DB Notes: Lions, Joseph, Oliver, Cardinals

A scary scene transpired during the Lions‘ Week 5 matchup with the Patriots. An ambulance transported Saivion Smith off the field, and the Lions defensive back said he feared paralysis following a collision with Patriots running back Damien Harris. Smith left the game after the next play, after falling to the turf after a routine […]
May 29 · Pro Football Rumors Detroit Lions DALSF Arizona Cardinals Kelvin Joseph Isaiah OliverBudda Baker Will Be At Training Camp

During an interview with Cameron Cox of 12News, Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker stated he would attend training camp. "Oh yeah, of course, I'll be there when it's time to be there," said Baker. "I'll be there smiling and (be) the same regular guy that I am." The All-Pro finished last season with 111 total tackles (75 solo), seven passes defensed, and two sacks. However, he requested a trade in April after failing to secure a new deal. Nonetheless, with Arizona in rebuilding mode, it will be interesting to see the outcome of this situation.
May 27 · Source via
Marquise Brown Becomes Cardinals' No. 1 Receiver

With the release of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins on Friday, Arizona Cardinals wideout Marquise Brown now becomes the team's clear No. 1 pass-catcher. Rondale Moore will be looking to overcome his injury issues but will have a big opportunity to make noise if he can stay healthy. Greg Dortch should also see plenty of chances as well. Veteran Zach Pascal and third-round rookie Michael Wilson bring nice size to the group. Hollywood Brown began 2022 as the top wideout with Hopkins suspended, but the 25-year-old former first-rounder missed time with injuries and played in only 12 games (10 starts) in his first year in the desert. He finished with 67 catches for 709 yards and three TDs. Brown has plenty of upside in fantasy, but he also might not have quarterback Kyler Murray (knee) until halfway through the season.
May 27 · Source via
Chiefs A Potential Landing Spot For DeAndre Hopkins?

The Kansas City Chiefs received permission to talk with free-agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins earlier in the offseason and also spoke to him before the NFL draft, according to sources. His contract was the hurdle, though, and to get something done now after the Arizona Cardinals released him on Friday, his price would have to come way down. But it's clear the Chiefs like him, but the deal they gave left tackle Donovan Smith this offseason will make it tough. KC added rookie Rashee Rice in the draft, but if they can find a way to move some money around in order to add Hopkins, he'd likely step in right away as the team's No. 1 receiver, aside from All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce. Landing with the high-octane Chiefs offense would be an ideal landing spot for the 30-year-old pass-catcher's 2023 fantasy value.
May 26 · Source via
Cardinals Release DeAndre Hopkins

The Arizona Cardinals announced on Friday that they have released wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The five-time Pro Bowler will now be free to sign with any team this offseason. The 30-year-old may be past his prime at this point, but he can still be productive in the right situation, and he will easily become the most coveted free agent on the open market. Hopkins played in only nine games in 2022 due to injuries and a suspension, and he finished with 64 receptions for 717 yards and three touchdowns. Nuk's fantasy value will be more clear when he has a new home, but all in all, this is probably good news for him with quarterback Kyler Murray (knee) potentially missing half of the 2023 season. In Arizona, Marquise Brown will now be the unquestioned No. 1 receiver this year.
May 26 · Source via
Budda Baker Missing From Cardinals OTAs

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker missed the first day of organized team activities but shared images of himself working out on his Instagram account. After the Cardinals refused Baker's request for a contract extension that would have made him the highest-paid safety in the league, Baker demanded a trade in April. The Cardinals have also said they will not trade him. The five-time Pro Bowler made 111 combined tackles, two interceptions, seven pass defenses, and one forced fumble in 15 games last season and finished as the DB15 in RotoBaller IDP scoring. He was the 19th-best safety in terms of PFF grade.
May 23 · Source via
DeAndre Hopkins Remains Away From Team

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins remains away from the team for the start of organized team activities on Monday. Hopkins continues to work out on his own and remains in contact with teammates. "Phoenix is home," Hopkins said. "It's where I have been the last three years. Working out there, there's no emphasis other than that's where I live. It's not me going on a campaign. It's just me working out." The 30-year-old veteran has been the subject of plenty of trade rumors this offseason, but his contract has dissuaded interested teams from pursuing him aggressively. With quarterback Kyler Murray (knee) potentially not ready until around midseason in 2023, a trade out of Arizona would probably be the best thing for his current declining fantasy value.
May 22 · Source via
Garrett Williams Signs Rookie Deal
The Arizona Cardinals signed cornerback Garrett Williams to a four-year rookie deal last Thursday. The team also added undrafted rookie wide receiver Brian Cobbs on an undisclosed deal. Williams was selected in the third round of this year's NFL draft (No. 72 overall) out of the University of Syracuse. He played in only seven games in his final collegiate season due to a torn ACL in his knee. Williams continues to recover from the injury, and the Cardinals are targeting a July return. Cobbs heads to the next level after leading Utah State in 2022 in catches (76) and receiving yards (923) while tying for the team lead in touchdowns with five. In four years at Maryland before joining Utah State, he had 59 catches for 858 yards and two touchdowns.
May 22 · Source via
DeAndre Hopkins' Contract Keeping Him In Arizona

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins "seems intent on making the $19.45 million he's due." While there's no doubt the multi-time Pro Bowler has plenty of talent, teams around the National Football League aren't looking to take on such a contract. Of course, that could change sometime down the line, especially if a team becomes desperate. But for now, Hopkins will remain a Cardinal. However, his fantasy outlook isn't as bright as in previous years, primarily because Kyler Murray (knee) likely won't be ready to go by Week 1 after tearing his ACL in 2022.
May 20 · Source via
Kyler Murray "Doing Good"

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (knee) continues to work his way back from a torn ACL. While most believe the signal-caller won't be ready for Week 1, it appears head coach Jonathan Gannon is taking an optimistic approach. "He's doing good," said Gannon during an interview. "He's a long way away, but we don't play for a long time, either." Murray is coming off a disastrous 2022-23 campaign, throwing for 2,368 yards, 14 touchdowns, and seven picks. He also found the end zone three times on the run. Of course, fantasy managers don't share the same optimism as Gannon regarding Murray's return. But even if the 25-year-old is ready to roll at the start of the year, he has a way to go before reestablishing himself as a viable fantasy starter.
May 13 · Source via
Cardinals Sign Paris Johnson Jr. To Rookie Deal

The Arizona Cardinals signed first-round offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. to his four-year rookie deal on Thursday. The contract includes a fifth-year option. In addition to Johnson, Arizona agreed to rookie deals with wide receiver Michael Wilson (third round), offensive lineman Jon Gaines II (fourth round), quarterback Clayton Tune (fifth round) and linebacker Owen Pappoe (fifth round). Johnson was the sixth overall pick in this year's draft and was a first-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2022 after making 13 starts at left tackle. The 21-year-old should be a solid starting left tackle for the Cardinals in time, thanks to his freakish athleticism and great range.
May 11 · Source via
Paris Johnson Jr. Expected To Start Right Away

Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. was regarded by many as the best offensive lineman in this year's NFL draft, so it shouldn't be much of a surprise that he's expected to start in Week 1 of the 2023 season, if he's healthy. Johnson played both guard and tackle at Ohio State, and that flexibility will serve him well at the next level. The Cardinals need to re-establish an offensive line that really never gelled in 2022 because of injuries. No matter where he's playing in his rookie season, Johnson will play a significant role in his first NFL campaign.
May 5 · Source via