The NFL is into “Phase Three” of the off-season, which is the final stage of the off-season program before contact practices begin with the start of training camp in late July. We’ve seen a steady stream of news since OTAs (organized team activities) started in May, and it always gets a little more interesting in June when veteran players are required to report for one mandatory minicamp unless they have an excused absence.
I went team by team to round up the most important fantasy headlines coming out of all 32 workouts. You can also check out every headline in our News Feed. I’ll be updating this article through June 13, which is the final day of team activities in Phase Three. Check back often for regular updates!
Any ADP data used in this article is based on the last month of drafts with our partners over at Underdog Fantasy…Each news item will have a date at the end of it for when it was updated or added to the article.
American Football Conference
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
- Coming soon!
Miami Dolphins
Jaylen Waddle was the latest wide receiver to get paid this off-season, landing a three-year, $84.75 million extension that includes $76 million in guaranteed money (per Adam Schefter). He’s coming off a WR21 finish (14.1 FPG) in 2023, posting 72/1014/6 receiving in 14 games. Waddle has finished between the WR12-21 in each of his three seasons with 1000+ receiving yards in each campaign. He’s once priced as a top-24 WR with his ADP sitting at 25.5 (WR17). (May 30)
Tua Tagovailoa showed up for voluntary OTA workouts on May 20 after missing some earlier off-season activities (per Dianna Russini). Tua and the Dolphins are currently in negotiations on a long-term deal as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract. Tagovailoa is one of the next quarterbacks in line to get a massive deal after Jared Goff landed $170.6 million guaranteed in mid-May. Tagovailoa isn’t a major threat to sit out game action if they don’t reach a deal before the start of the season, but it’s still a situation to monitor heading into the season. He also shed 10-15 pounds to get down to 220 pounds in hopes of improving his agility and escapability (per Cameron Wolfe). Tua finished as just the QB16 despite pacing the league with 4624 passing yards. He should be viewed as a high-end QB2 since he brings nothing to the table as a runner with just .48 FPG as a runner in the last two seasons. (Updated May 21)
New England Patriots
The Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed wrote that Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, and K.J. Osborn are locks to make the roster as long as they’re healthy with rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. That would leave JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jalen Reagor, Tyquan Thornton, and Kayshon Boutte among the WRs competing for the one or two remaining WR roster spots. The Patriots could opt to open the season with Bourne on the PUP list to open up another spot for at least the first four games of the season. (Added June 17)
Drake Maye compared Demario Douglas to his North Carolina teammate and current Colts slot WR Josh Downs. Maye told the media, “They do a lot of the same things. You can’t guard them in a phone booth. Twitchy, speed. Those are two things you can’t work on — speed and twitchiness.” Downs averaged 8.5 catches, 93.5 receiving yards, and 1.0 receiving touchdowns per game in his one season with Maye at quarterback in 2022. Douglas led New England’s receivers in receptions (49) and receiving yards (561), and I’d make him the slight favorite to do it again in New England’s clustered receiving corps. Rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker are the upside picks in this receiving corps, but Douglas is the safest bet for steady production to pair with Maye at the end of drafts (186.9, WR81). (Added June 5)
Jacoby Brissett has received all of the first-team quarterback reps the media has viewed so far in OTAs, and The Athletic’s Chad Graff wrote that it’s clear that he’ll open training camp as the starting quarterback. Third-overall pick Drake Maye has been treated as the team’s #3 QB behind Brissett and Bailey Zappe in the early going, but he moved up to second-team reps in a June 4 practice open to the media (per Chad Graff). The Patriots are taking it slow with Maye, and they notably gave Brissett $6.5 million guaranteed in March. New GM Eliot Wolf is the son of longtime Packers GM Ron Wolf, and Eliot spent the first 14 years of his career with a Green Bay organization that’s earned a reputation for their patience in developing quarterbacks. That means drafters need to be patient with Maye as well, but he’s still worth a QB3 investment as a late-round flier (201.6, QB28) for his potential dual-threat ability in the second half of the season. ESPN’s Mike Reiss noted at the conclusion of minicamp that Maye and Ja’Lynn Polk were routinely the last players to leave the field, getting extra reps together after spring practices. (Updated June 17)
New England’s already thin offensive line could be in worse shape than anticipated heading into the season. Ian Rapoport reported that Cole Strange is expected to miss the start of the season and may miss until the middle of the season after suffering a serious knee injury in Week 15 last season. Jerod Mayo notably said Kendrick Bourne was “week-by-week” in his recovery from ACL surgery while Strange was “month-by-month” in his recovery. New England’s offensive line is setting up to be one of the league’s worst after ranking 24th in adjusted yards before contact per attempt (1.29) and 21st in pressure rate (33.5%) last season. (Added May 21)
New York Jets
Malachi Corley has been penciled in by most to be the #3 WR but Xavier Gipson is battling with him for the slot role (per Zack Rosenblatt). The Jets traded up to the first pick of the third round to select the YAC King and Gipson is pushing for a role in the offense after mostly contributing as a returner during his rookie season. Nathaniel Hackett and Aaron Rodgers previously worked with a YAC prospect like Corley when the Packers selected Amari Rodgers in the third round in 2021, who posted 56 scrimmage yards as a rookie. It’s difficult to see Corley moving the needle for fantasy, especially with Hackett designing plays for him, and he’s a little overpriced at his current ADP (165.1, WR74). (Added June 14)
Aaron Rodgers had no restrictions during OTAs practices while Mike Williams (ACL) and Alijah Vera-Tucker (Achilles) have yet to be cleared for football activities. GM Joe Douglas said in late March that Williams wouldn’t be ready for the start of training camp but they were hopeful he’d be ready for the start of the season, which means Williams’ recovery is still on schedule. Robert Saleh said on June 11 that Williams is on a similar timeframe as Breece Hall last year, who was activated off the PUP list in mid-August. We’ll see if Rodgers is still effective attacking downfield since he’s entering his age-41 season off of an Achilles injury. Williams also isn’t guaranteed to be the same explosive downfield option after his ACL injury. Williams is going to get limited full-speed reps with his new quarterback this summer, and Rodgers has notably struggled to get on the same page with new receivers throughout his career. I see way too many pitfalls looming ahead for Williams this season, but he’s at least capable of spike weeks at any time and his ADP (105.3, WR51) is much cheaper than in recent seasons. Rodgers missed the start of mandatory minicamp for what Saleh called an event that was important to Rodgers. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that Rodgers intends to skip the entire mandatory minicamp. (Updated June 12)
The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt wrote that fourth-round pick Braelon Allen looks like the early favorite to be Breece Hall’s top backup. According to Rosenblatt, Allen has been getting open against linebackers and has been shifty after the catch in addition to his ability in pass protection. SNY’s Connor Hughes also wrote that Allen’s hands are separating him from the other backs as a “reliable option out of the backfield”. Allen is competing against disappointing second-year back Israel Abanikanda and fifth-round pick Isaiah Davis for the limited snaps available behind Hall. Allen won’t have much standalone value even if he earns the #2 job, but he could be a solid handcuff since he’s flashed some early passing-game ability. He’s worth a final-round dart throw (215, RB71) in case he’s thrust into a big role in what will be an improved offense with Aaron Rodgers returning to the lineup. (Updated June 5)
In news to file away for the season category, Robert Saleh said it’s a “possibility” that Sauce Gardner travels with #1 WRs next season (per Rich Cimini). The Jets defense as a whole allowed the second-fewest YPRR (1.23) and the third-fewest receiving YPG (187.2), and Gardner is coming off first-team All-Pro honors. (Added May 22)
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens and Derrick Henry were largely lauded for being a perfect match at the time of his signing, but it appears Henry will have to shift his play style a bit to fit into Baltimore’s offense. Todd Monken said he doesn’t anticipate using Lamar Jackson under center more, adding that using Jackson under center isn’t “always advantageous.” Jackson is one of the most unique QB weapons and it doesn’t make sense to take away his legs by playing more snaps under center. Henry has mostly run with his QB under center throughout his Titans career, which allows him to build up speed compared to being offset next to the QB in shotgun formations. Per Fantasy Points Data, the Ravens ran just 16.2% of their plays (174 of 1076) under center last season while the Titans ran 37.4% of their plays (375 of 1002) under center. Henry did average a promising 4.93 YPC and .25 missed tackles forced per attempt on 95 carries from shotgun or pistol last season compared to 3.78 YPC and .22 MTF/A on 185 carries from under center. Time will tell if the Ravens and Henry are indeed a perfect match. If Henry struggles with fewer under-center opportunities early in the season, Monken will have to decide whether to cater the offense more to Henry or to take shotgun snaps away from Henry and give them to Keaton Mitchell and Justice Hill. (Added May 24)
John Harbaugh told reporters that Keaton Mitchell is scheduled to start jogging next week, but he won’t be available to play in Week 1. Mitchell is recovering from a mid-December ACL tear, and the organization is optimistic the second-year RB will return at some point during the season. The Ravens are in no rush to get Mitchell on the field, and he’s a strong candidate to start the season on the PUP list. There are better dart throws at the end of best ball drafts than Mitchell (189.6, RB59) since his return to action will be delayed. He also doesn’t have a clear path to significant work as a change-of-pace option behind workhorse Derrick Henry. (Added May 23)
Lamar Jackson has shed 10 pounds from last season down to 205 pounds, which is 25 pounds less than his 2022 playing weight (per Dianna Russini). Russini wrote that the “slimmed-down Lamar could be even faster” than previous versions of Jackson. He’s coming off a career-low 51.3 rushing YPG and a career-high 230.0 passing YPG in his first season under Todd Monken. The Ravens are a little thinner at receiver with Odell Beckham departing for Miami and they added the NFL’s best physical back in Derrick Henry. Baltimore could be making a small step back toward its more run-heavy approaches from years past, which I’m not going to complain about for Lamar's fantasy outlook this season. (May 22)
Cincinnati Bengals
OC Mike Pitcher said Joe Burrow’s throwing won’t be restricted during off-season workouts as he returns from a season-ending wrist surgery for a torn ligament suffered last November. Pitcher added that Burrow has all his “range and power” in early throwing, and he’s aiming for his first normal training camp in his fifth season. Zac Taylor praised Burrow’s accuracy, velocity, and power in early workouts. Burrow has dealt with a COVID camp (2020), an ACL recovery (2021), an appendectomy (2022), and a calf injury (2023) to start his career. Burrow scored 21+ FP in four of his final five full games last season, and he’s a fine pick at his ADP (76.3, QB7) since he’s on a path to being at full health for August. Burrow declined to put a percentage on the health of his wrist on June 11, but he said he’ll be ready to go for the season. (Updated June 12)
Tee Higgins signed his franchise tag on June 15, and the Bengals and Higgins have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal, which doesn’t appear imminent at this time. Higgins is the only player out of nine who received the franchise tag this off-season who has yet to receive an extension. Tom Pelissero reported that a deal does not seem close to being done. Higgins is likely to show up to training camp now that his franchise tag has been signed, and his ADP (42.1, WR27) is more than a round cheaper than last year. Ja’Marr Chase skipped voluntary OTAs as he seeks his own contract extension entering his fourth season, but he was in attendance for mandatory minicamp. The Bengals picked up his fifth-year option earlier this off-season. (Updated June 17)
Cleveland Browns
Amari Cooper was absent from mandatory minicamp as he seeks a contract extension heading into the final year of his five-year, $100 million deal he initially signed with the Cowboys (per Mary Kay Cabot). Cooper posted career-highs in YPR (17.4) and receiving yards (1250) and ranked 12th in YPRR (2.47) in his age-29 season. GM Andrew Berry said in April, “Coop’s a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver. He’s played really well for us the past two years. He’s a strong presence in the locker room. We love him, so players like that you want to make sure you can retain as long as possible. We’ll work through all that at the appropriate time.” Jerry Jeudy received a three-year, $52.5 million extension with $41 million guaranteed from the Browns back in March, and WRs across the league have been getting paid this off-season. Cooper is a small value at his current ADP (45.2, WR29) as long as his holdout doesn’t extend too far into training camp. (Added June 11)
Nick Chubb won’t be participating in OTAs or minicamp as he continues to rehab his twice-reconstructed left knee, per Mary Cay Kabot. Chubb has been running for several weeks and “looks good” and, if all goes as planned, he’ll test his knee in training camp, per Kabot’s report. On June 5, Chubb confirmed that he doesn’t have a timeline for his return but that he likes where he is in his rehab. Chubb has his work cut out for him to be ready to start the season, which is baked into his ADP (115.5, RB34), and the best-case scenario is that he can be an RB2 option in the second half of the season if everything goes well. Jerome Ford (134.8, RB41) and D’Onta Foreman (196.3, RB60) are positioned to handle the backfield while Chubb is out of the lineup early in the season and potentially for longer if Chubb’s recovery is slowed. Ford has been the first back to receive reps throughout off-season workouts. (Updated June 6)
Deshaun Watson is expected to ramp up his throwing during OTAs before throwing in 7-on-7s and team drills later in OTAs and during minicamp, per Mary Cay Cabot. She reported that Watson is throwing with his normal velocity off of his throwing-shoulder surgery and he’s on schedule to be ready for the season opener. HC Kevin Stefanski said the current plan is for Watson to throw every other day as he rehabs his throwing shoulder. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on June 4 that Watson isn’t expected to participate in any full-speed team drills and to throw at full speed until at least training camp. It’s a situation to monitor this summer in case he has any setbacks in his recovery from a fractured socket and a partially torn labrum. Watson has yet to regain his early-career form in his first 12 games through two seasons with the Browns, and his ADP (162.9, QB22) has fallen by about 80 spots since last summer. (Updated June 4)
Pittsburgh Steelers
George Pickens has been running more routes in the slot in minicamp in order to generate more matchups against safeties and linebackers (per Brooke Pryor). He ran just 81 of his 507 routes (16.0%) from the slot in his second season, and he averaged 2.06 YPRR and 23.9 YPR from the alignment. The Steelers may want to move Pickens around the formation more this season, but they’re not exactly teeming with outside WR options behind him in Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, and Quez Watkins. The Steelers are in the market for a big WR like Courtland Sutton or Treylon Burks, which could help Pickens play more in the slot. Pickens has top-12 upside at his ADP (43.6, WR27) with ball-hog Diontae Johnson out of the picture, but he’ll need even mediocre QB play from Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to make it happen. (June 13)
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will battle for the starting job later this summer, but Wilson has the inside track for the gig based on the allocation of first-team reps in early workouts (per Dianna Russini). Mike Tomlin has been pretty consistent about Wilson having the advantage for the starting job even saying that Mr. Unlimited is in “pole position” after the Steelers acquired both quarterbacks in March. Russini added that she expects Fields to have some offensive packages and that he’ll get a chance to play if Wilson struggles. I prefer to roll the dice on Fields (201.1, QB29) than Wilson (211.3, QB32) if I’m picking between them for a third quarterback because of Fields’ rushing upside. Wilson will start early in the season but there’s a solid chance Fields is getting starts in the second half of the season during the fantasy playoffs. (Added June 3)
Najee Harris has been “almost obsessively clean” about his diet this off-season, cutting out processed foods and eating lots of fish and vegetables, according to his trainer Josh Scott to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He’s slimmed down from his listed 242 pounds to an estimated 235 pounds, and Scott said many around Steelers headquarters commented that he looked closer to 220 pounds. The Steelers declined his fifth-year option earlier this spring, and his trainer said he’s entering a contract year with a little extra motivation. Harris refused to do interviews during the off-season program, and while he attended mandatory camp, he didn’t participate in drills (per Brooke Pryor). Harris ranked 19th out of 49 backs with 100+ carries in missed tackles forced per attempt (.21), which was well behind teammate Jaylen Warren who paced the league at .34. Harris appears to have some extra motivation heading into a contract season, and he’s shaping up as a small value at his ADP (86.4, RB22). It doesn’t hurt that the Steelers used premium draft picks on offensive linemen to carry out Arthur Smith’s run-heavy scheme. (Updated June 14)
AFC South
Houston Texans
Nico Collins and the Texans agreed on a three-year, $72.75 million extension with $52 million guaranteed (per Dianna Russini). He went from being an intriguing prospect to a full-blown star with C.J. Stroud at quarterback, finishing with 80/1297/8 receiving for 17.4 FPG (WR7) in 15 games. He previously totaled 70/927/3 receiving for 7.6 FPG in his first 24 games. Collins is set to be paid like he’s Houston’s #1 WR, but he’s going to face stiff competition for targets from Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. Diggs posted 154+ targets in each of his four seasons with the Bills for 9.8 targets per game, while Collins and Dell shared nearly identical target shares (20.6% vs. 20.5%) through the first 12 weeks of last season. Collins is the best bet to lead this passing attack in FPG, but it’s a wide-open race and you have to pay up to draft him (21.9, WR15). (Added May 29)
HC DeMeco Ryan said Dameon Pierce has “put in the work” this off-season and that Joe Mixon and Pierce as a “one-two punch” would be beneficial to the team (per Michael Shapiro). In his first season under OC Bobby Slowik, Pierce ranked dead last in YPC (2.87) and yards before contact per attempt (.41) among 49 RBs with 100+ carries. The Texans eventually handed the backfield over to Devin Singletary at the end of last season before trading for Joe Mixon this off-season. The Texans added just sixth-round pick Jawhar Jordan in the sixth-round as competition behind Mixon, so Pierce could at least be the handcuff. Pierce is a free pick at the end of drafts (195.2, RB59) after being selected as a low-end RB2 last summer. (Added May 28)
Tank Dell is making a “speedy recovery” from a gunshot wound he suffered as an innocent bystander in a Florida bar shooting in late April, per Aaron Wilson. Wilson described the injury as a “flesh wound” with the bullet entering the back of his leg and going through the front of his leg according to his sources. Dell is back to running routes and performing drills, and he even participated in OTAs after his trainer initially thought the Texans would hold him out until training camp. You’ll have to overpay to get one of the Texans’ WRs with Dell, Nico Collins, and Stefon Diggs each being drafted in the first four rounds, but Dell is at least the cheapest of the three Texans WRs with an ADP of 43.0 (WR27). (Updated May 29)
Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor has been away from the team during voluntary OTAs for personal reasons. Trey Sermon has been the next man up as the top runner in two practice sessions open to the media (per Jake Arthur). Arthur also noted that Evan Hull had an early edge on Tyler Goodson in passing situations in early practices. This is a backup situation to monitor in training camp, but Sermon appears to have the early leg up in the battle for backup duties. It’s also a reminder that Taylor is a mini-value in early drafts (15.7, RB5) with no real pressure for touches being applied behind him. (Added June 3)
Anthony Richardson said he doesn’t plan on changing his dual-threat playing style after injuries shortened his rookie campaign (per James Boyd). Richardson said, “I’m a big quarterback, so they always think, ‘He wants to run the ball. He wants to be physical, and that is what’s going to get him hurt.’ That’s not the case.” He underwent season-ending throwing-shoulder surgery last October for a severe AC joint injury, which ended his rookie campaign after just 173 snaps. Richardson told Pat McAfee on June 3 that his surgically repaired shoulder is “about 95%”, but he later dealt with some soreness in his throwing shoulder. Shane Steichen downplayed Richardson’s issue, saying he could play in a game if needed (per Ian Rapoport). His fantasy impact was still felt with a QB4 and QB2 finish in four starts, and he averaged an incredible .76 FP per dropback. For perspective, last year’s QB1 Josh Allen averaged .64 FP/DB. Richardson has been throwing since February, which was two months ahead of schedule, and he said he’s back to throwing it 60+ yards. Richardson is worth the risk at his ADP (56.6, QB6) because of his QB1 upside. (Updated June 8)
Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars agreed to terms on a five-year, $275 million contract extension, which included $200 million guaranteed. The Jaguars are giving Lawrence top of the market money for what he could become as he’s tied with Joe Burrow for the highest average annual value at $55 million. Burrow owns better career averages in TD rate (5.1%>3.3%), YPA (7.4>6.7), and passer rating (98.6>85.0). Lawrence has averaged a solid 3.2 FP as a runner to start his career, and he’s a player to bet on with his ADP (120.7, QB15) plummeting nearly five round from last summer. (Added June 14)
OC Press Taylor said Evan Engram will continue to be used as an underneath target, but he wants to get him more downfield opportunities (per 1010 XL/92.5 FM). Taylor said, “Evan is such a dynamic ball carrier but a lot of it is getting him the ball as quick you can running away from people. But an element I think that he’s always had is getting down the field.” Engram finished as the TE4 (13.7 FPG) thanks to his position-best reception (114) and target (140) marks. Among 24 TEs with 50+ targets, Engram ranked 22nd in aDOT (4.9 yards) and behind only David Njoku in overall YAC (537 yards). Engram is a value at his current ADP (76.5, TE8) since he’s setting up to be a PPR cheat code once again. (Added June 11)
The Jaguars planned to reduce Travis Etienne’s workload last season when they selected Tank Bigsby in the third round, but it didn’t happen because of Bigsby’s disappointing rookie season. HC Doug Pederson said at OTAs that the coaching staff hopes to do a better job of getting Bigsby more opportunities while resting Etienne more this season (per Mike DiRocco). Etienne ranked sixth in snap share (73.6%), eighth in carry share (58.9%), and eighth in route share (50.1%) last season, while Bigsby averaged a miserable 2.6 YPC and .26 yards before contact per attempt as a rookie on just 50 carries and a 12% snap share. The Jaguars may want to reduce Etienne’s workload but Bigsby has to earn more work for it to happen. Etienne should still handle the majority of work in this backfield, including in passing situations and at the goal line, which makes him a solid value at his ADP (38.2, RB11). (Added May 23)
Tennessee Titans
Treylon Burks’ spot on the Titans roster doesn’t appear to be guaranteed under the new regime after the team signed Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd this off-season. HC Brian Callahan told the media that Burks could be a gameday inactive if he doesn’t contribute on special teams, which Callahan said is the same for all non-starters. Burks is off the fantasy radar (215.1, WR101) but he’s a player to keep an eye on in training camp as a player who could potentially be traded to a better situation. (Added June 5)
HC Brian Callahan said in late March that he views Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears as “interchangeable” options and RB coach Randy Jordan shared a similar sentiment at the start of off-season workouts. Jordan said, “Both guys, you don’t have to worry about in terms of counting touches in terms of handoffs, running the ball. Because they can both catch the ball fairly well out of the backfield. So, in that respect, I am not counting touches in terms of rushes. I’m counting, “Hey, you got 10 rushes, but you also got six catches, and that’s a total of 16.” It’s fair to project slightly more work for Pollard considering the Titans handed him $10.5 million guaranteed in free agency, but it appears Spears is going to push Pollard for weekly touches. Pollard is a bit overpriced at his current ADP (90.7, RB24) while Spears is a great value at his price (122.9, RB38). (Added May 20)
AFC West
Denver Broncos
Courtland Sutton showed up for mandatory minicamp after sitting out the voluntary portions of off-season workouts. He’s in search of a new contract with two years remaining on his current deal, which has just $2 million guaranteed remaining on it. He also revealed that he had ankle surgery during the off-season. The big question is how much Sutton fits into Sean Payton’s long-term vision for the franchise, especially one that is cap-strapped from Russell Wilson’s early release. Sutton told the media on June 11, “I hope that I am a part of the bigger picture. I’ve been told that is what the gameplan is. I’ve also been told some other things. We will see what happens. I hope I am able to be a part of the gameplan.” The two sides could find some middle ground on a new deal to give Sutton more guaranteed money, but the Broncos seem unlikely to cave and pay him the top-of-the-WR market prices we’ve seen this off-season. Everything is still on the table when it comes to Sutton’s future. No matter where he plays in 2024, he’s a bad bet to duplicate his 10-TD performance from last season after Russell Wilson departed to Pittsburgh. (Added June 12)
The Broncos have major position battles across the board at all the skill positions, including at running back where they’re potentially running five deep based on early reports. Denver brought back Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Samaje Perine, and they drafted Audric Estime in the fifth round and handed Blake Watson $250K in guaranteed money as a UDFA. Williams is in the final year of his rookie deal and the Broncos could move on from him at the end of 2024, and the Broncos could save $3 million in cap space if they release Perine. Estime’s development could play a major role in both decisions. The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider believes Estime is the biggest threat to Perine’s role as a pass protector and receiver in passing situations. He also believes McLaughlin and Watson are battling for the change-of-pace role in this backfield. This is a messy backfield situation in potentially one of the league’s worst offenses, and I’m mostly avoiding this backfield outside of some final-round Estime dart throws. Estime needed a clean-up surgery on his knee but Sean Payton said that he’ll be good to go by training camp. (Added May 30)
Greg Dulcich is working off to the side during OTAs as he continues to rehab foot and hamstring injuries that plagued him last season. Sean Payton hinted that he could be back to practicing by mandatory minicamp, but it’s still concerning that Dulcich still isn’t back to full strength after appearing in just two games in his second season. Dulcich could find himself behind Adam Trautman and Lucas Krull when he eventually returns to the field, and this is shaping up to be a TE corps to avoid for fantasy this summer. (Added May 28)
Sean Payton said first-round pick Bo Nix is farther along than most rookies, which he attributed to Nix’s NCAA-record 61 starts (per Jeff Legwold). Payton said he’d split the first-team reps between Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and Zach Wilson to start OTAs. The fact that Payton is already praising Nix and giving him first-team reps in camp bodes well for his chances to be the starter from Day 1. For comparison, Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe worked ahead of Drake Maye in early Patriots workouts. DraftKings opened Nix at -425 odds to be Denver’s Week 1 starter, which means Nix has implied odds of 81% to be the Broncos opening-day starter. Beat reporter Mike Klis believes that Stidham is leading the competition ahead of Nix and then Wilson heading into training camp. Nix doesn’t have top-12 upside with a weak supporting cast in what should be a run-heavy offense, but he’s a free pick (207.8, QB31) who can boost his value with his legs after averaging 26.4 rushing YPG with 38 rushing TDs in his 61 college contests. (Updated June 17)
Kansas City Chiefs
Travis Kelce didn’t want to give a timeframe for how long he’ll continue to play but he intends to play until “the wheels fall off” (per Adam Teicher). However, he conceded that he may not be on the field as much as he has been in the past. Kelce said, “As much as I want to be out there every single play, I understand that it’s for the betterment of the team when I’m not.” Kelce’s routes (465<561<590) and route shares (73.0%<77.6%<82.1%) have slipped in each of his last three seasons heading into 2024. The Chiefs are trying to make NFL history by becoming the first team to win three straight Super Bowls, and having Kelce peak in the postseason is of the utmost importance. Kelce’s ADP (38.0, TE2) has slipped into the fourth round, which reflects the reality that his production is going to be more inconsistent for the rest of his career. (Added June 12)
Mecole Hardman and the Chiefs agreed to terms on a one-year deal. He’s coming off a career-low 15/124/0 receiving in 11 games between the Jets and Chiefs last season, but he posted a pivotal 3/57/1 receiving in Kansas City’s Super Bowl victory over San Francisco. He’s off the fantasy radar and he’ll battle for a roster spot during training camp. (Added June 8)
The Chiefs passing attack has spent early OTA drills working on the deep passing game, which has increasingly become non-existent from Patrick Mahomes’ repertoire. His aDOT has fallen in each of his five seasons as a starter, bottoming out with a league-worst 6.7 yards among 31 QBs who attempted 250+ passes. Kansas City has seemingly made it a priority to open up the downfield passing game by acquiring speedsters Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy. The Athletic’s Nate Taylor reported that almost half of Mahomes’ attempts went 20+ yards downfield in a May 22 workout in front of the media. Mahomes said, “I think we’ve done a great job of mastering the intermediate and short stuff, but we want to get back to having that part of the offense, as well. Coach is really pushing us to push it down the field.” It’s worth noting that Mahomes is developing a connection with Brown but Worthy is missed through minicamp after tweaking his hamstring on May 21. Mahomes is coming off a career-worst QB13 (18.6 FPG) last season, but early drafters are expecting a bounce-back year with his ADP sitting at 45.4 (QB4). (Updated June 17)
Rashee Rice is attending Kansas City’s first full-squad off-season practices after a tumultuous spring. He was arrested in Dallas for his role in a street race in late March before allegedly assaulting a photographer at a Dallas nightclub in May. His legal situation appears to have improved since assault charges in his nightclub incident have been dropped. Tom Pelissero reported, “The photographer recently dropped those charges and gave an affidavit to the Dallas Police Department saying it was a misunderstanding.” Rice’s ADP has plummeted by multiple rounds to 82.1 (WR44) since he could be staring at a multi-game suspension to open the season. He’s a risky pick in best ball drafts but one I’m willing to make at his falling ADP if you’re willing to stomach some DNPs early in the season. (Added May 21)
Las Vegas Raiders
- Coming soon!
