Panthers restructure DeAngelo Williams

Source: FFToday

Panthers now $8.46 million under the 2013 salary cap

Just when it appeared as though 2013 would be DeAngelo Williams' final year in Carolina, the franchise's leading rusher has restructured his contract with the team. Williams, scheduled to earn $5 million in 2013 but carrying a cap hit of $8.2 million, will still earn the $5 million, but his cap number will reflect what he earns. (Charolotte Observer)

FF Today's Take: Williams contract now includes two more years (2016 & 2017)

The Roto Arcade Fantasy Football Mock, RDs 3-4

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

When Mr. Irrelevant, Justice Cunningham, had his name called Saturday, the fantasy football mock season officially got underway. To kick off Yahoo!'s festivities, we'll mock two rounds per day Tuesday-Friday (12-teams, PPR scoring) to help you get educated on which players will be valued/undervalued when the bulk of the draft season begins in August. Please declare a winner and/or express your general disdain for our 'stupidity' in the comments section below.

SEE ROUND 1 HERE

ROUND 3

Randall Cobb, WR,

Saved by the Bell! Pittsburgh RB, other rushers, to set rookie pace

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

When it comes to rookies conventional wisdom no longer applies. With a few notable exceptions, most first-year players, particularly quarterbacks, were once thought to be multi-year projects, the Steve McNair approach – observe, learn and wait.

But in this day and age where instant gratification is constantly sought after, time isn’t of the essence. Several players picked in April are immediately pressed into competitive situations where often times they emerge as the go-to option, evident in the rapid ascension of guys like Robert Griffin III, Doug Martin and Josh Gordon, to name a few, last year. Because nuances from the college game are commonplace

Tiers for Beers: Strong Brees in forecast yet again for fantasy owners

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

It may seem insane-ludi-ridiculously early for fantasy football ranks, but with the NFL draft beginning Thursday, it's time for a refresher. In the second part of a special four-part series, the Noise breaks down QBs, and gets you a leg up on scoring extra beer money this fall. Team Huevos, shout, shout, let it all out in the comments section below.

See also:

Steve Smith - Panthers' Smith to get more in-season rest

Source: The Huddle

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera plans to give WR Steve Smith more rest during the regular season in order to keep him healthy. 'I think we have to be smart with Steve, make sure we put him in position to take advantage of his abilities and maximize his time and not waste his time or reps. So he's getting quality reps and quality plays,' Rivera said.
Huddle Up: Smith has enjoyed a revival of sorts since QB Cam Newton's arrival in 2011, hauling in 79 and 73 passes, respectively, over the past 2 seasons. Still, Smith turns 34 in May, and can't reasonably be expected to stay productive as the team's do-it-all one-man WR show any longer.

David Garrard - Carolina might pursue QB Garrard

Source: The Huddle

The Carolina Panthers might show an interest in free-agent QB David Garrard (Dolphins). He has a history with offensive coordinator Mike Shula, and the team might have a need for a backup quarterback if QB Derek Anderson is not brought back.
Huddle Up: Garrard at least has a similar skill set to Panthers' starter Cam Newton so the team wouldn't have to change much if the No. 2 man was pressed into action. Still, Garrard and his reps are going to have to do some strong selling after the QB has missed the past 2 seasons with injuries.

Panthers | Louis Vasquez might be a fit

Source: Footballguys.com

The Carolina Panthers need to find more protection for QB Cam Newton, and free-agent OG Louis Vasquez (Chargers) could be targeted. He could push OG Amini Silatolu for the starting left guard job if added.

Panthers | May be interested in having Derek Anderson back

Source: Footballguys.com

The Carolina Panthers may be interested in re-signing impending free-agent QB Derek Anderson because he performed well when QB Cam Newton missed some time this season.

Panthers | To reunite with Matt Moore?

Source: Footballguys.com

The Carolina Panthers might look to free-agent QB Matt Moore (Dolphins) for their backup job behind QB Cam Newton in 2013. Moore is reportedly well liked in Charlotte after previously playing three years for the Panthers. Impending free-agent QB Derek Anderson (Panthers) is not expected back, hinting he might reunite with Cleveland Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski.

Cam Newton - Cam Newton happy with new OC

Source: The Huddle

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton said he is very happy with the decision to make Mike Shula the team's new offensive coordinator. "I don't think there was a better person that could come in and take over," Newton said. "I'm excited about taking the next steps in the process with him." Newton said he has talked with Shula several times and expects the offense to be similar to the one they have been using but with some changes.
Huddle Up: Shula has done a nice job with Newton's development, and the continuity won't hurt as he takes over the reins of the Carolina offense. And a happy Cam is a productive Cam, which bodes well for his fantasy potential in 2013.

