Jul 8, 2026, 2:37 PM ET

Across 16 games (10 starts) in 2025, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir recorded 72 catches for 719 yards and four touchdowns on 95 targets. The 26-year-old has been a high-floor, low-ceiling wide receiver option for fantasy managers in recent seasons, finishing as the WR37 in per-game PPR scoring in 2024 and the WR43 by the same measure in 2025. Shakir's primary usage in the Bills offense is as a short-area target out of the slot, as he averaged 10 yards per reception and 7.6 yards per target last year. Shakir has averaged 6.3 targets per game since the start of 2024, but he may not see such steady volume in 2026 following Buffalo's offseason acquisition of veteran wideout DJ Moore. Given Shakir's dependence on target volume for fantasy production, dynasty managers may want to consider moving him ahead of a possible workload decline in 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 8, 2026, 2:29 PM ET

A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm hauled in 44 catches for 357 yards and two touchdowns on 55 targets across 16 games as a rookie. While Helm's numbers don't leap off the page, he compiled them while primarily playing behind tight end Chig Okonkwo. Okonkwo has departed Tennessee for the Washington Commanders in free agency, leaving Helm atop the Titans tight end depth chart heading into 2026. With a new play-caller in place in Brian Daboll and quarterback Cam Ward entering his second season, Tennessee should also field a more productive pass game overall this year. Helm may not have elite fantasy upside, but he could easily emerge as a steady contributor and a trusted target for Ward. As the 26th tight end off the board by current redraft ADP, Helm profiles as a priority sleeper target for fantasy managers entering 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 8, 2026, 2:21 PM ET

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth saw his numbers decline across the board in 2025, as he finished the season with 41 catches for 486 yards and four touchdowns on 54 targets across 17 games (eight starts). After finishing as the TE13 by per-game PPR scoring in 2024, Freiermuth slipped down to TE32 by the same measure in 2025. Freiermuth could see a target boost in 2026 following the departure of former Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith in free agency. However, Pittsburgh signed tight end Darnell Washington to a lucrative contract extension and also brought in a high-volume target earner in wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. In dynasty formats, Freiermuth profiles as a sell candidate ahead of what could be another year of production decline.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 8, 2026, 2:11 PM ET

Across 16 games (five starts) in 2025, Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason recorded 809 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 173 touches. The 27-year-old has recorded just 28 receptions in 61 career NFL games, so his fantasy upside in PPR-scoring leagues is limited. Mason will also likely continue to split playing time in Minnesota with veteran running back Aaron Jones Sr., capping the workload potential of both backs. However, Jones Sr. is entering his age-32 season and has missed at least five games in two out of the last three years. Mason profiles as the better early-down and goal line rusher of the two backs, and the Vikings overall offense should be significantly improved with better quarterback play in 2026. As the 41st running back off the board by current redraft ADP, Mason profiles as a sneaky sleeper for fantasy managers to target in drafts.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 8, 2026, 2:07 PM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles acquired running back Tank Bigsby from the Jacksonville Jaguars early in the 2025 season, and he went on to carry the ball 58 times for 344 yards (career-high 5.9 yards per carry) and two touchdowns in 16 games (one start), adding three catches for 32 yards. Saquon Barkley remains the centerpiece for new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, but he needs a complementary weapon in the backfield, and that's were Bigsby comes in. The 24-year-old former third-rounder in 2023 out of Auburn is a physical, explosive RB who can give Barkley a breather while also helping Philly's ground attack remain strong as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign. If Bigsby can maintain his efficiency and explosive ability in a new-look Eagles offense, he could be the most valuable handcuff in fantasy circles in 2026. He probably won't become a fixture on offense as long as Barkley stays healthy, but he should be clearly ahead of Will Shipley, Dameon Pierce, and Elijah Mitchell in the Eagles' RB room. RotoBaller has Bigsby ranked as the No. 50 fantasy RB this year. If you draft Barkley early, make it a point to handcuff Bigsby to him later on.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Eagles Wire - Glenn Erby

Jul 8, 2026, 1:20 PM ET

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Arik Armstead had some high praise for two-way star Travis Hunter, calling him "probably the most naturally talented athlete I've been around" on Sirius XM NFL Radio. The Jaguars took the former Heisman Trophy winner with the second overall pick last year out of the University of Colorado. The wide receiver/cornerback came into the league with high fantasy expectations, but he underwhelmed with 28 catches on 45 targets for 298 yards and only one touchdown in seven games before suffering a season-ending knee injury in his rookie campaign. Armstead also called Hunter a "game-changer" and thinks he's in for a big second year in the NFL in 2026. Hunter saw only 154 snaps on defense last year, but the Jags' coaching staff has made it clear he'll be more involved as a defensive back in his second season. The 23-year-old is expected to be more of a full-time cornerback and part-time receiver, which is obviously bad news for his Year 2 fantasy upside, but it might be an excellent time to buy low in dynasty/keeper leagues. Hunter is currently ranked as the No. 73 WR at RotoBaller for the upcoming season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio

Jul 8, 2026, 12:00 PM ET

Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins quickly became the team's lead back in 2025 after he was selected with the 36th overall pick in the second round out of Ohio State. Judkins led the Browns' rushing attack with 230 carries for 827 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns in 14 starts while adding 26 receptions (36 targets) for 171 yards as a pass-catcher. "Runs incredibly hard, faster in the open field than you'd think. I think he's going to have a big year," an AFC executive said. Judkins was an honorable mention for ESPN's Jeremy Fowler in his top RB rankings for the 2026 season. The 22-year-old's first year in the NFL was cut short by a season-ending dislocated right ankle and fractured fibula in Week 16, but he took part in offseason workouts and should be good to go for Week 1 this fall. Judkins looked explosive in OTAs, but we'll get a better idea of his progress in training camp when the pads go on. In new head coach Todd Monken's offense, Judkins could have Year 2 breakout potential, and he'll come at the cost of a low-end RB2/high-end RB3 in fantasy drafts. Of course, the major drawback is Cleveland's less-than-ideal QB situation holding the entire offense hostage.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler

Jul 8, 2026, 11:19 AM ET

Free-agent cornerback Rasul Douglas is planning to sign a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders for up to $3.8 million, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 30-year-old veteran signed with the Miami Dolphins last year and played in 15 games, recording 62 tackles (37 solo), one sack, two interceptions, 13 pass breakups, and a forced fumble. He was moved into the starting lineup in Week 1 after an injury to Storm Duck, and by season's end, he had established himself as Miami's best cornerback. Douglas missed two games with ankle and foot injuries, but he returned in Week 13 and had interceptions in two straight games. He was named the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week after breaking up five passes and picking off a pass in Week 14 against the division-rival New York Jets. Douglas allowed 54 catches for 515 yards and three TDs on the year. He'll bring plenty of experience to D.C., having started 93 games for five teams during his nine-year NFL career.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Adam Schefter

Jul 8, 2026, 11:09 AM ET

Former Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, who is facing legal issues in Florida, was released by the Lions last week and cleared waivers on Monday to become a free agent, according to ESPN. Arnold was released after he was arrested on felony charges of armed robbery and kidnapping. He's expected to visit NFL teams that have shown an interest in signing him. The 23-year-old defensive back turned himself in on June 24 after authorities accused him of orchestrating the abduction and beating of three men whom prosecutors believe he wrongly suspected of having stolen luxury goods and $100,000 in cash from him. Arnold was a former first-round pick by the Lions in 2024 out of the University of Alabama, and he was scheduled to start outside opposite D.J. Reed this year before his release last week. He had two years and $4.8 million left on his rookie contract. It's unclear at this time if any other NFL team is willing to take on Arnold's baggage and give him another chance.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com

Jul 8, 2026, 11:01 AM ET

Despite the offseason acquisition of running back David Montgomery, the Houston Texans still plan on giving second-year RB Woody Marks "lots of opportunities" in 2026, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Marks emerged as Houston's lead back in his first year in the NFL, with Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) missing all year and Nick Chubb fading. He led the team with 703 rushing yards and two touchdowns and caught 24 passes for 208 yards and three more TDs. The 25-year-old former fourth-rounder out of USC is now adapting to what will be a complementary role alongside Montgomery, but the Texans still envision a solid workload for him in Year 2 that includes third-down pass-catching duties and carries, along with a new role on kickoff returns. While Marks may not be Houston's "lead back" now that Monty is in town, he can still be useful for their offense and as an RB4/flex target for fantasy managers in PPR leagues. In dynasty/keeper leagues, Marks is a prime buy-low target after the Texans traded for Montgomery.--Keith Hernandez
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson

Jul 8, 2026, 10:51 AM ET

Jordy McElroy of Patriots Wire writes that the New England Patriots are "desperately clinging to hope" that rookie third-round tight end Eli Raridon "can contribute right out of the gate" in 2026. If Raridon doesn't look like he can handle TE2 duties behind starter Hunter Henry in training camp this summer, it "wouldn't be a surprise" to see the Patriots bring in a veteran at the position to boost the competition. As of right now, McElroy lists Raridon as the No. 2 TE behind Henry, with Tanner Arkin, Jack Westover, and CJ Dippre behind him. Raridon, 22, is a versatile option at the position with the ability to be a solid receiver and blocker. He has a clear path to rookie-year snaps with Julian Hill (knee) going on season-ending Injured Reserve and with Austin Hooper leaving in free agency to sign with the Atlanta Falcons. The 6-foot-6, 245-pounder needs to improve his blocking, but if he can do that, he could have a meaningful role in 2026. And if Henry were to go down with an injury, Raridon would gain lots of steam off the waiver wire in all fantasy football leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Patriots Wire - Jordy McElroy

Jul 8, 2026, 10:45 AM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is heading into the final year of his contract in 2026, are "not close" to reaching a contract extension, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. "It's about finding that middle ground," Mayfield said. There is a lot of work to be done here, and Garafolo adds that the Bucs are in no rush to work something out with the 31-year-old signal-caller. The pressure to get something done before the start of the 2026 season could start to pick up at the start of training camp at the end of this month, but right now, nothing is close to being worked out. In the end, the two sides are expected to find that middle ground and get Mayfield locked up. Mayfield was a Pro Bowler in each of his first two seasons in Tampa, throwing for over 4,000 yards both years, but he took a step back in 2025, throwing for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 17 starts. Injuries are a concern, as well as the fact that he lost his No. 1 target in receiver Mike Evans in free agency in the offseason. The hope is that new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson can get Mayfield going in the right direction again, but he'll be a low-end QB2 with a lower floor heading into 2026 fantasy drafts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo

Jul 8, 2026, 10:01 AM ET

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard was one of the biggest surprises in fantasy in 2024, racking up 1,366 yards and 11 touchdowns in a season that would earn him a four-year, $33 million extension with the team. Injuries and inconsistency derailed his 2025 campaign, and he finished the year as the clear backup to Rico Dowdle, handling double-digit carries only one time after Week 8. With Dowdle departing in free agency and the Panthers making no significant additions to the position, Hubbard potentially faces a training camp battle with 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks. Reports out of the non-padded setting of minicamp praised Brooks for the explosiveness he's recaptured since an ACL tear ended his rookie season, but it's important to remember the injury was the second of its kind in 13 months, sandwiched around only nine professional carries. It's extremely unlikely that Brooks would step fully into Dowdle's vacated role and inherit the bulk of his 282 opportunities from a season ago. With Hubbard now also nearly ten months removed from the calf injury that landed him on injured reserve and reportedly tested his confidence upon his return, a split backfield in Carolina could lead to one of the league's more ambiguous situations and depressed ADPs for both players. Neither Hubbard nor Brooks is currently being drafted within the top 30 of the position, and with Dave Canales producing a top 16 fantasy back in each of his three seasons calling plays for Carolina and Tampa Bay, the opportunity is there for one or both to return difference-making value in 2026.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 8, 2026, 9:51 AM ET

New Orleans Saints veteran Juwan Johnson was a top-10 fantasy tight end in 2025, and he heads into his seventh season as one of the more undervalued players at the position. He likely faces significantly stiffer target competition with the Saints spending the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on dynamic wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, but in Kellen Moore's up-tempo offense, there should be no shortage of volume to go around. With second-year quarterback Tyler Shough preparing for his first full year as a starter, the Saints could see an increase to their 34.8 pass attempts per game from a season ago. After taking over as starter in Week 9, Shough faced an expected ramp-up period, but following the team's Week 11 bye, the rookie threw the fourth most passes in the league, and only Trey McBride and Kyle Pitts topped Johnson's 34 catches or 398 yards from the tight end spot. The Saints also spent a third-round pick on tight end Oscar Delp, but as more of a traits-based prospect who never reached 25 receptions or 285 yards across his four seasons at Georgia, he could take time to develop at the next level, and Johnson should remain entrenched at the top of the depth chart for 2026. Currently being drafted as the TE17, Johnson should again see enough volume to greatly exceed ADP, and if he can improve upon his three touchdown grabs from a year ago, he could ultimately prove to be one of the best values at the position.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 8, 2026, 9:37 AM ET

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal led the team in rushing in 2025 and, with very little fanfare, turned in four different performances as the RB8 or better. While the 2024 sixth-round pick was obviously not the first plan in Jim Harbaugh's offense, veteran acquisition Najee Harris and first-round pick Omarion Hampton both succumbed to serious injuries that thrust Vidal into a starting role in which he handled himself admirably. In seven games in 2025, Vidal saw at least 10 carries, and despite playing behind an injury-ravaged offensive line that has been panned as one of the league's worst units, he averaged more than 80 rushing yards in such contests, scoring three touchdowns on the ground and a fourth through the air. While free agent acquisition Keaton Mitchell has rightfully been spotlighted as a natural fit in new coordinator Mike McDaniel's speed-based offense, at only 5'8" and 191 pounds, with a history of significant injuries, he is unlikely to see a substantial uptick in carries should presumed bell cow Hampton again miss extended time. In such a scenario, it would likely be Vidal who handles the bulk of the early-down work, and in what projects to be one of the league's most improved offenses, that could easily translate to continued fantasy success. Vidal is RotoBaller's dynasty RB63, and in deeper redraft leagues, he's worth a look at the end of drafts as one of the more valuable insurance backs in the league.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller