Jul 2, 2026, 10:14 AM ET

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler had an unusual day on Wednesday in the team's 10-6 win over the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park. Wheeler only lasted 4 2/3 innings on the mound and allowed four earned runs on nine hits (one homer), but he walked only one and struck out a season-high 10 batters in the no-decision. It was the first time that the 36-year-old veteran didn't make it through five innings all year, and he wasn't happy about the early hook after the game when speaking to the media. Still, the three-time All-Star is now 8-1 on the season with a sharp 2.36 ERA (3.30 FIP) and 0.94 WHIP with 84 strikeouts and 20 walks in 80 innings pitched across his 13 starts in his 12th season in the majors. Coming into the 2026 campaign, there was some uncertainty as to whether Wheeler could rebound to ace form following surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. Through the first half of the year, it's safe to say that he has exceeded expectations. Fantasy managers will want Wheeler in their starting lineups for his final start of the first half next week against the Cincinnati Reds.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jul 2, 2026, 10:09 AM ET

The Dallas Mavericks are expected to hire former Pelicans coach Willie Green as the top assistant on Dusty May's first NBA staff, Marc Stein of The Stein Line reports, with Green picking Dallas over a return to Steve Kerr's Warriors bench. The fantasy relevance is all about development. May arrives straight from Michigan with no NBA reps, so pairing him with Green, who spent four seasons running a young Pelicans roster, matters for how quickly Dallas sorts out roles. The centerpiece is reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, who poured in 21.0 points as a rookie and should shoulder a heavy on-ball workload in year two. May has also said he intends to lean on veteran Kyrie Irving as a steadying presence, which could cap Flagg's assist ceiling if Irving handles primary playmaking. Flagg's usage and how these voices split the backcourt touches are the threads to track as the staff fills out.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Marc Stein

Jul 2, 2026, 10:06 AM ET

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero is on quite the run in the power department lately. In the team's 4-0 shutout win over the hosting Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, Caminero went 1-for-4 at the plate with a two-run home run and three strikeouts to homer for the sixth straight contest. The 22-year-old has tied the franchise record for most consecutive games with a homer. In his last eight games played, Caminero has been absolutely en fuego, going 14-for-31 (.452) with nine home runs, 20 RBI, and 10 runs scored to boost his overall slash line in 2026 to .293/.383/.561. The Dominican third baseman has also added 24 total home runs, 54 RBI, 54 runs scored, and a .943 OPS in his fourth year in the majors and third full season with the Rays. Caminero ranks in the 94th percentile in hard-hit rate, the 85th percentile in barrel rate, the 91st percentile in xwOBA, and the 90th percentile in xSLG, so the underlying metrics support his encore in 2026 after he hit 45 homers and drove in 110 runs in his breakout season in 2025.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jul 2, 2026, 10:00 AM ET

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has played with a different offensive coordinator in each of the past four seasons, and in that time he has not finished below QB8 despite playing only one full 17-game slate. With the team set to trot out its fifth playcaller in as many years, Hurts could see new parts of his game unlocked under first-time coordinator Sean Mannion. The expectation is that the seventh-year quarterback will operate more from under center, opening up the potential for more play-action passing and bootleg runs. While the loss of three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown undoubtedly makes the offense worse on paper, there are reportedly some within the building who believe the unit will run smoother without him, and the team did an admirable job of retooling the position on the fly, adding Hollywood Brown and Dontayvion Wicks through free agency and trade before spending a first-round pick on difference-making slot receiver Makai Lemon. After an aggressive 2025 campaign to ban the tush push fell two votes short of passing, the subject was not broached in this year's owners' meeting, and while Hurts' rushing touchdowns fell below double digits last season for the first time since his rookie year, he remains one of the most likely quarterbacks to lead the position in goal-line scores. At RotoBaller's QB6, Hurts still boasts top-five upside at a modest discount.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 2, 2026, 9:55 AM ET

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes continued his recent slide on Wednesday night in Philadelphia, allowing six hits and a season-high seven earned runs in just four innings. Over his last six starts, the 24-year-old ace is 0-6 with a 5.36 ERA, but only a 3.58 FIP. While his metrics aren't quite as bad as his results, they still are not great. His defense has let him down repeatedly this season, and that trend continued on Wednesday, with potential outs turning into hits, runs, and more pitches for Skenes. He's definitely not been his best over the last several starts, but his teammates aren't doing much to help him either. His ceiling is too high to let him go from your fantasy team, and trading him now would definitely be selling low. He'll look to bounce back next Tuesday at home against the Braves, and for now, he's someone to hold on to and count on him to find his way through this rough patch.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

Jul 2, 2026, 9:51 AM ET

While he was reportedly the subject of continued trade discussion throughout much of the offseason, fourth-year wide receiver Kayshon Boutte remains a part of the New England Patriots roster with teams currently in the quiet part of the calendar before training camp. While he has yet to reach 45 receptions or 600 yards in a season, Boutte was the most trusted downfield target of budding superstar Drake Maye in 2025, finishing fourth among qualified receivers with 16.7 yards per reception. With three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown set to inherit that role, Boutte's fantasy prospects look bleak should he stick with the Patriots in 2026. There is still a chance he's traded before the start of the season, but in that scenario, he could still require an acclimation period as he learns a new playbook and may struggle to find fantasy relevance after barely cracking the top 50 at the position in one of the league's most efficient offenses in 2025. Still only 24 years old and once viewed as a first-round talent, Boutte is scheduled to reach free agency after this season. While next year's free agent class could feature some potential game-changers looking for new contracts, history suggests that very few will actually reach the open market, which could help Boutte find something close to a top-of-market deal with a team of his choosing. So while 2026 could ultimately prove to be a down year, RotoBaller's dynasty WR76 remains a hold with potentially brighter days still ahead.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 2, 2026, 9:50 AM ET

The Denver Nuggets reached out to free-agent forward LeBron James to express interest, according to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post. ESPN's Shams Charania reported earlier that James plans to leave the Lakers after eight seasons, and the 41-year-old still produced 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in his 23rd NBA season. A James-Nikola Jokić pairing would likely boost efficiency and assists while lowering pure usage, with Jamal Murray losing some on-ball volume but gaining cleaner looks. Aaron Gordon would be the likeliest starter squeezed if Denver actually landed James, while Peyton Watson and Cameron Johnson would face tighter forward-minute paths.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Bennett Durando

Jul 2, 2026, 9:48 AM ET

Atlanta Braves shortstop Jim Jarvis is returning to the MLB roster for a second stint this season. He played two games for the team in May but has spent most of the year in Triple-A with the Gwinnett Stripers. In his 76 minor-league games, he hit .313 with six homers and a .392 wOBA. He also racked up 32 stolen bases, the most he has had in any minor league season by a wide margin. He will give the Braves solid infield depth with potential speed production if he gets regular playing time. He hasn't shown a ton of power potential, but typically makes good contact and runs the bases very well. If you're searching for stolen bases and some batting average help in the middle infield, Jarvis can be a solid deep league option.--Zach Thompson
Source: Grant McAuley

Jul 2, 2026, 9:44 AM ET

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski isn't going anywhere despite being heavily linked to a trade this offseason. "I want to win and I want to do that in Columbus," Werenski said in a statement. "As I've thought about things and discussed everything with my wife and family, we want to be in Columbus. It has been my home for the past 10 years and I have always been proud to be a Blue Jacket. We have the best fans in the NHL. I love my teammates and coaches and I'm looking forward to doing everything I can to get us back in the playoffs to compete for a Stanley Cup. Don and I are completely aligned on that and are excited about what's to come with our team." The 2026 Norris Trophy winner has two years left on his contract. Werenski has developed into a fantasy stud in Columbus and could become just the sixth defenseman in NHL history to record three consecutive 80-point campaigns next season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

Jul 2, 2026, 9:41 AM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers have emerged as a surprise suitor for free agent LeBron James, reaching out to gauge his interest, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports. The opening stems from Wednesday's blockbuster, as Philadelphia flipped Paul George to Boston for Jaylen Brown, leaving a gap at power forward between Brown and Joel Embiid that the 41-year-old could fill. James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds across 60 games and remains a multi-category anchor, though slotting behind Tyrese Maxey and Brown would trim the usage that drives his playmaking. The real fantasy variable isn't talent at this point. Entering a record 24th season, his rest schedule and games played will swing his value more than any change of address.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Tony Jones

