NFL News & Rumors This Week: Retirements, 18-Game Schedule & More

Ladies and gentlemen, I’m pleased to inform you that training camp has begun! Both the NFL rookies and league veterans for every team have now reported. Many teams have hit the fields already and sounds of pads cracking will soon hit the air. We have never been more BACK.

Top NFL News & Rumors This Past Week

As always on Friday, we’ll take a little look-see around the league and let you know about any important NFL news and rumors. First, we’ll hit on any of the big stuff that even the most casual of football fans might find interesting. Then, we’ll dig into those deep cut rumors and rumblings for the fantasy football degenerates at the bottom. A little something for everyone!

Dolphins Linebacker Shaquil Barrett Announces Retirement

• In a bit of a surprise, linebacker Shaquil Barrett announced his retirement earlier this week. The two-time Pro Bowler cited spending more time with his family as one of the key factors. We wish him well in the next chapter of his life and thank him for all the highlights on the Buccaneers and Broncos!

RB Kenyan Drake & WR Michael Gallup Also Announce Retirement

• Shaquil Barrett isn’t the only one hanging them up as running back Kenyan Drake will also call it a career, per reports from Josina Anderson. He played 8 seasons with five different teams, though over the last two with the Ravens and Packers, he only had one carry on each. Michael Gallup also announced his retirement this week – he never quite returned to form after a serious knee injury with the Cowboys.

Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones Hints At 18-Game Season

• It was honestly more than just a “hint” as Jones said that an 18-game regular season is “probably inevitable”. The players and the NFLPA have not been fully opposed to it but have been asking for some concessions, such as an extra bye week or expanded rosters. The last time the NFL expanded rosters was following the 2010 CBA, which was part of the decline of the “bell cow” running back. For fantasy football purposes, we are better off seeing the extra bye week than an expanded roster and more “niche” positions.

Could Guardian Caps Be Worn In NFL Games?

• Albert Breer shared an interesting thought recently on his Twitter regarding the protective Guardian Caps that players wear over their helmets in camp. This year, they now have skull caps with team logos on them. Could this be the first step towards Guardian Caps being worn during games? Here is the image that Breer shared on his account:

Vikings Cover Funeral Expenses For Rookie Khyree Jackson

• In a nice gesture, the Minnesota Vikings have opted to cover a “significant” portion of the expenses for rookie Khyree Jackson’s funeral, after he was killed by a drunk driver this offseason. Per Kevin Seifert of ESPN, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Kevin O’Connell, Brian Flores, Matt Daniels and Daronte Jones will be among those attending.

Fantasy Football News & Rumors

This section is dedicated to fantasy-relevant rumblings from around the various off-season practices and meetings:

• First, here are the NFL players that are holding out from practice until they get paid:
  • Jordan Love
  • Brandon Aiyuk
  • Alvin Kamara
  • CeeDee Lamb
  • Tua Tagovailoa
  • Haason Reddick
  • Trent Williams
• Also, here is a list with every player that has been placed on the PUP or NFI list, per CBS. Here are the ones we might even remotely care about for fantasy football:
  • WR Chris Olave
  • RB Nick Chubb
  • RB Jonathon Brooks
  • WR Jayden Reed
  • TE T.J. Hockenson
  • TE Juwan Johnson
  • WR Mike Williams
  • WR Ricky Pearsall
  • TE Theo Johnson
  • RB Keaton Mitchell
  • TE Tucker Kraft
  • WR Odell Beckham.
  • TE Erick All
  • RB Blake Watson
  • WR Jalen Guyton
  • WR Tahj Washington (season ending)
  • QB Jordan Travis
  • WR Jalen Coker
  • WR Cam Sims
  • FB Andrew Beck

Alright, let’s get into that sweet training camp hype (or cold water):

• So many reports that Javonte Williams might be cut and then, naturally, he takes the 1st team reps in every signal drill at camp. 
• Russell Wilson is reportedly dealing with a calf issue that has him day-to-day. Justin Fields took first team reps in his place.
• Saints HC Dennis Allen blasted RB Kendre Miller after he suffered another hamstring injury saying, “it’s hard to make the team when you’re in the training room all the time”. 
• Here we go – Kadarius Toney has been getting snaps at RB in camp this year…
• Tyreek Hill has reportedly been doing stem cell treatment to regenerate cells in preparation for this season. He was hobbled by an ankle injury towards the end of last year.
• Dan Campbell doesn’t care if Jameson Williams throws up at practice, as long as he keeps making plays. 
• Dave Canales hints at Diontae Johnson being the feature of the offense they are building.
• The Raiders drafted Brock Bowers in the first round, but Gardner Minshew believes Michael Mayer “has some George Kittle in him” as the Y tight end.
• Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is considered “well ahead” in his ACL recovery.
• Jim Harbaugh believes Quentin Johnston “got a bad rap” and could “be a problem” for teams this year.
• Jim’s brother Jon Harbaugh thinks Rashod Bateman could be a top receiver in the league for the Ravens.
• Greg Roman had good things to say about popular fantasy sleeper pick Kimani Vidal.
• Jerod Mayo reiterates that Jacoby Brissett is likely to start at QB for the Patriots. At least to start the year.
• Daniel Jones has been cleared for 11-on-11 and is getting “all the reps” with the first team, per Brian Daboll.
• The Texans signed Cam Akers while Joe Mixon deals with an injury. Dameon Pierce took first team reps.
• The first camp for new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is going about how you might expect: