Hakeem Nicks - Nicks absent for 'personal' reasons

Source: The Huddle

Updating previous reports, New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks has been absent from OTAs because of a personal reason, not because of his contract.
Huddle Up: And maybe --just maybe -- Nicks' contract has become a personal issue. In any case, it's left Eli Manning and the Giants without their top 2 receivers for the time being and has given the New York/New Jersey media something to write and talk about with Tim Tebow no longer around.

Giants | Increased reps for other WRs

Source: Footballguys.com

New York Giants WRs Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks were missing at organized team activities Wednesday, May 22, over contract disputes, so QB Eli Manning was working with WRs Jerrel Jernigan, Louis Murphy and Rueben Randle during the session.

Giants | Eli Manning hopes Victor Cruz attends OTA's

Source: Footballguys.com

New York Giants QB Eli Manning said he hopes WR Victor Cruz attends organized team activities next week. "We get into some real practices next week so hopefully as we get into those live going-against-the-defense practices he'll get back in so we can get back to work," Manning said.

First Down: Still quick Vick may have another trick up sleeve

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

On the NFL calendar, May is usually marked with contract disputes, unsubstantiated rumors and, in the case of Justin Blackmon, unlawful acts. However, an interesting tidbit trickled off the wire last week prompting Eagles, and fantasy, fans to reminisce about 2010.

Ahh, the good ol’ days.

Last Thursday, with teammates looking on, Michael Vick went all Usain Bolt on LeSean McCoy, burning the gum-flapping youngster, a player eight years his junior, in a 40-yard footrace, a resounding victory for

2013 Rookie Drafts: Dynasty QB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Rich Barnes / USA TODAY Sports

E.J. Manuel, BUF (1st Round) –

Whether you agree or disagree with the Bills moving back up in the first round to select Manuel, you have to admit GM Buddy Nix did a good job adding weapons, via the draft.

Adding receivers Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin and tight end Chris Gragg add speed to Buffalo’s offense, and the pickup ultra-talented yet troubled receiver Da’Rick Rogers after the draft, gives Manuel an exciting group of players to grow with. If your drafting in the later part of the first round and need a development quarterback for the future, select Manuel.

Geno Smith, NYJ (2nd Round) -

Smith has

Matt Barkley, Ryan Nassib lead run on QBs in 4th round

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Matt Barkley and Ryan Nassib were once seen as first-round draft picks. But after the first, second and third rounds had come and gone, they were still on the board in the 2013 edition. However, they both found a home early in the fourth round Saturday. Barkley and Nassib were both drafted by teams who traded up in the round. The Eagles jumped up to the 98th overall spot, the lead-off pick in the fourth, to take Barkley. The Giants then jumped up from No. 116 to No. 110 to nab Nassib. But the buying of QBs didn't stop there. The Raiders took Arkansas' Tyler Wilson at No. 112, and the Steelers took Oklahoma's Landry Jones at No. 115. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Barkley is the most interesting selection, by far, because of how he doesn't really fit

Ryan Nassib: Eli Manning's Backup?

Source: RotoWire.com NFL

Ryan Nassib: The Giants selected Nassib in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, 110th overall. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Hakeem Nicks hopes to be "full-go" by training camp

Source: Draft Sharks

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks called this offseason's left knee surgery a "minor procedure."  He hopes to be a "full-go" by training camp.  That seems like an attainable goal.  Nicks has been running full speed since early April.  That's included running routes for QB Eli Manning.  Barring a setback, Nicks should be 100% when training camp gets going.  It's unclear how much he'll do until then, though.  It'd be nice if he could have a full offseason one of these years.  Nicks is still only 25 with plenty of room for growth.  We'll continue to monitor his status.

Peyton Manning gets Eli Manning in Week 2

Source: Draft Sharks

The NFL schedule has been released.  The Ravens and Broncos kick things off on Thursday, September 5th.  HC Chip Kelly makes his Eagles debut on Monday night against the Redskins (and maybe RG3).  We get the Manning Bowl in Week 2.  Peyton returns to Indianapolis in Week 7.  Here's the complete 2013 NFL schedule.

Giants | Eli Manning talks about the Victor Cruz situation

Source: Footballguys.com

New York Giants QB Eli Manning said he is not going to try to get WR Victor Cruz to show up for offseason activities, and understands why Cruz is not there. Manning said he believe Cruz will show up when a contract extension is done. "I have a feeling I'll see Victor here when the contract's done," Manning said.

Hakeem Nicks - Giants' Nicks feeling good

Source: The Huddle

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) said he never really felt like himself last season, as his left knee never recovered after a Week 2 injury. He has reported no problems with his knee during voluntary offseason workouts. 'It's always good to see him back healthy,' QB Eli Manning said. 'He is still striving to get to 100 percent. Obviously, having a healthy Hakeem would definitely make our team much better.'
Huddle Up: The offseason appears to be going well for Nicks, who had only 692 receiving yards and 3 TDs last season after 2 straight campaigns with at least 1,052 yards and 7 TDs.

Giants | Hakeem Nicks feeling good

Source: Footballguys.com

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) said he never really felt like himself last season, as his left knee never recovered after a Week 2 injury. He has reported no problems with his knee during voluntary offseason workouts. 'It's always good to see him back healthy,' QB Eli Manning said. 'He is still striving to get to 100 percent. Obviously, having a healthy Hakeem would definitely make our team much better.'

Giants | Eli Manning, Hakeem Nicks at workouts

Source: Footballguys.com

New York Giants QB Eli Manning and WR Hakeem Nicks are among the notable position players in attendance at the team's voluntary offseason workouts this week. The two also worked out together at Duke University in North Carolina earlier in the month.

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks in attendance at voluntary workouts and feeling good

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Victor Cruz did not attend the Giants' voluntary workouts on Monday, which was expected. But Hakeem Nicks was there, and he talked to the New York Daily News about his workout with quarterback Eli Manning last week at Duke University. quot;We got some good work in," Nicks said. "It was good for me to just get my feet back up under me a little bit, and it was my first time running routes with Eli. So it was good. I feel good. There weren't any setbacks. "I kept it simple because it was my first time running routes. I wasn't about to go out there and -- it's still early right now. So the biggest thing is that I want my presence to be felt there with Eli. ... We're on the same page." FANTASY ANALYSIS: In four NFL seasons, Nicks has found a

Giants | Hakeem Nicks has been running

Source: Footballguys.com

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) said he has been running at full speed for a few weeks and is happy that he recently worked out with QB Eli Manning. 'I kept it simple because it was my first time running routes,' Nicks said. 'I wasn't about to go out there and - it's still early right now. So my biggest thing is that I want my presence to be felt there with Eli. Because it is something that I do week-to-week. We're on the same page.'

Hakeem Nicks running full speed

Source: Draft Sharks

Giants WR Hakeem Nicks says he's been running full speed for a couple of weeks now.  He worked out with QB Eli Manning at Duke last week.  Nicks was plagued by foot and knee problems throughout 2012.  He underwent surgery on the knee after the season.  It sounds like he'll be a full-go for the offseason program.  Still, Nicks needs to be considered an injury-risk in fantasy drafts this summer.  He's missed 9 games over his first 4 NFL campaigns.  Nicks also carries plenty of upside, though.  He was a top 12 fantasy WR in both 2010 and 2011, despite missing time with injuries.

Victor Cruz not at voluntary workouts

Source: Draft Sharks

The Giants began voluntary workouts today at team facilities.  Giants WR Victor Cruz did not, according to USA Today's Mike Garafolo.  That news should surprise no one, of course.  Cruz continues to seek a long-term deal from the team that merely applied a 1st-round tender to the restricted free agent this offseason.  We still fully expect a deal to happen.  It's not yet clear whether Cruz would skip "mandatory" workouts without a new contract.  Until he signs his RFA tender or a longer-term deal, however, the team won't be able to mandate anything.  It's also worth noting that Cruz did work out with Giants QB Eli Manning at Duke University last week.

Victor Cruz - Victor Cruz working out with Eli Manning

Source: The Huddle

New York Giants restricted free-agent WR Victor Cruz has been catching passes from QB Eli Manning this week. Cruz is hoping to sign a long-term contract extension with the team to remain one of Manning's favorite targets. The Giants have until April 19 to make a contract offer to Cruz if another team wants to make a run at Cruz. New York would receive a first-round pick as compensation if they can't match another team's offer. Manning also worked out with WRs Hakeem Nicks and Louis Murphy.
Huddle Up: Giants fans are skittish as long as Cruz hasn't inked a long-term deal to remain in blue, but the fact that he's working out with the team's franchise quarterback should indicate his intention is to remain with the Giants.

Giants | Eli Manning getting jump start

Source: Footballguys.com

New York Giants QB Eli Manning is preparing for the 2013 season by working out this week at Duke University in North Carolina, and he is assuming he'll have his receiving corps intact. Manning has been working out with restricted free-agent WRs Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks (knee) and newcomer Louis Murphy. '(I'm) here with Coach Cutcliffe (to) have him work with my mechanics, get everything sharp and get everything prepared,' Manning said Wednesday, April 10. 'So when we start workouts next week, I am going there ready to go and improving and ready to get better.'

Giants | Hakeem Nicks working out

Source: Footballguys.com

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) has been working out at Duke University in North Carolina with QB Eli Manning and fellow receivers WR Victor Cruz and Louis Murphy. Nicks is coming off offseason knee surgery, and his participation is a good sign that he'll be ready for organized team activities (OTAs) which start next week.

Giants | Victor Cruz working out with Eli Manning

Source: Footballguys.com

New York Giants restricted free-agent WR Victor Cruz has been catching passes from QB Eli Manning this week. Cruz is hoping to sign a long-term contract extension with the team to remain one of Manning's favorite targets. The Giants have until April 19 to make a contract offer to Cruz if another team wants to make a run at Cruz. New York would receive a first-round pick as compensation if they can't match another team's offer. Manning also worked out with WRs Hakeem Nicks and Louis Murphy.

Rapid React: Water in desert, Fitz lands Palmer

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

More times than not, divorces are not pretty. But after the extensive bickering, lawyer talk and concessions, sometimes beauty can emerge from the chaos.

Just ask Carson Palmer.

As reported by various outlets, including the Purple Palace’s own Michael Silver, the fractured relationship between the Raiders and the two-time Pro Bowler is beyond irreparable. The passer wants out, an identical feeling he expressed just three short years ago when held hostage by Mike Brown in Cincinnati. Assuming he gets his wish, which rumblings suggest

Rapid React: Water in desert, Fitz set to land Palmer

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

More times than not, divorces are not pretty. But after the extensive bickering, lawyer talk and concessions, sometimes beauty can emerge from the chaos.

Just ask Carson Palmer.

As reported by various outlets, including the Purple Palace’s own Michael Silver, the fractured relationship between the Raiders and the two-time Pro Bowler is beyond irreparable. The passer wants out, an identical feeling he expressed just three short years ago when held hostage by Mike Brown in Cincinnati. Assuming he gets his wish, which rumblings suggest will happen imminently, a red alert

Rapid React: Water in the desert, Fitz set to land Palmer

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

More times than not, divorces are not pretty. But after the extensive bickering, lawyer talk and concessions, sometimes beauty can spring.

Just ask Carson Palmer.

As reported by various outlets, including the Purple Palace’s own Michael Silver, the fractured relationship between the Raiders and the two-time Pro Bowler is beyond irreparable. The passer wants out, an identical feeling he expressed just three short years ago when held hostage by Mike Brown in Cincinnati. Assuming he gets his wish, which rumblings suggest will happen imminently, a red alert will be issued

Eli Manning - Manning offers to help re-sign Cruz

Source: The Huddle

New York Giants QB Eli Manning says that he would be willing to restructure his contract, which runs through 2015 and counts $21 million against the salary cap in 2013, if it helps to re-sign WR Victor Cruz. 'If the Giants want to work something out,' Manning said, 'I am always up for listening, figuring out what I can do to help the cause.'
Huddle Up: QB restructures are en vogue, and if that money goes to secure that QB's top ally, it's often a case of addition by subtraction.

Eli: I would restructure my contract for Cruz - Victor Cruz | NYG

Source: Rotoworld Football

Eli Manning said he'd consider restructuring his contract if it helped get restricted free agent Victor Cruz signed.

Giants | Eli Manning off help to sign Victor Cruz

Source: Footballguys.com

New York Giants QB Eli Manning said Wednesday, March 20, that he would be willing to restructure his contract, which runs through 2015 and counts $21 million against the salary cap in 2013, if it helps to re-sign WR Victor Cruz. 'If the Giants want to work something out,' Manning said, 'I am always up for listening, figuring out what I can do to help the cause.'

Eli Manning - Nicks will be a full go for spring program

Source: The Huddle

New York Giants QB Eli Manning said he recently spoke with WR Hakeem Nicks, who said he will be a full go and running for the start of the team's spring program.
Huddle Up: Nicks battled leg injuries all of last season, so it will be nice to see him healthy when the Giants resume organized activities. Let's hope he can stay that way.

Eli says Nicks should be 'full go' for OTAs - Hakeem Nicks | NYG

Source: Rotoworld Football

Eli Manning expects Hakeem Nicks (knee scope) to be "full go and running" for the start of the Giants' offseason program.

Giants | Eli Manning talks about Victor Cruz contract situation

Source: Footballguys.com

New York Giants QB Eli Manning said he checks the newspapers every morning to make sure no team has offered restricted free agent WR Victor Cruz a contract and called the whole process nerve-wracking. 'It is nerve-wracking, though,' Manning said. 'He is anxious; I know he has been dealing with this contract issue for a long time, last year and end of this... I know he wants it just settled and wants to get back to playing football and just worrying about that.'

Giants | Eli Manning talking to agent about Victor Cruz

Source: Footballguys.com

New York Giants QB Eli Manning said he has been joking with his agent, Tom Condon, who is also restricted free agent WR Victor Cruz's agent, telling him to get the deal done to ensure he stays with the Giants.

Giants | Hakeem Nicks will be a full go for spring program

Source: Footballguys.com

New York Giants QB Eli Manning said he recently spoke with WR Hakeem Nicks, who said he will be a full go and running for the start of the team's spring program.

Giants | Have not approached Eli Manning about contract restructure

Source: Footballguys.com

The New York Giants have not approached QB Eli Manning about restructuring his contract. Manning said he would be open to listening about restructuring his deal or adding years.

TE Myers agrees with Giants

Source: FFToday

Former Raiders' tight end replaces Bennett

TE Brandon Myers has agreed to sign with the Giants. (Mike Garafolo via Twitter)

FF Today's Take: Myers finished 9th among tight ends in standard scoring leagues and 6th in PPR leagues last season outproducing the likes of Dennis Pitta, Brandon Pettigrew,

Cruz drawing interest around the NFL

Source: FFToday

Star WR could be on his way out of New York

Coach Tom Coughlin recently admitted to frustration at the New York Giants' inability to find common ground in contract talks with restricted-free-agent wide receiver Victor Cruz. If the Giants truly are more focused on extending receiver Hakeem Nicks' contract, will that expose their flank for another team to take a run at Cruz? NFL.com's Ian Rapoport hears there is already "a ton of interest" on Cruz, with "plenty of teams just waiting for their opening" once free agency kicks off. Just 26 years old, Cruz is

UPDATE: Ravens, QB Joe Flacco agree to long-term contract

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Update: The contract figures are in, and they are huge. Flacco will sign a six-year deal worth $120.6 million, as first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. Flacco's annual average pay of $20.1 million will be the most for any player in NFL history. Wow. --------------------------- By the start of next week, the Ravens will have signed their franchise quarterback to a big-money deal. Joe Flacco and the Ravens agreed to contract terms Friday, according to FOX Sports' Jay Glazer, and Flacco will reportedly sign on the dotted line Monday. Specific details of the deal aren't yet known. Flacco was set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 12. This contract comes after a season that ended with Flacco earning an NFL championship and Super

Ravens, QB Joe Flacco agree to long-term contract

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

By the start of next week, the Ravens will have signed their franchise quarterback to a big-money deal. Joe Flacco and the Ravens agreed to contract terms Friday, according to FOX Sports' Jay Glazer, and Flacco will reportedly sign on the dotted line Monday. Specific details of the deal aren't yet known. Flacco was set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 12. This contract comes after a season that ended with Flacco earning an NFL championship and Super Bowl MVP honors. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Expect this post to be updated in the coming days as we find out just how much money Baltimore is giving to Flacco. Flacco has never been an elite fantasy QB -- he has never topped 4,000 yards or 25 passing touchdowns in any season -- but he was

Giants | Four high-priced guys not going anywhere

Source: Footballguys.com

The New York Giants have issues with the salary cap heading into 2013, but high-priced veterans C David Baas ($4.25 million), QB Eli Manning ($13 million), FS Antrel Rolle ($7 million) and OG Chris Snee ($6.7 million) are not expected to be cut.

Breakfast Table: Bickering on Bourbon Street

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

For the last decade or so, Michael Salfino and Scott Pianowski have been putting together an email exchange centered around (but not limited to) the NFL. You might enjoy listening to them haggle. You might prefer a swift kick into the stomach. The Table isn't for everyone; we hope some of you enjoy it.

From: Michael Salfino
Date: Tue, Jan 29, 2013 at 9:31 AM
Subject: Super Breakfast
To: scott pianowski

We're just days away from the big day where the question the nation is asking will finally be answered: Will Jay-Z appear at halftime with Beyonce?

And there's a game, too, I guess. I did not expect a Ravens vs. 49ers Super Bowl, by any stretch. Not after San

Victor Cruz - Giants would tender Cruz if no deal struck

Source: The Huddle

New York Giants owner John Mara said that signing WR Victor Cruz to a new contract is a high priority, but not the team's only priority. Mara said the team would tender him if they cannot come to an agreement on a new deal.
Huddle Up: Whether or not the Giants and Cruz can come to terms on a long-term agreement, he'll be catching passes from Eli Manning in 2013.

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,

Giants | Should have rested Hakeem Nicks

Source: Footballguys.com

New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese said the injury to WR Hakeem Nicks (knee) really hurt the offense, particularly QB Eli Manning, this season, and the team may have been better off giving Nicks more rest. 'I think it starts (with) ... Hakeem Nicks has been one of the linchpins in our offense. He was banged up and I really think it took its toll on our offense and what we are trying to do,' Reese said. 'He was trying to fight through it. But in hindsight, I think if we had to think about it again, maybe we would have taken him out a little quicker than we did. But that is neither here or there at this point. But I do think it affected the quarterback's play some.'

Mike Sullivan - Bears expected to interview Mike Sullivan

Source: The Huddle

The Chicago Bears are expected to interview Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan Wednesday, Jan. 2.
Huddle Up: Sullivan was promoted from Giants' quarterbacks coach to Tampa Bay OC last year when Greg Schiano took over. His track record of developing Eli Manning and getting more out of Josh Freeman would bode well for Jay Cutler's numbers if he were to get the Chicago job.

Eli Manning: Big Game in Finale

Source: RotoWire.com NFL

Eli Manning: Manning completed 13-of-21 passes for 208 yards and five touchdowns Sunday. He took one sack and did not throw an interception. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Eli Manning - Giants' Manning establishes career high

Source: The Huddle

New York Giants QB Eli Manning went 13-for-21 for 208 yards and a career-high five touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17.
Huddle Up: Manning definitely hit a high note to cap a psychotic season, which also saw the QB fail to throw a TD pass in 4 games -- all falling within the Giants' final 9 contests.

Giants | Eli Manning sets career high

Source: Footballguys.com

New York Giants QB Eli Manning went 13-for-21 for 208 yards and a career-high five touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17.

Eli throws for 5 TDs, but Giants eliminated - Eli Manning | NYG

Source: Rotoworld Football

Eli Manning completed 13-of-21 passes for 208 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions in the Giants' 42-7 Week 17 win over the Eagles.

Meadowlands Mauling: Eli Manning goes ballistic against Philly’s giveaway defense

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

So much for the slumping New York Giants offense. A date against Philadelphia cures everything in 2012.

Eli Manning & Company are rolling merrily along through one half of play Sunday, holding a 35-7 lead over Andy Reid's Lame Duck Eagles. Manning's thrown four touchdown passes on the day, posting a tasty 11-for-16 line with 196 yards. Rueben Randle spiked twice in the first quarter (if you started him, we welcome your victory lap in the comments), with David Wilson and Victor Cruz adding touchdown receptions later.

The Giants have been productive on the ground as well: Ahmad Bradshaw has seven carries for 67 yards and a score, and

Fantasy Football Sleepers: QB - Week 17 (with video)

Source: KFFL.com NFL

Yeah ... Eli Manning ... that's who you should trust in your finale.