Panthers | Cam Newton happy with new OC

Source: Footballguys.com

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton said he is very happy with the decision to make Mike Shula the team's new offensive coordinator. 'I don't think there was a better person that could come in and take over,' Newton said. 'I'm excited about taking the next steps in the process with him.' Newton said he has talked with Shula several times and expects the offense to be similar to the one they have been using but with some changes.

Newton 'excited' to work with new OC Shula - Cam Newton | CAR

Source: Rotoworld Football

Cam Newton said on Friday that he is "excited" to work with new OC Mike Shula.

Cam Newton will have continuity on offense

Source: Draft Sharks

Panthers HC Ron Rivera admits that he decided to promote QBs coach Mike Shula to OC so that there was continuity in the offensive scheme.  "That was it," Rivera said. "Mike was with (the other candidates) step-for-step in terms of offensive thinking and planning and strategy. But the bottom line is familiarity with who we are as a football team. The thing I felt like we needed to do was stick to what we did down the stretch, refine those things and, in some cases, correct the things we had problems with."  Losing former OC Rob Chudzinski to Cleveland hurts, but Shula should help make the transition easier.  QB Cam Newton was a stud in Chud's system over the 2nd half of the season, leading all QBs in fantasy points from Week 8 on.

Panthers | Ron Rivera says OC hire based on continuity

Source: Footballguys.com

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said the team named Mike Shula as their offensive coordinator because of his familiarity of the team's offense and QB Cam Newton. 'That was it,' Rivera said. 'Mike was with (the other candidates) step-for-step in terms of offensive thinking and planning and strategy. But the bottom line is familiarity with who we are as a football team.'

Brandon LaFell (WR)

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by George Rev

Okay so I kept LaFell on my team the entire year, because my gut told me he would mature into the big time receiver I know he can become in Carolina. Last year I was wrong. THIS is going to be the year though! LaFell has nice size at 6-2 210 and has the opportunity to grow with fellow youngster QB Cam Newton in Carolina. The two seemed to have a nice connection in 2012 with LaFell getting 76 targets (missing 2 games).

Moving into next year I expect LaFell to become more of the go to guy, with the aging Steve Smith starting to slow down…some. Bright spots last year for LaFell included putting up double digit fantasy points in back to back weeks twice last year, and averaging 15.4 yards per catch. He should be available late in all drafts, and could be a nice sleeper heading into next year. I expect a breakout year out of LaFell and I’m guessing he’ll end up somewhere around 75 catches, 1,000 yards and 7 touchdowns.

If you disagree or agree let us know in the forums, and be sure to tell us who you think will have a breakout season in 2013!

Panthers | EJ Manuel believes he would fit team

Source: Footballguys.com

Florida State QB EJ Manuel said he believes he would be a fit for the Carolina Panthers because he believes he has a similar style to QB Cam Newton.

Raiders will give QB Terrelle Pryor shot to earn starting job

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

The Raiders gave quarterback Terrelle Pryor the start in the 2012 season finale versus the Chargers, and he responded with a three-touchdown effort. Pryor will have the opportunity to get more starts in 2013. Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie said as much during a radio interview Tuesday. Pryor is the only quarterback on Oakland's roster behind Carson Palmer. Matt Leinart is a free agent, and Palmer is recovering after suffering multiple cracked ribs and a bruised lung in Week 16. FANTASY ANALYSIS: It is still very much Palmer's job to lose, because Pryor just isn't ready to be a passing quarterback at this level. But the athleticism is there in spades, and with quarterbacks such as Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson, Colin

Don't forget about Cam Newton heading into 2013

Source: KFFL.com NFL

Cam Newton's resurgent 2012 second half has Keith singing his praises as he enters his third full NFL campaign

Panthers | Mike Tolbert does not think offense will change much

Source: Footballguys.com

Carolina Panthers FB Mike Tolbert said he believes the offense under offensive coordinator Mike Shula will be similar to the one the team used when Cleveland Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski was the coordinator. 'You never know what (a coach) has planned,' Tolbert said. 'But at the same time, I think the basic scheme of things probably won't change much.' Tolbert thinks Shula's hiring will be good for QB Cam Newton because he will not have to learn a new offense.

Mike Shula gets promoted to Panthers' offensive coordinator

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

To fill the void left by Rob Chudzinski, the Panthers have made Mike Shula their new offensive coordinator. Shula had been the team's quarterbacks coach since 2011 and, along with Pat Shurmur and Hue Jackson, was one of three people to interview for the job. Shula was a coordinator once before in the NFL from 1996-1999 with the Buccaneers. During that time, the Bucs never finished higher than 22nd in total offense and ended up 28th in Shula's final year. FANTASY ANALYSIS: But Shula didn't get this job because he is overly qualified. This is a move by the Panthers to try to keep the good times rolling and take it easy on their franchise quarterback. The Shula hiring means Cam Newton won't have to learn a new offense and allows Carolina to

Panthers | Mike Shula could make most sense as OC

Source: Footballguys.com

Carolina Panthers quarterbacks coach Mike Shula, who was interviewed for the team's offensive coordinator vacancy, would allow the team to make the most seamless transition following the departure of offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski to the Cleveland Browns. The Panthers are hoping to run the same offense around QB Cam Newton in 2013 as they did under Chudzinski.

Colin Kaepernick & 49ers Super Bowl Bound?

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Kyle Terada / US PRESSWIRE

The most talked about quarterback heading into the divisional round of the 2013 playoffs wasn’t Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Matt Ryan or even Aaron Rodgers by NFL pundits, it was 49ers Colin Kaepernick. The second-year quarterback received an opportunity to start after Alex Smith suffered a concussion, and because of his play against the Bears and Saints the youngster was awarded the starting job, mainly because of the upside his skill-set presented.

While Kaepernick has the physical tools to be an elite quarterback in the NFL in the future, the 49ers have an elite defense and running game. With this in mind it only seemed to make sense that San Francisco should stick

49ers | ATL a good matchup for Colin Kaepernick?

Source: Footballguys.com

San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick could have a good matchup against an Atlanta Falcons defense that has struggled against mobile quarterbacks this season. Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton amassed over 700 yards in two games against Atlanta. Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson went off to the tune of 385 passing yards and another 60 running the ball against the Falcons in the divisional round.

Browns hire Rob Chudzinski as head coach

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

The Browns interviewed or were linked to at least 10 men in their search to find their next head coach. That search ended Thursday with the hiring of Rob Chudzinski. Chudzinski, 44, spent the past two seasons as the Panthers' offensive coordinator. This will be his third stint as a coach in Cleveland. He was the team's tight ends coach in 2004 and then its offensive coordinator from 2007-08. FANTASY ANALYSIS: As has been mentioned in many profiles about Chudzinski, he is a guy who likes to implement a down-the-field offense. He needs a strong-armed quarterback, and he has got one of those in Brandon Weeden. Chudzinski helped Derek Anderson -- yeah, that guy -- become a Pro Bowl player in 2007, so Weeden should improve with his tutelage.

Early Top 200 for the 2013 Fantasy Football Season

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by FFAdvantage

Here’s an early look at my Top 200 for the 2013 fantasy football season. There are a number of factors that will certainly be changing over the next several months so expect to see big changes. Use the comments section at the bottom of this article to tell me where you agree or disagree.

2013 Top 200

1. Adrian Peterson

2. Arian Foster

3. Calvin Johnson

4. CJ Spiller

5. Marshawn Lynch

6. Ray Rice

7. Jamaal Charles

8. Doug Martin

9. Aaron Rodgers

10. Tom Brady

11. AJ Green

12. LeSean McCoy

13. Trent Richardson

14. Drew Brees

15.

First Down: Cuts like a knife! Surgery clouds RGIII’s 2013 draft standing, keeper value

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Overnight Tuesday while most of us were dreaming about trysts with Brent Musburger obsession Katherine Webb, nightmarish details leaked from Redskins HQ about the status of one of fantasy's most coveted players.

First reported by ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, Robert Griffin III, who turned the fantasy world on its collective ear posting the fifth-best per game output among quarterbacks,

Carolina Panthers will retain HC Ron Rivera

Source: Draft Sharks

Contrary to a previous report, the Panthers have decided to retain HC Ron Rivera.  Carolina got off to a 2-8 start but won 5 of their last 6 games.  That included a 4-game win streak to close the season.  They scored at least 30 points in each of those final 5 victories, while QB Cam Newton accounted for 14 TDs.  We think the return of Rivera -- and OC Rob Chudzinski -- is good news for the fantasy prospects of Carolina's skill position players.

Panthers keep head coach Ron Rivera

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

It sounds like we will probably have news tonight on a team choosing its new head coach -- Chip Kelly to Cleveland? -- so in the meantime, here is some news about something that is fairly rare in the current NFL: A non-playoff team standing pat with its current head coach. Ron Rivera will return to lead the Panthers for a third season, according to team spokesman Charlie Dayton. Rivera was told as much during a Saturday meeting with owner Jerry Richardson. The Panthers went 7-9 this season but won five of their final six games. Rivera has a 13-19 record in two years as the head coach in Carolina. FANTASY ANALYSIS: The Panthers finished the year tied for second place in the NFC South. Or tied for last, depending on which way you want to

GM still confident in Cutler

Source: FFToday

Bears' QB to remain starter for foreseeable future

Lovie Smith is out, but Jay Cutler still has a home in the Windy City. [On Tuesday,] Cutler was being given another vote of confidence as a "franchise quarterback" in Chicago. At least for one more year. "Jay's won a lot of games," GM Phil Emery said on Tuesday. "I think the important thing is we continue to build around him. That to me is part of the equation." And as to whether Cutler is the long-term answer for the Bears, "that answer is going to come as we move forward with a new head coach," said Emery, whose fate as a general manager now rests very heavily on Cutler's success. ...

Panthers | Cam Newton injury update

Source: Footballguys.com

X-rays on Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton's (ribs, ankle) ribs revealed no fractures, while test results on his injured ankle showed a minor high sprain, according to the team's trainer, Ryan Vermillion.

Carolina Panthers fire HC Ron Rivera

Source: Draft Sharks

NFL Network's Michael Lombardi reports that the Panthers will fire HC Ron Rivera on Monday.  Winning 5 of the last 6 games wasn't enough to save him.  Carolina finished this season 7-9 after going 6-10 in Rivera's first year at the helm.  The Panthers will likely pursue Oregon HC Chip Kelly, who could work magic with QB Cam Newton.

Cam Newton - Panthers' Newton to undergo X-rays

Source: The Huddle

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (ankle, ribs) is scheduled to undergo X-rays on his ankle and ribs Monday, Dec. 31, after suffering injuries in Week 17.
Huddle Up: Newton, who had been on a season-ending tear, finished with 248 passing yards and 34 more on the ground Sunday, but failed to notch a rushing or passing TD for the first time since Week 8.

DeAngelo Williams assembles highlight tape at New Orleans

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

There's a good chance DeAngelo Williams has played his final snap for the Carolina Panthers. The club finally seems to realize that it's overloaded at the running back position, especially on the balance sheet, and Williams will likely be cut after the year.

If that's the case, the 29-year-old veteran put together a snappy audition tape at New Orleans on Sunday.

Williams rolled up 210 rushing yards and two touchdowns to spark Carolina's 44-38 victory at the Superdome; load up on film, there's highlights aplenty. His 54-yard jaunt in the third period jump-started a Panthers

Panthers | Cam Newton to undergo X-rays

Source: Footballguys.com

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (ankle, ribs) is scheduled to undergo X-rays on his ankle and ribs Monday, Dec. 31, after suffering injuries in Week 17.

Cam Newton: Injures Ankle

Source: RotoWire.com NFL

Cam Newton: Newton injured his ankle after his leg was caught under a Saints defender during a quarterback hit in Sunday's game in New Orleans, the Charlotte Observer reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Cam Newton injures ankle

Source: Draft Sharks

Panthers QB Cam Newton injured his ankle in the 4th quarter of Sunday's game against the Saints.  He had it bent awkwardly beneath him and was down for a few minutes.  Cam was later seen getting the ankle taped up on the sidelines.  We hope Carolina doesn't throw him back out there in a meaningless game.

Update: Newton re-entered later in the possession.

First draft: Here’s a way-too-early 2013 fantasy football mock

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

So there may not be a worse time to draft a 2013 fantasy league than today, before the final week of the 2012 regular season has even kicked off. We still have dozens of injuries ahead, plus the usual off-season player movement and coaching changes. And then there's April's NFL Draft.

Thus, we begin this feature with an important warning: DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.

It's fine for me to conduct a one-man 2013 mock in 2012, of course, because I'm a fully licensed fantasy professional. Ordinary citizens shouldn't think about drafting a league for another seven or eight months, however. Today's exercise is simply a guessing game, based on an incomplete picture of the league. It's theoretical fantasy football. But

Cam Newton - Panthers Newton draws another fine

Source: The Huddle

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton was fined $10,000 for kicking an opposing player in Week 16. Newton was also fined an additional $21,000 for contact with an official during the same game.
Huddle Up: While Newton has run afoul of the league police, he has come through big time down the stretch for the Panthers and his fantasy owners, throwing for 11 TDs and rushing for 4 more while tossing only 2 interceptions over his last 6 games.

