NFL Players

Fulton was due $14 million with no guarantees over the next two seasons and is now due $5 million guaranteed this season and $3 million non-guaranteed in 2021. It's a move that creates security for Fulton while providing Houston with some cap relief. A former sixth-round selection by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014, Fulton moved to Houston in 2018 and played in 17 games for the Texans last season. He allowed just 1 sack and 1 quarterback hit last season.

Fulton was Pro Football Focus' 29th ranked guard in pass protection last season, earning a grade of 73.9. His run blocking mark of 43.9 ranked 120th in the league.

Source: Field Yates, ESPN

D. Ford DL

49ers' Dee Ford had "relatively minor" knee surgery during offseason

San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Dee Ford underwent knee surgery this offseason following last year's Super Bowl loss, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

What It Means:

Rapoport stated that Dee Ford described the surgery as "a more extensive clean up than he kind of realized" but Rapoport was told by another source that the procedure was "relatively minor". He also said that from what he can tell, Ford is in a much better place health-wise than he was last year, and should be ready for the start of the season. The 29-year-old played in 14 games for the 49ers last season, recording 8 sacks, 3 quarterback hits, and 22 hurries. He was part of a San Francisco defense that finished last season ranked 3rd overall by numberFire's power rankings. A return to full health would bolster a unit that is already one of the league's best.

Ford was Pro Football Focus' 18th ranked edge last season, earning a grade of 84.4. numberFire's projections expect Ford to record 17.4 tackles, 5.1 sacks, and 1.5 fumbles this season.

Source: Ian Rapoport

C. Jones DL

Chiefs, Chris Jones reportedly not close on long-term contract

The Kansas City Chiefs and defensive lineman Chris Jones haven't had "much traction" on a long-term contract, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

What It Means:

Jones was franchise tagged on March 16, but he's yet to sign the tender - which is worth over 16 million dollars for one year. He's still holding out hope for a contract extension, which he has until July 15 to negotiate for with the Chiefs. There's also a chance the team tries to trade him somewhere else, perhaps a franchise more willing to extend him.

Jones had another elite season in 2019, ranking as the No. 7 interior defender in the league with an overall rating of 87.6, according to Pro Football Focus.

Source: Jeremy Fowler

M. Judon LB

Matt Judon signs Ravens' franchise tag Thursday

Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Matt Judon has signed his franchise tag in the amount of $16.27 million for 1 season, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.

What It Means:

There were offseason speculations that Judon could be dealt after receiving a franchise tag tender a couple months prior, but it seems as though he'll stay in Baltimore, at least for the time being. He's entering his age-29 season, and his performance will dictate whether he stays in Maryland after this year.

Judon ranked as the No. 43 edge defender in the sport last season, according to Pro Football Focus, earning an overall grade of 69.2. Baltimore ranked as the No. 14 team in the league in terms of pass rush win rate at 45 percent, according to ESPN.

Source: Tom Pelissero

E. Apple DB

Eli Apple signs 1-year deal with Carolina

Former New York Giants and New Orleans Saints cornerback Eli Apple has signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers, the team announced Thursday evening.

What It Means:

Once a first-round pick by the New York Giants in 2016, being taken No. 10 overall, Apple's stock crashed after allegations of locker room issues. In the middle of the 2018 season, he was shipped to New Orleans for a 4th- and 7th-round selection, where he remained for a season and a half.

Last season, Apple earned an overall grade of 63.8 per Pro Football Focus, ranking as the No. 63 cornerback out of 117 qualified players. He joins a Carolina defense that ranked as the No. 11 pass defense in terms of DVOA, according to Football Outsiders.

Source: Carolina Panthers

D. Hopkins WR

DeAndre Hopkins envisions better numbers in Arizona

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins said he expects to produce better stats in Arizona.

What It Means:

"So myself, being a receiver, of course I see my stats going up," Hopkins said of the Cardinals' pass-friendly approach. "But I definitely see myself having one of my more productive seasons." Hopkins was held to three-year lows across the board last year with the Houston Texans. He should have no problem boosting his numbers as the Cardinals' top option on offense, especially if Kyler Murray takes a step forward in his second season.

Hopkins is the WR5 in numberFire's preseason fantasy rankings. Our models project him for 148.9 targets, 98.7 receptions, 1,219.7 yards, and 7.4 touchdowns.

Source: Josh Weinfuss, ESPN

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NFL PLAYER NEWS

Texans, Zach Fulton agree to restructured contract

49ers' Dee Ford had "relatively minor" knee surgery during offseason

Chiefs, Chris Jones reportedly not close on long-term contract

Matt Judon signs Ravens' franchise tag Thursday

Eli Apple signs 1-year deal with Carolina

DeAndre Hopkins envisions better numbers in Arizona