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Rams, Matthew Stafford "Deep" in Contract Talks
The Los Angeles Rams raised plenty of eyebrows on Thursday night in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft when they took Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at 13th overall, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that head coach Sean McVay has made it clear that this is still MVP Matthew Stafford's team. Stafford is the QB of the present and the future in L.A., and the Rams and Stafford are "deep" in discussions about a contract extension. The Rams believe that there is a good chance that Stafford decides to continue his playing career beyond the 2026 season. At 38, Stafford is no spring chicken, but it didn't stop him from having the best season of his career in 2025, throwing for 4,707 yards for a career-high 46 touchdowns during the regular season. Durability should be a concern for fantasy managers in redraft leagues, but if healthy, there's no arguing that Stafford has some of the best receiving weapons in the NFL in receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. The Rams drafted Simpson on Thursday night (and may have reached a bit) as the heir apparent to Stafford, but it sounds like he may not take over as the starting QB until 2028.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Jayden Reed, Packers Agree on Three-Year Extension
Wide receiver Jayden Reed and the Green Bay Packers agreed to a three-year contract extension on Friday worth $50.25 million in new money, including $20 million guaranteed, agents Drew Rosenhaus and Ian Grutman told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 25-year-old former second-rounder (50th overall) in 2023 out of Michigan State had 119 receptions on 169 targets for 1,650 yards and 14 receiving touchdowns in 33 games in his first two NFL seasons for the Packers, adding three rushing touchdowns. Reed only played in seven games in 2025 due to injuries, though, and finished with a 19-207-1 line during the regular season. He's now locked in for several more seasons and will be a big part of Green Bay's offense in 2026 alongside Christian Watson and Matthew Golden. If healthy, Reed will have even more fantasy upside as a WR3/flex target with Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks out of town. Reed might not have the big-play abilities down the field like Watson and Golden, but he's more versatile and has proven to have a nose for the end zone in his first 40 NFL games.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Steelers Looking for a Receiver Early in Second Round?
The NFL Network's Tom Pelissero said that he wouldn't be surprised if the Pittsburgh Steelers look to trade up to the top of the second round of the 2026 NFL draft on Friday night, potentially to snag a wide receiver. The Steelers were set to take USC wideout Makai Lemon with the 21st overall pick in the first round before the Philadelphia Eagles swooped in at the last moment to trade up to No. 20 to take Lemon. With Lemon gone, the Steelers settled on Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor at Pick No. 21. After losing out on Lemon on Thursday night, Pittsburgh could be looking to put together a package of late-round picks to give them ammunition to trade up early in the second round for another pass-catcher to add behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. If the Steelers do trade up for another wideout on Friday, their most likely target would be University of Washington receiver Denzel Boston, who is considered the best WR available on the board. Stay tuned.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
49ers Getting Calls About No. 33 Overall Pick at Top of Second Round
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the San Francisco 49ers are getting calls about the No. 33 overall pick at the top of the first round on Friday night, and it seems like they are very open to potentially moving back while acquiring more draft capital. Teams that are looking to trade up into the top part of the second round on Friday night include the Miami Dolphins, the New Orleans Saints, the Cleveland Browns, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Players projected to come off the board early on Day 2 include Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, University of Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston, University of Miami quarterback Carson Beck, and Tennessee cornerbacks Colton Hood and Jermod McCoy (knee). Hood was one of the biggest snubs of Round 1 on Thursday night, and he could be in play for the Niners at 33 or any team that trades up into that spot. McCoy has been considered a top-10 talent, but he's falling because of injury concerns.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Sean McVay Fully "On Board" With First-Round Selection of Ty Simpson
The Los Angeles Rams had one of the surprise picks on Thursday night in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, taking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson 13th overall. The Rams were clearly looking for the heir apparent to MVP Matthew Stafford, but many draft analysts didn't expect L.A. to go with Simpson with their first-round selection. Although head coach Sean McVay said he was "absolutely" on board with the pick, multiple team sources said they thought McVay "might have felt the need to downplay the pick to accentuate his confidence in Stafford." McVay and general manager Les Snead were in "lockstep" the entire way. When all is said and done, it was a surprising move by a Rams team that had been making all of its offseason moves with a win-now mentality to try to take advantage of what little time Stafford might have left in the league. The Simpson pick was clearly made with an eye toward the future, and he's expected to compete for the backup job with Stetson Bennett this summer. It's unclear now if the Rams are interested in re-signing veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, who has been considering retirement.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Ty Simpson to Compete for Backup Gig in Rookie Season
The Los Angeles Rams had one of the biggest surprise selections in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night when they took Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. While Simpson figures to be the successor to MVP Matthew Stafford, many draft analysts were wondering if Simpson would fall out of the first round of the draft entirely. After the pick was made, head coach Sean McVay said, "This is Matthew's team." The 38-year-old is entering his 18th season, but he was at the top of his game last year, and it's unclear how long he wants to continue playing. McVay made sure to run the selection of Simpson by Stafford first. L.A. became the first team to have a QB named MVP and then select a signal-caller in the first round since the Packers in 1967. With Jimmy Garoppolo considering retirement, McVay said that Simpson will compete for the backup gig with Stetson Bennett. Simpson doesn't have a long resume from college, but he's a hard worker and is in an excellent situation with the Rams to eventually replace Stafford. Fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues will need to be patient with Simpson.
Source: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
Source: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
Eagles, Patriots Expected to Resume A.J. Brown Talks Around June 1
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday that the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots are expected to resume trade talks about wide receiver A.J. Brown around June 1, when it will help the Eagles salary-cap wise to trade the disgruntled Brown. The Patriots signed former Green Bay Packers wideout Romeo Doubs in free agency in March, but they might not be done upgrading their receiving room this offseason for young quarterback Drake Maye. On the other side, everything the Eagles have done with their WR room since the start of the new league year points to Brown being dealt after June 1. Philly first acquired wideout Dontayvion Wicks from Green Bay, and then they traded up in the first round of Thursday night's 2026 NFL draft to select USC receiver Makai Lemon at 20th overall. ESPN's Adam Schefter recently said a Brown trade is becoming more likely, which would reunite him with head coach Mike Vrabel. The two worked together in Tennessee previously. The 28-year-old Brown had his sixth 1,000-yard season in seven years in the NFL in 2025 with the Eagles, but he was unhappy with his role and had a career-low 12.9 yards per catch in 15 regular-season starts. A move to New England could boost his fantasy ceiling yet again.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Fernando Mendoza to Sit All Year Behind Veteran QB?
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said on Thursday that Las Vegas Raiders veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to mentor first overall pick Fernando Mendoza this year, and Cousins is expected to be the team's starter under center to kick off the regular season in early September. Rapoport also says that the Raiders hope Cousins can run the offense all year while Mendoza learns on the sidelines. In a perfect scenario, Mendoza would be ready to roll as the full-time starter in 2027. Given Cousins' declining play and elevated injury risk at 37 years old, it would be a surprise if he were the Raiders' starter in 2026 from wire to wire. The 22-year-old Mendoza should be the No. 2 pick in rookie-only dynasty/keeper leagues this year, behind only Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love. The Indiana product doesn't have a ton of dual-threat upside at the next level, but his accuracy in the pocket should give him a safe long-term fantasy floor while paired with offensive-minded head coach Klint Kubiak. In redraft leagues, Mendoza won't be as attractive in 2026, but he'll still have appeal as a QB2 with upside in superflex setups if Cousins falters or gets hurt.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Could Kenyon Sadiq Emerge as High-Target Option in New York?
New York Jets rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq has the potential to handle a large role right away. The Jets selected Sadiq with one of their three first-round picks on Thursday night, making him the first and only tight end off the board on Day 1. The Jets weren't heavily mocked to take a tight end, given that they already had 2025 second-round pick Mason Taylor on the roster. However, the selection of Sadiq showcases New York's desire to build out a young core on offense, presumably in preparation for drafting and installing a rookie quarterback next year. The Jets will pair Sadiq with Taylor, star wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and first-round receiver Omar Cooper Jr. in an offense led by quarterback Geno Smith this year. There are a lot of mouths to feed, and Smith isn't the most reliable passer, but Sadiq's talent alone will make him an intriguing fantasy option. After all, he had 51 catches, 560 yards, and eight touchdowns just last year at Oregon. He immediately ranks as the overall TE9 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Carnell Tate Claim the WR1 Role Right Away?
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate has the potential to emerge as the team's top option in the passing game rather quickly. The Titans selected Tate with the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday night, making him the first wide receiver off the board. It was a somewhat aggressive pick for a team that already has Wan'Dale Robinson, Elic Ayomanor, Chimere Dike, and Calvin Ridley. On the other hand, none of those four receivers are flashy alpha options in the passing game, whereas Tate has the opportunity to be an alpha receiver early in his rookie season. After all, he had 51 catches, 875 yards, and nine touchdowns at Ohio State last year. He offers a flashy, young pass-catching option for second-year quarterback Cameron Ward. Tate should have a large role from Day 1, ranking as a top-24 receiver in redraft leagues and a fringe top-12 receiver in dynasty formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jeremiyah Love Ticketed for Potential Committee Role in Crowded Backfield?
Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love may initially find himself in a committee role given the crowded state of the team's backfield. The Cardinals selected Love third overall on Thursday night, and while he did fetch a hefty $50.5 million guaranteed contract, the existing players in Arizona's backfield should continue to have a role. James Conner is an established veteran who has shown that he can still contribute when healthy, and Tyler Allgeier managed to carve out a significant role alongside Bijan Robinson in Atlanta, so he can presumably do the same with Love in Arizona. Of course, Love represents the future in Arizona, and he's an immediate top-five running back in dynasty fantasy football. Even if we see a mix of him, Conner, and Allgeier to open the year, the Cardinals' goal will be to gradually get Love more involved so that he can handle at least 15-20 touches per game by the end of his rookie campaign. After all, he posted 3,014 scrimmage yards and 40 touchdowns over his final two collegiate seasons, so the sky is the limit.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Wan'Dale Robinson No Longer the Clear Top Option on Depth Chart
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson's role was threatened on Thursday after the organization spent its No. 4 overall pick on a pass-catching reinforcement. The Titans selected Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the fourth pick, making him the first wide receiver off the board. Tate was widely regarded as this year's top wide receiver prospect, and he should push to be the Titans' immediate No. 1 wide receiver. That's not ideal for Robinson, who signed a four-year, $70 million contract to be Tennessee's top option in the passing game. On one hand, the hefty contract confirms that the Titans do want to keep Robinson heavily involved. After all, his NFL experience makes him a valuable weapon in an offense with Cameron Ward, a second-year quarterback, and Tate, a first-year receiver. On the other hand, teams don't spend the No. 4 pick on a player who is going to ride the bench or play a partial role. Tate will be heavily involved from Day 1, operating as a WR2 or WR3 in fantasy football. That will likely push Robinson down to the low-end WR3/flex tier, especially in an offense that will continue to experience growing pains with Ward still adapting to the NFL. We're not very optimistic that Robinson will be able to replicate his WR14 finish from last season. As a result, managers should consider selling high on the 25-year-old in dynasty fantasy football leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Shough Headed for Massive Success in Sophomore Campaign
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough finds himself in a fantastic position ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Shough had already boosted his dynasty value significantly with an impressive rookie season last year. Installed as the starter mid-year, Shough ended up totaling 10 touchdowns from Week 12-18, and he ranked as the overall QB5 in fantasy football during that span. That type of production in an offense that didn't have very high expectations instantly vaulted Shough into the top-12 conversation for dynasty and 2026 redraft leagues. Now, he's trending up once again after the Saints spent a premium first-round pick on a wide receiver. New Orleans drafted Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the No. 8 overall pick, making him the second pass-catcher off the board. It was impressive to see the Saints get such an elite weapon for Shough without having to trade up. Tyson is coming off a terrific two-year stretch at ASU in which he caught 136 passes for 1,812 yards and 18 touchdowns. Shough has plenty of key weapons at his disposal in 2026 and potentially beyond. Tyson is under team control through 2030, and while Chris Olave is headed into a contract year, he remains a prime extension candidate. Additionally, tight end Juwan Johnson is under contract through 2027. Plus, we can't forget that the Saints gave a four-year deal to Travis Etienne Jr., who will make Shough's life easier both in the running and passing games. Much credit is due to the Saints for their offensive improvements this offseason. The solidification of their offense gives Shough a steady floor and tremendous upside in both redraft and dynasty formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Garrett Wilson Sees Dynasty Value Take a Hit in Revamped New York Offense
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) now faces added competition after the organization made several additions to the offense during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night. The Jets made three first-round selections, including two key targets for quarterback Geno Smith. Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq joined the tight end room, and the Jets also traded up to acquire Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. We're not overly bullish about the state of this passing game with Smith throwing the football, but to their credit, the Jets have done a good job building a foundation of weapons around him. The bad news is that Wilson's dynasty value could take a hit. Accurate, valuable targets have been hard to come by in the Jets' offense in years past, and that was when Wilson was one of the only players to pass to. Now, Sadiq, Cooper, and even Mason Taylor and Adonai Mitchell will threaten to steal plenty of targets from Wilson, making him even more dependent on deep-yardage catches and touchdowns. He's still an uber-talented player, but the added competition will hurt his value in dynasty fantasy football.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Trey Benson Losing All Long-Term Value in Crowded Backfield
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson's (knee) value has rapidly faded away in fantasy football leagues. Once regarded as a promising, up-and-coming third-round pick, Benson has now fallen to fourth on the depth chart and could be a cut or trade candidate this summer. His outlook was already bleak after the Cardinals signed Tyler Allgeier to pair with James Conner, but Arizona's selection of rookie Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick ultimately spells disaster for Benson. It's partly his fault, as he never seized any of the opportunities presented to him. He had just 350 scrimmage yards and one touchdown as a rookie in 2024, and a season-ending injury cost him the chance to lead Arizona's backfield last year. We wouldn't be surprised to see the Cardinals carry four running backs into the season, but Benson could be the odd man out as a potential healthy scratch every week. He can be dropped in shallower dynasty formats, and he belongs at the bottom of your bench in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
