RADIO
James Cook III Could be Looking at Fewer Touches
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III led the NFL in rushing last year with 1,621 yards and 12 touchdowns on 309 carries in 17 regular-season games, with the Bills rushing the ball 52.4% of the time under offensive coordinator Joe Brady. The offense has leaned more heavily on the running game since Brady took over play-calling duties in Week 11 of 2023, but Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com questions whether the Bills will throw more under Brady in 2026. "I don't think you ever go into each game with a mindset of, 'This is how many carries he's going to have.' But it does pile up throughout the season, and I give him a lot of credit," said Brady. "I would love to be able to get Ray Davis, Ty Johnson, Frank Gore Jr., those guys involved, and I hope those opportunities come up this year. James was just playing at such a high level last year. And this year again we're looking at everything." Cook is a three-time Pro Bowler who runs behind an elite offensive line, but fantasy managers may want to expect some regression in the rushing department in 2026, especially since the Bills made a concerted effort to upgrade their receiving room in the offseason. Don't forget that Cook had just four rushing touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons, then exploded for 28 rushing TDs in the last two seasons.
Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown
Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown
Taysom Hill Says Goodbye to the Saints
Former New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill posted a goodbye message to the Saints on his X account on Wednesday, per the team. After nine seasons with the team after they picked him up as an undrafted free agent out of BYU, Hill is moving on as he heads into his 10th NFL campaign in 2026. The 35-year-old was the ultimate Swiss Army Knife for the Saints on offense, working as a quarterback, tight end, running back, and wide receiver. In his nine years in the Big Easy, he had 489 carries for 2,551 yards and 34 touchdowns while also catching 110 passes for 1,034 yards and 11 touchdowns in 118 regular-season games (54 starts). As a QB, Hill threw for 2,426 yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine interceptions on his 308 pass attempts. Hill played in only 21 games the last two years due to injuries, and it's unclear what his health picture looks like this summer. It's impossible to predict his fantasy football value without a team to attach his name to, but at this point in his career, it seems unlikely that he'd have a major role if he lands with a new organization for the 2026 season.
Source: New Orleans Saints
Source: New Orleans Saints
C.J. Stroud, Texans Not Close to a Contract Extension
The Houston Texans' belief in quarterback C.J. Stroud as their franchise signal-caller remains strong, but the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the two sides are not close on a contract extension. Stroud had his fifth-year option picked up by Houston in April, and he has two years remaining on his rookie contract. Both sides seem comfortable kicking the can down the road as far as a contract extension, and Rapoport adds that the fact that extension talks are even happening backs up the Texans' position that Stroud is their unquestioned long-term plan at QB. The Texans probably are in no rush to lock up the 24-year-old former second overall pick in 2023 from Ohio State after he regressed in 2025 in his third year in the league, especially in the team's playoff loss to the New England Patriots. All reports are that Stroud is locked in and has made great strides towards a bounce-back in his fourth NFL season, but ultimately, his success in 2026 could come down to whether the offensive line can protect him. Stroud threw for 4,000-plus yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five picks in 15 regular-season starts as a rookie, so he has it in him. In two-QB superflex leagues, his lowered cost is enticing if you're betting on a bounce-back. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 23 fantasy QB, right behind Sam Darnold.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Puka Nacua Likely to be Extended Next Offseason
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that we should not expect the Los Angeles Rams to agree to a long-term contract extension with star wide receiver Puka Nacua before the start of the 2026 regular season. Nacua has one more year left on his rookie deal, and the Rams have already spent a lot of money in a lot of different places. Additionally, the Rams would like to see how Nacua has matured after very questionable off-the-field and public decisions were made that didn't put the star pass-catcher in a good light in 2025. The 25-year-old former fifth-rounder in 2023 from BYU has already taken steps to improve his decision-making, including going to therapy, as he seeks an expected lucrative extension next offseason. The two-time Pro Bowler has quickly become one of the best, if not the best, receivers in his three years in the NFL, catching 313 passes for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns in 44 regular-season games. Contract and off-the-field issues aside, Nacua should be considered the unquestioned top fantasy WR in 2026 drafts.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Mike LaFleur Compares Michael Wilson to Rams Star Receiver
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur had high praise for wide receiver Michael Wilson on Wednesday, comparing him to Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua, who is widely considered the best wideout in the game, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. LaFleur made the comparison because of how both Nacua and Wilson are strong players who can excel inside the tackles while being physical, but they can also play outside. The 26-year-old Wilson showed similar Nacua-like dominance in the second half of last season and finished with his first 1,000-yard campaign while scoring seven times on 78 receptions in 17 games in his third year in the NFL. Wilson has quite a ways to go to be considered in the same light as Nacua, but it's clear that LaFleur has high expectations for the former third-rounder in 2023 from Stanford. Wilson's production cannot be ignored going into 2026, but fantasy managers also cannot expect that same volume to repeat itself in LaFleur's offense. He will probably be a bit overvalued in fantasy drafts because of his inflated numbers a year ago while sharing the field with Marvin Harrison Jr., who isn't going away as a key member of LaFleur's offense. RotoBaller has Wilson ranked as the No. 40 fantasy WR in 2026.
Source: Arizona Sports - Tyler Drake
Source: Arizona Sports - Tyler Drake
Ricky Pearsall Could be Facing Knee Surgery
Updating a previous report, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) missed Wednesday's training camp practice with swelling in his right knee, and The Athletic's Vic Tafur and Matt Barrows report that he might now be looking at surgery. Pearsall injured his PCL in the same knee in Week 4 of last year, which forced him to miss six games. The 25-year-old was bothered by the same knee, at times when he returned to close out the 2025 season, too. Pearsall finished with 36 receptions for 528 yards and zero touchdowns on 53 targets in just nine starts. The former 31st overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Florida only played in 11 games as a rookie due to injury, and he could be looking at starting the 2026 regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform list or Injured Reserve, which would obviously tank his fantasy football value going into his third year in the NFL. The 49ers are concerned, and fantasy managers should be as well. If Pearsall requires knee surgery, rookie second-rounder De'Zhaun Stribling would be the favorite for WR3 duties in San Fran behind Mike Evans and Christian Kirk.
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur and Matt Barrows
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur and Matt Barrows
Jerry Jeudy Healthy for Training Camp
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (hamstring) reported to training camp healthy and took part in the team's first practice on Wednesday, according to Scott Petrak of The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram. Despite dealing with a hamstring injury during offseason workouts in the spring, Jeudy was a full-go for the start of camp as he looks to bounce back in 2026. The 27-year-old former 15th overall pick in 2020 by the Denver Broncos out of the University of Alabama caught 50 of his 106 targets for only 602 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games. It was especially disappointing after Jeudy was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024 in his first year in Cleveland, when he had a 90-1,229-4 line in 17 games. On paper, Jeudy's prospects for a bounce-back don't look promising in 2026, with Cleveland's less-than-ideal QB battle and added target competition in the form of rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. It explains why Jeudy has fallen to No. 66 in RotoBaller's WR rankings for the upcoming season. Jeudy isn't going away in the Browns' offense, but he figures to be more of a boom/bust WR4/flex, at best.
Source: The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram - Scott Petrak
Source: The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram - Scott Petrak
Cam Ward Thinks he has Improved Going into Year 2
Tennessee Titans second-year quarterback Cam Ward thinks he has improved as he heads into his second year in the NFL in 2026, according to Jim Wyatt of the team's official website. "I am the same person," Ward said. "But I think I have become a better football player. I think that has been the biggest thing that I have changed. But I am the same person, keep the same routine. A lot of stuff has helped me get to this point, so there is no big thing to change." After the Titans used the first overall pick on Ward last year, he threw for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his rookie campaign, with a passer rating of 80.3. It was definitely an up-and-down year with plenty of growing pains, but Ward showed improvements in the final few weeks, and he's expected to take the next step under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll in 2026. The 24-year-old is showing more situational awareness and confidence, and he'll have more receiving weapons in rookie first-rounder Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson. Ward is a low-end QB2 with upside, but he'll have to prove himself in Year 2 to land on the fantasy radar of those in single-QB, 12-team formats.
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
Deshaun Watson Takes All the First-Team Reps on Wednesday
The Cleveland Browns opened training camp on Wednesday, and it was quarterback Deshaun Watson who took all the first-team reps, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Fantasy managers shouldn't read too much into it, though, as head coach Todd Monken said he will continue to split first-team QB reps in practice between Watson and second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders. Watson struggled on Day 1, throwing interceptions on back-to-back throws in 11-on-11 drills. Monken didn't disclose a timetable for naming a starting QB this summer, but he did say he plans to play his starters in the preseason. It will likely be Sanders' turn with the first-team offense on Thursday. There were conflicting reports this offseason speculating on which way Monken might be leaning for the starting QB role, but the bottom line is both Watson's and Sanders' play will determine the winner in camp and the preseason. Whoever wins the starting gig will likely be on a short leash and will be no more than a volatile, low-end QB2 for fantasy managers in two-QB superflex leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Jaydon Blue Flashing Early in Camp, Remains in Competition for No. 2 Role
Dallas Cowboys second-year running back Jaydon Blue has flashed early in training camp this summer and had one of the highlights of the first day of practice on Wednesday, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. "My speed is what I'm best at. Once I get in the open field and it's one-on-one, I don't think anyone in this league can stand a chance," Blue said. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said back in June that the 22-year-old Blue has been "night and day" in terms of his performance this year compared to last year. Javonte Williams is Dallas' clear RB1 after a career year in his first year with the Cowboys in 2025, but the RB2 job is up for grabs, and based on Blue's strong work so far, he may very well be the favorite. The former fifth-rounder from the University of Texas could never get his legs under him in a trying rookie campaign, as he had only 38 rushing attempts for 129 yards and a touchdown while adding one catch for five yards in five games played. Blue is battling with Malik Davis and Phil Mafah for the RB2 role this summer, with his elite speed giving him a leg up. The time is now for Blue to make his move.
