Garrard to compete for QB job: The New York Jets management made it clear that Mark Sanchez would have competition for the starting quarterback job in 2013. Now we know who at least one of the contestants will be. The team signed David Garrard to a free agent deal Monday.  The veteran QB hasn’t taken a snap since late in the 2010 season and has missed the past two campaigns with back and knee issues. However, you can expect that he will certainly push Sanchez for the gig, though it should be little surprise that the incumbent is considered the early favorite.

Cruz not likely to act soon: While Victor Cruz waits for someone to offer him a No. 1 WR-type contract, he will get to contemplate the first-round tender that the Giants are set to give him as a restricted free agent. It’s not very often that other teams make a play for RFAs, since the compensation of giving up a first- or second-round draft pick is often too great. Cruz is reportedly drawing plenty of interest, but it remains to be seen whether the loss of a high draft pick and the wideout’s salary demands will be too much for some clubs. Either way, it’s not likely that anything will happen with the playmaker until we’re well into the free agent period.

Dwyer signs tender: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer signed his sixth-round tender Monday evening, removing him from the free agent market. Last season, Dwyer was the best of a scattered RB bunch in the Steel City, leading the team in carries (156) and rushing yards (623). With Rashard Mendenhall expected to move on, it opens the door for Dwyer to be more of a workhorse in 2013. In 2012, he struggled with a quad injury that kept him on the weekly injury report. If he can stay healthy and maintain last season’s 4.0 yard per carry average, we endorse any situation that will get him more touches.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

The Arizona Cardinals have decided to part ways with oft-injured veteran running back Beanie Wells after four seasons. A former star at Ohio State, he has missed a combined 13 games over the last three years – including eight last season – due to an assortment of ailments.

This move opens a chance for Ryan Williams to take over the top spot on the depth chart, at least for now. But when you consider that he’s missed most of his first two pro seasons due to injuries, well, I can’t see the Virginia Tech product suddenly making a big fantasy impact.

In fact, I would be shocked if the Cardinals didn’t make a move to add a runner either via free agency or the NFL Draft. Rashard Mendenhall, who has ties to coach Bruce Arians from their time in Pittsburgh, and Reggie Bush, have both been linked to the team.

Regardless, I’m guessing the Cardinals starting running back for 2013 isn’t on their current roster. That might not be what Williams owners in dynasty leagues want to hear, but his lack of durability is a major issue. Look for the team to make a move sooner than later.

Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com and NFL Network and a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) Hall of Fame. Have a burning question on anything fantasy related? Tweet it to @Michael_Fabiano or send a question via Facebook!

The NFL’s free-agent period hasn’t even started, but the transaction wire is already ablaze with player movement. First, the Seattle Seahawks acquired Percy Harvin from the Minnesota Vikings. Next, the Arizona Cardinals cut ties with Beanie Wells.

Now comes a report from the Baltimore Sun that the Ravens have traded Anquan Boldin to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round pick. The veteran was a star for the Ravens during their run to a Super Bowl title, but is he still a legitimate fantasy starter as a member of the Niners?

I’m not so sure.

Keep in mind, Boldin has finished no better than 25th in fantasy points among wide receivers over the last three seasons. In that time, he’s averaged 62 catches and a mediocre 882 yards. Now with San Francisco, the veteran figures to be the third option in the pass attack behind Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis. Second-year wideout A.J. Jenkins is expected to see an increase in playing time as well.

While the addition of Boldin is good news for Colin Kaepernick, who now has another weapon at his arsenal, the veteran wideout isn’t someone to target until the late rounds as a fantasy reserve.

Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com and NFL Network and a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) Hall of Fame. Have a burning question on anything fantasy related? Tweet it to @Michael_Fabiano or send a question via Facebook!

In the first major move of the offseason, the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a trade that will send Percy Harvin to the Great Northwest. The move, which is pending a physical, has major implications in fantasy circles.

Harvin, who missed just about half of the 2012 campaign with an ankle ailment, is one of the better playmakers in the National Football League. In fact, he ranked among the 10-best wide receivers based on fantasy points in his last full season (2011). A potential draft bargain because of his lack of overall production last year — he finished outside of the top 40 players at his position — Harvin should be considered a No. 1 wideout in a Seahawks offense that is now absolutely loaded with weapons.

Sure, some would argue that Seattle is the place where good wideouts have gone to die — just look at the numbers of players like Deion Branch, Nate Burleson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. But I’m hear to tell you, that’s well into the past now — this is a more explosive offense.

The addition of Harvin is great news for the value of Russell Wilson, who finished his rookie campaign as one of the hottest quarterbacks in fantasy football. He’s locked in as a top-10 option at the position and will no doubt be drafted within the first five rounds. This move isn’t as fruitful for the likes of Sidney Rice and Golden Tate, though, as their targets and opportunities are likely to see at least a slight decrease with Harvin in the mix. Neither should be considered more than a No. 4 or 5 fantasy wideout.

Overall, this is a great move for the Seahawks — both on the field and in fantasy land.

Switching gears to the Vikings, the loss of Harvin opens up cap room and should make it a lot easier for the team to go after a free-agent wide receiver like Mike Wallace or Greg Jennings. Their two starting wideouts as of right now are Jarius Wright and Greg Childs, so the Vikes will clearly be in the market for a top-notch wideout.

Stay tuned…

Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com and NFL Network and a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) Hall of Fame. Have a burning question on anything fantasy related? Tweet it to @Michael_Fabiano or send a question via Facebook!

Dolphins upgrading at WR: As many have surmised for the past month or more, Mike Wallace appears headed to the Miami Dolphins. What is a little more surprising is that the ‘Fins are reportedly Wallace’s only suitor. The free agent-to-be is expected to ask for a hefty salary and concerns about his route-running ability and consistency have likely conspired to keep the market down for his services. Yet it appears Miami isn’t finished since the team is said to be pursuing St. Louis Rams receiver Brandon Gibson. Add that duo to Brian Hartline who was re-signed last week, and the Dolphins will have completely revamped a previously lackluster receiving corps. It also removes another excuse for Ryan Tannehill not to be better in 2013.

Welker likely returning to Patriots: While the feelings between Wes Welker and the New England Patriots haven’t exactly been harmonious this offseason, it appears likely that the wideout will be back with the team when the 2013 season begins. It was believed that Welker was hoping to swing a monster contract, in the neighborhood of $11 million per year. Welker, however, has a very particular set of skills — mostly suited to the intricacies of the the Patriots offense. While it probably won’t bring him the most money, it is the best fit for his talents … and his fantasy value.

Eagles pursuing Amendola … or not: If Welker is going back to New England, it would take Danny Amendola off their radar. However, there are reports that the Eagles could come after the Rams playmaker. However, that report is contradicted by others in Philadelphia reporting that there is no interest in the veteran. All of this could be a smokescreen to give the Eagles an advantage when the free agent market opens on Tuesday, but there’s little doubt that Amendola could have a notable boost in fantasy draft value if he lands in Chip Kelly’s uptempo offense next season.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Vikes added to list of Wallace suitors: Mike Wallace has shot to the top of the list of coveted free agents in 2013. The Miami Dolphins are said to be targeting the speedy wide receiver and now there’s another team that could be seeking Wallace’s services — the Minnesota Vikings. Last season, the Vikes passing game was the second-worst in the league, throwing for 2,751 yards. That number was certainly limited by Percy Harvin’s injury. The problem is that it could become an either/or situation for Minnesota. Wallace will command a high price while Harvin reportedly wants a Calvin Johnson-like contract. Regardless of which wideout ends up in the Twin Cities, the lack of a playmaking quarterback under center will leave their fantasy value depressed for next season.

Hartline, Dolphins agree to deal: The free agent market for receivers got a little smaller Friday when Brian Hartline signed a five-year deal to stay with the Dolphins. Hartline turned the heads of fantasy enthusiasts with a 12-catch, 253-yard, one touchdown performance against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4. The downside is that game encompassed nearly one-quarter of his production (and all of his TDs) for the season. Right now, Hartline projects as a No. 3 wideout in most fantasy leagues.

Giants want to re-sign Bennett: The New York Giants reportedly want to lock up tight end Martellus Bennett before free agency begins next week. In his first season with Big Blue, Bennett made an immediate splash, catching a touchdown in each of his first three games. However, he was an afterthought in the offense for much of the season — he only made two more visits to the end zone in 2012. You can add Bennett to the list of an underwhelming 2012 tight end class. He’s projecting as a No. 2 option in 2013.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Plenty of people will tell you that fantasy football analysis is an inexact science. I respond by calling that an oxymoron. There is nothing inexact about science. When it comes to analyzing the merits of different NFL players based on their fantasy potential, there are plenty of “scientific” ways to determine which guy will best help you win your fantasy league in the 2013 season — age, strength of schedule … which shoe they put on first. Lots of sensible factors like that.

Which is why we’re bringing you a new series for the offseason — This or That. Every Thursday, we’ll pick a pair of NFL players that you could be forced to choose between on draft day and break down who is the best bet for 2013. Because as Black Sheep told us many years ago, you can get with this or you can get with that. But you can’t get with both, because that means you shortchanged someone a draft pick … or something like that.

So without further ado, we begin with the two men likely to be at the top of draft boards all around the country.

This or That: Arian Foster or Adrian Peterson?

Age: The good news is that both guys are still a little ways away from the dreaded running back age of 30. Peterson is just a couple of weeks away from his 28th birthday, while Foster will blow out 27 candles early in the 2013 season. However, Peterson has been a workhorse since he first stepped on an NFL field, averaging 292 carries per season in his six years. Sure, he looked great in his 348 carries last season, but he’s got a few more miles on him than Foster.

Advantage: Foster

Injury: Although both players have been pretty healthy during their careers, neither has fully escaped the injury bug. Peterson famously returned from major knee surgery and looked better than he ever had — which is saying something. But not to be outdone, Foster dealt with a hamstring injury that was “anti-awesome”. Considering how both players rebounded from their injuries, it’s almost like they never happened.

Advantage: Push

Rankings: Since Foster became a full-time starter in 2010, he’s been a top five fantasy running back every season, including being the top scorer in his first season as a lead RB. During that same stretch, Peterson has landed in the top five twice. Granted that when AD missed that plateau in 2011, he missed four games with an injury and still finished seventh at his position. If he had played a 16-game season, it’s likely he might have passed Foster in the rankings. And if I was a billionaire, I’d probably be married to Janet Jackson. Sometimes life isn’t fair.

Advantage: Foster

Offensive help: In 2012, the Texans had the NFL’s seventh-most productive offense. Certainly Foster had a lot to do with that, but it helps to have Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels to help relieve some pressure and back defenses off just a little bit. As for the Vikings? Once Percy Harvin went on injured reserve, there were no other legitimate threats in the Minnesota offense. That lack of help made Peterson’s 2,097-yard season that much more impressive, but that’s no way to run a railroad (or an offense).

Advantage: Foster

Schedule: On paper, things set up well for Foster and the Texans. Houston has the league’s sixth-easiest schedule in 2013, facing a slate of teams that finished 14 games below .500 last season. What’s more, Foster has the second-most forgiving schedule for fantasy running backs — going up against teams that allowed an average of 18.66 points per game in 2012. Contrast that with the Vikings, who have the 10th-toughest schedule while battling teams who gave up the second-fewest fantasy points to RBs in 2012. Not exactly the stuff fantasy dreams are made of.

Advantage: Foster

Nickname: Peterson can boast a couple of different nicknames — notably AD, All Day or Purple Jesus. Meanwhile, Foster was forced to break the cardinal rule of nicknames and make up his own. And it’s not even a good one.

Advantage: Peterson

Acting chops: Foster has had a few nice turns on some television commercials, but Peterson dated Brooklyn Decker on a episode of The League. Game over.

Advantage: Peterson

Words of Wisdom: While there is plenty that can be gleaned from Peterson’s childlike wonder at being presented an orange peanut, Foster actually had a series of blog posts titled “Weekly Words of Wisdom with Arian Foster“. On top of that, he was arguably the most interesting athlete on Twitter. Sadly, Foster has announced he’s shutting down his Twitter account, but his previous body of work is good enough to earn him a victory here.

Advantage: Foster

When it’s all said and done, it turns out that it’s not even close. Arian Foster is the winner of this week’s This or That by a fairly wide margin. You can thank me when you’re picking him with the first overall selection in your drafts this fall.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Bradshaw “healing perfectly”: Recently released running back Ahmad Bradshaw will need to prove he’s healthy before another team takes a chance on him for 2013. In that regard, things seem to be going well. The veteran runner received word recently that his surgically-repaired foot is “healing perfectly” and is expected to be ready in time for OTAs. However, his next step (figuratively, at least) is to be signed by someone. Injuries in recent years have knocked his fantasy value down, but with the right team, Bradshaw can still be a mid-level No. 2 option in many leagues.

MJD expected to attend mini-camp: In the midst of rehabbing a troublesome foot injury, Maurice Jones-Drew is expected to attend Jacksonville Jaguars mini-camp, though he isn’t expected to participate. Jones-Drew was one of 2012′s biggest disappointments, playing in just six games and rushing for 414 yards. As long as he continues to recover from surgery and is in camp on time — which shouldn’t be a problem — there’s no reason MJD can’t regain his place among the elite fantasy running backs in 2013.

Jackson voids contract: As has been expected for some time, Steven Jackson has voided his contract with the St. Louis Rams, officially putting himself on the free agent market. Early on, it looks as though the Atlanta Falcons are the front-runner for Jackson’s services in 2013. He has been a tough runner throughout his career, but with the wear and tear he has suffered, combined with the possibility of going to a pass-heavy offense, it’s hard to see Jackson as anything more than a high-end No. 2 option.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Arians eschews RB-by-committee: While plenty of teams around the NFL are trending toward timeshares in their backfields, new Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians says he would like to find one running back who can play every down. We’re not sure if that back is currently on Arizona’s roster.  The Cardinals last season rushed for a league-worst 1,204 yards — 10 individual players ran for more. Ryan Williams would appear to be the leading candidate to win the job in the fall, but if the Redbirds make a play for Eddie Lacy in the draft, all bets are off. Regardless, the idea of a team going with one back will do wonders for the fantasy value of that back … whoever it is.

Palmer wants to return to Oakland: The Raiders have been one of the teams expected to have a quarterback controversy this offseason. Of course, that’s contingent upon Carson Palmer returning to the team in 2013. For his part, the veteran quarterback says he “would love to be back … and compete”. In order for that to happen, it’s expected that Palmer will need to take a pay cut. Even then, signs point toward the Raiders wanting to see what they have in backup QB Terrelle Pryor. Regardless of who the Raiders signal-caller is in 2013, it’s unlikely that they would be anything more than a No. 2 option in most fantasy leagues.

Patriots considering Amendola: As the New England Patriots continue to try and work things out with Wes Welker, the team is making contingency plans. According to reports, the Pats are looking at Danny Amendola if they can’t come to an agreement with Welker. Amendola has turned himself into one of the Rams’ primary offensive weapons working in a role similar to that of Welker. If he does make the move to Foxborough, it’s safe to say he can quickly slide into a similar spot in the offense and would likewise see a bump in his fantasy value.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Bowe stays in KC: Forget any of that talk about Dwayne Bowe possibly heading to New England. The talented but inconsistent wideout signed a new five-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs Monday, ensuring that Alex Smith will have at least one playmaker on the outside. Bowe’s 2012 numbers were underwhelming with 59 receptions, 801 yards and three touchdowns, yet he led the team in all three categories. While Smith is an upgrade from Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn, he’s not going to remind anyone of Drew Brees. Bowe should see a slight uptick in fantasy value for 2013, but at best he will be a high-end No. 2 option in next season’s drafts.

Welker not pleased with Pats: Near the start of 2012, Wes Welker wasn’t seeing his normal amount of snaps for the Patriots. Rumors swirled that the team was trying phase Welker out of the offense. Injuries to Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez helped restore Welker to his previous spot in the attack. But according to reports, the wideout remembers that early season treatment and isn’t too pleased about it. Through it all, it seems improbable that Welker and the Patriots part company. It’s hard to imagine him finding a better rapport with another QB than he has with Tom Brady and it’s hard to envision him in another offensive scheme that highlights his skills. Welker might be a little peeved, but we’re betting he stays in New England and remains one of the better No. 2 WR fantasy options next season.

