March 8, 2026
ESPN's Katherine Terrell writes that New Orleans Saints running back
Alvin Kamara's (knee) long-term future is "uncertain," with the team possibly "looking to get younger and spend less" at the RB position. Kamara's previous salary cap number in 2026 before his contract restructure of $18.63 million was one of the highest on the team. It didn't make sense for the Saints to take that hit with a player going into his age-31 season who has finished the last two seasons unable to play due to injuries. After restructuring his contract, Kamara's new cap number is at $10.51 million, while the team will save $8.12 million. The unusual manner in which the Saints restructured Kamara's contract will give them some flexibility if they part ways with him this offseason. It means that Kamara being released by New Orleans could be imminent. Either way, the five-time Pro Bowler's 2026 fantasy stock is going to be way down. For all of Kamara's success in his nine years in the NFL, he's never rushed for 1,000 yards in a single season.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Katherine Terrell
March 8, 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, New York Giants, and San Francisco 49ers have all expressed interest in signing Tampa Bay Buccaneers impending free-agent wide receiver
Mike Evans, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot also believes the Cleveland Browns will pursue the six-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer. Evans is likely to prefer a team that has a realistic shot at a Super Bowl run, which would eliminate the Browns, but Evans did thrive under new Browns head coach Todd Monken when Monken was the offensive coordinator in Tampa. The Chargers and Commanders are intriguing potential landing spots, but the 32-year-old former seventh overall pick could decide that staying in Tampa with quarterback
Baker Mayfield gives him the best chance to compete for another ring. The 12-year veteran played in a career-low eight games in 2025 due to a broken collarbone. Durability concerns are becoming much more real as Evans nears the end of his outstanding career.
--Keith HernandezSource: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
March 8, 2026
The NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that right now, the momentum "seems to have stalled" in trade discussions surrounding Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
A.J. Brown. However, it's not for lack of creativity on general manager Howie Roseman's part, as Garafolo explains that Roseman has floated the idea of doing half of a deal now and the other half after June 1, which would help Philly's salary cap picture for the 2026 season. Meanwhile, Josina Anderson has reported that the New England Patriots are currently telling the Eagles that they are not giving up a first-round pick for Brown, per a league source. The Eagles have "floated" a first-rounder, a second-rounder, and a player asking price to the Pats in exchange for Brown. The 28-year-old wideout, who had a fourth straight 1,000-yard season in 2025, is under contract through 2029 and carries a salary cap hit of just under $24 million for 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
March 8, 2026
The Green Bay Packers and offensive tackle Sean Rhyan reached an agreement on Sunday on a three-year, $33 million contract extension with a maximum value of $39 million, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The deal includes an $11 million signing bonus and prevents Rhyan from reaching the free-agent market. The 25-year-old former third-round pick by the Packers in 2022 out of UCLA is expected to open the 2026 season this fall as the team's starting center after taking over the position last year when Elgton Jenkins suffered a season-ending leg injury in November. Rhyan has started 28 of the 47 games he's appeared in over his four NFL seasons, with 28 of those starts coming in the last two years. The 6-foot-5, 321-pounder will take on a bigger role for the Packers' offensive line moving forward.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
March 8, 2026
The Indianapolis Colts acquired defensive tackle Colby Wooden from the Green Bay Packers on Saturday in exchange for linebacker Zaire Franklin, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Wooden was the 116th overall pick in the fourth round by Green Bay in 2023 out of Auburn. The 25-year-old has totaled 87 tackles (45 solo), half a sack, nine tackles for loss, seven QB hits, and three pass breakups in 47 regular-season games (17 starts) in his three NFL seasons. The Colts will be hoping that Wooden continues to improve after posting a career-best 50 tackles (26 solo), six tackles for loss, and a pass breakup in 17 regular-season games in 2025. For now, Wooden can be ignored in IDP fantasy formats as he gets set to enter his first year with the Colts' defensive line.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
March 8, 2026
The Buffalo Bills re-signed center Connor McGovern to a four-year, $52 million deal on Saturday, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. McGovern will receive $32 million guaranteed. McGovern previously played left guard, but he has served as Buffalo's starting center in each of the last two seasons. Getting the 28-year-old locked up long-term was a huge priority for the Bills this offseason, and now they can focus on other needs as free agency officially kicks off on Wednesday. The former third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2019 out of Penn State was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024 in his second year in Buffalo. He has started 78 of the 94 games he's appeared in over the course of his six-year career, including all 49 games in his three seasons with the Bills. Retaining McGovern is good news for quarterback
Josh Allen and the rest of the offense going into the 2026 campaign this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
March 8, 2026
Utah Jazz guard
Isaiah Collier (personal) has been taken off the injury report ahead of Monday's contest against the Golden State Warriors, indicating he will be available to play. Collier wasn't in action on Saturday against Milwaukee, missing the game for personal reasons. The 21-year-old has enjoyed a strong second half of the season and is averaging 18.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 1.7 steals since the All-Star break. Even with
Keyonte George healthy, Collier should still get plenty of minutes and offensive touches in Monday's game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson had a four-assist game in Sunday night's wild 8-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The American forward had an elite performance, setting up Josh Doan, Jason Zucker, Alex Tuch, and Rasmus Dahlin with goals. Thompson now has 70 points in 64 games and has a chance to break his career-high of 94 points, which was set in the 2022-23 season.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 8, 2026
The Los Angeles Rams and cornerback Trent McDuffie reached an agreement on Sunday on a record four-year, $124 million contract extension that includes $100 million guaranteed and makes him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Rams just acquired McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a first-rounder and more draft capital recently and have now made him the highest-paid corner in league history. It's a pretty big statement from a Rams team that was a serious contender for the Super Bowl title last year before falling short to the division-rival and eventual Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship tilt. L.A.'s secondary definitely needed some upgrades, and they now have it in the 25-year-old McDuffie, a former first-rounder and All-Pro.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
March 8, 2026
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider scored once and had two assists in a 3-0 shutout victory over the New Jersey Devils on Sunday. He beat Jacob Markstrom in the first period, set up James van Riemsdyk in the second period, and then assisted on Dominik Shine's first goal of the season in the third period. Seider now has eight goals and 36 assists on the season, which is good for the fourth-most points on the Red Wings.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 8, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard
De'Anthony Melton (knee) isn't on the injury report for Monday's matchup with the Utah Jazz. After an impressive 30-minute performance on Thursday night against the Houston Rockets, the Warriors decided to rest Melton for Saturday's clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder. With
Stephen Curry (knee) on the shelf, Melton has played a key role in Golden State's backcourt. He has averaged 17.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals since the All-Star break. Melton's return to the lineup will likely bump
Pat Spencer back to the bench, where he won't have much fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard/forward
Moses Moody (wrist) will be sidelined for a third consecutive game on Monday against the Utah Jazz. He is working his way back from a sprained right wrist and will get his next opportunity to return on Tuesday against the Chicago Bulls. Due to Moody's absence,
Gui Santos has earned a new opportunity in the first unit and is coming off an impressive 22-point, 11-rebound double-double in Saturday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Gary Payton II, who tallied seven points and 12 boards on Saturday, has also taken on an increased workload without Moody.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Al Horford (toe) will exit the lineup for Monday's tilt against the Utah Jazz. The team begins a back-to-back set with this matchup and is cautious with Horford, who is managing a toe injury.
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) has also been ruled out, meaning we could see plenty of
Quinten Post in Monday's game. Alternatively, the Warriors might run smaller lineups more often, given Utah's lack of size. Horford is likely to return to action on Tuesday night against the Chicago Bulls.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) will miss the first leg of a back-to-back on Monday against the Utah Jazz. He is expected to return to the lineup for Tuesday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls. Porzingis returned from a six-game absence in Saturday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, contributing nine points, five rebounds, five assists, and one block in 23 minutes. With Porzingis and
Al Horford (toe) sidelined on Monday,
Quinten Post is set to return to the rotation and could make a significant impact in a favorable matchup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Alex Caruso (hip) is questionable to suit up on Monday night against the Denver Nuggets. The veteran injured his left hip earlier this week and has already sat out one game. Oklahoma City mostly misses Caruso's defensive ability. The team will have
Ajay Mitchell (ankle, abdomen) back from a 20-game absence on Monday, and he will help cover for Caruso if needed.
Isaiah Joe,
Aaron Wiggins, and
Cason Wallace would also be in a position to see more minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward/center
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) will be sidelined for at least two more games, Sportsnet's Michael Grange reports. The rookie big man is nursing a left thumb sprain and missed a third consecutive contest on Sunday against Dallas. He has now also been ruled out for Toronto's upcoming back-to-back set on the road against Houston and New Orleans. Fortunately for the team,
Jakob Poeltl appears to have returned to top form after a long battle with a back injury. The Austrian giant finished Sunday's win over Dallas with a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double, adding four assists, one steal, and two blocks.
Sandro Mamukelashvili also had a fine outing as the backup center, notching 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block.
--Taavi PailkSource: Michael Grange
March 8, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard/forward
Grayson Allen (knee) won't play on Sunday night against the Charlotte Hornets. He was listed as probable on the initial injury report, but the team has downgraded Allen to out ahead of tip-off. In Allen's absence, guys like
Ryan Dunn and
Amir Coffey could see more minutes off the bench. That said, the two don't look particularly attractive from a fantasy standpoint, and Phoenix must lean a lot on the starting group in Sunday's game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher
Tarik Skubal could continue pitching with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic tournament. The original plan was for Skubal to pitch against Great Britain and then return to the Tigers camp. After Saturday's start, Skubal expressed interest in continuing to pitch with Team USA after feeling great emotion when pitching for his home country. Skubal would need approval from both his agent and the Tigers organization to continue playing in the WBC. It would be a huge boost for Team USA if the superstar southpaw is allowed to continue pitching with the team.
--Andy WebbSource: Chandler Rome
March 8, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder
Nelson Velazquez appears to have a legitimate chance at landing a spot on the 26-man roster. The Cardinals are looking for an option in left field with
Lars Nootbaar (heels) still sidelined. Nootbaar is still recovering from surgery on his heels, so it doesn't sound like he'll be ready for Opening Day. Velazquez has looked good at the plate during his six Grapefruit League games. He's looking to rebound after posting a .200/.274/.366 slash line with eight home runs and 27 RBI in 64 games with the Kansas City Royals last season. He joined the Cardinals as a non-roster invitee, so they'd need to drop someone off the 40-man roster to keep Velazquez for Opening Day.
Nathan Church and
Thomas Saggese are also competing for the starting left field gig. The Cardinals lineup could use a slugger from the right side, such as Velazquez, but we'll see if he can earn the spot.
--Andy WebbSource: Derrick Goold
March 8, 2026
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher
Porter Hodge (elbow) will begin the 2026 season on the injured list, according to manager Craig Counsell. Hodge has been diagnosed with a right flexor tendon strain and will be shut down from throwing for at least two weeks. That decision will end Hodge's chances of making the 26-man roster to start the season. Before the injury, Hodge wasn't helping himself with seven walks and yielding seven earned runs in two innings of Cactus League play. The 25-year-old posted excellent rookie numbers in 2024, but couldn't get anyone out last season. He was once viewed as a possible closing option in Chicago, but
Daniel Palencia has run away with that job.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN
March 8, 2026
Team Venezuela manager Omar Lopez said that Milwaukee Brewers outfielder
Jackson Chourio (hand) is "ready" and should be back in the lineup for the World Baseball Classic contest against Nicaragua on Monday, according to Kevin Barral of FishOnFirst.com. A left-hand injury has caused Chourio to miss Venezuela's first two games of the WBC, but it's not a serious injury, and he'll be back in action next week after injuring his hand in an exhibition game last Wednesday when he was hit by a pitch. The 21-year-old will be ready for Opening Day at the end of this month and will look to continue improving as one of the league's best young outfielders after slashing .272/.317/.463 with a .781 OPS, 52 home runs, 157 RBI, 168 runs scored, and 43 stolen bases in 1,162 plate appearances over his first 279 regular-season games. Chourio is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 8 overall fantasy outfielder going into the 2026 season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Fish on First - Kevin Barral
March 8, 2026
The Texas Rangers have claimed outfielder
Dairon Blanco off waivers from the Kansas City Royals on Sunday. Blanco quickly finds a new home after being designated for assignment by the Royals earlier in the week. Blanco figures to have a legitimate shot at claiming a 26-man roster spot. The 32-year-old is a solid contact hitter with elite speed. Blanco has recorded 59 steals over parts of four seasons with the Royals. He could be a potential platoon option in the outfield, but his fantasy value will be dependent on his playing time.
--Andy WebbSource: Kansas City Royals
March 8, 2026
Minnesota Twins outfielder
Byron Buxton (forearm) is "fine" after he was removed from Friday's World Baseball Classic game for Team USA against Brazil after being hit by a pitch on his right forearm in the fifth inning, according to Team USA manager Mark DeRosa. X-rays came back negative on Buxton's arm. He initially stayed in the game in the WBC opener on Friday before being replaced in the outfield by Chicago Cubs outfielder
Pete Crow-Armstrong. It's great news for the injury-prone two-time All-Star and for the Twins, with the start of the 2026 regular season less than three weeks away. It's also great news for Team USA, which is without Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Corbin Carroll (hand) due to a fractured hamate bone that required surgery last month. Buxton didn't start in Saturday's win over Great Britain, but he's not expected to miss much time.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Ryan Kelapire
March 8, 2026
Texas Rangers catcher
Kyle Higashioka (back) is expected to return to the lineup on Monday, according to manager Skip Schumaker. Higashioka has been sidelined since being scratched from Saturday's lineup due to back spasms. Luckily, it sounds like a minor issue that is only going to sideline Higashioka for a few days. The expectation is that Higashioka will split up the playing time behind the plate with
Danny Jansen. Last season, Higashioka slashed .241/.291/.403 with 11 home runs and 47 RBI across 94 games. The fact that he's going to be in a platoon situation doesn't bode well for his everyday fantasy value.
--Andy WebbSource: Evan Grant
March 8, 2026
The Denver Broncos and tight end
Adam Trautman agreed to an undisclosed three-year deal on Sunday to keep him off the open market next week, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Trautman will stick around in Denver in 2026 for his third year with the team after also playing for head coach Sean Payton with the New Orleans Saints in the first three years of his NFL career. The 29-year-old former third-rounder by the Saints in 2020 out of Dayton will not be on the fantasy radar again this fall after catching 20 passes for 195 yards and one touchdown on 23 targets in 17 regular-season games for the Broncos in 2025. Trautman has provided Denver with valuable tight end depth, but he's caught only 55 passes on 80 targets for 587 yards and six touchdowns in his 51 games with the team over three seasons.
--Keith HernandezSource: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
March 8, 2026
The Indianapolis Colts re-signed kicker
Blake Grupe to a one-year deal worth up to $1.4 million on Sunday, league sources told James Boyd of The Athletic. Grupe was cut by the New Orleans Saints last year after starting the year 18-for-26 on his field-goal tries and making all 15 of his extra-point attempts through 11 games played. The 27-year-old Notre Dame product then latched on with the Colts and kicked for them for five games, going a perfect 11-for-11 on field goals and 10-for-10 on his extra points. The strong finish to the 2025 season led to Grupe getting another shot as Indy's starting placekicker to begin the 2026 campaign this fall. Grupe has made 81.9% of his 105 career field-goal attempts (19-for-27 from 50-plus yards out) over three NFL seasons with the Saints and Colts. Fantasy managers in standard 12-team leagues should have better options at the kicking position this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - James Boyd
March 8, 2026
CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones thinks it would be a surprise if the Jacksonville Jaguars traded wide receiver
Brian Thomas Jr. this offseason, considering how the Jaguars' offense flourished down the stretch last year. There have been rumors that the Jags could look to move Thomas after a very disappointing sophomore season in 2025, but the team still values the 2024 first-round pick. The 23-year-old former 23rd overall pick out of LSU made a name for himself immediately in his rookie year and was a Pro Bowler, catching 87 of 133 targets for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. Thomas only caught 48 passes in 2025 for 707 yards and two touchdowns on 91 targets in 14 regular-season games. If he stays in Jacksonville, Thomas could be a rebound candidate for fantasy managers in 2026, although it won't be easy with
Jakobi Meyers,
Parker Washington, and former Heisman Trophy winner
Travis Hunter (knee) taking targets away in the passing game.
--Keith HernandezSource: CBS Sports - Jonathan Jones
March 8, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs impending free-agent tight end
Travis Kelce appears "motivated to return" for a 14th NFL season, based on conversations that The Athletic's Dianna Russini has had with several teams. The Chiefs are "very much" in the mix to re-sign the three-time Super Bowl champion and four-time All-Pro tight end. The 36-year-old veteran has contemplated retirement for the second straight offseason, and although nothing is official, all signs have pointed towards Kelce returning in 2026, most likely back in KC. The 11-time Pro Bowler was the TE4 in half-PPR scoring in his 13th NFL season last year with 76 receptions on 108 targets for 851 yards and five touchdowns in 17 starts. Kelce has not had 1,000 receiving yards since 2022, but he proved last year that he can still be very valuable for fantasy football purposes, even if his ceiling isn't as an elite high-end TE1 anymore.
UPDATE: Kelce's representatives are "expected to talk to multiple teams" when the legal tampering period begins on Monday, per The Athletic.--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
March 8, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Josh Giddey (ankle) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Giddey will shed the questionable tag and return to action after missing Thursday's game. Given he only missed one game, Giddey isn't expected to operate under a minutes limit. Since the All-Star break, Giddey is averaging 13.6 points, 6.7 assists, and 6.1 rebounds across 27.1 minutes per game. Fantasy managers should get Giddey active in their lineups ahead of tip-off. Both
Rob Dillingham and
Collin Sexton should see reduced roles with Giddey returning.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 8, 2026
The Arizona Cardinals and two-time Pro Bowl running back
James Conner (foot) agreed to a restructured contract on Sunday that will keep him with the team in 2026, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Conner played only three games in 2025 due to a foot injury that required season-ending surgery, but he'll be back with the Cardinals this year at age 31.
Trey Benson (knee) also missed most of the year due to injury, which gave more opportunities to both
Michael Carter and
Emari Demercado. Carter led the team with only 333 rushing yards and one touchdown on 92 rushing attempts over 13 games, while Demercado had 312 yards and no touchdowns on the ground in 13 games. Conner could be the favorite for RB1 duties again in 2026, but on the wrong side of 30 in an offense that could have issues at the quarterback position, the upside for Conner probably won't really be there.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
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