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Kyler Murray Leads Vikings in QB Snaps on Wednesday
ESPN's Kevin Seifert reports that the Minnesota Vikings had a relatively even split of snaps between quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy in the first training camp practice on Wednesday, but Murray had the slight edge in first-team snaps with 16 to McCarthy's 12. Will Ragatz reported that it was a solid first day for both Murray and McCarthy in their QB1 battle. Murray had some impressive throws, but also some misses. McCarthy has plenty of arm strength, but the Vikings are going to need to see more accuracy to all parts of the field after a pretty disastrous first full season as the starter in 2025. Whoever wins this QB battle will be no more than a QB2 in superflex leagues, but Murray has more NFL experience and fantasy upside as a dual-threat signal-caller with an upgraded receiving corps in his new home. Murray has felt like the favorite going into training camp, but head coach Kevin O'Connell isn't tipping his hand. If Murray wins the starting job, as expected, he'll have QB1 upside, based on matchups, with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as his top-two receivers.
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Jordan Addison Impresses in First Training Camp Practice
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison was "everywhere" during the team's first training camp practice on Wednesday, according to Will Ragatz. This comes after a recent report that Addison and new quarterback Kyler Murray worked with each other for two months leading up to training camp. The 24-year-old former 23rd overall pick in 2023 out of USC is motivated going into the final year of his rookie contract in 2026 after a career-worst season that saw him catch 42 of his 79 targets for 610 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games after combining for 19 touchdown receptions in his first two seasons. Minnesota's lackluster quarterback play in 2025 didn't help matters. Addison will continue to be in the shadow of All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson, but a bounce-back campaign could be in the cards if Murray seizes the QB1 gig and elevates the Vikings' passing attack from what it was a year ago. His case for being a WR3/4 sleeper in fantasy drafts this year is dependent on Murray winning the job in training camp and clicking with Addison in 2026. So far, so good.
Source: Will Ragatz
Source: Will Ragatz
Rico Dowdle Offers Mid-Round Redraft Value
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle offers reasonable mid-round redraft value after signing a two-year, $12.25 million contract following consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. The 28-year-old handled 236 carries for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns with Carolina in 2025 while adding 39 receptions for 297 yards and another score, giving him 1,373 scrimmage yards on 275 touches. Dowdle also rushed for 1,079 yards with Dallas in 2024, proving last season was not an isolated breakout. The concern is workload. Jaylen Warren produced 958 rushing yards, 40 receptions, 333 receiving yards, and eight total touchdowns last year, and Pittsburgh's coaching staff has described the pair as a one-two punch whose usage could change by scheme and weekly game plan. Both have been evaluated as three-down options, so neither is guaranteed the more valuable rushing, receiving, or scoring role. RotoBaller currently ranks Dowdle 87th overall and RB33, which appropriately reflects the committee risk. He is a worthwhile third running back with weekly flex potential and greater upside if Warren misses time, but fantasy managers should not draft him expecting a workhorse role.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Nailor Has Late-Round Redraft Sleeper Appeal
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor has a real path to the largest role of his career, but he is better viewed as a late-round redraft swing than a guaranteed breakout. Las Vegas signed the 27-year-old to a three-year, $35.03 million contract with $18 million fully guaranteed at signing after he totaled 57 receptions for 858 yards and 10 touchdowns over his final two seasons in Minnesota. Nailor set career highs with 29 catches and 444 yards in 2025, averaged 15.3 yards per reception, and flashed his ceiling with five catches for 124 yards and a touchdown against Baltimore. The opportunity is legitimate, but Nailor has never exceeded 29 receptions or 444 yards in a season. Tre Tucker led the Raiders with 696 receiving yards last year, while Brock Bowers recorded a team-high 64 catches and seven touchdowns despite playing only 12 games. Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. also remain in the competition for wide receiver snaps. RotoBaller's WR66 ranking keeps the price manageable. Nailor has late-round and best-ball appeal, but dynasty managers should wait for evidence of sustained target volume before treating him as a meaningful buy.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Xavier Worthy May Be Overvalued at Current Redraft ADP
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy still offers game-breaking speed and a valuable connection with Patrick Mahomes, but his current redraft cost requires fantasy managers to project a breakout that has not yet arrived. Worthy followed a promising rookie season of 59 receptions, 638 yards, and six receiving touchdowns with 42 catches for 532 yards and one score on 73 targets across 14 games in 2025. A dislocated right shoulder suffered on the third offensive snap of the season cost him two games, and the Chiefs reported that he was among their most productive players during the 2026 offseason program. Still, Worthy averaged only 5.2 targets per game even though Rashee Rice appeared in eight contests, producing 53 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns. Worthy's career mark of 1.25 yards per route run also leaves questions about whether he can earn enough consistent volume to support his ceiling. Current redraft ADP places him at WR48, which already prices in meaningful improvement. Worthy remains a worthwhile upside pick, but he is better treated as a volatile depth receiver than a priority breakout target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
