Broncos acquire Zach Wilson via pick swap trade with Jets
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that the Denver Broncos are trading for former New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson.
The deal reportedly involves Wilson and a seventh round pick going to Denver in return for a sixth round pick. The Broncos have one of the emptiest quarterback rooms around as the NFL Draft approaches, so the move makes some sense as a fall-back option for a team without easy access to a quarterback via the draft. Wilson has a non-zero chance of becoming a starter while competing against Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci.
Wilson entered the league as the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but struggled to adapt to the NFL's rigorous competition. He averaged a 5.7% adjusted yards per attempt with a 10.2% sack rate while with the Jets and will finish his tenure there with more interceptions (25) than touchdowns (23). Perhaps the former top prospect could benefit from a change of scenery, as well as from coaching under Sean Payton.
Former Falcons QB Matt Ryan hangs up cleats
Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan announced Monday that he is officially retiring from the NFL after 14 years.
Ryan entered the league as the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and immediately took a frustrated Falcons team to an 11-5 record as a rookie starter. The Boston College alum was voted to four Pro Bowls and won the MVP award for his sensational 2016 campaign. Those 2016 Falcons made it all the way to the Super Bowl that season, their second appearance there in franchise history. While the team was never able to quite replicate the success they found in that season, Ryan kept their offense competitive throughout his impressive career.
Ryan topped 4,000 passing yards in 8 straight seasons, averaging 4,570 yards and 28.1 touchdowns per campaign between 2011 and 2020. Ryan will be an interesting figure in Hall of Fame debates when he becomes eligible for nomination in five years' time.
J.K. Dobbins plans to sign 1-year deal with Chargers
According to Adam Schefter, the Los Angeles Chargers are expected to sign running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year contract.
Dobbins will join his second career team while also playing again under offensive coordinator Greg Roman. If Dobbins can prove he is somewhat back from his torn Achilles, expect the 25-year old to complete for touches behind Gus Edwards.
On 234 career rush attempts, Dobbins has accounted for 1,347 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 3.29 yards per attempt after contact while also recording 27 receptions for 177 yards and one touchdown.
Cowboys sign running back Royce Freeman to 1-year deal
The Dallas Cowboys have signed running back Royce Freeman on Tuesday.
Freeman will add much needed running back depth although the Cowboys are still expected to address the position in the upcoming draft. Expect Freeman to compete for a backup role after he saw 78 touches last season.
In 2023, Freeman ranked 25th among his position with a 74.3 Pro Football Focus offensive rating while producing 332 scrimmage yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2.91 yards after contact per attempt.
Bills trade Stefon Diggs to Texans
Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans on Wednesday.
Diggs will move to Houston along with a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. Houston will send the Bills a 2025 second-round pick, which they have via the Minnesota Vikings. With Diggs in Houston and Gabe Davis now on the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo will enter the 2024-25 season missing their two top pass-catchers from last season. It's a big loss for Josh Allen, who has formed a dynamic duo with Diggs since his arrival in 2020. Diggs will join a talented wide receive group in Houston that includes Nico Collins and Tank Dell. Diggs' departure could result in more targets for tight end Dalton Kincaid and Curtis Samuel.
In 17 games for Buffalo last season, Diggs caught 107 of 160 targets for 1,183 yards, and 8 touchdowns.
Raheem Mostert sticks with Miami on new 2-year deal
The Miami Dolphins signed running back Raheem Mostert to a 2-year contract worth $9.075 million, Adam Schefter reports.
Mostert will remain with the Dolphins for the upcoming season after leading the league in rushing touchdowns (18) in 2023. The veteran will be 32 when the 2024 season begins, but still seemed to have plenty of juice on the field last season. Mostert operated as Miami's lead back for most of the year even with the arrival of splash-play back De'Von Achane, though he again dealt with injuries towards the end of the season. Both backs should be fantasy-relevant again in 2024.
Barring any further additions to Miami's running back room this offseason, Mostert projects to maintain his role as the goal line back in one of the most productive offenses in the league -- a role that saw him record 21 total touchdowns last season. Mostert still has NFL-caliber wheels, evidenced by his 21.62 MPH 43-yard touchdown in Week 2, which was the 10th-fastest ball-carrier speed recorded in 2023.