Jul 2, 2026, 9:40 AM ET

Atlanta Braves first baseman Rowdy Tellez was designated for assignment on Thursday morning, and the team promoted Jim Jarvis to add more infield depth and versatility. Tellez agreed to a minor-league deal with Atlanta just before the regular season and joined the MLB squad in early June. He played seven games, mostly serving as a pinch-hitter, and he went 2-for-10 with a home run. The 31-year-old lefty hit 17 homers last season while splitting time between the Mariners and the Rangers. His batting average and defense aren't very exciting, but he does offer enough left-handed power potential off the bench to get attention from another team or to stick in the Braves' system. For fantasy purposes, he isn't a factor unless he gets a full-time starting role somewhere, which seems unlikely.--Zach Thompson
Source: Atlanta Braves

Jul 2, 2026, 9:38 AM ET

Even in accumulating more than 1,400 yards and nine touchdowns, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was considered one of fantasy's biggest disappointments in 2025, finishing the year as RB14. Following a historic 2,000-yard campaign in 2024, there was reasonably but one direction to go, and while Barkley's 346 total touches in 2025 were still the sixth most in the league, that number was down almost 140 touches from the previous season. Barkley is now 29 years old, and while durability concerns continue to mount, he no longer carries a top-of-the-draft price tag and could realistically be viewed as a value in his third season with the Eagles. New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion projects to run more under-center looks while involving his backs in the passing game, allowing Barkley to play more with a head of steam or out in space. An emphasis on wide-zone runs and an expectation that the team could rely more on 2025 trade acquisition Tank Bigsby could also help keep Barkley fresh throughout the year and help restore some of the explosiveness that showed up far less frequently than in the previous season. At RotoBaller's RB6, Barkley is still a back that fantasy managers can feel good about making their RB1 even if they aren't situated at the top of 2026 draft boards.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 2, 2026, 9:37 AM ET

The Colorado Avalanche have bolstered their offense by signing Jaden Schwartz, ESPN's Ryan S. Clarke reports. He signed a three-year, $9.75 million contract with the team as an unrestricted free agent. Recently, Colorado traded away Ross Colton and Valeri Nichushkin, leaving several holes to fill on the frontline. Schwartz can help offset some of the offense lost. He's had durability issues in recent years, but Schwartz can make an impact as a scorer and playmaker. In 50 appearances with the Seattle Kraken last season, he contributed 11 goals and 15 assists.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Ryan S. Clark

Jul 2, 2026, 9:29 AM ET

Free-agent center Marvin Bagley III agreed to a one-year, veteran-minimum deal with the Denver Nuggets, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The 27-year-old gives Denver another frontcourt option after averaging 10.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 61.8 percent from the field in 20.0 minutes across 60 games between Washington and Dallas last season. Bagley is an efficient rim finisher who can help cover regular-season minutes behind Nikola Jokic, but his fantasy ceiling is capped unless Jonas Valanciunas is moved or Denver opens a clearer backup-center lane. For now, he profiles as injury insurance rather than a bankable nightly role.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Shams Charania

Jul 2, 2026, 9:27 AM ET

Right wing Corey Perry will start another season with the Los Angeles Kings, returning to the team on a one-year, $1 million contract. He can earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses. Perry also started the 2025-26 campaign with the Kings, but he was shipped to the Tampa Bay Lightning at the trade deadline for a second-round pick. For a player who turned 41 in May, Perry had a strong year, with 37 points (17 goals, 20 assists) in 72 games. The 2011 MVP has scored more points in only one season this decade. In 2026-27, Perry will aim to reach 1,000 career points. He currently sits on 972 points (465 goals, 507 assists) through 1,464 career games.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Los Angeles Kings

Jul 2, 2026, 9:26 AM ET

For the first time since 2023, Houston Texans running back David Montgomery projects to lead his team in carries. While he's now three years older than the player who finished that season as the RB13, and he no longer has the benefit of Ben Johnson drawing up plays for him, he still boasts tremendous upside for a player routinely slipping outside the first four rounds of 2026 drafts. While his usage has dipped in recent seasons, his efficiency has not. In his three seasons sharing a backfield with Jahmyr Gibbs, who is now comfortably in the conversation of the best backs in the game, Montgomery averaged .87 fantasy points per touch. In Houston, with one of the league's premier defenses allowing for a baseline of neutral or positive game scripts, the eighth-year veteran could see enormous volume. 2025 fourth-round pick Woody Marks was inefficient as a rookie after being thrust into lead back duty and figures to settle into a more natural pass-catching role, leaving the former Lion with the lion's share of the carries. At RotoBaller's RB21, Montgomery profiles as one of this year's safest RB2s but also has the upside to anchor a receiver-heavy build in a zero-RB strategy.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 2, 2026, 9:21 AM ET

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher/relief pitcher Keider Montero pitched two shutout innings out of the bullpen to earn a win on Wednesday against the Yankees. It was his first appearance since moving to the bullpen after the return of Jack Flaherty last Sunday. The win helped Montero improve to 5-5 with a 3.31 ERA and 3.80 FIP in his 17 games, 15 of which were starts. He has a 1.52 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 23 2/3 innings in his last five games and has been very effective at limiting damage. Montero doesn't have a spot in the rotation right now, but he's worth a look in deep leagues since he has worked so well in multiple roles recently. He will be a top pickup option in most standard formats if he moves back to the rotation at some point later in the season.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

Jul 2, 2026, 9:19 AM ET

Winger Ilya Mikheyev has linked up with the Tampa Bay Lightning on a four-year, $15.4 million contract. He joins a contender after spending two seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. Last term, Mikheyev had his best NHL campaign, amassing 36 points (18 goals, 18 assists) in 77 games. Impressively, he held a positive plus/minus on a team that finished with the second-worst record in the league. Mikheyev is a versatile forward who can do various jobs for the Lightning, though he's unlikely to spend much time in the top six. For that reason, his real-life value outweighs his fantasy hockey appeal.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

Jul 2, 2026, 9:14 AM ET

As part of a full offensive rebuild that saw them say goodbye to their head coach and playcaller, starting quarterback, and top two wide receivers, the Miami Dolphins signed former Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract and have since done a reasonable job of restocking what was at the time a fully barren pass-catching group. Miami spent five of its 13 2026 draft picks on receiver and tight end, and if Willis can keep the offense afloat in his first season at the helm, 2027 promises what looks to be a deep draft class and an outstanding group of potential free agents. Sharing a backfield with De'Von Achane, Willis could provide a usable fantasy floor in 2026 through checkdowns and his own rushing ability, having added an unreal 11.8 fantasy points per game with his legs in his last three starts. If Willis can make it to 2027 with a hold on the starting job, Miami could retool quickly, and his dynasty value could soar, making him a worthwhile investment at his current ranking of RotoBaller's QB25.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 2, 2026, 9:11 AM ET

Goaltender Stuart Skinner agreed to a two-year deal worth $7.5 million with the Winnipeg Jets as an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday. The former Oiler will return to Canada after finishing the 2025-26 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Skinner had a 23-17-9 record in his sixth NHL campaign, allowing 2.92 goals with a .888 save percentage and two shutouts. With longtime No. 1 Connor Hellebuyck likely leaving the Jets this offseason, Skinner could have the opportunity to secure the starting job in Winnipeg. However, his inconsistent play makes him hard to trust in fantasy hockey.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

Jul 2, 2026, 9:10 AM ET

Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Brennan Bernardino closed out the Marlins on Wednesday to earn his first save of the year, and he could get more opportunities in the closer committee going forward. Bernardino got one strikeout and retired the Marlins to preserve his team's 6-3 victory. Antonio Senzatela and Jimmy Herget are also in the mix, but Bernardino is the only lefty in the bullpen, meaning he usually gets the highest leverage spots against lefties. Neither Herget nor Senzatela pitched Tuesday, so it's notable that Bernardino got the call over them to lock down the save on Wednesday. He only has this one save for the season, so he's not a sure thing. However, he is worth watching in all formats and picking up in deep leagues where you're desperate for saves.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

Jul 2, 2026, 9:03 AM ET

Defenseman John Carlson has signed a two-year, $17 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Last week, the Anaheim Ducks traded Carlson's rights to the Carolina Hurricanes, but he couldn't reach a deal with the 2026 Stanley Cup champions. Instead, he will join another Eastern Conference powerhouse. While Carlson will turn 37 next season, his game has aged well. In 2025-26, Carlson recorded 60 points (14 goals, 46 assists) in 71 games, marking the fifth-best offensive output of his 17-year NHL career. Due to the presence of Victor Hedman, Carlson's numbers will likely drop, but he should still enjoy a strong fantasy season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

Jul 2, 2026, 8:53 AM ET

Winger Oliver Bjorkstrand has joined the New York Rangers on a one-year, $4.5 million contract. He was an unrestricted free agent after completing a five-year deal that had a $5.4 million cap hit. Bjorkstrand was a 20-goal scorer in each of his first four seasons of the deal, but he suffered a drop in form last term. In 80 appearances with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Bjorkstrand put up only 12 goals and 32 points. He could potentially have a larger role in New York, making him a bounce-back candidate. It's been only two seasons since Bjorkstrand posted his career-high of 59 points.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

Jul 2, 2026, 12:11 AM ET

Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (back) was forced from Wednesday night's contest against the Minnesota Twins early at Daikin Park with stiffness in his lower back, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Before he left the game, Walker was 0-for-2 at the plate with two strikeouts. For now, fantasy managers should consider Walker day-to-day. Hopefully, he'll be ready to return to action following an off day on Thursday when the Astros begin a series on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Isaac Paredes moved from third base to first on Wednesday to replace Walker, with Brice Matthews entering the game to play the hot corner. Walker remains a strong source of power in his second year in Houston, as he entered Wednesday's contest with 19 long balls on the year in 359 plate appearances. He's coming off a slow month of June, though, when he went 22-for-103 (.214) with only three homers, six doubles, a triple, 13 RBI, nine runs, nine walks, and 31 strikeouts in 26 games. Paredes is the best bet to play first for the Astros if Walker misses more time with his back injury.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart

Jul 2, 2026, 12:04 AM ET

MLB.com's Mark Bowman said that Atlanta Braves right-hander Hurston Waldrep would be available out of the bullpen for Wednesday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. But if he was not used out of the bullpen, Waldrep would be a candidate to start Thursday's series finale against the Cardinals. Waldrep ended up not being used in a relief role in the team's 5-1 win on Wednesday, meaning he's likely to start Thursday's series finale. The 24-year-old didn't make his season debut with the Braves until last week after having surgery in February to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. He threw two scoreless relief innings with 55 pitches used in an appearance out of the bullpen for Atlanta last week, and now he looks primed to make his first start of 2026 on Wednesday. The former first-rounder in 2023 out of the University of Florida is most certainly worth a waiver-wire pickup for fantasy managers looking for starting upside, although he will probably have a short leash if he starts on Thursday. In 10 outings (nine starts) covering 56 1/3 innings in 2025, Waldrep impressed with a 2.88 ERA (3.21 FIP), 1.19 WHIP, and 55:22 K:BB. He's rostered in just 5% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman

Jul 1, 2026, 11:55 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves will skip right-hander Bryce Elder's next turn in the starting rotation after his velocity was noticeably down in his last start on June 27 against the San Francisco Giants, when he allowed five earned runs on five hits (two homers) while walking one and striking out four in four innings in his sixth loss of the season. The 27-year-old's next scheduled start this Friday against the division-rival New York Mets will go to right-hander Grant Holmes. Elder has a decent 4.01 ERA (3.98 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 83 strikeouts and 30 walks in 98 2/3 innings across 17 starts in 2026, but he has really struggled of late, surrendering 19 earned runs on 27 hits (five homers) while walking five and striking out 12 in 14 innings in his last three starts. If the Braves skip just one of Elder's starts to close out the first half of the season, his next outing should come next week against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In his first meeting against the Bucs at home on June 7, Elder allowed only two earned runs in six frames while walking two and fanning four for a no-decision.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman

Jul 1, 2026, 11:47 PM ET

Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said that left-hander Connelly Early's (elbow) imaging only showed "posterior elbow inflammation in the area that we thought it was... that was kind of the area that he was complaining about last night. So we got some good news there." The Red Sox placed Early on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday after he was forced to leave his start early on Tuesday night after four innings against the visiting Washington Nationals at Fenway Park. The 24-year-old southpaw will be out through the All-Star break, but it sounds like he could be ready to rejoin Boston's starting rotation to begin the second half, barring a setback when he resumes throwing. In 17 starts (91 2/3 innings) in the first half of 2026, Early went 7-5 with a 3.44 ERA (4.61 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 93 strikeouts and 34 walks. He was impressive in his MLB debut last year, too, allowing six runs (five earned) while walking four and striking out 29 in just four starts. Fantasy managers looking for rotation help to begin the second half will want to consider adding Early if he's ready to go, and he's only rostered in 54% of Yahoo leagues after his elbow injury.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Boston Herald - Gabrielle Starr

Jul 1, 2026, 11:40 PM ET

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers had a record-setting rookie year with 112 catches, 1,194 yards, and five touchdowns with quarterbacks Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell throwing him the football. Last year was a disappointment, though, with Geno Smith running the offense and Bowers missing time with injuries. However, his catch rate stayed steady at 74% in both of his seasons, and his yards per reception went from only 10.7 to 10.6. The former 13th overall pick out of the University of Georgia was targeted slightly less last year, but with new head coach Klint Kubiak coming to town, Bowers' target rate should rise in Year 3. ESPN's Ben Solak suggests that Bowers will be a candidate to win Offensive Player of the Year. A TE has never won the award in NFL history, with Travis Kelce coming the closest in 2020. Not only does Bowers have elite pass-catching talent at the position with a bigger role in the offense expected in 2026, but the QB play in Vegas should be better between veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza. There's a reason RotoBaller has Bowers ranked as the top fantasy TE for the upcoming season, even after a disappointing sophomore showing.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Ben Solak

Jul 1, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

ESPN's Ben Solak thinks the Detroit Lions should trade tight end Sam LaPorta as they stare at upcoming big contract extensions for him, star running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and safety Brian Branch. The Lions are also carrying sizable second contracts at quarterback (Jared Goff), wide receiver (Amon-Ra St. Brown), edge rusher (Aidan Hutchinson), and offensive tackle (Penei Sewell). Gibbs is probably untouchable as one of the best dual-threat backs in the NFL. LaPorta had an eye-popping rookie season with 86 catches, 889 yards, and 10 touchdowns, but he's lost some volume in Detroit's passing attack as receiver Jameson Williams has developed into the team's WR2. In the last two years, LaPorta's 25% target per route fell to 19.7%, and Williams has produced more yards per target, yards per route, and explosive receptions per target. The 25-year-old former second-rounder is now the clear fourth target in an explosive Lions offense, which makes him somewhat expendable. Additionally, LaPorta isn't a very strong blocker. Solak predicts that the Carolina Panthers, a team that hasn't had a difference-making pass-catching tight end since Greg Olsen, could come calling if the Lions are willing to listen.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Ben Solak

Jul 1, 2026, 11:23 PM ET

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor had a whopping 1,139 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns through the first 10 weeks of the 2025 season before quarterback Daniel Jones went down with a season-ending torn Achilles tendon. Indy's offense collapsed after Jones' injury, though, and defenses might not respect Jones as much if he's ready for the start of the 2026 season. With Taylor approaching the last year on his current deal, the Colts will need to decide if they want to give the 27-year-old a third big contract. ESPN's Ben Solak reminds us that Taylor's last contract negotiation with the Colts "got fairly icy." He's now three years older, and if the Colts' season goes south early in 2026 and they see a rebuild coming, a trade could be in the works. JT proved last year that he can still be one of the best RBs in the league despite having plenty of tread on his tires. Solak thinks the Bears and their ascending offense would make perfect sense for Taylor, with D'Andre Swift having not proven to be completely reliable as a go-to RB1.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Ben Solak