RADIO
Jahmyr Gibbs' Negotiations Won't be Affected by Recent RB Deal
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that running back Bijan Robinson's record-setting deal with the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday is "certainly not gonna hurt" the team's own negotiations with star RB Jahmyr Gibbs, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. Robinson and Atlanta agreed to a three-year extension that includes $51 million guaranteed. Gibbs, who is also managing a tight back, continues to hold in during training camp until he gets a new deal. He missed a fifth straight practice on Monday, but as long as the three-time Pro Bowler and the Lions reach a deal sooner rather than later, fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned about taking the elite dual-threat back as the No. 1 overall pick in drafts this fall. Gibbs told a reporter on Monday that "only time will tell" when he returns to the field this summer. When asked whether he needs a new deal before returning to the field, Gibbs said, "It's not about that," but he refused to elaborate. Eventually, Gibbs should become the NFL's highest-paid RB after holding the record for most touchdowns scored (49) in a player's first three seasons in the league.
Source: ESPN.com - Eric Woodyard
Source: ESPN.com - Eric Woodyard
Zay Flowers Agrees to Four-Year Extension With Ravens
Two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers and the Baltimore Ravens agreed to a four-year, $140 million contract extension on Tuesday that includes $108 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Flowers gets paid after catching 237 passes on 342 targets for 3,128 yards and 14 touchdowns in 50 regular-season games in his first three years in the NFL. The former 22nd overall pick in 2023 from Boston College was named to the Pro Bowl in each of the last two years, and he recorded a career-high 1,211 receiving yards and five touchdowns on a career-high 86 receptions in 17 starts in 2025, even with star quarterback Lamar Jackson missing time with various injuries. The 25-year-old now ranks in the top 10 at the receiver position in guaranteed money and average annual value. The Ravens drafted a couple of rookie pass-catchers this year, but Flowers will remain the unquestioned WR1 for Jackson in a new offense as the team looks to bounce back from missing the playoffs last year. Flowers should be considered a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 target in fantasy football drafts as he heads into his fourth year in the NFL.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Chargers Have a Role Planned for Keaton Mitchell
In signing speedy running back Keaton Mitchell to a two-year deal, the Los Angeles Chargers provided offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel with a unique weapon that could find a significant role in 2026. McDaniel recently told ESPN's Dan Graziano, "He's as dynamic as they come with the ball in his hands in space," going on to say, "He's a matchup issue for every defense. I think he has a lot of pass-game value that he hasn't been able to really represent in his career, but it's showing so far in camp. He's a playmaker that I'm very excited about." Mitchell is likely to work as the Chargers' primary change-of-pace back behind presumed starter Omarion Hampton, with last year's leading rusher Kimani Vidal serving as more of a direct handcuff, more capable of handling a full workload if called upon. While any fantasy viability for Vidal is injury-dependent, Mitchell should see his own standalone value and is a high-upside swing as RotoBaller's RB42.
Source: Dan Graziano
Source: Dan Graziano
Mike McCarthy Declines to Name a Starting Running Back
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy spoke with the media on Tuesday, and when asked about running backs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, he declined to name a definitive starter, instead referring to them as a "dynamic one-two punch." He went on to say, "I don't want to have to worry about what back is in there... Both of those guys give us that flexibility." Warren led the Steelers backfield with 958 rushing yards on 211 attempts in 2025, while Dowdle, who signed a two-year deal this offseason, has topped 1,000 yards in each of his last two stops with the Panthers and Cowboys. Both backs are also capable pass-catchers, giving Pittsburgh one of the more well-rounded running back situations regardless of who is on the field. While both players are capable of outperforming their 2026 ADP, RotoBaller ranks them back to back, but gives Dowdle a narrow edge as the RB30 to Warren's RB31.
Source: Mike DeFabo
Source: Mike DeFabo
Makai Lemon Not Practicing with Hamstring Injury
Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon is not practicing on Tuesday, listed with a hamstring issue by The Athletic's Zach Berman. Joining Lemon on the DNP list is DeVonta Smith, who deals with a hamstring concern of his own, but while the veteran has years of chemistry banked with quarterback Jalen Hurts, as evidenced by their two red zone touchdown connections on Monday, Lemon is still looking to establish a role in Sean Mannion's offense. The 20th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Lemon did not participate in team drills on Monday, and his status will need to be monitored, as he factors as a critical piece in replacing the production of three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown. With the WR2 spot up for grabs across from Smith, Lemon is RotoBaller's WR45, but any lingering concerns could cause his ADP to drop.
Source: Zach Berman
Source: Zach Berman
DeVonta Smith Sidelined With Hamstring Injury
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) will not practice on Tuesday as he deals with a hamstring issue. After a quiet start to training camp, quarterback Jalen Hurts turned in his best practice of the summer on Monday, throwing his first three touchdowns of competitive sessions, with two of them going to Smith during red zone work. Now with Smith sidelined, along with first-round pick Makai Lemon, who is dealing with a hamstring ailment of his own, Hurts will look to build further chemistry with a new-look receiver room in year one with Sean Mannion calling plays. With an offseason of offensive change, Smith represented one of the few pieces of stability, so his status will need to be monitored in the coming days, but he's expected to be a major piece of the Eagles' passing attack and is RotoBaller's WR12.
Source: Zach Berman
Source: Zach Berman
Rams General Manager Declines to Speak on Puka Nacua's Contract Negotiations
While recently speaking with reporters, Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead declined to answer a question about wide receiver Puka Nacua's ongoing contract negotiations, saying, "We'll keep that between us." He did offer up that the first-team All-Pro is "in a great spot," following an offseason in which he drew headlines for some of his off-field antics. Nacua led the NFL with 129 receptions on his way to a WR1 finish in 2025, and when he's healthy and involved, he is one of fantasy's biggest difference-makers. The former fifth-round pick has seen his value grow year over year, and as RotoBaller's WR1, he belongs in the conversation for the first overall pick in 2026 drafts.
Source: Dan Graziano
Source: Dan Graziano
Bryce Young Will Not Play in Hall of Fame Game
With the first action of the 2026 preseason slated for Thursday, August 6, when the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals meet for the Hall of Fame Game, participation and usage of teams' starters and depth players will soon become a major storyline, and the Panthers have already announced that quarterback Bryce Young will not see any action in the preseason opener. With head coach Dave Canales telling reporters that most of the team's starters will sit, veteran Kenny Pickett will draw the start. Young enters his fourth season with no long-term extension in place, making 2026 a critical proving year after three up-and-down seasons, and at RotoBaller's QB26, he is viewed as little more than an occasional streaming option in single-quarterback leagues.
Source: Steve Reed - AP News
Source: Steve Reed - AP News
Brian Thomas Jr. Described as "Unreal" by Head Coach
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was one of fantasy's biggest disappointments in 2025, but reports coming out of training camp would suggest he's primed for a bounce-back in Year 3. Head coach Liam Coen touched upon the connection he's seen between Thomas and quarterback Trevor Lawrence since the spring, telling reporters, "I've just sensed a different dude in terms of confidence, the way he carries himself, his communication... I am confident in him right now, and I know Trevor is, too." Coen also referred to his route-running as "unreal" and anticipates a major downfield role for him in 2026. It is worth noting that much of Thomas' rookie season success came when the team was drawing up plays for him closer to the line of scrimmage, so caution is still warranted with a deep receiver room capable of making him more of a boom or bust play than a sure thing, but with his current ADP pushed all the way down to WR34, he represents a high-upside swing in the middle rounds of drafts.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Greg Dulcich "Day-to-Day" with Undisclosed Injury
Miami Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich has missed consecutive practices with an undisclosed injury, but head coach Jeff Hafley is considering him day-to-day, telling reporters he could be back next week, with the Dolphins scheduled for joint practice sessions with the Commanders ahead of their preseason opener. After a strong close to the 2025 season, Dulcich could be in line for the largest workload of his career, with the Dolphins lacking premier pass-catching options outside of running back De'Von Achane, but a history of hamstring injuries has cost him more than 20 games across his first four seasons. His status will need to be monitored when he does return, but at RotoBaller's TE27, he has clear sleeper potential as a necessary piece of the Dolphins' passing attack.
Source: C. Isaiah Smalls II
Source: C. Isaiah Smalls II
Bijan Robinson Agrees to Historical Extension
Running back Bijan Robinson has agreed to a three-year extension with the Atlanta Falcons worth up to $75 million. The deal includes $51 million in guaranteed money, which is the highest ever paid to a running back, and the new average annual value of $25 million exceeds that of Saquon Barkley by $4.4 million. Robinson has topped 1,400 rushing yards in each of the past two seasons while adding 140 receptions and an additional 1,251 receiving yards over that span. With Kevin Stefanski taking over as head coach and Robinson's long-time running mate Tyler Allgeier departing in free agency, expectations have only gotten higher for the fourth-year player, and he is RotoBaller's RB2 for 2026, behind only Detroit's Jahmyr Gibbs, who is likely now in line for a substantial payday of his own.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Davis Allen Will be Given "Some Time" to Heal From Quad Injury
Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen (quadriceps) is dealing with a quad injury at training camp, and head coach Sean McVay said that the team will give Allen "some time" before he returns to practice because it's a soft-tissue injury, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. "You don't want to rush him back," McVay said. "Davis is going to be a big part of what we do this year." The 25-year-old is coming off the best year of his career in 2025 in his third year, but he only caught 24 of his 33 targets for 208 yards and three touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (five starts) for L.A. McVay says that Allen will be a big part of the offense, but it's likely to come more in the form of blocking than as a fantasy-relevant pass-catcher. Allen will also have a hard time standing out in the box score with Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, and Terrance Ferguson all capable of pitching in on offense, too. Not to mention receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams drawing the vast majority of passing-game targets from quarterback Matthew Stafford. Allen won't be a factor in single-TE fantasy leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
Source: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
Michael Mayer Suffers Nose Injury on Monday
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (nose) left training camp practice early on Monday due to a busted nose, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Head coach Klint Kubiak said Mayer should be fine. Mayer will most likely miss a day or two before returning to the practice field this summer. The 25-year-old's fantasy ceiling is limited as long as Brock Bowers stays healthy in 2026. Bowers dealt with injuries in his second year in 2025, but Mayer only had 35 receptions for 328 yards and one touchdown on 50 targets in 13 games played (12 starts). The Raiders could use more two-tight-end sets under Kubiak this year, and they should be in better hands at the QB position with veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza, but that alone won't make the former second-rounder from Notre Dame viable in single-TE fantasy leagues. Right now, Mayer is ranked at RotoBaller as the No. 35 overall fantasy TE as he heads into his third year in the league.
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Rookie Receiver Caleb Douglas Striving for More Consistency
Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas has shown some flashes so far in training camp, but he still has plenty of things to improve on while striving for more consistency, according to C. Isaiah Smalls II of The Miami Herald. The Texas Tech standout also had a rough minicamp last month, but regardless, he will have plenty of opportunity in his first year in the NFL in a new offense after the team traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos and released injured wideout Tyreek Hill (knee). "I've been impressed," head coach Jeff Hafley said. "I think he's still got work to do and within the scheme, but we've moved him around. He's made some contested catches, which I think is very impressive with guys right there." The 6-foot-4 wideout has been somewhat of a safety blanket for new QB Malik Willis. Quarterback Quinn Ewers said Douglas' "size" makes him a valuable target. The 22-year-old third-rounder is competing with Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell as Willis' top target in 2026. It's not the ideal situation to be in, but the opportunity alone will make Douglas an intriguing late-round flier in deeper fantasy leagues in his first NFL season.
Source: The Miami Herald - C. Isaiah Smalls II
Source: The Miami Herald - C. Isaiah Smalls II
Tony Pollard to Handle Between 12-16 Carries a Game?
During a Q&A on Titans Camp Live, reporter Paul Kuharsky said Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard is expected to get at least 12 carries per game this season, ideally up to 16 if the team is in the lead. Kuharsky also said fifth-round rookie Nicholas Singleton would compete for Pollard's workload, while Tyjae Spears would handle receiving and third-down work. Pollard is one of two backs to have four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, alongside Ravens running back Derrick Henry. With Spears and now Singleton competing for carries, Pollard will hope the Titans' offense takes a leap in production under offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and second-year quarterback Cam Ward.
Source: Paul Kuharsky
Source: Paul Kuharsky
