NFL Player News

The Houston Police Department released a statement Friday regarding a report filed against Watson. "Today, a complainant filed a report with the Houston Police Department concerning Deshaun Watson. As with any allegation, the Houston Police Department is now conducting an investigation and will not comment further during the investigative process."

In recent weeks, 21 civil lawsuits have been filed against Watson alleging inappropriate conduct and sexual assault. The NFL opened an investigation into the matter March 18, at which time the Texans noted they "still stay in close contact with the league as they do" but "do not anticipate making any additional statements until" it concludes, per NFL.com. After Friday's complaint, Watson's lawyer, Rusty Hardin, released a statement on behalf of Watson. According to Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com, the statement said, "We welcome this long overdue development. Now we will learn the identity of at least one accuser. We will fully cooperate with the Houston Police Department." There appears to be no end in sight to Watson's situation as the legal system does its due diligence.

General manager Ryan Pace confirmed Friday that he views Dalton as the Bears' starting quarterback, Adam Hoge of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

The Bears had already listed Dalton as the "QB1" heading into OTAs, but to see Pace so openly talk of him as the starter would seem to confirm that a competition with Nick Foles isn't being seriously considered. Per Hoge, the general manger discussed Dalton's style of play -- specifically his affinity for play-action, RPOs and ability to drop back -- as being a good fit for coach Matt Nagy's offense. Dalton should certainly offer Chicago more consistency under center than Mitchell Trubisky did in recent years, but it's also fair to question the fantasy ceiling of a 33-year-old quarterback who only managed two 4,000-yard passing seasons in nine years as a starter.

Stafford underwent surgery on his right thumb in March, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Stafford emerged from last season with an array of injuries, including a partially torn UCL in that thumb, a torn UCL in his left elbow, torn rib cartilage, a sprained ankle and a left knee issue. Following his trade from the Lions to the Rams, he appears to have addressed the first concern, which was described as "elective" and "minor." With his new squad, Stafford will have reliable pass catchers at his disposal, namely Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp (knee), fellow newcomer DeSean Jackson and tight end Tyler Higbee. Through 12 NFL campaigns, the 33-year-old signal-caller has surpassed 4,000 yards eight times but only thrown for 30-plus TD on two occasions.

McCoy signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals on Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

McCoy played in four games (two starts) with the Giants last season because Daniel Jones had a hamstring injury. During that time, the 34-year-old quarterback completed 61 percent of his passes for 375 yards (5.7 YPA), a touchdown and an interception. McCoy will serve as a backup to Kyler Murray (ankle) in Arizona.

Jackson has a new option in the passing game with Baltimore's recent addition of Sammy Watkins, Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Baltimore missed out on the top-of-market receivers, instead bringing in Watkins after two weeks of free agency. The signing isn't likely to revolutionize the Ravens offense, but Watkins should at least pose more of a downfield threat than Willie Snead, who recently left Baltimore to sign with Las Vegas. While Watkins now joins Marquise Brown and Mark Andrews as the Ravens' main receiving threats, Jackson could get another weapon from the NFL Draft at the end of April.

The 49ers acquired the No. 3 overall pick in April's draft from the Dolphins on Friday, potentially signaling that the team will acquire a quarterback to replace Garoppolo (ankle), Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

San Francisco is dealing the No. 12 pick in April's draft, a 2022 third-round pick, and first-round selections in 2022 and 2023 in order to move up to No. 3 overall. Schefter notes that the 49ers do not have any immediate plans to trade Garoppolo, but with at least one of this year's top three quarterback prospects guaranteed to be on the board, the 29-year-old veteran's best-case-scenario may be to serve as a bridge option if he remains on the roster. If a prospect such as Zach Wilson, Justin Fields or Trey Lance indeed links with the 49ers, it will only be a matter of time before they enter the starting lineup.

Barkley appears unlikely to rejoin the Bills in 2021 after the team signed Mitchell Trubisky last week.

Barkley has served as Buffalo's No. 2 quarterback for the last three seasons; in other words the entire Josh Allen era. He's only seen action in eight games over that time, and while he was serviceable in his limited action, the Bills seemingly desire having a more experienced NFL starter in the mix should Allen ever miss time. Barkley was always highly regarded in the locker room, and it's possible the Bills could bring him back as a No. 3, but the team is more likely to use that roster spot to develop Jake Fromm.

The Bears listed Dalton as their "QB1" heading into OTAs.

Dalton was expected to compete with Nick Foles for the starting job in 2021 after Mitchell Trubisky left for Buffalo in free agency. However, the Bears' social media account tipped off that Dalton is the clear frontrunner for the gig, and the Twitter post could even signal that the team may move on from Foles altogether. Dalton was serviceable in place of Dak Prescott (ankle) in Dallas last season, completing 65 percent of his passes for 2,170 yards (6.5 YPA), 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions. With Allen Robinson sticking around on the franchise tag, Dalton will have at least one elite pass catcher at his disposal.

The Jaguars' signing Wednesday of quarterback C.J. Beathard could set the stage for Minshew to be traded, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Moving on from Minshew would represent a downgrade for the backup quarterback spot, but potentially worthwhile for Jacksonville if it could get draft picks or a useful veteran player in exchange for the 24-year-old. With the team widely expected to draft Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft, it's hard to imagine Minshew having any objection to a trade.

Beathard agreed Wednesday with the Jaguars on a two-year, $5 million contract, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Jacksonville now has Beathard, Gardner Minshew and Jake Luton on its roster, with another quarterback in Trevor Lawrence likely on tap in the 2021 NFL Draft. A Minshew trade could happen first, though the Jags aren't facing any real pressure from a cap/salary perspective. Beathard went 2-10 as a starter over his four years with the 49ers, completing 58.6 percent of his passes for yards per attempt, 18 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.