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Todd Bowles Says he Wants Baker Mayfield Around Long Term
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Thursday that there is "absolutely no question" he wants veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield around long term, according to Jenna Laine of ESPN. Mayfield said just last week that he and the team are "not anywhere close to what we were thinking" as he seeks a new deal going into the final year of his three-year, $100 million deal. The 31-year-old wants a new deal done before the start of training camp at the end of July. If a deal isn't reached by then, Mayfield and his agent, Tom Mills, plan to shut down negotiations and focus on the 2026 season. If no deal is struck during or after the season, Mayfield would become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Mayfield led Tampa to back-to-back NFC South titles in 2023 and 2024 immediately after Tom Brady retired. The team has gone 27-24 with Mayfield as their starter, and he was a Pro Bowler in both 2023 and 2024 while throwing for over 4,000 yards in both seasons. He took a step back last year, though, throwing for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 picks in 17 starts. Mayfield's fantasy stock is down entering his ninth NFL season due to durability concerns and the fact that he lost his top wideout, future Hall of Famer Mike Evans, in free agency. RotoBaller currently has Mayfield ranked as the No. 20 QB for the 2026 campaign.
Source: ESPN.com - Jenna Laine
Source: ESPN.com - Jenna Laine
Vikings QB Competition Not Expected to Last Until End of Training Camp
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell plans to have quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy compete for the starting job in training camp, but The Athletic's Alec Lewis reports that O'Connell said he "doesn't plan to take the competition until the end of training camp." Over the five practices open to the media in recent weeks, neither Murray nor McCarthy "performed drastically better than the other." Both players split reps evenly. O'Connell suggested both QBs will play in the preseason, but he cautioned against reading too much into circumstances and reps. Murray's "arm talent surfaced early," and McCarthy's "experience in the offense showed itself" in seven-on-seven situations. O'Connell acknowledged the hurdle that Murray faces in "absorbing the most complex scheme of his career in a confined period of time." None of Minnesota's players have hinted at a favorite, but Murray feels like the favorite before the start of training camp, especially when considering McCarthy's injuries and inconsistency as the Vikings' starter a year ago. Right now, Murray is the more attractive low-end QB2 target in best-ball drafts with upside for plenty more because of his scrambling ability if he ends up being named the starter.
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Is Cam Ward a Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate With Improved Offensive System?
The No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward, finished his rookie year with 3,169 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 17 games. While the 24-year-old mostly struggled in his first season, he remains the unquestioned starter in Tennessee heading into 2026 and should have a vastly improved offensive ecosystem around him. The Titans brought in a new play-caller in Brian Daboll, selected wide receiver Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and signed veteran slot receiver Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency. Ward also reportedly showed up to OTAs looking noticeably slimmer, which could help improve his rushing production after he logged 159 yards and two touchdowns on 39 carries in 2025. Ward's underwhelming rookie season brings some risk to his dynasty profile, as it may become clear that he's not the long-term answer in Tennessee if he disappoints again in 2026. However, the dysfunctional nature of the environment around him last season cannot be discounted. Dynasty managers may be wise to try to buy low on Ward ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Cedric Tillman Still Worthy of a Dynasty Roster Spot?
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman saw his production drop off across the board in 2025, as he finished the year with 21 receptions for 270 yards and two touchdowns on 39 targets. The 26-year-old suffered an early-season hamstring injury that landed him on Injured Reserve and may have ultimately derailed his campaign. However, injuries have been a persistent issue for Tillman, as he's missed 13 games over the first three years of his NFL career. As he enters the final season on his rookie contract with the Browns, Tillman may no longer be a part of the team's long-term plans. Cleveland enters 2026 with a new coaching staff in place and used a pair of top-40 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft on wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. A change of scenery could be what Tillman needs to get his career off the ground, but he's done little to this point to prove he's worthy of a spot on dynasty rosters.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emmett Johnson Offers High-End Dynasty Handcuff Appeal in Kansas City
After a highly productive career at the University of Nebraska, running back Emmett Johnson was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Johnson dominated the Big Ten in 2025, recording 1,821 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns on 297 touches across 12 games. His path to the starting job with the Chiefs is blocked by running back Kenneth Walker III, whom Kansas City signed to a big-money deal in free agency in March. However, Johnson could emerge as the team's RB2 in 2026 if he can beat out fellow Kansas City backs Emari Demercado and Brashard Smith. Walker III was fully healthy in 2025, but he missed 10 games over the first three seasons of his NFL career from 2022 to 2024. If Johnson establishes himself as the primary backup running back for the Chiefs, his three-down skill set makes him a high-end handcuff option for fantasy managers. In dynasty formats, Johnson's stock is rising entering his rookie campaign.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is it Time for Dynasty Managers to Move on From Devaughn Vele?
Across 13 games in 2025, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele recorded 25 catches for 293 yards and two touchdowns on 39 targets. Vele played a minimal role in his team's passing game early in the year, but he emerged as a larger piece after the Saints traded wide receiver Rashid Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks at the 2025 trade deadline. Across a four-game stretch from Week 12 to Week 15, Vele recorded 19 receptions for 236 yards and a score on 26 targets. However, Vele suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 15 and may now be facing another uphill battle for playing time in New Orleans in 2026. The Saints were aggressive in pursuing wide receiver talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, using a first-round pick on Jordyn Tyson and day three selections on wideouts Bryce Lance and Barion Brown. Although Vele is only in his third NFL campaign, he's already entering his age-29 season and likely offers limited upside for dynasty managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brenen Thompson a Worthy Long-Term Upside Bet for Dynasty Managers
After recording 54 receptions for 1,054 yards and six touchdowns across 13 games in his final collegiate season at Mississippi State, wide receiver Brenen Thompson was selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers. Thompson is known as a vertical field stretcher with elite speed, as evidenced by his 4.26-second 40-yard dash at the 2026 Scouting Combine. The 22-year-old will be part of a crowded wide receiver room in Los Angeles and projects to play a reserve role as a rookie behind Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre' Harris. Still, Thompson may have found an ideal landing spot with the Chargers thanks to the presence of new play-caller Mike McDaniel, who has a proven track record of weaponizing players with speed from his time with the Miami Dolphins. In dynasty formats, Thompson's long-term outlook is trending upwards ahead of his rookie campaign.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Should Dynasty Managers Explore Selling High on Jonathan Taylor?
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor put together a dominant year in 2025, recording 1,963 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns on 369 touches. The 27-year-old averaged 4.9 yards per carry while also setting career-highs in targets (55), receptions (46), and receiving yards (378). Entering 2026, Taylor once again projects as the focal point of a Colts offense that will get quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) back from the Achilles injury that ended his 2025 season prematurely. However, fantasy managers may have a reason to be concerned about Taylor's ability to hold up after shouldering such a large workload last season. After recording 372 touches in 2021, Taylor proceeded to miss 16 games over a three-season span between 2022 and 2024. He also has a history of recurring ankle injuries, which could easily pop back up in 2026. While Taylor is still a high-level fantasy running back, dynasty managers may want to explore selling high on him for a monstrous package ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malik Nabers' Uncertain Health Status Creating Buy-Low Window?
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) had a lost season in 2025 after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 4. Nabers underwent surgery to repair both his ACL and meniscus, and the severity of the injury has his status for the start of the 2026 season currently in question. Nabers looked like a future superstar at the wide receiver position before getting hurt, recording 127 receptions for 1,475 yards and nine touchdowns on 205 targets across the first 19 games of his NFL career. Until he shows he is fully healthy and back to the player he was before the injury, Nabers' profile obviously comes with some risk for dynasty managers. Still, Nabers is only entering his age-23 season and still profiles as the obvious centerpiece in an improving Giants passing game. Even if he misses games to start 2026, he profiles long-term as a high-end dynasty WR1 as long as he eventually makes a full recovery. In dynasty formats, managers may have a golden opportunity to pursue Nabers at what could be the absolute low point in his value entering 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Should Jaxon Smith-Njigba Be Viewed as the Overall Dynasty WR1?
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerged as a superstar in 2025, recording 119 receptions for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns on 163 targets across 17 games. The 24-year-old put together one of the most preposterously efficient pass-catching seasons in NFL history, averaging 3.61 yards per route run. Entering 2026, Smith-Njigba may face some standard regression to the mean from an efficiency perspective. However, the Seahawks were one of the most run-heavy teams in the NFL last season, finishing the year ranked 30th in pass rate. If Seattle is forced to turn to the air a bit more this upcoming season, a slight volume bump for Smith-Njigba could help make up for any drop-off in efficiency. Either way, Smith-Njigba is entering the prime of his career and appears poised to be one of the best wide receivers in fantasy football for the foreseeable future. In dynasty formats, he has a legitimate case to be valued as the number one overall wide receiver.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Matthew Stafford a Clear Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Entering 2026
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford put together a career year in 2025, throwing for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns across 17 games and winning his first NFL MVP award. Entering 2026, the veteran signal-caller should once again have a strong ecosystem around him in Los Angeles and has a good chance to be the leader of one of the NFL's best offenses. Even still, Stafford is facing likely production regression as he heads into his age-38 season. Stafford's touchdown rate spiked to 7.7% last year, a significant jump from both his 2024 rate (3.9%) and his career mark (4.8%). Because Stafford offers zero upside as a rusher, even a slight regression in his touchdown rate would significantly impact his fantasy production. Additionally, Stafford still faces heightened injury risk given his age and history of back and neck issues. In dynasty formats, managers may want to explore taking advantage of a clear sell-high window on Stafford.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Calvin Ridley May Carry Buy-Low Appeal for Win-Now Dynasty Managers
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (leg) endured a nightmare season in 2025. After missing three games with a hamstring injury he suffered in Week 6, the veteran wideout suffered a season-ending broken fibula in Week 11. All in all, Ridley finished the year with just 17 receptions for 303 yards and zero touchdowns on 36 targets across seven games. While Ridley is still working his way back from the leg injury, he's reportedly begun seven-on-seven work and is expected to be ready to go for the start of 2026. The Titans made a couple of notable additions to their wide receiver room over the offseason, selecting wide receiver Carnell Tate fourth overall in the 2026 Draft and signing slot receiver Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency. While Tate could immediately usurp Ridley as the Titans' WR1, Ridley should remain a key target for young Tennessee quarterback Cameron Ward. Coming off a serious leg injury and entering his age-32 season, Ridley should not be expected to provide peak production. Still, win-now dynasty managers may have an opportunity to buy low on him entering 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Dalton Kincaid a Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate with Improved Health Outlook?
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid had one of his most efficient seasons in 2025, recording 39 catches for 571 yards and five touchdowns on just 49 targets. However, hamstring, oblique, and lingering knee injuries limited him to just 12 games. Kincaid has now missed nine contests over the past two seasons. Even when active, the Bills have limited his snap counts: In 2025, Kincaid played fewer than 50% of his team's offensive snaps in every game following Week 5. Entering 2026, Kincaid is reportedly fully healthy and feeling as good as he's felt since entering the NFL. If he can maintain his efficiency while shouldering a larger workload, Kincaid could finally emerge as a high-impact fantasy tight end. Still, the 26-year-old's extensive injury track record and his usage in Buffalo to this point in his career are red flags. Kincaid profiles as a high-risk, high-reward buy-low candidate for dynasty managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
How High is Carnell Tate's Dynasty Upside?
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate is entering his first NFL season with plenty of hype after being selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Tate was one of the better big-play threats in college football last season, recording 51 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns across 11 games at Ohio State. In Tennessee, he should have an opportunity to immediately emerge as the team's number one wide receiver on the outside. While the Titans have a pair of solid veteran wideouts in Wan'Dale Robinson and Calvin Ridley and some intriguing youngsters in Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor, Tate is clearly the highest-upside pass-catcher on the roster. Tennessee's overall offensive environment remains an open question, as Tate's fantasy value is tied to the development of Titans quarterback Cameron Ward. Still, Tate landed in an ideal spot for immediate production in Tennessee and enters 2026 as RotoBaller's dynasty WR14.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Could Keenan Allen Find a Home Before Training Camp?
Veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen has caught more than 1,000 passes in his 13-year career, but with minicamp sessions concluding around the league, the six-time Pro Bowler remains a free agent. Now, however, as teams enter the six-week summer hiatus before training camp, Allen's name is one to monitor, as coaches and general managers look to put the finishing touches on their 2026 rosters. Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz had recently suggested that the door might still be open for a potential reunion, and on Thursday, ESPN's Colts reporter Stephen Holder noted that Indianapolis could still be mulling over the addition of another receiver, specifically naming Allen and Deebo Samuel Sr. as potential options. With the Colts trading away their leading-target earner from each of the past five seasons in Michael Pittman Jr., Allen would seem a natural fit as another big body in the intermediate area of the field, but as he remains unsigned to this point, the 34-year-old wideout is RotoBaller's dynasty WR111.
Source: Stephen Holder - ESPN
Source: Stephen Holder - ESPN