Los Angeles Chargers
Gus Edwards didn’t practice at OTAs and minicamp for an undisclosed injury, but Jim Harbaugh said there’s a “high possibility” Edwards will be 100% ready for training camp (per Kris Rhim). Edwards injured his left hand in the Divisional Round but played through the injury during the Conference Championship game. Edwards is the presumptive lead runner in Greg Roman’s run-heavy scheme, but sixth-round pick Kimani Vidal and the oft-injured J.K. Dobbins are also in the mix heading into training camp. Edwards (116.5, RB35) and Vidal (159.8, RB51) are worth picks later in drafts while Dobbins (180.7, RB56) is a player to avoid. (Added June 13)
Ladd McConkey has lined up both inside and outside during OTAs, and the majority of his snaps with the first-team offense have come in the slot (per Daniel Popper). Popper believes there’s already a “developing connection” between the former Georgia WR and Justin Herbert in early workouts. McConkey could step into Keenan Allen’s old role as Herbert’s slot WR and zone-beater. Allen averaged 5.6 slot targets per game and averaged 2.79 YPRR against zone coverage in Los Angeles’ old offense last season. McConkey has a chance to become a weekly WR3 in PPR formats because of his ideal path to become Herbert’s #1 target even with Los Angeles’s 37.2 pass attempts per game set to fall dramatically. Popper reported on June 11 that the Herbert-McConkey connection has continued to blossom. The one concern is that most of his work has come out of the slot, which means his routes could get squeezed in an offense that’s going to use more 2-TE sets than most offenses. Herbert said McConkey is like a “four of five-year vet” with how quickly he’s picked up the offense. (Updated June 14)
National Football Conference
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Jake Ferguson is out to prove that he’s not a one-year wonder after finishing as the TE10 (10.4 FPG) in his second season (per ESPN). The Cowboys weren’t sold on him entering last season since they drafted Luke Schoonmaker in the second round. He still earned the first crack to replace Dalton Schultz, and he came through with 71/761/5 receiving. He’s aiming for an even better 2024, “I’m not even scratching my surface. There’s so many things that I want to get better at and I know I can get better at.” The Cowboys have the 10th-most vacated targets (148) in an offense that ranked sixth in pass rate over expectation (5.1%) last season. Schoonmaker has been unable to stay healthy to start his career, and he’s missing OTAs with a hamstring injury. Ferguson is one of my favorite TE targets (86.7 ADP, TE9) and it’s easy to stack him with Dak Prescott (85.9, QB9) in the seventh and eighth rounds. (Updated May 23)
CeeDee Lamb sat out voluntary off-season workouts as he seeks a new contract, and it’s extended into mandatory minicamp, which carries with it up to $51K in fines if he skips all three sessions (per Michael Gehlken). OC Brian Schottenheimer wasn’t worried about his absence in May, and Dak Prescott said he’ll find time to throw with him this summer. The Cowboys have failed to work out deals with Lamb and Dak Prescott so far this off-season and their price tags are likely going up with Amon-Ra St. Brown ($77 million guaranteed) and Jared Goff ($170 million guaranteed) each pushing the markets for WRs and QBs higher. Justin Jefferson then set the bar at $110 million guaranteed on June 3. Lamb’s absence hasn’t mattered to early drafters as the second player off the board, behind only Christian McCaffrey. (Updated June 4)
New York Giants
Tyrone Tracy has been getting work with the first-team offense in team drills during minicamp, and Art Stapleton wrote that Tracy is pushing to New York’s back on passing downs. Tracy started his career as a WR at Purdue before transitioning to RB in his final two seasons with the Boilermakers, so he has the experience to impact the passing game out of the backfield. Tracy’s ability to get on the field in passing situations will likely come down to his development in pass protection this summer. The Giants have the third-most available RB carries (294) and the fourth-most vacated RB targets (81) after Saquon Barkley’s departure, and Tracy will be given a chance to earn some work behind Devin Singletary. Tracy has an easier path to the top of the depth chart by the second half of the season than most Day 3 picks, which makes him worth a pick in the final rounds (185.7, RB57). (Added June 12)
Darren Waller and Darius Slayton both skipped the start of voluntary OTAs, but Slayton eventually showed up for a May 28 practice. Waller was contemplating whether to retire or to play another season before finally announcing his intentions to retire on June 9. Slayton was seeking a contract extension as he enters the final season of his two-year, $12 million contract. Slayton ended up settling for incentives added to his contract. Slayton is a free pick (207.6, WR89) and he’s been New York’s most reliable receiver since Odell Beckham left town. He’s set to slide down the passing-game pecking order after the Giants drafted Malik Nabers sixth overall. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan wrote that Daniel Bellinger will slide into Waller’s role with rookie Theo Johnson and Lawrence Cager behind him on the depth chart heading into training camp. Bellinger said the Giants have opted to give Johnson and Cager more reps in off-season workouts to let grow mentally, but Brian Daboll explained Bellinger’s lack of reps because of an undisclosed injury. The Giants seemingly want Johnson or Cager to take this job and run with it, and we’ll see if one of them can do it in training camp. (Updated June 13)
Daniel Jones participated in 7-on-7 drills during the team’s first OTA practice, which is a sign that his recovery from a torn right ACL is going well. He didn’t participate in 11-on-11 drills, instead giving way to Drew Lock, whom the Giants signed to push Jones for playing time this season. Brian Daboll said before mandatory minicamp that Jones would sit out team drills until training camp. Jones later said that he doesn’t have a doubt that he’ll be ready to play in Week 1. Jones and New York’s passing attack have rock-bottom expectations this season, and he’ll have one of the shorter leashes in the league after the Giants sold Lock on the opportunity to compete to be the starter. Jones’ passing yards (2675.5) and passing TDs (9.5) season props are the lowest marks on the board for quarterbacks this season. (Updated June 11)
Philadelphia Eagles
- DeVante Parker announced his retirement from the NFL, which comes after the Eagles signed the veteran receiver to at least be a depth option behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Parker’s signing brought some initial hope that Smith could see more slot routes if Parker was going to play in 11 personnel. The Eagles will have a wide-open competition for the third WR role between Parris Campbell, Ainias Smith, Johnny Wilson, and Britain Covey among others. (Added May 21)
Washington Commanders
Brian Robinson told the media that the Commanders are set to run more no-huddle offense under new OC Kliff Kingsbury. Per Fantasy Points Data, the Commanders used no-huddle on 4.9% of their snaps (52 of 1060 snaps) last season, which pales in comparison to Kingsbury’s Arizona offenses. The Cardinals ran no-huddle 33.0% in 2022 (378 of 1144) and 36.8% in 2021 (414 of 1126). The Cardinals finished inside the top eight in plays per game by averaging 65+ plays in Kingsbury’s last three offenses. Jayden Daniels took the first QB reps in team drills at mandatory camp, and he said he arrives at the team facilities around 5:45 a.m. to work with fellow rookie Luke McCaffrey. He should play in an environment conducive to fantasy production as long as Dan Quinn doesn’t meddle with Kingsbury’s offense. The second overall pick is one of the top values at quarterback in early drafts (103.0, QB11), and our Premium subscribers have a +1400 ticket on Daniels to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year — he’s down to +600 odds to win the award. It’s also easy to stack Daniels with McCaffrey (181.6 WR79), who is looking to build a rapport like the one C.J. Stroud and Tank Dell shared last summer before they broke out together. (Updated June 13)
Austin Ekeler was practicing kick returns at mandatory minicamp. The NFL’s new kickoff rules is going to result in more fantasy-relevant players handling kick returns this season, including potentially a player like Ekeler, who last returned kicks as a rookie in 2017. Kliff Kingsbury is also experimenting with using Ekeler and Brian Robinson in two-back sets in minicamp. It’s more of a negative in most fantasy formats since a player like Ekeler is more at risk of picking up an injury, but it does give him a boost in leagues that reward return yardage, including this year’s Scott Fish Bowl. (Updated June 13)
NFC North
Chicago Bears
- D’Andre Swift told the media that he believes multiple backs will be involved in the offense this season. The Bears inked Swift to a three-year deal with $15.3 million guaranteed to start free agency, and Matt Eberflus said they moved quickly to sign him because they see Swift as a “weapon back”. Swift still sees Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson having roles this season even after landing his big contract. He said, “Whatever they see fit for me. That’s kinda how I’ve always been. Nowadays you need that kinda, that 1-2, 2-3, you need multiple guys. It’s a long season and it’s long games played. You need that multi-back system as far as for the season, keep guys fresh.” Herbert and Johnson are unlikely to disappear but at least it’s already baked into his eighth-round ADP (85.4, RB22). Swift’s three-down skillset has made him a consistent RB2 when he’s been available. (Added June 3)
Detroit Lions
HC Dan Campbell talked up Jameson Williams at the start of OTAs, calling him a “man on a mission” and the most improved player since the start of the spring (per Colton Pouncy). The Athletic’s Pouncy wrote that the praise for Williams carries a little more weight since the Lions haven’t been shy about challenging the third-year WR up to this point in his career. Sam LaPorta even added to the praise, saying Williams looks so fast, smooth, and comfortable this off-season. Detroit’s 12th overall from 2022 has yet to score 14+ FP in any regular season. He’s had his first two seasons interrupted because of an ACL recovery as a rookie and a gambling suspension to open last season. He’s still going to be a hit-or-miss weekly option behind target hogs Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta. It also doesn’t help that Jared Goff finished last in deep-throw rate (7.3%) among 31 QBs with 250+ attempts. I still can’t resist selecting Williams at his current ADP (97.3, WR48) since the Lions handed him the undisputed #2 WR spot in one of the league’s best offenses after Josh Reynolds left for Denver this off-season. (Updated May 31)
GM Brad Holmes said on the Rich Eisen Show that he expects second-year RB Jahmyr Gibbs “to see more of a load, but David Montgomery will still be here too.” Holmes added that Gibbs brings more in the passing game than he showed as a rookie and that he’ll see an increased role in the passing game. RB coach Scottie Montgomery said they want to use Gibbs more in the slot and more downfield in his second season. Gibbs ran just 35 slot routes, which accounted for only 11.8% of his routes (35 of 296), and he owned an aDOT of 0.0 yards. Gibbs paced Montgomery in snap share (56.6%>47.5%), route share (13.1%>4.6%), and route share (52.3%>25.7%) as a rookie last season. Monty’s carry share advantage (52.3% to 40.6%) could shrink some, but we’re still currently projecting him to hold an advantage in carries. You have to pay a bit of a premium for Gibbs at his ADP (12.0, RB4), but he showed massive upside as the RB8 (16.2 FPG) last season. (Updated May 31)
Green Bay Packers
Matt LaFleur told the media that Josh Jacobs is capable of being a high-volume, feature back, but he prefers to “platoon” his backs to keep them “fresh”. LaFleur said, “Philosophically, no matter who the runner is, typically, we like to platoon those guys, whether it’s two guys or three guys. I just think it allows the running backs to stay fresh throughout the duration of the season. It’s a very violent position they play, and some of those hits are high-impact hits…Then, when it gets down to the end of it, you’ve got to roll with whoever you feel gives you the best opportunity to win games. But I do think there’s a lot of benefit to having multiple runners in there. No. 1, I think it lengthens their careers.” Our Graham Barfield broke down the snap rates of LaFleur’s backfields, and none of his backs have ever topped 62% in five seasons with the Packers. Jacobs posted a 76.8% snap share, 77.2% carry share, and 205 routes (15.8 per game) in 13 contests for the Raiders last season. Jacobs is more capable of handling a bigger workload than Aaron Jones has been able to in past seasons, but he’s unlikely to be a true bell-cow option like he was with the Raiders. Third-round pick Marshawn Lloyd is the favorite to be the #2 option behind Jacobs with A.J. Dillon serving as an insurance policy. Jacobs’ workload is set to decrease but he’ll at least play in a more fantasy-friendly offense with significant offensive line and quarterback upgrades jumping from Las Vegas to Green Bay. He’s fairly priced (40.4 ADP, RB11) and his level of passing-game involvement will likely determine if he’s worth the fourth-round investment. (Added May 30)
Christian Watson has been working with University of Wisconsin medical researchers to mitigate the hamstring issues that have limited his availability in his first two seasons. He’s learned that he has less strength in his right leg compared to his left leg, which has put more strain on his left hamstring. Using a device called a NordBord, Watson discovered that the strength balance between his hamstrings was around 20% off, which he’s knocked down to 10-12% so far this off-season — he said 6% symmetry is his goal. HC Matt LaFleur notably fired his strength and conditioning staff this off-season, bringing Aaron Hill from the 49ers. Watson is putting in the work to ensure a healthier 2024 campaign after missing eight contests last season. He has plenty of competition for targets, but he notably led the Packers in air yards share (33.7%) and target share (16.9%) despite being in and out of the lineup. Watson (85.9, WR47) and Jordan Love (89.5, QB10) are available to stack at the seventh-and-eighth-round turn. (Added May 23)
HC Matt LaFleur said Tucker Kraft is expected to miss off-season workouts until training camp and potentially early in camp because of an unidentified left arm injury, per Matt Schneidman. Kraft was seen at OTAs with his left arm in a sling, and his head coach said “he’s on the Matt LaFleur plan” in reference to LaFleur dealing with a recently torn pec. Kraft and Luke Musgrave will once again be competing for opportunities with Jordan Love in their second seasons, and Kraft’s off-season injury gives Musgrave an early leg up in the competition. (Added May 21)
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are taking it slow with first-round pick J.J. McCarthy during OTAs according to the observations from The Athletic’s Alec Lewis. He also noted that Sam Darnold has taken every first-team rep that the media has seen. HC Kevin O’Connell said Darnold is the QB1 leaving minicamp. Minnesota could open the season with Darnold at quarterback, but McCarthy is unlikely to wait for too long to become the QB1. McCarthy is worth a late-round investment (193.2, QB25) since he could have untapped potential as a runner and play in what has been a fantasy-friendly attack with Justin Jefferson. (Updated June 13)
T.J. Hockenson said he doesn’t have a timeline for his return from major knee surgery in an appearance on NFL Network, and he wouldn’t commit to being ready to play for Minnesota’s London game against the Jets in Week 5. Hockenson had surgery for a torn ACL and MCL in late January, more than a month after suffering the injuries on Christmas Eve, which means he’s a strong candidate to miss time early next season. The potential for missed time is baked into Hockenson’s ADP (115.1, TE13), but I still don’t have much interest in drafting him at his reduced price. Kirk Cousins is gone and he’ll get limited reps in with a rookie QB (J.J. McCarthy) who will be learning on the job or with the scattershot Sam Darnold. (Added May 20)
Justin Jefferson didn’t report for the start of voluntary OTA workouts after previously skipping voluntary off-season programs. It was the second straight off-season that Jefferson skipped voluntary workouts as he negotiated a new contract with the Vikings, but he eventually landed the massive contract he’d been seeking. He became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history by signing a four-year, $140 million contract extension that includes $110 million in guaranteed money. Jefferson has slipped from being the top overall fantasy pick to the fifth pick mostly because of his 2024 downgrade at quarterback from Kirk Cousins to J.J. McCarthy and Sam Darnold. (Updated June 3)
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
- Bijan Robinson told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution he expects to have more of a Christian McCaffrey role with the offense transitioning from Arthur Smith to Zac Robinson. He elaborated, “I’m going to be more of a runner that does everything else…It’s like run first, like what I did in college, and then still having access to go to receiver. Still have access to do creative things out of the backfield.” Robinson led all RBs with 398 routes and finished behind only CMC in route share (66.0%), but he averaged a frustrating 12.6 carries per game compared to 10.9 carries per game for Tyler Allgeier. He owned just a 41% carry share (33rd) and 20% inside the 5-yard line carry share (56th). Based on his ADP (7.1, RB2), drafters are already baking an increased run-game role in a friendlier fantasy environment with Kirk Cousins and Robinson in charge. HC Raheem Morris told the media on June 11 that the plan is to “get the ball to Bijan as much as you can in as many ideal situations as you possibly can.” (Updated June 11)
Carolina Panthers
- Jonathon Brooks (ACL) may not be ready for the start of training camp according to Dave Canales (per Darin Gantt). It isn’t a major surprise since Brooks tore his ACL on Nov. 11, and the Panthers will likely ease him into action early in the season. The Panthers traded up and used second-round capital to select Brooks, which means he’ll be given every opportunity to be the team’s top back. Chuba Hubbard could lead the Panthers in touches and FPG in September since they could ease Brooks back into action, but he should play ahead of Hubbard and Miles Sanders for the majority of the season. Brooks has a path to a three-down role if he can earn passing-game work, and Rachaad White finished fourth in snap rate (78.7%) on his way to an RB10 finish (15.9 FPG) under Canales. He’s a player to target at his eighth-round ADP (87.7, RB24). (Added June 13)
New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara left the final day of Saints minicamp after skipping voluntary OTAs as he seeks a new contract (per Ian Rapoport). Kamara has two years remaining on his current contract, including $22.4 million in unguaranteed money for 2025. He’s effectively in the final year of his contract, and Nick Underhill wrote that there hasn’t been much progress between Kamara and the team on a new deal so far. Kamara hasn’t averaged more than 4.0 YPC in three seasons and is coming off a career-worst 4.5 yards per touch average. Kamara shouldn’t see his ADP dip too much until training camp starts, while Kendre Miller’s ADP (141.5, RB44) could pick up some steam.
Juwan Johnson will undergo foot surgery the week of June 17, which will sideline him for “a while” according to Adam Schefter’s sources. The hope is that he’ll be ready for the start of the season, but it sounds like Johnson could miss time in training camp. The Saints brought in UFL TE Sal Cannella for a workout earlier this week, who could be used as an extra camp body while Johnson is out. Johnson will see his ADP (172.1 TE20) fall this summer but he could become a value if he tumbles multiple rounds. (Added June 13)
Fantasy football’s worst nightmare is back! Taysom Hill received reps as a shotgun running back during OTAs in addition to reps at fullback and tight end in his first practices under new OC Klint Kubiak (per Matthew Paras). Throwing the ball at quarterback is about the only thing Hill hasn’t done in two practices open to reporters so far. HC Dennis Allen didn’t rule out Hill being a passing threat in the future, but they’re letting Derek Carr, Jake Haener, and Spencer Rattler take all the quarterback reps for now. It’s a reminder that Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller are at risk of losing goal-line opportunities at any point with Hill and even Jamaal Williams in the mix. Hill has scored 4+ rushing TDs in four straight seasons and 24 total rushing TDs in that span, while Williams led the NFL with 17 rushing TDs while playing with the Lions in 2022. (Added May 29)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sterling Shepard reached terms on a one-year deal with the Buccaneers. He mustered just 10/57/1 receiving in 15 games last season, which came after he tore his Achilles in 2021 and his ACL in 2022. The Buccaneers needed additional WR depth after releasing Deven Thompkins at the end of May, who has since been accused of domestic abuse. The 31-year-old WR will look to make the roster as a depth piece but he could have his work cut out for him since he doesn’t contribute on special teams. (Added June 8)
Chris Godwin said he’s looking forward to playing more in the slot as he previously did before moving more outside under former OC Dave Canales (per Scott Smith). New OC Liam Coen said at his introductory press conference that he envisioned Godwin playing more on the inside in the Cooper Kupp position — Coen previously worked with the Rams. Godwin averaged a solid 2.24 YPRR from the slot compared to 1.78 YPRR from the perimeter, but Canales forced him to run more routes from the perimeter (326) than the slot (201) for the first time in his career. The Buccaneers selected big slot receiver Jalen McMillan 92nd overall, but Coen still seems poised to use Godwin optimally in the slot. Godwin is being drafted about a round later than he should be going off the board with his ADP sitting at a cheap 75.2 (WR42). (Added May 21)
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
- Coming soon!
Los Angeles Rams
Cooper Kupp has said multiple times this spring that he’s back to 100% health for the first time in a while, and Sean McVay told reporters that the public doesn’t realize how much Kupp was playing through last season (per Cameron DaSilva). McVay said, “He’s been able to have an offseason program where he really understands his body and how to be able to build it from the ground up. He looks strong. He looks sturdy.” Kupp could go down as a value (33.2, WR24) if he truly is completely healthy, but I’m skeptical the 31-year-old receiver can hold up for the entire season. (Added June 8)
Sean McVay told reporters that Kyren Williams is dealing with yet another foot injury that was initially thought to keep him out of the entirety of OTAs, but he returned to the practice field on June 6. It’s still a concerning development for a player who has missed 12-of-34 games (35.2%) because of ankle and foot issues through two seasons. The Rams didn’t have any options to push Williams for playing time, but Los Angeles changed that by selecting Michigan’s Blake Corum 83rd overall. Brett Whitefield rated Corum as the class’ top back because of his vision, burst, and creativity. Corum’s floor appears to be wrestling a couple of series away per game from Williams, but he has RB1 upside as the handcuff if Williams’ foot and ankle issues persist. Corum received extra reps when Williams was out, and he’s working on being able to play on all three downs. McVay singled out Corum for his performance in his first minicamp, calling him “mature beyond his years”. Corum is a player to target at his ADP (129.8, RB40) range since he’s setting up to be one of fantasy’s best handcuffs. Williams is slightly overpriced (25.9, RB8) and he’ll be a more palatable selection if he falls a few more picks into the mid-third round because of his foot injury. (Updated June 13)
San Francisco 49ers
Elijah Mitchell is the “clear #2” running back behind Christian McCaffrey in early workouts (per David Lombardi). The 49ers added competition for touches behind CMC by drafting Isaac Guerendo in the fourth round and signing Patrick Taylor from Green Bay to compete with Mitchell and Jordan Mason. Lombardi added that he wouldn’t be surprised if the 49ers try to trade one of the backs if they feel good about their depth as they previously did with Jeff Wilson and Matt Breida. Mitchell is a free pick (200.9, RB62) despite having the chance to be the top back in San Francisco if CMC misses time. (Added June 8)
Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers agreed to a two-year extension, $38 million that adds $24 million in guarantees to his contract (per Adam Schefter). CMC captured his first rushing yards title with 1459 yards while scoring 21 total TDs, which powered him to Offensive Player of the Year honors. He led all non-quarterbacks with 24.6 FPG and he’s the consensus top overall pick in drafts. (Added June 4)
Logan Thomas and the 49ers are expected to agree to terms on a contract. Thomas posted 55/496/4 receiving on 78 targets to finish as the TE18 (8.1) for the Commanders last season. Thomas is clearly a bigger threat to soak up targets than Charlie Woerner and Ross Dwelley were last season, who combined for 4/44 receiving on 5 targets in 29 games last season. His signing is the slightest downgrade for San Francisco’s receivers, including top TE George Kittle, but the soon-to-be 33-year-old TE will need to make the roster out of training camp first. Kittle played through a core muscle injury last season and has had issues staying completely healthy, which means Thomas could be a top TE waiver wire pickup at some point this season. (Added June 4)
Jauan Jennings and the 49ers agreed to a two-year, $15.4 million deal with $10.5 million guaranteed (per Adam Schefter). Jennings will at least serve as a valuable depth piece for the 49ers, and he’ll push first-round pick Ricky Pearsall for snaps in 3-WR sets. He could also move into a bigger role if the organization moves on from Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel over the next two seasons. (Added May 30)
Brandon Aiyuk isn’t with the team for mandatory minicamp, which comes after he wasn’t present for voluntary activities in April and May. He’s seeking a contract extension as he enters the fifth and final year of his rookie deal. Aiyuk was the subject of trade talks before and during the draft, but the 49ers decided not to move him for at least the time being. The 49ers selected Ricky Pearsall 31st overall as potential insurance for the future, and he’s getting extra reps in workouts with Aiyuk out. Nick Wagoner wrote that a deal doesn’t appear imminent, with the start of training camp and the regular season as the unofficial deadlines. Dianna Russini reported the 49ers had offered Aiyuk in the range of $26 million per year, which would be behind recent WR signees A.J. Brown ($32 million) and Amon-Ra St. Brown ($30 million) and ahead of DeVonta Smith ($25 million). ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Aiyuk is looking for a deal that would pay him around what St. Brown recently signed with the Lions. The 49ers signed Nick Bosa, Deebo Samuel, Fred Warner, and George Kittle to deals in each of the past four summers after prolonged negotiations, and Aiyuk will try to join that list while becoming one of the highest-paid WRs. (Updated June 5)
Seattle Seahawks
- Geno Smith opened OTAs by taking every first-team rep with new acquisition Sam Howell running the second-team offense (per Bob Condotta). Smith said he has a “really good grasp” of OC Ryan Grubb’s new offense, which he described as a dropback offense that’s going to spread the ball. He added that the new offense won’t have as many shifts and motions as Grubb’s Washington offense. Smith has a shorter leash than the last two years after the new regime traded for Howell, but Grubb’s offense could give Geno some fantasy juice as a late-round pick (172.9, QB23). Seattle’s pass rate may not rise after ranking eighth in pass rate over expectation the last two seasons, but improved O-line play and a better scheme should create better downfield opportunities for Seattle’s WRs. (Added May 23)
