RADIO
Will Darius Slayton Be Phased Out of New-Look Giants Offense?
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton is slated to miss the entirety of the team's spring offseason program after undergoing surgery for a core-muscle injury in late April, but he is expected back for the start of training camp in what will likely be late July. When he does return to practice, the receiver room will look much different than the one he last occupied, with the Giants spending a 2026 third-round pick on Malachi Fields before doling out low-money contracts to Odell Beckham Jr., JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Braxton Berrios, to go along with the earlier free agent signings of Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III. While the depth chart could shake out in any number of ways, none of them particularly attractive for fantasy, the biggest question mark pertaining to the Giants receiver room is the health of 2024 first-round pick Malik Nabers, who continues to work his way back from the complicated knee injury that ended his sophomore campaign. With Nabers shelved for most of the year, Slayton finished second on the team with 538 receiving yards, but even with the Giants' leading receiver, Wan'Dale Robinson, departing in free agency, the situation has become far less conducive to fantasy success for the 29-year-old veteran. After a WR64 finish in 2025, Slayton has fallen to RotoBaller's dynasty WR136.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Keaton Mitchell Carve Out a Large Enough Role for a Fantasy Breakout?
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell brought energy and excitement to the field throughout his three-year stint with the Ravens, but injuries and a 191-pound frame have limited him to only 144 total opportunities across those three seasons. Regularly showcasing his game-breaking speed, he averaged a whopping 6.8 yards per touch on that minimal workload, and in agreeing to terms on a two-year deal with the Chargers, he lands with an offensive coordinator in Mike McDaniel who arguably values speed more than any playcaller in the league. Mitchell is expected to serve primarily as a change-of-pace back behind 2025 first-round pick Omarion Hampton, so he won't see the type of volume that allowed McDaniel to turn past speedsters De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert into Pro Bowlers, but in an offense known for creating space for its playmakers, a career year is very much in the cards. At only 24 years old, Mitchell is RotoBaller's RB80, but now, almost 30 months removed from the ACL tear that ended his rookie season and cost him the majority of his sophomore campaign, he is an easy player to get excited about and a low-cost breakout candidate, particularly in best ball formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kayshon Boutte Will Attend Mandatory Minicamp
After missing the voluntary portion of organized team activities, New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte told local news station WBZ that he plans to attend the team's mandatory minicamp practices that begin on Tuesday. Leading up to the trade that landed three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown in New England, the Patriots made public their willingness to trade away the fourth-year receiver out of LSU, and in recent weeks, Boutte has expressed a similar interest. A favorite downfield target of MVP runner-up Drake Maye, Boutte led all Patriots wide receivers with six touchdown grabs in 2025 while topping 550 receiving yards for the second straight season, but with the arrivals of Brown and free agent acquisition Romeo Doubs, he faces a diminished role in 2026. Once viewed as a first-round talent before injuries and off-field concerns dropped him to the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Boutte is a dynasty hold who is still fully capable of carving out a fantasy-friendly role. A natural deep ball tracker, he can provide necessary depth, particularly in best ball formats, depending on where he ultimately plays out the final year of his rookie contract before potentially reaching free agency in 2027.
Source: Dan Roche - WBZ
Source: Dan Roche - WBZ
Jonathon Brooks to Be Carolina's Lead Back in 2026?
Expectations around Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks continue to rise, with NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe recently appearing on The Insiders Podcast and stating that if healthy, Brooks could handle lead back responsibilities over veteran Chuba Hubbard. Wolfe noted that the team allowed 2025's leading rusher, Rico Dowdle, to walk in free agency in part because they believe that their 2024 second-round pick is "ready to be the guy". Brooks missed all of the 2025 season after tearing the ACL in his right knee as a rookie, the second such injury to the same knee in just over a year. Coming off an RB15 finish in 2024 that resulted in a multi-year contract extension, Hubbard struggled through inconsistency and injuries of his own in 2025 and eventually ceded lead-back responsibilities to Dowdle, who ended the year with almost 1,400 all-purpose yards and seven total touchdowns. Brooks is RotoBaller's RB 40 in redraft leagues, but that ranking is certain to rise if he continues to pick up steam throughout minicamp and into training camp, and he could become one of 2026's better values for early drafters.
Source: The Insiders Podcast
Source: The Insiders Podcast
Kenneth Gainwell Standing Out at OTAs
With Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) sidelined during OTAs this offseason, newcomer Kenneth Gainwell is standing out and "making the most of his extra reps," according to Scott Reynolds of Pewter Report. Gainwell is serving as Tampa's RB1 with Irving sidelined, and not Sean Tucker. The 27-year-old has proven to be "reliable and instinctive" in all phases of the game after having a career year in 2025 in his lone season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, carrying the ball 114 times for 537 yards (4.7 yards per tote) and five touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (two starts). Gainwell added a career-best 73 receptions on 85 targets for 486 receiving yards and three receiving TDs in 2025. The former fifth-rounder by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021 out of the University of Memphis has made a strong first impression with the Bucs, but with Irving expected to be fine for the start of the 2026 regular season, it's going to be tough for Gainwell to be as productive as he was a year ago. As long as both Irving and Tucker are healthy, Gainwell will be part of a crowded backfield with a new offensive coordinator at the helm in Tampa. Gainwell still carries plenty of value in PPR leagues, but fantasy managers shouldn't overspend for an RB who should be considered more of an RB3/flex every week.
Source: Pewter Report - Scott Reynolds
Source: Pewter Report - Scott Reynolds
Bhayshul Tuten "Picking Up Steam," More in-Tune With New Scheme
Sports Illustrated's John Shipley writes that it's hard to get much of a read on the Jacksonville Jaguars running back room during OTAs this offseason because they are not in pads, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. (undisclosed) hasn't been with the team during the offseason program so far. With that said, Shipley also notes that Tuten "looked like he was picking up steam" during OTAs, and head coach Liam Coen said he likes the way he's running compared to a year ago, and Tuten looks like he's "more in-tune with the scheme" than as a rookie in 2025. If the 23-year-old continues to build on his momentum going into Year 2, especially if C-Rod continues to be absent, Tuten's fantasy football stock will continue to rise as a clear RB2 target in fantasy drafts because of his explosiveness and home run abilities out of the backfield. The former fourth-rounder out of Virginia Tech only averaged 3.7 yards per carry with 307 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns in 15 regular-season games in his first year in the NFL, and he added 10 catches for 79 yards and two more scores. But with Travis Etienne Jr. now in New Orleans, Tuten has the clearest path in Duval to lead-back duties in Coen's offense, which hit its stride in the second half of 2025.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Is Jadarian Price Still Undervalued in Dynasty Formats?
After averaging six yards per carry across his three seasons at the University of Notre Dame, running back Jadarian Price was selected 32nd overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. With Seahawks RB1 Zach Charbonnet (knee) recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in mid-January, Price could be in a position to immediately assume the RB1 role in Seattle. It's worth noting that Price did not play a workhorse role in college thanks to the presence of former Notre Dame and current Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love. The Seahawks also signed veteran back Emanuel Wilson, who profiles as a capable stop-gap option in the backfield. Still, Price is by far the highest upside running back in Seattle, and he projects to be the team's running back of the future with Charbonnet entering the final year of his current contract in 2026. Price's dynasty value has skyrocketed since the NFL Draft, but he still may be worth investing in ahead of his potential rookie-year emergence.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Isaiah Bond Still Worthy of a Dynasty Roster Spot?
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Isaiah Bond recorded 18 receptions for 338 yards and zero touchdowns on 44 targets across 16 games as a rookie in 2025. The 22-year-old wasn't exactly helped by the offensive environment around him in Cleveland, which was one of the worst in the NFL last season. Still, Bond was unable to establish himself as a consistent contributor in a Browns' passing game that was desperately searching for pass-catching talent to emerge. Entering 2026, Bond looks to be in a much worse position to secure a spot in Cleveland's long-term plans. The Browns used top-40 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft on wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston and retained veteran wideouts Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman. Bond still carries some dynasty upside, but he may also find himself completely on the outside looking in in Cleveland. RotoBaller ranks Bond as the dynasty WR113 heading into 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Pittman Jr.'s Dynasty Outlook Clouded by Long-Term QB Uncertainty
After spending the first six seasons of his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in March. Across 17 games with the Colts in 2025, Pittman Jr. recorded 80 receptions for 784 yards and seven touchdowns on 111 targets. While the 28-year-old has never been the most explosive downfield threat, he's made his bones as a possession receiver who can consistently win in the short and intermediate areas of the field. That may make him a perfect fit with Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who prefers to get the ball out of his hands as quickly as possible at this stage of his career. Still, Pittman Jr.'s production has generally been declining since his highest-usage year in 2023, when he hauled in 109 catches for 1,152 yards on 156 targets. He also faces target competition in Pittsburgh from veteran wideout DK Metcalf and rookie wide receivers Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen. In dynasty formats, managers may want to look to sell high on Pittman Jr.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Win-Now Dynasty Managers Have a Buy-Low Window on Stefon Diggs
Veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs was a key piece in the New England Patriots' run to the Super Bowl last season, hauling in 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns on 102 targets across 17 games. However, Diggs was released by New England in March and is currently without a home for the 2026 season. While the 32-year-old is no longer the player he once was at his peak, Diggs proved with the Patriots that he can still be a productive pass-catcher and is sure to land a deal somewhere in the next few months. Without knowing what his role will look like with his next team, Diggs' fantasy value is tough to project. Still, his extended track record as a useful PPR wideout should give fantasy managers confidence in his production floor for 2026. For dynasty managers in win-now mode, now might be the best time to buy low on Diggs.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is it Time for Dynasty Managers to Drop Will Howard?
A sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard did not see the field as a rookie and spent a chunk of the year on Injured Reserve after breaking his hand in training camp. While the 24-year-old was never expected to contribute as a rookie, there was a thought at the time he was drafted that he might have an outside chance to emerge as Pittsburgh's quarterback of the future. Entering 2026, that possibility looks extremely remote. Aaron Rodgers is back for one final season as the Steelers' starter in 2026, and veteran Mason Rudolph is firmly in place as the team's backup. Perhaps most importantly for Howard's long-term future in Pittsburgh, the team used a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Penn State quarterback Drew Allar. As a result, Howard could find himself without a roster spot in Pittsburgh as soon as this fall. In dynasty formats, managers should feel comfortable moving on from Howard.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DK Metcalf's Dynasty Stock is Declining Rapidly Entering 2026
Across 15 games in his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, wide receiver DK Metcalf recorded 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns on 99 targets. Despite being the obvious number one option in the Pittsburgh passing game, Metcalf set career lows in both targets and receiving yards. Entering 2026, Metcalf may be in an even worse position to produce in Pittsburgh. The Steelers acquired wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason, who has seen at least 111 targets in each of the last five seasons while playing for the Indianapolis Colts. Pittsburgh also used second and fourth-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft on wideouts Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen. As Metcalf enters his age-29 season, his dynasty stock is at an all-time low.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
How Will Isaac TeSlaa Follow Up on a Strong 2025 Finish?
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa had a relatively quiet rookie season, propped up by an unreal 23% of his targets resulting in touchdowns. While he did turn himself into a steady contributor by year's end, making at least two catches in four of his final six games, that stretch only occurred after tight end Sam LaPorta was placed on injured reserve with a herniated disc in his back. With LaPorta healthy and participating in organized team activities, there's a chance TeSlaa is pushed outside the margins of fantasy relevance in a new-look Lions offense. Only two current playcallers ran a higher percentage of plays out of multi-tight end sets than new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing did with the Cardinals last year, which could spell trouble for a receiver who already failed to reach a 60% snap share in 13 of 17 games as a rookie. An older prospect coming into the league, TeSlaa is now 24 and RotoBaller's dynasty WR87, but unless he can find a way to sustain his seemingly unsustainable touchdown rate from 2025, even that could prove to be too high a ranking.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Troy Franklin a Dynasty Hold with Potentially Rough Times Ahead
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin took a sizable step forward in 2025, more than doubling his targets, receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown totals from an underwhelming 2024 rookie campaign. Unfortunately, with changes coming to the Broncos offense in 2026, Franklin's production is likely to plateau or crater following his WR33 finish. Quarterback Bo Nix is at his best when he's spreading the ball around, and following the additions of Jaylen Waddle via trade and capable pass-catching running back Jonah Coleman through the draft, Franklin will have a hard time reaching anything close to his 18% target share from 2025. Veteran Courtland Sutton still profiles as the go-to red zone weapon, and second-year player Pat Bryant showed flashes down the stretch and looked to be a major part of the game plan in two separate playoff outings that he left early with injury. Still only 23 years old and RotoBaller's WR79, Franklin is a dynasty hold coming off a 65-catch, 709-yard season. That said, even though Sutton is already north of 30, he agreed to a four-year extension last season that keeps him under contract through the 2029 season, meaning any eventual takeover by Franklin is likely to be a gradual one with fantasy frustrations along the way.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Trevor Lawrence Finally Becoming the Can't-Miss Player That Was Promised?
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has taken more than five years to approach anything close to the generational billing that made him the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Now that he finds himself in the best situation of his young career, past fantasy hurts have left him somewhat overlooked and underrated by the dynasty community. A physical specimen at 6'6" and 220 pounds, Lawrence's rushing prowess was unlocked in his first season with Liam Coen, resulting in career-highs of 359 yards and nine rushing scores. Over the final 10 weeks of the 2025 season, he was the fantasy QB1, and while the pecking order of an incredibly deep Jaguars' receiving room is one of the more hotly contested debates in fantasy circles, Lawrence benefits from throwing to all of them. Still only 26 years old, Lawrence is RotoBaller's dynasty QB11, but if Coen and the Jaguars can continue to build upon what they established in 2025, he could soon be viewed as one of the biggest bargains in the game.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