Panthers | Another fine for Cam Newton

Source: Footballguys.com

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton was fined $10,000 for kicking an opposing player in Week 16. Newton was also fined an additional $21,000 for contact with an official during the same game.

Exit Interview: Gonzalez proof that age is nothing but a number

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

For the first time in the fantasy era, a pair of tight ends were weighed by drafters at the Round 1 turn. In the eyes of millions, Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham, off historic 2012 campaigns, were position titans equal to or better than some of the virtual game's most established wide receivers. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistency hindered the duo in the follow-up. Overall, after a year of unprecedented production, the position as a whole slipped. Though still deep, only four TEs finished the season with at least 120 total points in traditional formats, the lowest total since 2008. Below is our recap of this season's TE flames and lames with a quick look at what notable names could

Cam Newton - Cam Newton fined $21,000

Source: The Huddle

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton has been fined $21,000 for abusive conduct toward an official. Newton was penalized for disrespecting an official during the team's Week 16 game.
Huddle Up: That's not the kind of example Cam wants to set for Nate, the little kid from the Play 60 ad who plans to take his job.

Panthers | Cam Newton fined $21,000

Source: Footballguys.com

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton has been fined $21,000 for abusive conduct toward an official. Newton was penalized for disrespecting an official during the team's Week 16 game.

Panters RB Jonathan Stewart suffers injury setback

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart suffered a setback with his injured ankle and is very unlikely to play in Week 17 against the New Orleans Saints. J-Stew has not played in over a month and has largely been an afterthought in Carolina's offense. DeAngelo Williams, Mike Tolbert, and Cam Newton have all stepped up with big contributions in recent weeks. For example, Newton has rushed for 261 yards and two TDs since Stewart was injured. Carolina has not received much of a return of investment on Stewart after re-signing him to a six-year deal this offseason which expires after the 2017 season. FANTASY ANALYSIS: The Panthers front office really deserves its lack of success. After sinking a ton of money in two running backs, they

Exit Interview: Among QBs, RGIII, other rookies, stole show in 2012

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Expect the unexpected. For those that followed the timeless phrase and invested in a rookie quarterback in 2012, chances are they, at the very least, punched a playoff ticket. Carrying on the work started by Cam Newton and Andy Dalton last year, RGIII, Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson continued to erase negative stigmas attached to first-year passers. Their success speaks to the position's overall depth and scope. In terms of yards per game (232.8), 2012 was the most prolific passing season in NFL history. No surprise, 15 signal callers averaged at least 20 fantasy points per game, a new century-high. Below is our recap of this season's QB

Panthers | Cam Newton expected to be fined

Source: Footballguys.com

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton is expected to be fined for touching an official in the team's Week 16 game. Newton was not ejected from the game for the incident but did receive an unsportsmanlike penalty.

Raiders | Tried to take Cam Newton out?

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders DT Tommy Kelly said the team tried to take Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton out of their Week 16 game after QB Carson Palmer (ribs) was knocked out of the game. 'You take our guy out, we're going to go and try to take your guy out,' Kelly said. 'We're not out to hurt someone, but when that happens ...'

Andrew Luck - Luck sets NFL rookie record

Source: The Huddle

Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck went 17-for-35 for 205 yards and one touchdown in Week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Luck has set the NFL rookie record for passing yards in a season surpassing Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton's mark of 4,051 yards set in 2011.
Huddle Up: Luck has most definitely lived up to his No. 1 overall pick billing, but it hasn't exactly translated into fantasy success for his owners of late as he's be limited to a total of 4 TD passes and 205 yards or less in his past 3 outings.

Panthers | Cam Newton's efficiency streak ends

Source: Footballguys.com

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton completed 18 of his 29 pass attempts for 170 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the Week 16 game against the Oakland Raiders. He also ran 12 times for 60 yards and a touchdown. Newton's streak of 176 passes with an interception ended, and he also made contact with an official.

Colts | Andrew Luck sets NFL rookie record

Source: Footballguys.com

Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck went 17-for-35 for 205 yards and one touchdown in Week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Luck has set the NFL rookie record for passing yards in a season surpassing Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton's mark of 4,051 yards set in 2011.

Panthers | Ryan Kalil expected to be ready for workouts

Source: Footballguys.com

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said the team's medical staff has told him C Ryan Kalil (foot) should be ready for offseason workouts as well as minicamp. Our View: Getting Kalil back will be huge for the Panthers O-Line. He'll help protect QB Cam Newton better and open better holes for the ground game.