March 4, 2026
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-signed quarterback
Connor Bazelak to a one-year, $1.005 million contract on Wednesday, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. It's a league-minimum deal for a second-year player, and Bazelak will be an exclusive-rights free agent again next spring. Bazelak, 25, didn't play a single snap for the Bucs last year and spent the second half of last season as the QB3 behind starter
Baker Mayfield and
Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater is a free agent this offseason and probably won't return, but the Buccaneers are expected to bring in another QB to serve as Mayfield's direct backup in 2026. Things will have gone horribly wrong in Tampa if Bazelak is forced to start at all next season.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
March 4, 2026
The Jacksonville Jaguars re-signed tight end
Quintin Morris to a one-year deal worth up to $3 million on Wednesday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Morris is an ascending player who appeared in 14 games for the Jags last year in his first year with the team, catching six of his nine targets for 55 yards and one touchdown in 14 regular-season games (five starts). The 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Bowling Green has exactly one touchdown in each of his first four NFL seasons (three with the Buffalo Bills). Morris will mostly be a blocking TE again for Jacksonville in 2026 and will be off the fantasy football radar in all leagues unless
Brenton Strange misses significant time with an injury. He has a total of 21 receptions for 201 yards and four touchdowns on 31 targets in 59 total games (nine starts).
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
March 4, 2026
The Green Bay Packers and running back
Chris Brooks agreed to a two-year, $4.85 million deal on Wednesday, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Brooks served as the team's RB3 in 2025 behind starter
Josh Jacobs and
Emanuel Wilson, carrying the ball only 27 times for 106 yards and no touchdowns in 17 regular-season games, adding a career-high 13 catches for another 91 yards on 17 targets. Wilson isn't expected to be tendered a contract as a restricted free agent, but Brooks will most likely operate as Green Bay's RB3 again in 2026 behind Jacobs and
MarShawn Lloyd, if he's healthy. The 26-year-old former undrafted free agent out of BYU only has 395 rushing yards and one touchdown on 82 rushing attempts in his first three years in the NFL. He spent his rookie season in 2023 with the Dolphins.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
March 4, 2026
New York Yankees outfielder
Cody Bellinger (back), who has been dealing with some back soreness in camp the last few days, took live batting practice on Wednesday and came out of it fine, according to Erik Boland of Newsday. Bellinger is scheduled to return to the Grapefruit League lineup on Thursday afternoon against the Minnesota Twins. In three spring training games before his back injury, the 30-year-old two-time All-Star and former MVP went 4-for-9 (.444) with an RBI and a run scored. Barring a setback, he should be ready to rock on Opening Day later this month for the Yankees. Bellinger is considered a top-25 fantasy outfielder going into his 10th year in the big leagues after slashing .272/.334/.480 with an .813 OPS, 29 home runs, 98 RBI, 89 runs scored, and 13 steals in 152 regular-season games in 2025 in his first year in the Bronx.
--Keith HernandezSource: Newsday - Erik Boland
March 4, 2026
Chicago Cubs third baseman
Matt Shaw will begin to play more outfield over the next two weeks in spring training, according to Bruce Levine of the Marquee Sports Network. Levine reported in mid-February that Shaw is expected to start in right field in Chicago this year against left-handed pitchers, with outfielder
Seiya Suzuki moving to designated hitter on those days. The 24-year-old didn't exactly play well in his first exposure to big-league pitching in 2025, slashing .226/.295/.394 with a .690 OPS, 13 home runs, 44 RBI, 57 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases in 437 plate appearances over 126 regular-season games. Shaw will be in more of a super-utility role in his sophomore season. The role won't help Shaw's case to rack up counting stats in fantasy, but it could make him more productive overall at the plate. Shaw's fantasy stock has fallen going into 2026, but he's still worth consideration as corner-infield depth late in drafts, and he should eventually have outfield eligibility.
--Keith HernandezSource: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
March 4, 2026
Updating a previous report, Cincinnati Reds right-hander
Hunter Greene (elbow) said he has no damage to the UCL in his right elbow, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Greene pitched through some elbow soreness late last year and admitted that he has bone spurs in his arm, but he believes his UCL is intact. We will know for sure once the results of his MRI exam come back. The 26-year-old had an injection in the offseason and felt fine before dealing with more discomfort this spring. Even if Greene doesn't have UCL damage, which would be great news, he could still be a candidate to open the 2026 season on the injured list. Greene, a former second overall pick in 2017, was an All-Star in 2024 and is a top-15 starting pitcher in fantasy when healthy. In his fourth year in the majors in 2025, he went 7-4 with a 2.76 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 132:26 K:BB in 107 2/3 innings over 19 starts. Greene has ace upside, but he's yet to make 30 starts or reach 200 innings in a single season.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
March 4, 2026
Cardinals quarterback
Jacoby Brissett took over the starting job in Arizona following the Week 5 foot injury and soft benching of former No. 1 overall pick
Kyler Murray. With the team informing Murray on Tuesday that they would be releasing him before the start of the new league year, Brissett is left atop a depth chart that includes only third-year pro
Kedon Slovis. While Brissett was a fantasy revelation in 2025, unlocking both tight end
Trey McBride and wide receiver
Michael Wilson with a seemingly unsustainable passing volume, the Cardinals won only one of his 12 starts, and they have recently been linked to free-agent quarterback
Malik Willis. With a weak rookie and free agent quarterback class, Willis figures to be the most sought-after player at the position when the legal tampering window opens on March 9. Cardinals new head coach Mike LaFleur is the younger brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, for whom Willis has played the past two seasons, reviving his career across three impressive starts.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 4, 2026
Indianapolis Colts tight end
Tyler Warren shared an obvious connection with quarterback
Daniel Jones that had him squarely in the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation prior to Jones' season-ending Achilles injury in Week 14. With the team placing the transition tag on Jones on Tuesday, the first domino has fallen in defining the direction of the Colts' offensive future, and signs are positive for Warren's growth heading into year two. Should Jones sign his nearly $38 million tender, the likelihood of Indianapolis retaining both unrestricted free agent
Alec Pierce as well as veteran
Michael Pittman Jr. and his $29 million cap hit seems unlikely. With Pierce leading the team in receiving yards and Pittman commanding the most targets, receptions, and touchdowns, Indianapolis could be looking to fill a major offensive vacuum in 2026, and Tyler Warren has the skillset to become the primary option to do so.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 4, 2026
Before tearing his ACL in a Divisional Round win over the 49ers, Seattle Seahawks running back
Zach Charbonnet (knee) had seen close to a 50/50 timeshare split with
Kenneth Walker III for most of the 2025 season. Walker is now set to test free agency after the team declined to apply their franchise tag before Tuesday's deadline, and Charbonnet could be in line for an increased workload in 2026. While Walker could still return to Seattle, the coaching staff's comfort with Charbonnet was a factor in allowing the Super Bowl MVP to reach free agency. Given Charbonnet's current recovery timeline, the team will almost certainly add competition through either free agency or the draft. However, once healthy, Charbonnet could see the inside track to more of the 1A role in any running back committee the defending champions establish.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 4, 2026
New York Mets right-hander
Nolan McLean (illness) is no longer dealing with vertigo-like symptoms and will throw roughly 50 to 55 pitches or four innings in a simulated game in camp on Wednesday, according to Laura Albanese of Newsday. As long as the vertigo-like symptoms don't return for McLean, he should be cleared to pitch for Team USA against Italy in the World Baseball Classic on March 10. In his Grapefruit League debut last week against the Houston Astros, the young right-hander looked great, striking out six over four scoreless innings. The 24-year-old former third-rounder in 2023 out of Oklahoma State looked great in his MLB debut last year, too, going 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA (2.97 FIP), 1.04 WHIP, and 57:16 K:BB in 48 innings over his eight starts. There's a lot to like about the former two-way player as he heads into his first full MLB season locked into New York's starting rotation. Treat him as a high-end No. 3 starter/low-end No. 2 starting pitcher in fantasy drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: Newsday - Laura Albanese
March 4, 2026
The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams are working on a blockbuster trade that would send All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles in exchange for a massive package of picks, including the Rams' 2026 first-round pick. According to NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the complete deal would see the Rams ship out the 29th overall pick in this year's draft, along with their 2026 5th and 6th-round picks, and their 2027 3rd. The 25-year-old McDuffie missed four games in 2025 after being named a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and second-team All-Pro the following year. After giving the eventual Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks all they could handle in the NFC Championship game, the Rams are clearly all-in for another title run in what could be the final season of reigning MVP
Matthew Stafford.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Adam Schefter
March 4, 2026
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Josh Downs was a popular breakout candidate heading into 2025, but it was ultimately his teammate,
Alec Pierce, who took the next step and led the team with his first career 1,000-yard season. With Pierce now facing unrestricted free agency, it seems inevitable that a shakeup is coming to the Colts' wide receiver room. Should Pierce end up leaving for a top-of-market deal, a giant hole will be left atop the depth chart. However, for Downs' fantasy future, it might be more beneficial if Pierce stays in Indianapolis. Pierce and Downs play very different games, as evidenced by the 11.6-yard differential in their 2025 ADoT. For the Colts to retain Pierce likely means moving on from
Michael Pittman Jr. and his $29 million cap hit, either through trade or release, which would represent a best-case scenario for Downs. Pittman has led the team in targets every season since 2021, with most of his looks coming in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field, also patrolled by Downs.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 4, 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers plan to release offensive guard Mekhi Becton in the coming days, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The move to cut Becton will save the Chargers $9.7 million on the salary cap for the 2026 season. Becton looked better in 2024 with the Philadelphia Eagles with his move to right guard, but he struggled mightily in pass protection in 2025 with the Chargers, and will now be looking for his fourth different team in the last four years. The 26-year-old former 11th overall pick by the New York Jets has not lived up to expectations despite standing at 6-foot-7, 363 pounds. Becton will surely latch on with another team looking for help on the offensive line, but he might be set for more of a rotational role than a starting one. He has started 59 of the 61 games he's appeared in over the course of his five-year career.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
March 4, 2026
The Dallas Cowboys restructured quarterback
Dak Prescott's contract on Wednesday to help the team get under the 2026 salary cap before the legal tampering period begins on March 9, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. By restructuring the contracts of Prescott, wide receiver
CeeDee Lamb, and offensive lineman Tyler Smith, the Cowboys created $47 million in cap room. Dallas can free up more room by restructuring the contracts of Quinnen Williams and Osa Odighizuwa. Signing defensive tackle Kenny Clark to an extension is expected to free up more space. Prescott, 32, will be a clear QB1 target by fantasy managers in drafts this fall after a highly productive 2025 season in which he completed a league-high 404 passes for 4,552 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 17 starts. He has one of the best receiver duos in the league in CeeDee Lamb and
George Pickens.
--Keith HernandezSource: Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Nick Harris
March 4, 2026
The Dallas Cowboys restructured wide receiver
CeeDee Lamb's contract on Wednesday to help the team get under the salary cap for the 2026 season, sources told Todd Archer of ESPN. By restructuring the contracts of Lamb, quarterback
Dak Prescott, and offensive lineman Tyler Smith, the Cowboys created $47 million in cap room for this season. Dallas most likely converted Lamb's future guarantees into a signing bonus, but he is still under contract through the 2028 season after signing a four-year, $136 million contract with the team in August of 2024. Lamb was still productive in 2025, but new wideout
George Pickens overshadowed him in his first year in Dallas. The 26-year-old Lamb finished with 75 catches, 1,077 yards, and three touchdowns in 14 regular-season appearances. A more productive year could be coming in 2026, even with Pickens most likely sticking around.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
March 4, 2026
Cincinnati Reds right-hander
Hunter Greene (elbow) is dealing with a right-elbow injury and will undergo an MRI exam, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Greene won't throw until at least next Tuesday and is now in danger of not being ready for Opening Day at the end of March. The 26-year-old's elbow issue dates back to the final five or six starts from last year. He received an injection in the offseason and felt fine, but the discomfort has returned this spring. Greene said that he knows he has bone spurs in his elbow, but there's no UCL damage. In his Cactus League start on Saturday, he gave up four runs on five hits in just one inning of work. He has one of the best arms in the game and is currently ranked as RotoBaller's No. 10 starting pitcher in fantasy, so losing Greene for a chunk of time to begin the season would be a big blow to the Reds and Greene's 2026 value.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
March 4, 2026
Cincinnati Bengals impending free-agent pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson, who didn't receive the franchise tag from the Bengals, could be looking to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency. "I think that he would love to be in Tampa," Schefter said. "Tampa would be a great fit. I think in a perfect world, Trey would like to stay in Florida. No state income tax. But, he's also open to going to the best possible situation." The 31-year-old four-time Pro Bowler is unlikely to re-sign with the Bengals, making him one of the most attractive edge rushers on the open market this offseason, even though he only played in seven games last year and eventually required core-muscle surgery. Hendrickson was a first-team All-Pro in 2024 and had back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons in 2023 and 2024 for Cincy. He has 81 sacks in his nine NFL seasons and would be a tremendous pass-rush upgrade for Tampa.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
March 4, 2026
The New York Jets are among the teams doing work on Miami Dolphins quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa as a possible free-agent addition this offseason, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. The Dolphins prefer to trade Tagovailoa as they look to rebuild their organization, but the expectation is that he'll be released and be available at the league minimum in 2026. The Jets failed in free agency at the QB position last year with
Justin Fields and might look to go cheap this year, which would make Tagovailoa or former Arizona Cardinals QB
Kyler Murray the perfect targets. Tagovailoa, the fifth overall pick by Miami in 2020 out of Alabama, has a concerning concussion history and has dropped off significantly over the last two seasons after a career year in 2023. The 28-year-old completed 67.7% of his passes for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and a career-high 15 interceptions in 14 starts before being benched late in the year for rookie
Quinn Ewers. The Jets could offer Tua the best chance to return to a starting role, but in fantasy, he'd still be avoidable in all single-QB leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
March 4, 2026
Taylor Moore leaned on an elite short game at the Cognizant Classic, gaining over 10.6 strokes combined putting and around the green on his way to a T2 finish. He now heads to the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he has three prior starts with results of T42, T39, and T48. Bay Hill typically rewards strong ball striking and accuracy off the tee, areas where Moore has struggled. He ranks 32nd in strokes gained off the tee (+0.426 per round) but is just 138th on approach (-0.540) and 141st in driving accuracy. Where he separates himself is around the greens, ranking second on Tour in strokes gained (+1.066 per round) and is also second in bogey avoidance. Despite his elite short game, Bay Hill's emphasis on ball striking may limit his ceiling, making him a bit of a risky option at $6,400 on DraftKings.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
March 4, 2026
The Athletic's Michael Silver believes that Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby will be traded in the coming days or weeks. The Raiders alienated Crosby when they shut the five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher down for the final two games of last season due to a knee injury. "It has been obvious that Crosby wants a change of scenery," writes Silver, and the "best course of action is to try to accommodate him." Silver thinks it "would be foolish not to look to the future" with the Raiders looking at another significant rebuild under new head coach Klint Kubiak. The Raiders have a chance to flip Crosby for "draft capital that could theoretically pay future dividends." More than half a dozen teams are believed to be interested in trading for the 28-year-old. Crosby hasn't publicly demanded a trade, but it's clear he's "exhausted all efforts in Vegas." The five-time Pro Bowler has 69.5 sacks in his seven NFL seasons and will be a weekly defensive line starter in IDP leagues again, regardless of where he's playing in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Michael Silver
March 4, 2026
Notre Dame running back
Jeremiyah Love is ESPN's consensus No. 2 prospect, and he ranks high on the Tennessee Titans' draft board, team sources told Turron Davenport. The Titans have the fourth overall pick in this year's NFL draft, and Love may have cemented himself as a top-five pick after running the 40-yard dash in just 4.36 seconds at last week's scouting combine. "Anytime you can get a running back like that, especially a three-down running back, that can play in the pass game as well and be able to take over a game, you've seen guys in the league now that can do that," Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said when being asked about taking a RB in the top five. Only three RBs have been taken in the top five since 2013. Love is being compared to the Lions'
Jahmyr Gibbs and Bills'
James Cook, which doesn't make it a surprise why he's the No. 1 prospect for a lot of analysts. The 20-year-old should have a big role immediately in the NFL and will be in play as the second pick in rookie-only drafts this fall, behind only Indiana quarterback
Fernando Mendoza.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Turron Davenport
March 4, 2026
NFL teams have reached out to the Denver Broncos about backup quarterback
Jarrett Stidham, whose lone start last year came in the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Stidham didn't look bad initially in place of the injured
Bo Nix (ankle), giving the Broncos an early lead in the first quarter, but it all fell apart from there. A blizzard in the second half didn't help his cause at all. The 29-year-old finished the game 17-for-31 passing for 133 yards, one touchdown, and an interception, and he also lost a critical fumble. Head coach Sean Payton and the Broncos hold Stidham in high regard as QB insurance behind Nix, so they will most likely ask for a lot in return in any potential trade this offseason. Stidham is one of the better backup QBs in the league.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
March 4, 2026
Robert MacIntyre has opened 2026 with four straight top-40 finishes, including a T4 at the Sony Open. He now heads to the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he finished T11 last year. Bay Hill rewards ball striking and accuracy off the tee, areas MacIntyre has seen mixed results. He ranks 35th in strokes gained off the tee (+0.400 per round) and 73rd in driving accuracy, but is only 141st on approach (-0.575) . His long irons have also struggled, sitting 155th in proximity from 175-200 yards and 143rd from 200+. On a more positive note, during last year's T11 finish here, his ball striking was solid, as he gained over 5.5 strokes combined off the tee and on approach. Recent form and course history make MacIntyre a high-upside play at $9,000 on DraftKings, though he carries slightly more risk than others in this price range given his approach struggles so far this season.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
March 4, 2026
With two wins in the last four years of this event, there is no surprise to see Scottie Scheffler atop the betting board and DFS pricing. He has dominated the Arnold Palmer Invitational since making his debut in 2020, with an absurd +2.801 total strokes gained average over his last 16 rounds played at Bay Hill. His most overwhelming individual stats come from the driver, as the 29-year-old has averaged +1.025 in strokes gained off the tee. Interestingly, ball striking has been the lone inconsistency to begin this year. Moreso from the approach, but accuracy off the tee has certainly been evident as well. It clearly isn't stopping him from still being virtually a top-15 lock, but as the most expensive DFS player by a pretty wide margin, it almost has to be a top-3-or-bust mentality with him. And with some of the most important events coming up--including this week--it's probably time to expect him to return to his dominance soon.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
March 4, 2026
New York Islanders winger Jonathan Drouin (lower body) is ready to return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Anaheim Ducks, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports. The 30-year-old was unavailable on Sunday against the Florida Panthers due to a lower-body injury. Drouin is expected to take Anthony Duclair's spot in the lineup. After enjoying a promising start to the campaign, Drouin has struggled for several months. 14 of his 20 points came in his first 17 appearances of the season, and he will enter Wednesday's contest with a 14-game point drought.
--Taavi PailkSource: Andrew Gross
March 4, 2026
After a slow start to the season for Xander Schauffele, he has begun figuring things out over his last couple of events. The 32-year-old finished T19 at Pebble Beach and posted a T7 finish the following week at the Genesis. It wasn't like he was far off to begin with, but things have certainly gotten more controlled as of late. He still hasn't been quite the same ball striker as his 2024 form, but he did manage to rank third on the week at Riviera in strokes gained from tee to green (+1.58). Bay Hill plays longer, but there is a similar correlation in approach distances between the two venues. Aside from the putting slump, he'll need to have better driving accuracy and par-5 performance to have a real chance. However, it's reasonable to expect he will better his current best tournament finish of T25.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
March 4, 2026
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jake Walman (undisclosed) avoided serious injury on Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators, according to head coach Kris Knoblauch. Walman exited the game prior to the third period of a 5-4 overtime win. The team also lost center Curtis Lazar (undisclosed) on Tuesday, and he is expected to miss at least one week of action. After picking up Connor Murphy from Chicago earlier this week, the Oilers have a capable replacement ready for Walman if needed on Friday against the Carolina Hurricanes. Health issues have limited Walman to 33 appearances this season. He has recorded 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists), 61 shots, and 53 blocks with a minus-nine rating.
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
March 4, 2026
Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Johansson (upper body) didn't finish Tuesday's 5-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, Dylan Loucks of The Hockey News reports. He exited the action with an apparent upper-body injury in the third period following a hit from Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh, who was given a two-minute interference penalty on the play. After the game, Wild head coach John Hynes said Johansson "looks pretty good right now." There's hope Johansson won't miss additional time. The Swedish veteran contributed an assist on Tuesday night and has amassed 39 points (13 goals, 26 assists) in 57 contests. Minnesota's schedule gives Johansson some added recovery time, with the next game not until Friday.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dylan Loucks
March 4, 2026
Nashville Predators left wing Cole Smith was traded to the Golden Knights from the Predators in exchange for defenseman prospect Christoffer Sedoff and a 2028 third-round pick. The deal happened during Nashville's matchup with Columbus on Tuesday night, and Smith was pulled from the game after logging only three seconds of ice time. Smith ranked second on the Predators with 119 hits in 42 games. Offensively, he contributed six goals and four assists with 51 shots on goal. Smith will be an asset for the Golden Knights' bottom six and penalty kill, but won't offer much to fantasy teams.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 4, 2026
The Minnesota Wild have acquired center Michael McCarron from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL draft. Minnesota hopes to improve its penalty killing and face-off success with McCarron. He will also add muscle to the lineup, having led the Predators with 165 hits this season. The 30-year-old, who is in the final season of a two-year, $1.8 million contract, has also recorded 12 points (five goals, seven assists), 86 shots, 60 blocks, and 73 penalty minutes across 59 appearances. McCarron doesn't hold much fantasy value, but he looks like a good addition to the Wild's bottom-six.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
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