Kendall Valenzuela analyzes three NFL news items for their fantasy football spin.

With OTAs happening, it means that NFL players and coaches are talking. That means we have some news to share and dissect to see how it might impact fantasy football. Though we're hoping the news out of Philly isn't for a few more years. 

Rashod Bateman Gets Paid

The Baltimore Ravens announced on Thursday that they signed wide receiver Rashod Bateman to an extension. It's a three-year deal worth $36.75 million and includes $20 million guaranteed, per Adam Schefter.

Bateman had 45 catches for 756 yards, and 9 touchdowns for the Ravens last season. He averaged 9.3 fantasy points per game (WR46) and, according to ESPN, he was the only player in the NFL in 2024 to average over 16 yards per reception and catch at least 9 touchdown passes.

We love when guys get paid!

Bateman is going to be 26 years old in November and had his most productive season last year operating as the WR2 behind Zay Flowers. We're not going out of our way to snag Bateman in drafts, he is our consensus WR59 in the Fantasy Life rankings, which puts him in the same range as guys like Hollywood Brown, Marvin Mims, and Tre Harris. If you want a piece of this offense, though, he is a good later-round option. 

Like Ian Hartitz pointed out in his team preview: Bateman is a boom-or-bust WR4 bet. The projections have Bateman set up for 64 targets, 39 receptions, 558 yards and 4 touchdowns for the 2025 season. 

Saquon Please Don't Leave Us

Remember when Puka Nacua told us months ago about his (way-too-early) retirement plans? Well now it's happened again, but this time it's Saquon Barkley. TRY NOT TO PANIC.

Barkley was on Chris Long's Green Light Podcast and was specifically asked if he would retire at the top of his game or go until the wheels came off … and it may not be the answer fantasy managers (or anyone) wants to hear.

“I'll probably [be] one of those guys that it would be out of nowhere,” Barkley said. “I'll probably just wake up one day, whether it's next year or two years or four years and just be like, 'yeah, it's over.' I don't think I will ever lose that passion … I like, probably my favorite player of all time is Barry Sanders, so probably similar to that. Maybe one day, like it'll be out of nowhere, I'll probably be ballin', and just be like, yeah, call it quits.”

Well at least we know he's all in for 2025, and the season he gave us last season was one for the books. We don't need to go over EVERYTHING again, but just remember when you're drafting that Barkley had an insane 2024. He finished up with 2,005 yards, and his 125.3 rushing yards per game were 43.3 more than his previous career-high mark.

I know some drafters are going to look at the workload and believe it's time to fade Barkley. Yes, he did have 345 carries last year, but if any running back could be set to repeat as the overall RB1 how could we not look at Barkley and bet on him? The Eagles had PFF's top-ranked offensive line last season as well and they are returning four of their five starters. Let's just enjoy Barkley while we can. Fade at your own risk!

Josh Jacobs Says he 'Left a Lot on The Table' in 2024

Running back Josh Jacobs was not satisfied with his debut season with the Packers, and those are just the words we like to hear! Here's what he told the team website:

“I feel like I had a good year, but I feel like I still left a lot on the table. For me, it's just trying to come in and chase that No. 1 spot and raise a Super Bowl (trophy) at the end of the day. That's the only thing that's really on my mind.”

It's somewhat surprising because Jacobs was absolutely solid for Green Bay—he finished as the overall RB8 in fantasy points per game and locked down 1,329 yards and a career-best 15 touchdowns, all while averaging 4.4 yards per carry. It was also just the second time in his career that he went over 300 carries in a season. 

With new guard Aaron Banks signed during free agency, Elgton Jenkins at center, and tackle Anthony Belton drafted in the second round, the Packers should have a more improved blocking situation up front, which could also help Jacobs have a productive 2025. He's being drafted as the RB10 on Underdog and is projected at Fantasy Life for 248 rush attempts, 1,074 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns.