RADIO
Alec Pierce a Week or So Away From Returning
The Indianapolis Colts placed wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Monday for the start of training camp, and general manager Chris Ballard said on Tuesday that Pierce is a week or so away with his ankle rehab, according to Mike Chappell of FOX 59. Pierce was given a timetable of four to six weeks when he had ankle surgery in March, so his placement on the PUP list to begin the week wasn't a huge surprise. Barring a setback, the Colts are still optimistic that Pierce can be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 13 against the Baltimore Ravens. The 26-year-old signed a four-year, $114 million contract back in March, and veteran Michael Pittman Jr. was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, so when healthy, Pierce is expected to be Indy's new WR1 in 2026 and beyond. He's off to a bad start in camp, though, especially with quarterback Daniel Jones rehabbing from a torn Achilles tendon. Pierce has become more of a risky WR3/flex big-play receiver after leading the NFL in each of the last two seasons in yards per catch. He broke out with a 47-1,003-6 line in 15 games in 2025 in his fourth year in the NFL.
Source: FOX 59 - Mike Chappell
Source: FOX 59 - Mike Chappell
Kyle Karros Emerging as a Quality Deep-League Waiver Wire Target
Across 356 plate appearances in 2026, Colorado Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros is hitting .262/.362/.426 with nine home runs, 37 RBI, 51 runs scored, and three stolen bases. After struggling to a .585 OPS across 156 plate appearances after making his MLB debut in 2025, the 24-year-old appears to be emerging as a quality big leaguer in his second season. Karros' underlying contact metrics are solid but unspectacular, as he's logged an 8.2% barrel rate and a 42.5% hard-hit rate. However, Karros owns an impressive approach at the plate, as he's walked in 12.6% of his plate appearances while posting just a 20.6% strikeout rate. He's also posted plus defensive metrics at third base and has the advantage of playing his home games in the hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field, both of which should help him stay in the lineup every day and maximize his skill set. Particularly in deeper leagues, Karros profiles as a quality corner infield option to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
De'Von Achane a Full-Go for Start of Training Camp
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (shoulder) is a full-go for the start of training camp, head coach Jeff Hafley told Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post. A shoulder injury popped up for Achane early on during offseason workouts, which led to him being limited during mandatory minicamp last month. The new front office and coaching staff in Miami rewarded the 24-year-old star RB with a four-year, $68 million deal in the offseason, and he's locked in as one of the team's true elite offensive weapons for the 2026 campaign. Achane, a former third-rounder in 2023 from Texas A&M, had his first 1,000-yard rushing season in 2025 with eight rushing scores on 238 carries in 16 starts, adding 67 receptions for 488 yards and another four TDs to finish as the RB6 in half-PPR scoring. The guaranteed volume he's expected to receive in his fourth NFL season will give Achane a high floor for fantasy purposes, but with the Dolphins' offense expected to have plenty of growing pains this year, it will be difficult for him to top his numbers from a year ago. Fantasy managers should consider Achane more of a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 this year instead of the high-end RB1 he was in 2025.
Source: The Palm Beach Post - Joe Schad
Source: The Palm Beach Post - Joe Schad
Clayton Beeter Establishing Himself as the Preferred Closer Option in Washington
Across 31 2/3 innings (33 games) so far in 2026, Washington Nationals right-hander Clayton Beeter has recorded a 3.69 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 33 strikeouts, and 10 saves. While Washington has not deployed Beeter as its sole closer for the entirety of the season, he's the only reliever on their current active roster with more than two saves. The 27-year-old has also seen more traditional closer usage of late, as he's logged three saves in his last four appearances out of the pen. Beeter's command remains a red flag in his profile, as he's logged a 14.7% walk rate this year and owns a 15.3% walk rate across 60 2/3 career MLB innings. However, he's recorded a 57.7% ground-ball rate this season and has strikeout upside, as he's struck out 27.8% of the batters he's faced as a big leaguer. While Beeter may not provide fantasy managers with high-end closer ratios, he's clearly the preferred option in the ninth inning for the Nationals right now and profiles as a worthy deep-league source of saves.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Soroka Throws Simulated Game on Monday
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Michael Soroka (glute) threw a two-inning simulated game, consisting of 35 pitches, on July 25, according to MLB.com. He also threw a bullpen session on July 27 and is scheduled to pitch in a camp game on July 30. Soroka is rehabbing a left-glute strain that landed him on the 15-day injured list back on June 20. Barring a setback as he ramps up his throwing program, he should be back in Arizona's major-league starting rotation by early August. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues may want to consider picking the 28-year-old Canadian up off the waiver wire soon if they're still searching for starting-pitching upgrades. Soroka has had a resurgent season in 2026 with the Snakes, going 8-3 with a 3.07 ERA (2.94 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP with 79 strikeouts and 17 walks in 82 innings pitched across his 15 starts in his seventh year in the majors. At the very least, he should be a matchup-based streaming option down the stretch in deep-mixed formats. Soroka is currently rostered in 67% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nick Lodolo Working on New Breaking-Ball Grip as he Rehabs a Blister
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) threw a bullpen session without discomfort on July 22 and another one on July 26, and he has been testing a new grip for his breaking ball and hasn't reported any issues, according to MLB.com. Lodolo landed on the 15-day injured list on July 12 with another blister on his left index finger. There is no specific timetable for his return to the Reds' starting rotation, but he appears to be making good progress. The next step is for Lodolo to face live batters before he's likely sent out on a minor-league rehab assignment. In a best-case scenario, Lodolo might not be back in the majors until mid-August. In his first 12 starts of the season, the former seventh overall pick in 2019 from Texas Christian University went 3-2 with a 4.60 ERA (5.11 FIP) and 1.47 WHIP with 50 strikeouts and 27 walks in 62 2/3 innings. Lodolo's strikeout upside has been intriguing since he entered the league in 2022, but he has a career-low 17.9% strikeout rate in 2026 and a career-high 9.7% walk rate, which is not what you'd want to see from an oft-injured arm.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Zac Thornton Emerging as a Must-Add Starting Pitcher
New York Mets starting pitcher Zac Thornton put together another impressive outing on Monday night, throwing 6 1/3 innings of three-run ball with five strikeouts in his team's 14-3 win over the Atlanta Braves. Since being recalled from Triple-A in mid-July, Thornton has allowed just three earned runs while picking up two wins and 12 strikeouts across 19 1/3 innings (three starts). The 24-year-old is averaging just 92 miles per hour on his fastball and does not profile as a significant source of swing-and-miss, as he's logged just a 20% strikeout rate in the big leagues so far this season. However, the young left-hander has been hard to barrel up, as he's allowed just two home runs across 29 2/3 innings pitched for the Mets in 2026. Given his current hot streak, Thornton profiles as a priority waiver wire target ahead of his next scheduled start against the Miami Marlins on Saturday.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zack Wheeler Fine Physically After Off Night on Monday
Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly said that right-hander Zack Wheeler told him he "felt fine physically" following his rough outing on Monday night in the 8-7 loss to the division-rival Miami Marlins, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. The 36-year-old veteran's velocity was noticeably down, and he lacked command. It was his shortest outing in more than four seasons and featured his second-lowest average velocity on his four-seam fastball. "Just one of those games," said Wheeler, who allowed five runs in those three innings Monday. "One of these days. It just wasn't coming out. I don't know. No excuse, just a bad game." Mattingly noted that Wheeler reported some nausea after his outing, so perhaps he's dealing with a little bug, which could help explain his bad outing against Miami. Despite the poor performance, the three-time All-Star has defied expectations in 2026 after being less than a year removed from a dangerous blood clot that revealed thoracic outlet syndrome, as he's currently 10-2 with a 2.53 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 123:23 K:BB in 103 innings over 17 starts. As long as Wheeler isn't injured, he'll look to bounce back in his next outing.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Orioles Turn to Rico Garcia for Monday's Save, Remains on Deep-League Radars
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Rico Garcia picked up his fifth save of 2026 on Monday night, throwing a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts in his team's 8-5 win over the Detroit Tigers. With closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) currently on the injured list, Baltimore has been mixing and matching in the ninth inning in recent weeks. Garcia's save on Monday was his first since early June, as fellow Orioles right-handers Tyler Wells and Andrew Kittredge have been seeing more opportunities of late. However, Garcia has excellent numbers for the year overall, as he's pitched to a 2.93 ERA and 0.87 WHIP with 49 strikeouts and four wins across 46 innings (49 games). While he's unlikely to see every save chance for Baltimore going forward, Garcia could still be a worthy deep-league waiver wire target with some upside.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Francisco Lindor Heating Up, Hits Two Homers and Drives in Six on Monday
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor may finally be starting to heat up after an injury-plagued and disappointing first half of the 2026 season. In the Mets' 14-3 drubbing of the division-rival Atlanta Braves in Queens on Monday night, Lindor went 3-for-5 at the plate with two home runs, a triple, six RBI, and a walk to boost his season average to .233 and his OPS to .743. The 32-year-old five-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger winner is still only batting .233/.318/.425 on the year with eight home runs, 23 RBI, 26 runs scored, and two stolen bases across his 193 at-bats, but the Puerto Rican native could be a major asset down the stretch at a premium position. Since the All-Star break, Lindor has gone 12-for-40 (.300) with three home runs, two doubles, a triple, 11 RBI, and four runs scored in 10 games and 46 plate appearances. Lindor isn't going to reach the 30-homer mark for a fourth straight season, but if he's healthy, he could be a difference-maker for fantasy managers to close out the year.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Erik Miller Earns Save for Giants, Emerging as Primary Option in Bullpen
San Francisco Giants left-hander Erik Miller picked up his third save of the season on Monday night, throwing a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts in his team's 3-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. San Francisco has largely operated with a committee approach in the ninth inning so far this season. Still, Miller has a solid case as the team's best relief arm, as he's pitched to a 2.87 ERA and 1.40 WHIP with 44 strikeouts across 31 1/3 innings (36 games). The 28-year-old's command is spotty, as he's surrendered a 16.2% walk rate. However, he's averaging 96.9 miles per hour on his fastball and has struck out 32.4% of the batters he's faced on the year. For deep-league managers who are searching for saves on the waiver wire, Miller could be a name to target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cameron Dicker Could See Fewer Field-Goal Opportunities in 2026
A Pro Bowler in 2025, Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker's 38 made field goals were the third most in the league, allowing him to finish as the No. 4 fantasy kicker in a middle-of-the-road offense. With better health and the arrival of coordinator Mike McDaniel leading to projected offensive improvements in Los Angeles, Dicker is one player for whom this news could be seen as a double-edged sword. Better offensive efficiency will obviously increase overall scoring opportunities, but only the Saints and Jets converted fewer of their red zone trips into touchdowns than the Chargers in 2025, making Dicker one of only four kickers to attempt 40+ field goals, a number that could drop on the heels of more successful touchdown drives. Dicker's 93.5% career conversion rate on field goals is the highest of all time by a substantial margin, so it's best not to overthink his selection, and he remains a safe bet to accumulate points, heading into 2026 as RotoBaller's fifth-ranked kicker.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nyck Harbor Poised for Breakout Season in New Offense
South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor was named a third-team All-SEC selection in the conference's media poll heading into his senior season. The 6'5", 240-pound track star posted career highs in receptions (30), receiving yards (618), and receiving touchdowns (six) in 2025. He was the only South Carolina wideout to reach 600 yards. With Kendal Briles taking over the play-calling duties in 2026, Harbor could reach his ceiling and play his way into an early slot in the 2027 NFL Draft. Harbor has elite physical traits and is set to catch passes from LaNorris Sellers for a third straight season, making him a top breakout candidate in the SEC this season.
Source: SECSports.com
Source: SECSports.com
Christian McCaffrey's Work Not Being Limited Early in Camp
After touching the ball an astounding 450 times in 2025, much of the offseason narrative surrounding San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has been about how the team will handle his workload in his age-30 season, and through two days of training camp, there have been no indications of any holding him back. After standing out in his usual ways in the passing game during the team's first practice, 49ers digital editor Brooke Evans reports that he again saw steady volume in Day 2, totaling seven carries in team sessions and routinely working up to the second level. With CBA rules not allowing for full padded practices until the fifth or sixth session of camp, McCaffrey could continue to see heavy run with the first team offense, but it will be interesting to see how carries are divvied up when the pads do come on, particularly with a battle brewing between Jordan James and Kaelon Black for the ever-important insurance role behind the four-time All-Pro.
Source: Brooke Evans
Source: Brooke Evans
Jalen Ramsey to Begin Training Camp on PUP
Pittsburgh Steelers starting nickelback Jalen Ramsey suffered a knee injury during mandatory minicamp, and he will now start training camp on the PUP list, according to ESPN's Steelers reporter Brooke Pryor. General manager Omar Khan told reporters on Tuesday that Ramsey is expected to be out for a couple of weeks to begin camp. At 31 years old, Ramsey tallied the highest tackle total of his 10-year career while adding three sacks in his first season with the Steelers, giving him surprising IDP value after a handful of down years with the Dolphins. Expected to hold a similar role once he returns to full health, the eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro should spend plenty of time near the edge of the box, and he represents good value in the later rounds of IDP drafts.
Source: Brooke Pryor
Source: Brooke Pryor
True Freshman Guard Zykie Helton Trending to Start for Georgia?
Georgia true freshman offensive lineman Zykie Helton was listed as a three-star recruit (Rivals) in the 2026 class out of Carrollton, Georgia, but despite his lack of hype coming out of high school, he is viewed as a real threat to start for the Bulldogs this season. According to On3's Pete Nakos, Helton has flashed since enrolling at Georgia and going through spring practice. Georgia's offense is likely to remain a run-first unit that thrives on getting the ball out quickly in the passing game, and running backs Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens are back in the fold in 2026. It sounds like Helton could be the Week 1 start at guard if he continues his momentum into fall camp.
Source: Pete Nakos - On3
Source: Pete Nakos - On3
Jaycee Horn Cleared to Practice
Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (toe) has been activated from the Non-Football Injury list and cleared to practice in the team's first padded session of the summer. Horn injured his toe while running before camp, requiring stitches, but with the Panthers playing in the year's Hall of Fame Game, they were one of the earliest teams to report for training camp, and so the two-time Pro Bowler returns to work before some teams have even held their first practice. Horn had a career-high five touchdowns in 2025 and could see more big-play opportunities after the team invested heavily on the defensive side of the ball in free agency, bringing in defensive lineman Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Jayvan Boggs to Be Limited to Start Fall Camp
Florida State wide receiver Jayvan Boggs (undisclosed) will be a limited participant in practice to start fall camp this preseason, according to Logan Robinson of Nole Gameday. The three-star recruit in the Class of 2025 played in eight games as a freshman, catching nine passes for 103 yards and one touchdown. With star pass-catcher Duce Robinson back for FSU, Boggs is set to compete for the likely WR3 role behind Robinson and Micahi Danzy in 2026. The 6'1, 211-pound Florida native is dealing with an unknown ailment or injury to begin his sophomore season preparation, but he could be back at full strength in time for the Week 0 meeting with New Mexico State.
Source: Logan Robinson
Source: Logan Robinson
Pat Bryant Looking to Emerge as Broncos' WR3
When the Denver Broncos take to the field for their first practice of training camp on Friday, one of the more intriguing positional battles will be for the third receiver spot, and a player who should factor heavily into the mix is 2025 third-round pick Pat Bryant. As a rookie, Bryant became a trusted option for quarterback Bo Nix late in the year, but with the top two receiver spots presumably locked up by veteran Courtland Sutton and big-ticket trade acquisition Jaylen Waddle, he'll need to carve out his own role from a group that includes Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin. One of Bryant's biggest strengths in year one was his run-after-catch ability when working underneath. The spacing now provided by Waddle could allow him to further thrive and help to create the most dynamic version of the Broncos' passing attack while also bringing usable size to the running game. Bryant is RotoBaller's WR76 for 2026, but with a fluid situation such as his, drafters would be advised to monitor his usage throughout training camp.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Warren Has High Hopes for Colts Offense in 2026
Indianapolis Colts veterans have reported for training camp, and second-year tight end Tyler Warren shared his excitement about the team's offense, telling a group of gathered reporters, "I think everybody's really excited... from an offensive standpoint, coming back with the same coaching staff, same core group of guys. It's always exciting to be able to build off of what you were able to do last year." The Colts had one of the league's most potent offenses before quarterback Daniel Jones went down with a torn Achilles in Week 14, with Warren pacing as the fantasy TE3 to that point as a rookie. With Michael Pittman Jr. no longer part of the team, Warren is expected to see heavy usage in the intermediate area of the field, and with Alec Pierce beginning training camp on the PUP after undergoing ankle surgery in March, the second-year tight end could build a sizable role throughout the summer. Warren is RotoBaller's TE4 and a player who could see enough volume in year two to make him a legitimate threat to finish at the top of the position in 2026.
Source: Matt Taylor
Source: Matt Taylor
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Wants to Be an "Upgraded Version" of Himself
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards in 2025 on his way to winning the Offensive Player of the Year Award and finishing the year as the fantasy WR2, but he is not simply resting on his laurels. In discussing his expectations for the upcoming season, Smith-Njigba told reporters, "I want y'all to see different levels, almost a different player out there, and just kind of an upgraded version." The Seahawks were able to retain a remarkable number of starters from their Super Bowl-winning squad, but their biggest hit could come from the loss of offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who schemed up big plays for Smith-Njigba through heavy motion and play action usage. With his 15.1 yards-per-reception average putting him in rarified air among players with more than 110 catches, Smith-Njigba is a possible regression candidate for 2026, but as the clear focal point of the Seahawks' offense, expectations remain high, and he is RotoBaller's WR3.
Source: Around the NFL
Source: Around the NFL
Isaiah Stevens Waived by Kings
Sacramento Kings guard Isaiah Stevens has been waived from his two-way deal, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The move opens a two-way spot for Sacramento, which still has Adam Flagler and Jonathan Mogbo on two-way deals. Stevens, 25, was a standout playmaker for the G League's Stockton Kings last season, averaging 14.5 points on 47.0 percent shooting, 8.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds, but he managed only three NBA appearances. The undrafted Colorado State product now returns to the open market in search of another opportunity. For fantasy, this is a non-event, as Stevens holds no standard-league value, and the waiver opens no rotation minutes for any Kings player worth rostering.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Jalen Duren Faces Pistons Contract Standoff
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren and the team could remain at an impasse into September, with the deadline "really Media Day," per Shams Charania of ESPN, via Evan Sidery. Duren, 22, is seeking max-level money after earning All-NBA Third Team honors, while Detroit has held firm below that number. He is coming off a breakout season, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds as a lob-catching anchor next to Cade Cunningham. The stalemate is fantasy noise more than a red flag if he stays in Detroit, whether on a long-term deal or his $9.62 million qualifying offer. In that case, Duren remains a high-end source of points, rebounds, and field-goal percentage, with strong dynasty value.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Caleb Williams Says Bears Offense Will Be "More Entertaining" in 2026
The Chicago Bears offense is projected to be one of the more fantasy-friendly units in 2026, and on a recent appearance on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams, quarterback Caleb Williams did little to temper expectations, saying, "It's going to be more entertaining than last year, hopefully not as much of a heart race, but it's going to be a little more entertaining throughout the whole game and what we're going to bring to the table as a team." Already responsible for some of the wildest highlights of the 2025 season, that is a high bar to clear, and how that entertainment factor could translate for fantasy has drafters understandably excited about the Bears offense as a whole. Williams is RotoBaller's QB7, and after a trade sent veteran receiver DJ Moore to Buffalo, targets are expected to be funneled through Rome Odunze and second-year players Luther Burder III and Colston Loveland, none of whom fall outside RotoBaller's top 75 players for 2026. Meanwhile, running backs D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai both have the potential to outperform ADP expectations in year two under Ben Johnson.
Source: Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams
Source: Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams
Donte DiVincenzo Could Return Around All-Star Break
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) could return around the All-Star break in February, per Evan Sidery. DiVincenzo, 29, ruptured his Achilles during Minnesota's first-round playoff series against Denver and later underwent surgery with Dr. Martin O'Malley, who has also been connected to the Achilles recoveries of Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton. Before the injury, DiVincenzo was a key part of the Wolves' rotation, starting all 82 games while averaging 12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.0 threes. For fantasy, the timeline likely wipes out at least half of his 2026-27 season, making him only a deep stash. His absence should leave extra perimeter minutes available behind Anthony Edwards to open the year.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Colts Could Look at Keenan Allen for Wide Receiver Depth
The depth of the Indianapolis Colts wide receiver room was always going to be one of the team's bigger areas of concern, and with Alec Pierce (ankle) beginning training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list, the team may already be looking to add additional bodies, with The Athletic's James Boyd pointing to veteran Keenan Allen as a potential fit. Now 34 years old, the six-time Pro Bowler is predominantly a slot receiver, a box the Colts seemingly already have checked with Josh Downs, but Allen led the Chargers with 81 receptions in 2025, and he has experience in Shane Steichen's system from Steichen's time in Los Angeles. Pierce signed a four-year, $114 million deal this offseason to stick with the team and take over primary receiver responsibilities, but he has not practiced since opting for ankle surgery in March. The Colts' first practice of training camp is scheduled for Wednesday, and any prolonged absence by Pierce without a corresponding roster move could put significant strain on an offense that would then be forced to feature some combination of Ashton Dulin and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in starting roles.
Source: James Boyd - The Athletic
Source: James Boyd - The Athletic
Pelicans Revisit Bennedict Mathurin Talks
Restricted free-agent guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin is drawing renewed interest from the New Orleans Pelicans and a second unnamed suitor, per Marc Stein. Mathurin, 24, has remained on the market while the Clippers wait for more clarity on Kawhi Leonard's situation, which has slowed some of their offseason decisions. The No. 6 pick in 2022 averaged a career-high 17.6 points last season, but his fantasy profile remains scoring-heavy after he shot just 20.7 percent from three following a deadline trade to Los Angeles. A move to New Orleans could open more usage, though shaky efficiency and thin defensive production keep him from being a clean redraft target. He remains more appealing as a dynasty scorer than a complete fantasy asset.
Source: Marc Stein
Source: Marc Stein
Seahawks Building a Role for Rashid Shaheed
The Seattle Seahawks traded for speedy wide receiver Rashid Shaheed at last season's trade deadline, but with him learning a new offense on the fly, the majority of his contributions to the team's title run came through special teams, with the fourth-year player catching only 15 passes in his nine regular-season games with Seattle. Now with a full offseason under his belt, expectations are high, and Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer believes the Seahawks will look to build a specialized role around his straight-line speed and elusiveness. With new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury arriving from San Francisco, where Klint Kubiak also spent time before his 2025 stint with Seattle, Breer speculates that a package of gadget plays could be drawn up for Shaheed similar to how the 49ers used Deebo Samuel Sr. in the past. Shaheed was playing at close to a 1,000-yard pace with the Saints before the trade, so his upside is obvious when used effectively, and he is RotoBaller's WR57 for 2026.
Source: Albert Breer
Source: Albert Breer
Dave Joerger Joins Nuggets as Lead Assistant Coach
Dave Joerger has agreed to join the Denver Nuggets as the lead assistant on head coach David Adelman's staff, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Joerger, 52, brings a 245-247 record over six NBA head-coaching seasons with Memphis and Sacramento, plus recent assistant stops with the 76ers and Bucks. The move gives Adelman an experienced voice on the bench as Denver continues its win-now push around Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. For fantasy, an assistant hire rarely changes individual value by itself, so the Nuggets' core remains steady. The main item to watch is whether Joerger's defensive influence nudges Denver's wing rotation.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Nuggets Offer Peyton Watson $70 Million Deal
Restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson has received a five-year, $70 million offer from the Denver Nuggets, per Tony Jones of The Athletic. The offer sits well below Watson's preferred range, as the 23-year-old has been looking to top Christian Braun's five-year, $125 million deal. Watson is also weighing whether to accept his $6.5 million qualifying offer and reach unrestricted free agency in 2027. He is coming off a breakout season, averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 41.1 percent from three. Denver wants to keep him, but the Spencer Jones match pushed the team into the second apron. If Watson stays, he remains an ascending nine-category wing with strong dynasty appeal.
Source: Tony Jones
Source: Tony Jones
