounce back. 

Considering the state of this Cowboys franchise, trading Gallup away seems to make sense. The defense was one of the worst last year and the offensive line has been depleted over the years. The front office should be aiming to strengthen up the rest of the roster by trading away Michael Gallup for a draft pick. 

Dink Kearney, a writer for Fansided tends to agree, stating, “Another reason Dallas should trade Gallup is that he’ll easily fetch a second-round pick or a third-round pick right now. In a pass-happy league, general managers are salivating for talented, acrobatic, big-play receivers like Gallup.” With that said, here are three potential trade destinations for Michael Gallup. 

Gallup to the Green Bay Packers?

The first on the list is the Green Bay Packers. This would be a dream scenario for Gallup and fantasy players alike. The Packers already have one of the best offenses in the league, however, finding another receiver would bode well for their success next year. 

Gallup is a deep ball threat and would serve as a fantastic WR2 behind Devonte Adams. His abilities as a receiver would bring a different weapon to the Packers’ offense. They were hoping for Marquez Valdes-Scantling to be a solid WR2, but it didn’t seem to pan out. Gallup would step in immediately and fill that void missing in 2020. 

In an article on SB Nation, they mention the Packers current state of receivers, stating, “The Packers currently have no wide receivers under contract for 2022.” This is a problem for the future of this franchise. Trading for Gallup makes sense, as he’s still on his rookie contract, and would become a potential re-sign beyond 2022. Making this an incredibly smart decision for this front office. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Trade for Gallup?

Having just come off a Super Bowl victory, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aim to reload and shoot for a championship again. With an already impressive roster, the Bucs may be able to convince some players to sign cheap one-year deals to improve the roster. However, trading for Michael Gallup could be a power move most of the league doesn’t see coming. 

With Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown hitting the free-agent market, it’s not likely the front office will be able to bring back both of them. Chet Gresham, a writer for Draft Kings explains the likelihood of Godwin re-signing with the Bucs. He claims, “Chris Godwin is entering unrestricted free agency and is viewed as one of the Bucs’ most valued offensive weapons.”

If Tampa Bay re-signs Godwin, then turns around and trades for Gallup, they’d be setting themselves up for years to come. Plus, they’d have another weapon for Tom Brady as well. Additionally, with Gallup’s rookie contract, the Bucs would still be able to afford to sign other players to the roster as well. The Bucs have a chance to put their roster over the top for 2021. 

Gallup Plays for the New England Patriots?

The New England Patriots have one of the worst wide receiver groups in the league. Although, Jakobi Meyers was a bright spot in the second half of the year. Due to their lack of depth, expect to see some new faces on the Patriots next year. 

It’s possible the Patriots draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. For that reason, they may miss out on one of the top receivers available. Furthermore, New England isn’t a desirable destination anymore. It’ll be difficult for this franchise to acquire top talent in free agency, which means they should make a move for Michael Gallup in a trade. 

Gallup would immediately become the WR1 for this franchise if a trade comes to fruition. Meyer’s played well, but he may play better with a more talented wide receiver on the field with him. Also, with the likes of Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene developing next year, acquiring Gallup could prove to be a fantastic pick-up for this franchise. 

Andrew Erickson, a writer for PFF, dives further into New England’s need for a WR. He states, “This is a dire area of need for this team, with former first-round pick N’Keal Harry looking like a bust in his first two seasons and Julian Edelman entering his age-35 season.” Look for the Patriots to possibly make a move this offseason as Bill Belichick aims to get the franchise back on track. 

The post 3 Potential Trade Destinations for Michael Gallup appeared first on Pro Football Mania.