Big Ben was the QB14 in 2020

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed Ben Roethlisberger to a new contract for 2021, it was announced today. (Steelers.com)

Nerdy Football Analysis: Roethlisberger was set to count over $41 million against the cap this season, a number that needed to be reduced in order for Big-Ben to return to Pittsburgh in 2021. The Steelers implemented a short passing game strategy last season relegating him to QB2 status in fantasy. With JuJu Smith-Schuster a free agent, it’s hard to imagine Ben elevating into QB1 status in 2021.

One-year deal

Former Raiders’ WR Tyrell Williams reached agreement on a one-year deal worth up to $6.2 million with the Detroit Lions, per source. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Nerdy Football Analysis: Williams didn’t play a snap for the Raiders last season due to a shoulder injury but should have some football left in the tank at just 29 years old. His fantasy value will hinge on if Kenny Golladay and/or Marvin Jones return to the Lions as both are free agents.

QB still wants to play

The Washington Football Team is expected to part ways with QB Alex Smith in the coming days, sources tell me and
@KimJonesSports. The AP Comeback Player of the Year has said he still wants to play, and at age 36 may have a chance to do so. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Nerdy Football Analysis: Smith made a remarkable recovery from his gruesome leg injury in 2018 and managed to see the field for eight games in 2020. His release saves Washington $14.7 million in cap space and makes them one of many teams looking for a starting quarterback in 2021.

House cleaning continues

Texans just released RB Duke Johnson, per source. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Nerdy Football Analysis: Back in 2019, the Texans gave the Browns a 2020 third-round pick for Duke who ended up playing two seasons in Houston. He played 11 games last season averaging just 3.1 yards per carry. At 27, he likely land in a similar situation as a pass-catching back in a committee. The Browns turned that third-round pick into LB Jacob Phillips.

DeSean Jackson released

The #Eagles will also be releasing Alshon Jeffery when the league year begins, which has been obvious for quite a while. A much younger group for 2021. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Nerdy Football Analysis: It was a lost season for Jeffery (foot) in 2020 as he finished with only 12 targets and 6 receptions. At 31 years-old and having trouble staying healthy dating back to 2018 he’ll have to settle for one-year prove it deal at his next stop. Also, fellow veteran wideout DeSean Jackson has officially been released.