It’s fantasy football draft season, and with the 2020 NFL regular-season quickly approaching, two popular first-round draft choices are currently reportedly settling contract issues that could potentially impact their availability this season.
You all know the fantasy owner who selected Le’Veon Bell with his first round pick in 2018 only to see a holdout ruin their team. You don’t want to be in that position – which is why you may want to think twice about taking Saints RB Alvin Kamara and Bengals RB Joe Mixon early in drafts.
Kamara, 25, is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and will make $2.1 million this season. For a running back of his caliber, he’s woefully underpaid – and he may be willing to hold out for an extension. ESPN reported on Monday that Kamara has been an “unexcused absence” from Saints camp since last Friday, and that Kamara’s reason for missing time is “believed to be contract-related.” Take that for what you will. It’s entirely possible that Kamara doesn’t miss any time at all – but are you willing to take that risk with the third or fourth pick in your fantasy league. If you have the option, Ezekiel Elliott might be the safer option. Also, targeting backup Latavius Murray later in the draft could pay dividends.
Saints' RB Alvin Kamara has had an unexcused absence from training camp the past three days and it is believe to be contract related, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 31, 2020
Mixon, meanwhile, who is RB No. 8 according to our Fantasy consensus rankings and graded as a late first-round selection, is currently listed as day-to-day for the Bengals due to migraine headaches. Mixon missed practice last week and has yet to suit up for the Bengals, but he fired off a series of cryptic tweets in August that had fans speculating that he could be heading toward a contract dispute.
#Bengals RB Joe Mixon — who hasn’t practiced in recent days and wasn’t spotted on the field Wednesday — has been dealing with migraines, source said. Optimism he’ll be back soon, with contract talks ongoing …
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 27, 2020
According to a recent local report, Mixon is expected to be on the field for Week 1, so you’re probably safe if you’ve already drafted him.
