Dallas Cowboys wide receiver James Washington (foot) isn't getting into specifics as to why he's wearing a protective boot and sitting out of organized team activities, but he said he should be fine for mandatory minicamp in two weeks. The Cowboys don't consider his injury to be serious, but Washington is losing valuable repetitions as he heads into his first year in Dallas. The 26-year-old is expected to compete for snaps and targets behind CeeDee Lamb, and he could have an even bigger role to begin the season if Michael Gallup (knee) isn't ready to go. The former second-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018 never had more than 44 catches, 735 receiving yards or five touchdowns in his first four years in the NFL, but he could be a valuable sleeper target at the end of fantasy drafts if he stays healthy in 2022.
Cleveland Browns restricted free-agent running back D'Ernest Johnson was present at voluntary organized team activities this week despite not having signed a contract with the team yet. Johnson didn't receive any offers from other teams before April 22, so he can only negotiate with the Browns on his next contract. He could sign the $2.43 million tender or he could work out a long-term extension. The 26-year-old ran for over 100 yards in each of the two games he started with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt injured last year, but he won't have any real fantasy value unless the two RBs miss time with injury again in 2022. In 17 games last year, Johnson finished with 100 carries for 534 yards and three touchdowns while adding 19 receptions on 25 targets for 137 receiving yards.
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said that rookie wide receiver Treylon Burks doesn't have any limitations in organized team activities. Burks has been in and out of practices this week and was shut down during rookie minicamp the previous week due to breathing issues. The Titans haven't shed a ton of light on the 22-year-old's issues, and they continue to downplay it. It's something to watch for the first-round pick as we get closer to training camp this summer. Burks will have a big role in the Titans passing attack immediately after they traded No. 1 wideout A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles during the draft. Burks will see plenty of targets in his rookie season, but don't overpay for a rookie pass-catcher in a run-first offense in redraft leagues.
The Carolina Panthers had conversations with the Cleveland Browns during the draft last month about quarterback Baker Mayfield, but the talks didn't get far because the Panthers wanted the Browns to pay the majority of Mayfield's $18.9 million guaranteed salary for 2022. After the Panthers traded up to select rookie Matt Corral in the third round, they are now more likely to wait until the Browns potentially cut him, according to sources. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is also available, but his recent shoulder surgery is a far greater concern for some in the Panthers organization. Carolina wants no part of his $26.9 million salary. Mayfield dealt with a torn labrum in his left shoulder for most of last year and threw for 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 14 games for Cleveland.
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (back) hasn't been cleared to practice at OTAs. Smith has a long history of back and neck issues, so the organization is going to be careful with him. In fact, Smith hasn't played a full season since 2015, so the Cowboys certainly don't want to push the 31-year-old too hard. The Cowboys drafted Matt Waletzko in the fifth round as insurance for Smith. Although, the Cowboys would much rather have the eight-time Pro Bowl tackle healthy. It sounds like the plan is to limit Smith as much as possible before training camp.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (calf) is expected to miss all of OTAs. Head coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned that Kittle will likely be shut down until the beginning of training camp. Last season, Kittle missed three weeks with a calf strain and never fully recovered. The 49ers want their three-time Pro Bowl tight end back to 100 percent before the beginning of next season. They also signed Tyler Kroft to add some depth at tight end, but don't expect him to take away targets from Kittle.
Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan (knee) was limited during OTA workouts. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said in March that Tonyan was ahead of schedule. He was only able to play in eight games last season due to a torn ACL. The 28-year-old has a chance at being cleared for the beginning of training camp. Tonyan was reliable during the 2020 campaign, so hopefully he can return to form.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota had his last start on October 13, 2019. He was with the Titans then. But after spending a few seasons with the Raiders, the 28-year-old will get another chance to prove his worth as the expected starter for the Falcons, filling in for longtime signal-caller Matt Ryan, who is now a Colt. Despite Mariota's excitement, he made it known he's also willing to mentor rookie Desmond Ridder, who was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Nonetheless, with Atlanta in the midst of a rebuild, it's no secret the team is lacking on the offensive end. As a result, Mariota may not find himself as the primary option under center if he begins to struggle, making it possible for Ridder to get some reps during the 2022-23 campaign.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has high expectations heading into the season. With Amari Cooper now in Cleveland, Lamb is clearly the top wideout on the depth chart. You won't hear Jerry Jones complain about this. In fact, the owner believes having Lamb as the No. 1 target for Dak Prescott is an "upgrade" over Cooper. Lamb finished last year by hauling in 79 catches for 1,102 yards and six touchdowns. It's clear the 23-year-old is ready to embrace his role. He'll also draw plenty of interest from fantasy managers, likely getting drafted in most leagues somewhere in the second or third round. Yet, Lamb has the capability to return first-round value in any format.
The Cleveland Browns and franchise-tagged tight end David Njoku agreed in principle on a four-year, $56.75 million contract extension on Friday, according to sources. He'll receive $28 million guaranteed at signing that averages $14.1875 million per year, making him the fifth-highest paid tight end in the league. It seems like a pretty hefty contract for a tight end that had only 36 catches for 475 yards and four touchdowns on 53 targets in 16 games (11 starts) in 2021, but Njoku should have a much bigger pass-catching role with Austin Hooper no longer in town. Njoku's best season came in 2018, when he had 56 receptions for 639 yards and four scores. He should have a higher ceiling with quarterback Deshaun Watson under center as well.
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