T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Still Not Close on New Contract
Source: Jeremy Fowler
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Pittsburgh Steelers and linebacker T.J. Watt aren't close to resolving the ongoing contract dispute. The team wants to keep him. However, there are still some glaring issues regarding a new deal, specifically, length and guaranteed money. The 30-year-old is still a top defensive option despite closing in on a decade of service in the National Football League, most recently finishing the 2024 campaign with 11.5 sacks while totaling 61 tackles. With training camp commencing in a few weeks, there is a greater sense of urgency for a deal to get done. If Watt isn't on the field come Week 1, it won't be an ideal scenario for a Steelers defense that is projected to be one of the most potent fantasy units in 2025.Terry McLaurin Still Not Pleased with Contract Situation
Terry McLaurin is still "not happy" with where things stand regarding a new contract. This situation has been ongoing for months, so this is nothing new. Still, with training camp right around the corner, the franchise is running a greater risk of a holdout situation if the wideout doesn't get a pay increase. He is coming off his best season since entering the National Football League, ending the 2024 campaign with 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns off 82 receptions. McLaurin is currently in line to make $15.5 million this season. However, it will presumably take well over $30 million a year to retain his services moving forward. If McLaurin isn't on the field, it won't be good news for Jayden Daniels, the 2024 NFL Rookie of the Year. McLaurin's potential absence from training camp could also cause his fantasy stock to fall.Source: Jeremy Fowler
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Washington Commanders wide receiver KaVontae Turpin Arrested on Two Charges
KaVontae Turpin was arrested early Sunday morning on two misdemeanor charges. Turpin faces charges for possession of marijuana and unlawful carrying of a weapon, Florio notes. Not what you want to see. The TCU product was an impactful asset for the Cowboys last season -- particularly in the return game, which garnered him a Pro-Bowl selection. It's unclear whether he'll face repercussions for his crimes, considering the nature of the charges. However, both instances could "trigger potential scrutiny under NFL policies," as Florio states. The 28-year-old's punishment, if any, may not be severe, but what happened undoubtedly diminishes his value currently. It may take some time before we receive a definitive outcome.Source: Mike Florio
NBCSports.com's Mike Florio reports that Dallas Cowboys wide receiver/kick returner Theo Johnson Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Theo
Johnson
(foot)
is
hoping
the
work
put
in
during
the
offseason
will
keep
him
healthy
throughout
the
2025
campaign.
"The
big
thing
for
me
this
year
is
I
want
toread more...
New
York
Giants
tight
end
Jermaine Burton Continues to Show Growth
Jermaine
Burton
continues
to
make
a
positive
impression
on
the
coaching
staff.
Head
coach
Zac
Taylor
has
already
touted
the
wideout's
improved
growth
and
maturity
this
offseason.
However,
it
didn't
end
there,read more...
Cincinnati
Bengals
wide
receiver
Cam Ward "Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Cam
Ward
apparently
isn't
expecting
to
be
handed
the
reigns
heading
into
his
inaugural
campaign.
"Cam's
not
gonna
expect
it
to
just
be
given
to
him,"
said
offensive
tackle
JC
Latham
while
speakingread more...
Tennessee
Titans
quarterback
Chase Claypool Eager to Get Back on the Field
Chase
Claypool
(toe)
is
hoping
to
sign
with
an
NFL
team.
The
2020
No.
49
overall
pick
was
spectacular
as
a
rookie,
amassing
62
catches
for
873
yards
and
11
touchdowns.
Since
then,read more...
Free-agent
wide
receiver
LaJohntay Wester Stands out on Special Teams
LaJohntay Wester, noting he could become a valuable weapon for quarterback Lamar Jackson. Wester reportedly took well to punt returns during OTAs, and also made a few plays in the passing game that caught the eye of the former athlete. Ismail also noted that Wester "hasn't looked overwhelmed by anything thrown at him." The 23-year-old broke out during his final season with Florida Atlantic in 2023 (108/1,168/8) but took a slight step back upon his transfer to Colorado in 2024. Baltimore's pass-catching corps isn't one that projects to have much vacant playing time, but the rookie seems bound for at least a role on special teams. He's little more than a deep dynasty stash currently.Source: Jack Carlough
In a recent episode of the 'Locked On Ravens' podcast, former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Qadry Ismail shared his thoughts on sixth-round rookie wideout Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
According to USA Today's Tyler Dragon, the Cincinnati Bengals and rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart have had recent contract discussions. Unfortunately, nothing came from the talks, with Dragon adding that "a resolution doesn't appear to be in sight." Both sides remainIsaiah Neyor Impresses at Minicamp
George Kittle sang the praises of rookie wide receiver Isaiah Neyor. "He's a freak. He was running a route, and he got nine and a half yards in two strides. It was insane," said Kittle. "We watched it ten times in the tight end room. We were like 'how is he doing this?'… At the bare minimum, he should make the practice squad. He's a freak." Neyor signed with the 49ers back in April as an undrafted free agent out of Nebraska, and while his college stats won't blow you away, the 24-year-old's athleticism is enough to do so (99th percentile speed score). It won't be easy to find playing time in a crowded room of viable pass-catchers, but the 6-foot-4 rookie should undoubtedly be on fantasy managers' radars in dynasty leagues.Source: Evan Bredeson
In a recent appearance on the 'Bussin' with the Boys' podcast, San Francisco 49ers tight end Miles Sanders Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Miles Sanders split first-team work during mandatory minicamp with backfield mate Javonte Williams. Dallas is projected to have one of the worst RB rooms in the league this season, headlined by Sanders, Williams, and fifth-round rookie Jaydon Blue. Blue has apparently taken to the NFL quickly, but one of the veterans projects to begin the season as Dallas' lead back. It seems more likely that this backfield is destined for a running-back-by-committee approach, which would obviously dent the value of all three participants. For now, expect a primary split between the two vets, with Sanders handling passing situations and the Cowboys turning to Williams more often than not for short-yardage work.Source: Nick Harris
Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Dallas Cowboys running back Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Chimere Dike played on the field during his time at college. The 23-year-old has speed for days and was deployed on a steady diet of nine routes during his tenure at the collegiate level. Rightfully so, when you consider he averaged a whopping 18.6 yards per reception -- good for a top-20 mark in the FBS. However, Freeze notes that Tennessee could opt to use him as a big-slot asset and that it wouldn't be surprising to see him garner a role early on in the offense due to his versatility. Dike's athleticism makes him an enticing option, and the Titans' lack of legitimate receiving weapons only furthers the intrigue. The rookie's playing time could be sparse to start, but he should get a decent chance at snaps eventually. He's an interesting dynasty dart-throw.Source: Easton Freeze
AtoZSports.com's Easton Freeze reports that the Tennessee Titans may alter the role that rookie wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Keandre Lambert-Smith is not guaranteed a spot on the team's 53-man roster. Reed reports that the fifth-round pick in April's draft is currently in a roster battle with four other wideouts for, presumably, the final spot in LA's WR corps. Lambert-Smith profiles as more of a developmental prospect, never having eclipsed 53 receptions or 1,000 yards across five years at two schools (Penn State, Auburn). However, he carries a leg up on fellow pass-catchers Jalen Reagor and Brenden Rice due to his status as a rookie. Reed notes the Chargers could decide to carry seven wide receivers on their active roster, though that'd be a rare occurrence. For now, the 23-year-old will have to show out during training camp to ensure his spot with Los Angeles.Source: Jason Reed
Per Jason Reed of BoltBeat.com, Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Anthony Bradford Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
Seattle Seahawks offensive guard Anthony Bradford is a big, powerful blocker who doesn't seem like an ideal fit for an outside zone scheme that suits more athletic linemen. However, ESPN's Brady Henderson writes that Bradford looked trimmer this offseason and shared first-team reps with Christian Haynes at OTAs and minicamp this offseason as he looks to win back the starting job at right guard. "A.B.'s done a great job this spring," head coach Mike Macdonald said. "His body comp has really improved, which speaks to his work ethic. I think he's made strides ... It's time to go prove it consistently. He knows that, but he's right in the thick of it with the battle at right guard." The 24-year-old suffered an ankle injury in Week 12 that sent him to Injured Reserve after he started 11 games to open up the season. If he can stay healthy, he should have a good shot to regain his starting gig on the O-line.Byron Young Still Improving?
Source: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
Despite the fact that Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Byron Young has already had two strong seasons in the NFL with 15.5 sacks, outside linebackers coach Joe Coniglio said he's noticed how "intentional" Young has been going into his third season in the NFL. Coniglio said he's challenged the former third-rounder to continue to work on his "consistency," because "when he's at his best, it's a lot of fun to watch." "I think he's going to take another step forward in regards to his game, his ability to affect games, his ability to disrupt offenses and be the player that he's capable of being," Coniglio said. The 27-year-old has 123 tackles (76 solo), 15.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, 32 QB hits, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 34 games (32 starts) in his first two years. Young is one of the Rams' key young pass-rushers.