RADIO
Jaylin Noel Could Find Meaningful Role Out of Slot
Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel took nearly two-thirds of his snaps out of the slot as a rookie after seeing nearly a 75% rate at Iowa State, but his path to playing time in 2025 was often blocked by veteran Christian Kirk. Kirk signed a one-year deal with the 49ers in free agency, and the primary slot duties in Houston should now fall to Noel. 2023 third-round pick, and a personal favorite target of quarterback C.J. Stroud, Tank Dell is expected back after missing all of his third season with a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments. Despite his small frame, Dell has spent most of his time on the outside since turning professional, and while 2026 will mark his first time working in offensive coordinator Nick Caley's system, history would suggest that, despite their radically different body types, he will present more of a competition to Jayden Higgins in two-receiver sets. Noel should still see plenty of run as the third receiver on the field in 11 personnel, and at RotoBaller's WR72, it's possible he's being severely slept on after showing significant flashes in the two mid-season games missed by Kirk.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dylan Sampson in a Good Spot After NFL Draft
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson led the team in targets and receptions out of the backfield as a fourth-round rookie in 2025, and his role appears to be secure heading into his second season. After double-dipping at the position last year, the Browns made no additions to the running back room in the 2026 NFL Draft, though they did make improvements to the offense as a whole, which could create more scoring opportunities for both Sampson and 2025 second-round pick Quinshon Judkins, who appears to be on track for the season opener after suffering a dislocated ankle in Week 16. Cleveland spent the ninth overall pick on offensive tackle Spencer Fano before adding wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston within 15 picks of one another in the first and second rounds, transforming a position of weakness into one of potential strength. The Browns still head into 2026 with a less-than-ideal quarterback situation, though negative game scripts could work in the favor of Sampson if he's able to fully take hold of the dedicated passing back role, and at RotoBaller's dynasty RB51, he offers clear upside as a low-cost trade target or add-on to a larger deal.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kirk Cousins a Low-Cost Dynasty Add That Could Pay Dividends
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins signed a two-year deal to serve as a bridge quarterback until first overall pick Fernando Mendoza is ready to take over. At the NFL's Annual League Meeting, new head coach Klint Kubiak shared his belief that a rookie quarterback should learn behind the scenes for as long as possible, and shortly thereafter, Cousins was brought in on a team-friendly contract. Kubiak also expressed a desire to split backfield carries before adding Mike Washington Jr. in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, so he appears to have a clear plan in his first year at the helm. The Raiders have made notable improvements to the offensive line and defense a year after earning the first overall pick by going 3-14, so Cousins could be provided ample leash to allow Mendoza to develop into an NFL professional. As a quarterback expected to start more than a handful of games in 2026, he could be drastically underpriced as RotoBaller's dynasty QB47, and how he looks to open the season could determine his future value should the Raiders allow him to hit free agency again in 2027 at the age of 38.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
George Holani One of the Draft's Biggest Losers
Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani served as the primary backup to Kenneth Walker III in both the NFC Championship and Super Bowl after Zach Charbonnet was lost to an ACL injury in the team's Divisional Round victory over the 49ers. With Walker departing for Kansas City in free agency and Charbonnet's recovery timeline likely to see him miss games in 2026, dynasty managers who were able to scoop up Holani were hoping he could maintain a meaningful role to begin his third season while still expecting the Seahawks to add competition through the NFL Draft. With Seattle holding only four picks entering the draft, there was a thought that they could miss out on one of the true difference-making backs in a weak class, but with so few needs, they were able to be aggressive and spend the final pick of the first round on Notre Dame prospect Jadarian Price. With Price expected to handle lead back duties to begin the year, and Charbonnet likely to complete the committee upon his return, Holani's potential fantasy impact looks to be limited and minimal, and he has fallen to RB99 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kendre Miller Not Guaranteed a Roster Spot with Saints
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller was a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but a frustrating rash of injuries has limited him to only 21 games played and 497 career rushing yards. The Saints spent big in free agency, bringing in former Jaguar Travis Etienne Jr. on a four-year, $48 million deal, and unless they make a move to thin their ranks, it appears that Miller will head into training camp fourth on the depth chart behind Etienne, 10-year veteran Alvin Kamara, and 2025 sixth-round pick Devin Neal, who handled lead back duties down the stretch of his rookie season. When active, Miller has played a role on special teams, which could be his best shot to stick with the team, but as RotoBaller's dynasty RB90, he is no longer a must-hold for managers looking to clear bench spots for the incoming crop of rookies.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mike Vrabel Returns to the Patriots on Monday
After missing Day 3 of the 2026 NFL draft on Saturday to be with his family, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel returned to the team on Monday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Vrabel has been in the news for the wrong reasons of late and will reportedly seek counseling after reports emerged about his alleged relationship with former NFL reporter Dianna Russini. Vrabel, who led the Patriots to the Super Bowl last season in his first year at the helm, isn't facing any kind of charges and is not expected to face any discipline from the NFL for the 2026 campaign. There are also no signs that Vrabel will step down from his responsibilities as the Patriots' head coach for the upcoming season.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Tyree Wilson Heading into Contract Year With New Team
The New Orleans Saints declined defensive end Tyree Wilson's fifth-year option on Monday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis called this "a one-year trial, and we'll see how it goes." During last week's 2026 NFL draft, the Saints acquired the former first-round edge rusher from the Las Vegas Raiders. The 25-year-old pass-rusher will head to the Big Easy after recording 91 tackles (57 solo), 12 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 24 QB hits, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 50 games (seven starts) over his first three years with the Raiders. In 17 games in 2025, Wilson, the former seventh overall pick in 2023 out of Texas Tech, had a career-high 35 tackles (25 solo), four sacks, eight tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. Had the Saints picked up Wilson's fifth-year option, it would have cost them $14.475 million in 2027. New Orleans is hoping their low-cost investment pays dividends with a change of scenery.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Buccaneers Pick Up Fifth-Year Option on Calijah Kancey
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked up the fifth-year option on the contract of defensive lineman Calijah Kancey on Monday, according to Scott Smith of the team's official website. Kancey will now be under contract through the 2027 season and will make $14.475 million next year. The 25-year-old was the team's first-round pick (19th overall) in 2023 out of Pittsburgh. The Bucs still believe in Kancey, even though he played in only three games in 2025 due to a pectoral injury that he originally suffered in Week 2. In his first two years in the league, Kancey registered 54 tackles (41 solo), 11.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, 29 QB hits, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 26 starts. According to Next Gen Stats, he has 66 QB pressures in 29 career games. Kancey's statistics for IDP fantasy leagues don't exactly stand out at first glance, but he's definitely been a disruptor on the defensive line for Tampa when he's been healthy. The Bucs defense will be in a much better spot in 2026 if Kancey can stay on the field in his fourth year in the NFL.
Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith
Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith
Eagles Exercise Fifth-Year Option on Jalen Carter
The Philadelphia Eagles exercised the fifth-year option for defensive tackle Jalen Carter on Monday, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Carter will make roughly $27 million in 2027. The Eagles also picked up the fifth-year option on outside linebacker Nolan Smith for the 2027 season. Carter's fifth-year option was a no-brainer, as the 25-year-old former ninth overall selection out of Georgia in 2023 has been a Pro Bowler in each of the last two seasons. In his three seasons in Philly, Carter has a total of 108 tackles (66 solo), 13.5 sacks, 25 tackles for loss, 37 QB hits, and seven pass breakups in 43 games (27 starts) during the regular season. Carter played in a career-low 11 games last year, though, due to a few injuries and a suspension for spitting on Cowboys QB Dak Prescott. It led to a career-low three sacks in 2025. Carter is already becoming one of the best interior defensive linemen because of his abilities as both a pass-rusher and run-stopper.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
Eagles Pick Up Nolan Smith's Fifth-Year Option
The Philadelphia Eagles are picking up the fifth-year option for pass-rusher Nolan Smith, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Smith will be locked in for roughly $13.7 million in 2027. The Eagles will sign up for another year of Smith despite the fact that he played in only 12 games in 2025 due to a triceps injury that he initially suffered in training camp. The 25-year-old former 30th overall pick in 2023 out of Georgia totaled 31 tackles (15 solo), three sacks, 11 QB hits, and a forced fumble in his 12 regular-season starts last year. He's recorded 10.5 total sacks in 45 games played (22 starts) in his three years with the Eagles, and how he performs in the upcoming season will go a long way towards determining if the team wants to sign him to a long-term extension. In addition to Smith, the Eagles picked up defensive tackle Jalen Carter's fifth-year option for 2027.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Bills Aren't Giving Up on Keon Coleman
Buffalo Bills president of football operations and general manager Brandon Beane has supported wide receiver Keon Coleman during recent interviews, and he even said the Bills "shut down" a couple of teams that reached out to Buffalo with trade interest in Coleman earlier this offseason. Beane said that Buffalo's intention is for "Keon to be here," and also said the Bills have "hit the reset button with him." Both Beane and new head coach Joe Brady have spoken highly of the work that Coleman has put in this offseason. The 22-year-old former second-rounder in 2024 out of Florida State has been a disappointment for the team in his two NFL seasons, both on and off the field. He regressed in 2025, catching 38 passes for 404 yards and four touchdowns in 13 regular-season games. The Bills' front office and coaching staff might not be giving up on Coleman, but there's no denying that his fantasy stock in dynasty/keeper leagues has dropped significantly. There will be added competition after the Bills acquired DJ Moore in a trade with Chicago, and drafted Skyler Bell out of UConn in the fourth round.
Source: ESPN.com - Alaina Getzenberg
Source: ESPN.com - Alaina Getzenberg
Former Steelers Coach Thinks Aaron Rodgers Will Return to Pittsburgh
Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who will join NBC's Football Night in America in 2026, said that at the end of the day, he thinks free-agent veteran Aaron Rodgers will be the team's quarterback this season. Both Tomlin and new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy seem confident in Rodgers' abilities, even though he'll turn 43 this December. Pittsburgh had Will Howard and Mason Rudolph in the QB room before selecting rookie Drew Allar in the third round of last week's NFL draft. Even with Allar in the mix now, Rodgers would likely be the Steelers' starter under center to begin the 2026 regular season if he ultimately re-signs in Pittsburgh. The Steelers wouldn't mind having Allar be mentored by one of the game's best at the position. Rodgers, a four-time MVP and 10-time Pro Bowler, was the QB19 in fantasy in 2025, throwing 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions with 3,322 passing yards in 16 games. The Steelers have added some talent at WR, most notably Michael Pittman Jr., but Rodgers will still be considered more of a low-end QB2 in fantasy football if he returns to the Steel City for one more season.
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
George Pickens hasn't Signed his Franchise Tag With Dallas
Wide receiver George Pickens has not yet signed the franchise-tag tender with the Dallas Cowboys, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. Reports surfaced last week before the 2026 NFL draft that Pickens planned to sign the franchise tender, but it has not happened yet. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said last week that the team won't sign the 25-year-old pass-catcher to a long-term extension before the July 15 deadline, so Pickens is expected to play out the 2026 campaign on the franchise tag. Things could get messy, though, as Pickens is expected to be a holdout into training camp and the preseason. If he plays 2026 on the franchise tag, he'll be owed a guaranteed $27.3 million. There's also a possibility that Dallas looks to trade Pickens if a long-term deal can't be reached. The former second-rounder by Pittsburgh in 2022 out of Georgia had a career-best 93-1,429-9 line in 17 games in his first year in Dallas in 2025, which will put him firmly in the WR1 draft rankings for the upcoming season.
Source: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
Source: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
Does Marvin Harrison Jr. Still Carry High-End Dynasty Upside?
Two years into his NFL career, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has not lived up to the pre-draft hype that led to him being selected with the fourth overall pick in 2024. Across 12 games in 2025, Harrison Jr. hauled in 41 receptions for 608 yards and four touchdowns on 73 targets. He missed time due to a concussion and appendicitis before finally ending the year on Injured Reserve with a heel injury. Even before the heel issue, Harrison Jr. was clearly behind both tight end Trey McBride and wide receiver Michael Wilson on the Cardinals' pecking order for targets. Still, Harrison Jr. will have a chance to work with a new coaching staff in 2026, which could help spur a year-three breakout. Arizona could be a bit more run-heavy after adding Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in the 2026 Draft, but Harrison Jr. should still have every chance to carve out a significant role in his team's offense. Harrison Jr.'s dynasty value has obviously taken a hit over the past two years, but he remains an ultra-high-upside wide receiver.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Marquise Brown Sliding Down Eagles' Depth Chart Following 2026 Draft
Veteran wide receiver Marquise Brown found a new home this offseason, latching on with the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year contract for the 2026 campaign. Across 16 games with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025, Brown recorded 49 receptions for 587 yards and five touchdowns on 74 targets. The Eagles are widely expected to trade away star wideout A.J. Brown within the next few months, which would obviously open up target opportunities for Brown. However, Philadelphia also recently used a first-round pick on USC wide receiver Makai Lemon in the 2026 Draft and traded for former Green Bay Packers wideout Dontayvion Wicks. As a result, Brown does not appear to be guaranteed a fantasy-relevant role in Philadelphia and might not even be fully assured of a roster spot. Heading into his age-29 season, Brown's dynasty value is fading fast.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
