Jun 30, 2026, 1:35 PM ET

The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala suggests that the Washington Commanders might be shying away from considering adding veteran wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) this offseason if the San Francisco 49ers end up releasing him. The Commanders were interested in Aiyuk enough earlier in the offseason to consider a one-year, highly-incentivized deal if and when the 49ers ever released him. The former first-rounder has clear ties to Washington, as he's close friends with quarterback Jayden Daniels, and general manager Adam Peters was part of San Fran's front office when it drafted Aiyuk in 2020. The Commanders were never going to trade for Aiyuk, but they have been intrigued by the proposition of pairing him with WR1 Terry McLaurin in 2026 and possibly beyond. But since then, Aiyuk has posted erratic Instagram rants that "have created worry about Aiyuk's frame of mind." The Commanders could still consider the 28-year-old before the start of training camp if the Niners release him, but they'd "have to feel incredibly confident that he's fit, physically and emotionally." That is now a big "if" given his recent history and the fallout with the 49ers. On top of that, Aiyuk didn't play at all in 2025 due to a season-ending knee injury in 2024. It goes without saying that Aiyuk will be a massive question mark wherever he's playing in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala

Jun 30, 2026, 1:19 PM ET

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Seattle Seahawks speedy wide receiver Rashid Shaheed had a "major spring," and he and quarterback Sam Darnold are "hitting it off." The Seahawks are expected to employ more motions and shifts this year under new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, and they are planning to give Shaheed more work in the underneath and intermediate areas of the field. The 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Weber State could be a big-time player for the Seahawks in 2026 after he caught 15 of 26 targets for 188 yards and no touchdowns in nine regular-season games (four starts) after the Seahawks acquired him midseason from the New Orleans Saints. Shaheed had only three grabs on 10 targets for 78 yards in three postseason games, so he wasn't exactly a big part of last year's offense. Apparently that could change under Fleury, making the speedy wideout a potential late-round sleeper in fantasy drafts this fall. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 59 fantasy WR. In nine starts with the Saints before being traded in 2025, Shaheed had 44 receptions for 499 yards and two scores on 66 targets.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler

Jun 30, 2026, 1:11 PM ET

The Seattle Seahawks didn't draft rookie running back Jadarian Price with the 32nd overall pick in the first round in April with the thought that he'd become a high-volume starter right away, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN. It was not a surprise that Price worked with Seattle's No. 1 offense behind George Holani during offseason workouts, and he will share time with Holani and newcomer Emanuel Wilson as the Seahawks wait for Zach Charbonnet (Achilles) to return. It remains to be seen how much Price will be able to contribute in the passing game after he finished his three-year collegiate career at Notre Dame with only 15 receptions for 162 yards and three touchdowns in 41 games played. Price looked capable as a pass-catcher during the spring, but his ability to carve out a role on passing downs could be the difference between him having RB2 upside in fantasy and just being a hard-to-trust RB3/flex option in 2026 in his rookie campaign. Price's long-term upside is clearly higher than both Holani and Wilson, but Charbonnet's impending return could make things messy for Price in terms of guaranteed volume in his first year with Seattle.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson

Jun 30, 2026, 11:59 AM ET

A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Seattle Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo finished his rookie season with just 15 receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown on 26 targets across 13 games (four starts). The 23-year-old spent the majority of the year behind Seahawks tight end AJ Barner on the team's depth chart at the position. Seattle also recorded the NFL's third-lowest pass rate as a team in 2025, which likely held down the fantasy production of all of its pass-catchers outside of star wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. While Barner remains with the Seahawks entering 2026, Arroyo is a more explosive athlete and may be the higher-upside pass-catcher of the two. Seattle may also be forced to turn to the air a bit more in 2026, as the team was forced to rework its backfield over the offseason. For dynasty managers in the midst of a rebuild, buying low on Arroyo could be a move that pays dividends long-term.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 30, 2026, 11:50 AM ET

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker had the most productive season of his career in 2025, recording 57 catches for 696 yards and five touchdowns on 92 targets across 17 games. With star Raiders tight end Brock Bowers battling injury for most of the year and veteran wideout Jakobi Meyers being dealt at the trade deadline, Tucker took on a higher-volume role in his team's offense. Las Vegas added a pair of veteran wideouts in Jalen Nailor and Dareke Young in free agency, neither of whom profiles as a significantly high-volume target earner. Still, Bowers should be healthier in 2026, and young Raiders wideouts Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. could take on larger roles as well. Even in his emergent campaign last season, Tucker averaged an underwhelming 1.19 yards per route run. In dynasty formats, managers could be wise to try to take advantage of a potential sell-high window on Tucker ahead of 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 30, 2026, 11:40 AM ET

A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech struggled to produce as a rookie. Across 16 games (five starts), the 23-year-old recorded 20 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns on 29 targets. In fairness to Bech, the offensive environment around him in Las Vegas was arguably the NFL's worst in 2025. Entering 2026, the Raiders have a new play-caller in Klint Kubiak and two new quarterbacks in Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza. The team also made only modest additions to its wide receiver room in free agency, signing veterans Jalen Nailor and Dareke Young. As underwhelming as Bech's production as a rookie was, he should have another chance to make an impression in 2026 and a more competent supporting cast to help him reach his ceiling. Per Michael Canelo of Sports Illustrated, Bech has "already been making noise" at Raiders spring workouts. In dynasty formats, rebuilding dynasty managers may want to explore buy-low trades for Bech.--Will Brady
Source: Sports Illustrated - Michael Canelo

Jun 30, 2026, 11:29 AM ET

After recording 1,112 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns on 187 touches across 12 games for the University of Washington in 2025, running back Jonah Coleman was selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Entering training camp, Coleman likely profiles as the RB3 in Denver behind veteran J.K. Dobbins and 2025 second-rounder RJ Harvey. If Dobbins and Harvey stay healthy, Coleman's usage in 2026 may be limited. However, Dobbins has a long track record of injury issues, as he's cracked 200 touches in just one season since entering the NFL in 2020. Harvey averaged just 3.7 yards per carry as a rookie last season and was much more effective as a receiver out of the backfield, which could be the role the Broncos envision him playing long-term. With a steady rookie season, Coleman could emerge as Denver's lead rusher heading into 2027, and an injury to Dobbins could open a path to playing time even sooner. In dynasty formats, Coleman profiles as a priority stash candidate entering 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 30, 2026, 11:22 AM ET

Across 14 games in 2025, New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton recorded 37 catches for 538 yards and one touchdown on 63 targets. Slayton remains a steady downfield presence, as he's averaged 15.1 yards per reception over the last four seasons. However, he was unable to step into a higher-volume role last season, even after star Giants wideout Malik Nabers (knee) went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 4. Entering 2026, New York has a new coaching staff in place that may not be as partial to Slayton. The Giants signed veteran wideouts Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III, and Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency in addition to using a third-round pick in the 2026 Draft on wide receiver Malachi Fields. As Slayton enters his age-29 season, he may be in line for a significantly reduced role in his team's offense. In dynasty formats, managers may want to see whether they can move Slayton for any value.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 30, 2026, 11:14 AM ET

New Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael may place a greater emphasis on involving running back James Cook III in the team's passing game, according to Matt Parrino of syracuse.com. Cook III recorded 44 catches for 445 yards and four touchdowns in 2023, but he's finished with fewer than 35 receptions and 300 receiving yards in each of the past two seasons. The 26-year-old saw his largest overall workload in 2025, topping 300 carries for the first time and recording 342 touches overall. Carmichael was a part of many offenses with the New Orleans Saints, which heavily featured running back Alvin Kamara as a pass-catcher, and could bring a similar flavor to Buffalo. If Cook III can up his receiving workload without seeing a significant drop-off in rushing production, he may have overall fantasy RB1 upside in 2026.--Will Brady
Source: syracuse.com - Matt Parrino

Jun 30, 2026, 10:00 AM ET

Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell has averaged more than six yards per rushing attempt through his first three seasons in the league, but injuries and a sub-200-pound frame have limited him to fewer than 60 carries every year. Landing in a Chargers offense, where new coordinator Mike McDaniel values speed above perhaps any other trait, Mitchell has a chance to see the largest workload of his career. Having run a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Combine, Mitchell is a player who only gets faster when the pads come on. Per Next Gen Stats, his 14.49 MPH average run speed per carry in 2025 led all players with at least 50 attempts and was more than a full mile per hour faster than the next player on the list, Miami's De'Von Achane. While it's unreasonable to expect a similar level of impact from Mitchell, Achane was one of the league's most explosive players in McDaniel's offense, and if the 24-year-old former undrafted free agent can see even a modest uptick in usage in that same system, he could see weekly fantasy viability as a flex-worthy starter. All indications are that Los Angeles' backfield will run through 2025 first-rounder Omarion Hampton, but Mitchell has both the ability and the environment to develop into one of the most efficient change-of-pace backs in the league, and at RotoBaller's dynasty RB80, he's a low-cost trade target who could see his value rise considerably in the coming years.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 30, 2026, 9:49 AM ET

Despite the fact that he has not played sustained meaningful football since 2023, Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks continues to pick up steam heading into the 2026 season. With best ball drafts and some early redraft leagues already underway, Brooks has been one of the fastest risers by ADP, and the bull case is easy to see. Brooks was the first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft after a final collegiate season at Texas in which he topped 1,400 yards from scrimmage and double-digit touchdowns while showcasing his versatility in the passing game. Carolina's leading rusher from 2025, Rico Dowdle, is no longer with the team, and reports out of the non-contact setting of minicamp have some believing that Brooks could push veteran Chuba Hubbard for a starting role. Hubbard was unimpressive for much of 2025, but it's important to remember that he was dealing with a lingering calf issue for most of the year, and while Brooks represents unproven upside, two catastrophic knee injuries have limited him to only 23 total snaps and nine rushing attempts in his short career. With a rising swell of support for Brooks, there's little question about which Panthers running back to roster in dynasty leagues, but for 2026 redraft leagues, with their ADPs creeping closer and closer together, Brooks has the potential to disappoint if Carolina opts to give first crack at starting duties to a healthy Hubbard.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 30, 2026, 9:37 AM ET

Veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has been an underneath target hog for most of his six-year career, and with the Pittsburgh Steelers trading for him this offseason, the 2020 second-round pick lands in an Aaron Rodgers-led offense seemingly primed to take advantage of his skill set. In his first season with the Steelers, Rodgers finished last in the league in intended air yards per attempt, and heading into his 22nd season at age 42, there's little to suggest a drastic change of approach for 2026. While the Steelers lost running back Kenneth Gainwell to free agency and released tight end Jonnu Smith, two of Rodgers' favorite short-area targets from 2025 have been replaced by Pittman and second-round rookie Germie Bernard. Given the temperamental quarterback's longstanding distrust of rookies, Pittman could be in line for a massive target share. Two-time Pro Bowler DK Metcalf will still man the outside, but with his downfield skill set aligning closer to those of prime Rodgers than the quick-release check-down maestro of later years, he could become more of a secondary read behind Pittman. Ranked as RotoBaller's WR38, four receiver spots behind Metcalf, Pittman could ultimately prove to be the higher-scoring Steelers receiver, and in full-PPR leagues, he represents one of the better values in the later rounds of drafts.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 30, 2026, 9:25 AM ET

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has seen his yards per reception and total receiving yards drop in each of the past two seasons. His 850 yards in 2025 marked a career low, while his 59 catches were the fewest since his 2019 rookie season. Once one of the most feared vertical threats in the game, Metcalf's strengths did not look necessarily aligned with those of a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers in their first season together, and changes coming to Pittsburgh's offense could further amplify that disconnect. Rodgers finished 33rd of 33 qualifying quarterbacks in intended air yards per attempt in 2025, and ahead of his second season with the Steelers, the team traded for Michael Pittman Jr. and spent a second-round pick on Germie Bernard, two receivers that will allow him to continue working in the short to intermediate areas of the field. Metcalf led the team with 99 targets in 2025, but the rest of the receiver room was made up of Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scott Wilson, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Ben Skowronek, and Adam Thielen, six players who combined for only 127 targets. For context, Pittman has averaged 126 targets of his own over the past five seasons. At RotoBaller's WR38, Metcalf will not destroy teams in 2026 if he's unable to live up to ADP, but as he approaches 29 years old, he finds himself in an offense ill-equipped to take advantage of his unique skill set with a new surrounding cast that will reduce the need to do so.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 30, 2026, 9:13 AM ET

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton has finished as the WR13 or better in each of the past two seasons, and while changes are coming to the Broncos' offense in 2026, enough continuity remains for the veteran wideout to see sustained success in his ninth season. First time offensive coordinator Davis Webb has been tasked with play calling duties, but with head coach Sean Payton still overseeing the operation, Denver should remain a high-volume passing offense, and while the team traded away multiple picks to acquire dynamic receiver Jaylen Waddle, Sutton's red zone connection with quarterback Bo Nix should continue to provide scoring opportunities. Since Nix assumed starting duties in 2024, Sutton has seen 38 red zone targets, converting nine into touchdowns. Sutton's 25 total touchdowns since 2023 rank sixth in the league over that span, and while Waddle is a true threat to lead the team in targets, he's seen less than half of Sutton's touchdown total over the past three seasons. While another top 13 finish is likely out of the question, Sutton's touchdown upside could still lead to plenty of usable weeks, and at RotoBaller's WR35, he represents tremendous value if his role remains even close to what it has been with Nix as starter.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 29, 2026, 4:58 PM ET

With the start of NFL training camps rapidly approaching, veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. remains without a home for the 2026 season. Across 16 games for the Washington Commanders in 2025, Samuel Sr. recorded 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns on 99 targets. The 30-year-old also provided modest production as a rusher, collecting 75 yards and a score on 17 carries. Samuel Sr. is not the same explosive player he once was at his peak. Still, he was a reasonably productive player last season who should presumably have a job in 2026 if he wants to keep playing. Samuel Sr. finished as the WR34 by per-game PPR scoring in 2025, but he's currently coming off the board as the WR64 by redraft ADP. Even with age-related regression and role uncertainty baked in, Samuel Sr. has a solid chance to outperform his current ADP in 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller