Nick Fairley

Nick Fairley

36-Year-Old Defensive TackleDT
 Free Agent  
2023 Fantasy Outlook
There was no outlook written for Nick Fairley in 2023. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.
$Released by the Saints in February of 2018.
Cut by Saints on Monday
DTFree Agent
Chest
February 5, 2018
Fairley (chest) was released by the Saints on Monday, Nick Underhill of The Baton Rouge Advocate reports.
ANALYSIS
Fairley's career was put on hold in the summer following the reveal of a heart condition that kept him sidelined for the entirety of the 2017 season. His release Monday likely spells an end to his seven-year NFL career, unless a doctor is willing to clear Fairley to play again. Fairley's name may stay in the news, however, as he recently filed a grievance against New Orleans relating to contractual obligations.
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NFL Stats
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2017
2016
2017 NFL Game Log
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2016 NFL Game Log
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2023 Nick Fairley Split Stats
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Measurables Review
How do Nick Fairley's measurables compare to other defensive tackles?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
6' 4"
 
Weight
308 lbs
 
40-Yard Dash
4.87 sec
 
Shuttle Time
4.56 sec
 
Cone Drill
7.14 sec
 
Vertical Jump
31.0 in
 
Broad Jump
113 in
 
Hand Length
9.75 in
 
Arm Length
34.75 in
 
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Nick Fairley See More
NFL Game Previews: Breaking Down Week 1
September 8, 2016
Erik Siegrist previews the Monday night games, as Todd Gurley looks to get the Rams' return to L.A. off on the right foot against the 49ers in an NFC West showdown.
Team Previews: Los Angeles Rams
July 28, 2016
Zach Kukkonen breaks down the Rams and their return to LA, fueled by Todd Gurley and Jared Goff.
2015 Team Preview: St. Louis Rams
July 2, 2015
The Rams return most of their offensive weapons, but will the offense improve with the addition of rookie Todd Gurley and Nick Foles under center.
2015 Team Preview: Detroit Lions
June 28, 2015
After Calvin Johnson's 2014 season was plagued with a lingering ankle injury, will he be able to stay healthy enough to justify his draft position in 2015?
NFL Game Previews: Breaking Down Wild-Card Weekend
January 2, 2015
Tony Romo leads the Cowboys into the playoffs against a tough Lions defense in a game that could be decided in the trenches.
Past Fantasy Outlooks
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
After disappointing seasons in Detroit and St. Louis, Fairley signed a one-year deal with New Orleans last season and produced career highs with 43 tackles (29 solo) and 6.5 sacks. In fact, Fairley finished in a tie for fourth among NFL defensive tackles in sacks in 2016, and he parlayed that success into a four-year, $30 million contract with the Saints this offseason. A disruptive force on the interior defensive line, Fairley is one of the rare defensive tackles possibly worthy of a roster spot even in more traditional IDP leagues.
Picked 13th overall by the Lions in the 2011 NFL Draft, Fairley has endured a number of ups and downs during his five-year career. He had a total of 98 tackles and 13.5 sacks, while missing a total of 18 games, during his first four season in Detroit. As a rotational backup with the Rams in 2015, he had only 29 tackles and a half sack, but was lauded by scouting services such as Pro Football Focus for being a disruptive presence. After signing a one-year deal this offseason with the Saints, Fairley is expected to see significant playing time at defensive tackle alongside Saints' 2016 first-round draft pick Sheldon Rankins. If Fairley can convert some of those defensive pressures into sacks -- as he did during his first few seasons in Detroit -- he could be a valuable IDP option in position-specific fantasy leagues.
Fairley goes from one great defensive front to another, leaving the Lions and joining the Rams in 2015. He will combine with Defensive Rookie of the Year Aaron Donald to form one of the best defensive tackle duos in the NFL if Fairley can stay healthy and motivated. Talent has never been a knock on Fairley, but his commitment to be the best every down has come into question on occasion. Playing alongside Donald, Robert Quinn and Chris Long, should provide opportunities for 308-pound tackle, as teams can't focus in on any one defensive lineman for St. Louis. A change of scenery could provide the fifth-year tackles with what he needs to return to his 2012 and 2013 form, when he averaged 34 tackles and 5.5 sacks per year.
Fairley hasn't quite been the force the Lions had hoped when they drafted him, but he's still a load, especially considering he won't be constantly double-teamed thanks to the strength of the team's defensive line. He's not likely to be an IDP all-star, but he should be a productive player.
Fairley had his second season cut short due to a shoulder injury, but he had somewhat of a breakout season with 35 tackles (28 solo), 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He will start alongside Ndamukong Suh at DT in 2013.
Fairley was arrested twice this offseason and could draw interest from the league office. He is, however, healthy after a less-than-stellar rookie campaign that got off to a delayed start due to injury. He'll make up a a major part of a Detroit defensive line that has the talent to be a fearsome bunch, though whether his numbers will be fantasy-worthy in many IDP formats remains to be seen.
It’s tempting to rank a massive talent like Fairley higher, but rookies bring a certain risk. Fairley, the 13th overall pick in April's draft, has huge upside in Detroit – not only is he an elite talent, but he should get favorable matchups thanks to the presence of Ndamukong Suh. Fairley dominated the college ranks last year with 60 tackles (36 solo) and 11.5 sacks in 14 games for Auburn and has the potential to be an impact player in the NFL.
More Fantasy News
Uncertain to play again
DTNew Orleans Saints
Chest
February 1, 2018
Fairley, who was placed on the reserve/Non-Football Injury list last June after he was revealed to have a heart condition, is uncertain to seek medical clearance to play during the 2018 season, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Season over
DTNew Orleans Saints
Illness
June 26, 2017
Fairley (illness) was placed on the Saints' reserve/non-football injury list Monday, effectively ending his 2017 campaign, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Seeking third opinion on heart issue
DTNew Orleans Saints
Illness
June 8, 2017
Fairley is waiting on a third opinion on his career-threatening heart condition, John DeShazier of the Saints' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
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Career in jeopardy?
DTNew Orleans Saints
Illness
June 3, 2017
Fairley has been absent from OTAs due to a heart issue that could jeopardize his career, FOX Sports' Jennifer Hale reports.
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Re-signs with New Orleans
DTNew Orleans Saints
March 9, 2017
Fairley signed a four-year, $30 million contract with the Saints on Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
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