Hartline, Dolphins talking contract: Yet another wide receiver could be off the market before free agency hits. Brian Hartline and the Miami Dolphins are discussing a long-term deal, although nothing is said to be imminent. The veteran from Ohio State posted his first 1,000-yard receiving season in 2012 — though nearly one quarter of those yards came in a huge Week 4 performance against the Arizona Cardinals. What’s more is that game featured his only touchdown reception last season. Nonetheless, Hartline is Miami’s undisputed No. 1 receiver until further notice. It could certainly all change if Mike Wallace takes his talents to South Beach. Still, don’t overrate Hartline, he’s still a mid-level No. 2 fantasy wideout at best.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Moss thinks he can help a team: There’s little doubt that Randy Moss has had a Hall of Fame career, but it appears that the receiver isn’t quite ready for that career to be over yet. Moss is expected to be released by the San Francisco 49ers, but there are reports that he would like to play again next season. While the talented veteran believes he can be a solid contributor to a contending team in 2013,we don’t have the same level of confidence about his ability to contribute to your fantasy roster. After a tumultuous 2010, Moss sat out 2011 and returned to the league this season and caught just 28 passes for 434 yards and three touchdowns. Regardless of where (or if) he signs for next season, there’s little reason to draft him.

Greg Little showing improvement: For the past two seasons, fantasy owners have been largely frustrated by Greg Little’s unfulfilled potential. During his first two years in the league, the wideout has caught 114 passes for 1,356 yards and six touchdowns, but has been more known for his drops than his big plays. However, it seems that his new coaching staff is enamored with what they see from the young receiver on film. He showed improvement as the season progressed, dropping fewer balls in the latter part of the year.

Panthers considering Barden, Hixon: Looking to add another receiving threat to go alongside Steve Smith, new Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman is said to be considering New York Giants receivers Domenik Hixon and Ramses Barden. Gettleman spent the previous 13 seasons with the Giants, so he is quite familiar with both wideouts. The duo saw only spot duty as reserves for Big Blue last season, but could be welcome additions to Carolina passing game looking for more consistency.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Turner part of house cleaning: It’s now official. Michael Turner has been released by the Atlanta Falcons. The move comes at the end of a season that saw the veteran back rush for just 800 yards — his lowest total since joining the Dirty Birds in 2008. It clears the way for Atlanta to seek another back to help support its passing game. So far, Steven Jackson appears to be the leading candidate to fill the slot. As for Turner, it might be hard for him to find a job as a starter with a contending team. He recently turned 31 and while he didn’t see a ton of work early in his career with the San Diego Chargers, he’s made up for it by logging 300-plus carries in three of his past five seasons. His value could get a boost in the right situation, but right now, Turner appears to be no more than a No. 2 option in most leagues.

Eagles add another QB: As if there wasn’t enough of a logjam at quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, things have gotten worse with the news that the team has signed current Arena Football League signal-caller G.J. Kinne. Add that to the recent signing of Dennis Dixon with the three QBs already on the roster and there just won’t be enough snaps to go around. Chip Kelly has promised an open competition for the starting job, though it seems a longshot for Kinne to win the gig. For what it’s worth, LeSean McCoy thinks it’s Michael Vick’s job to lose.

Garrard works out for Jets: The New York Jets have announced that Mark Sanchez will have competition for his starting job in 2013. Though while we’re waiting to see who that competition is, we do know that David Garrard is adding his name to the list of applicants. The veteran recently worked out for the Jets, joining Brady Quinn and Matt Moore as players the team could be interested in. Of that group, Garrard would have the most upside, even though back injuries have kept him off the field since 2010. Of course, there’s plenty that has to shake out before anyone can make a final judgment, but this will be one of the most watched quarterback competitions of the offseason.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Cassel likely on the move: Let the quarterback carousel begin! Alex Smith is now a Kansas City Chief — that means Matt Cassel is the odd man out, looking for a new home. According to reports, that new home could be with the Arizona Cardinals. Cardinals coach Bruce Arians wants to bring in a new arm to challenge the Kevin Kolb-John Skelton-Ryan Lindley trio that struggled so badly in 2012. Not that Cassel has been any great shakes lately. Injuries have limited the former USC signal-caller to just 18 games in the past two seasons and during that time, Cassel has thrown 16 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. It’s hard to envision a move to the desert doing much for Cassel’s fantasy value. Likewise, it looks like another year of Larry Fitzgerald struggling to catch passes from a mid-level (at best) quarterback.

Bowe likely to stay in KC: Since Smith is in the fold with the Chiefs, the next priority for Kansas City is making sure he has someone to deliver the football to. In that vein, the Kansas City Star reports that the team is likely to hold on to receiver Dwayne Bowe. The wideout has been KC’s best playmaker in the passing game, having led the team in receptions in each of the past four seasons. Beyond Bowe, there aren’t many consistent weapons in the passing game. However, that’s not new for an Andy Reid-coached team. The Eagles weren’t particularly known for their receiving corps during Reid’s tenure. But that still won’t do much to make Smith more than a No. 2 QB option — that same likely will apply to Bowe at the wide receiver spot.

Chris Johnson could get help: The idea that the Tennessee Titans could be going to a timeshare in their backfield is gaining traction. Coach Mike Munchak told ProFootballTalk that the team is considering adding another running back to take some of the load off of Chris Johnson. For his part, Johnson isn’t thrilled with the idea, which should come as no surprise. While his opinion will likely be noted, it’s not likely to change many minds. In the three seasons since rushing for 2,000 yards, Johnson has been inconsistent running the football. He topped 1,200 yards last season, but the majority of his yards came in just five contests. Any addition to the Titans backfield would have a negative effect on Johnson’s fantasy value — especially if that new back takes the goal-line opportunities. Stay tuned.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Weeden says he’s above average: Faced with the prospect of having to compete for his job in 2013, Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden told a local radio station that he’s a better player than he showed last season. It’s the type of confidence that showed when he proclaimed that he would win the Browns starting QB job. If Weeden does improve in his second season, it would go a long way to boost an offense that expects the same from Trent Richardson as well. The next step will be for Cleveland to add some playmakers on the outside for Weeden to throw to.

Jackson could land in Atlanta: The speculation has begun over where Steven Jackson could end up in 2013. Right now, the leading candidate appears to be the Atlanta Falcons. The Dirty Birds are likely to cut ties with Michael Turner and Jackson could be the player they need to fill the void. While it’s likely to boost Atlanta’s status as a Super Bowl contender, Jackson’s fantasy value could remain stagnant. He’ll play second fiddle to one of the league’s most potent passing games and will have to share occasional snaps with Jacquizz Rodgers. His draft value will be up for debate, but right now it’s in the range of a high-end No. 2 or low-end No. 1.

Davis medically cleared: Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis has been cleared to resume rehabbing from a torn Achilles’ tendon that prematurely ended his season. The seven games he played for the ‘Skins in 2012 were a mixed bag and his year ended with 24 catches for 325 yards and no touchdowns. More importantly, it appeared that he struggled to gain a solid on-field rapport with Robert Griffin III. When he’s healthy and playing well, Davis is a solid No. 2 fantasy option at tight end. But even in a year when the position is expected to be lackluster, Davis’ recent injury issues makes him more of a risk-reward sleeper in the later rounds of drafts.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Jackson will reportedly void contract: St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson is reportedly planning to void his contract and test the free agent market. Jackson has spent his entire nine-year career with the Rams, but has seen his production steadily decline over the past few seasons. Nonetheless, he has still rushed for 1,000 yards or more in eight straight seasons. The former Oregon State star turns 30 in July and still has plenty to offer a team. With several Super Bowl contenders — including the Falcons and Broncos — searching for a back of Jackson’s caliber, he should have plenty of suitors once he hits the free agent market.

Welker could remain a Patriot: A few weeks ago, it looked like Wes Welker might have played his final game as a New England Patriot. Now, that may not be the case. The team reportedly is looking for way to keep the veteran receiver on the roster while staying under the salary cap. The Pats got a big boost in that regard when Tom Brady took less money in his newly-negotiated contract extension. That gives New England more room to hold on to Welker and other key veterans. Few teams would value Welker like the Patriots and for fantasy owners, few teams would give Welker commensurate fantasy value. He’s caught 100 or more passes and surpassed 1,000 recieving yards in five of his six seasons with New England. There’s no doubt that he will continue to compete with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez for targets, but there’s no argument that he’s still a major focus of the offense and a top option as a No. 2 fantasy wideout.

Cruz likely to return to Giants: Victor Cruz will be a restricted free agent when the market opens on March 12, but the big play wideout has big demands for his next deal. Cruz would like a long-term deal, but so far there have been no negotiations between the two sides. For the purposes of fantasy owners, it would seem that one way or another Cruz will be back with Big Blue — either with a long-term contract or after signing a “first-round tender” offer … unless he holds out. The former UMass standout was mum on whether he would choose that option, but until further notice, expect Cruz to be lining up opposite Hakeem Nicks for another season.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG