RADIO
Luther Burden III Poised for Breakout Season in Chicago?
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III got off to a slow start to his rookie season in 2025, recording just 13 catches in his first seven NFL games. However, the 22-year-old closed the year on a tear, hauling in 21 receptions for 324 yards and a touchdown on 26 targets over his final four contests. This offseason, the Bears have added veteran wide receiver Kalif Raymond in free agency and LSU wideout Zavion Thomas with a third-round pick in the 2026 Draft. However, Chicago also traded away veteran wideout DJ Moore. All in all, Burden III looks to be in a prime position to enter 2026 as the Bears' WR2 alongside Rome Odunze. Burden III has proven to be a big-play threat with the ball in his hands, and he has the benefit of playing in a Chicago offense that should only be ascending with the promising quarterback/play-caller combination of Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson in place for the long haul. In dynasty formats, Burden III looks like a potential breakout candidate heading into 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is MarShawn Lloyd a Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate Following NFL Draft?
A third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd has not factored at all in his team's offense. Thanks to myriad injury issues, Lloyd has played in just one game and owns six career carries across his first two NFL seasons. Heading into 2026, star running back Josh Jacobs remains firmly atop Green Bay's running back depth chart. However, the Packers lost 2025 RB2 Emanuel Wilson in free agency, and the team did not add a running back with any of its 2026 draft picks. As a result, Lloyd figures to enter training camp in a battle with Chris Brooks and Pierre Strong Jr. for the backup running back role in Green Bay. Lloyd's injury history and his complete lack of NFL production to this point are both major red flags. Still, in deep dynasty leagues, Lloyd may be worth taking a chance on just in case he wins the Packers RB2 job and emerges as a priority handcuff running back.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emanuel Wilson's Dynasty Value Fading After Seahawks' Draft Addition
After spending the first three seasons of his career with the Green Bay Packers, running back Emanuel Wilson landed a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks earlier this offseason. Wilson flashed some upside in a backup role behind star back Josh Jacobs in Green Bay, recording 1,145 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns on 254 touches over the past two seasons. With Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) working his way back from the torn ACL that ended his 2025 season in January, Wilson looked to have a golden opportunity to begin 2026. However, Seattle added Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with its first-round pick in the 2026 Draft. As a result, Wilson now looks to be limited to the RB3 role with the Seahawks once Charbonnet makes it back from injury. Wilson might still have some deep-league appeal as a handcuff option, but his dynasty value has taken a big hit after Seattle's addition of Price.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Nailor Remains Poised for Prominent Role in Las Vegas Following NFL Draft
After spending the first four seasons of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, wide receiver Jalen Nailor landed a three-year, $35 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this offseason. Nailor's numbers from 2025 don't jump off the page, as he recorded just 29 receptions for 444 yards and four touchdowns on 53 targets across 17 games. However, the 27-year-old has been stuck behind the star wide receiver duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison for the past few seasons in Minnesota. With Las Vegas, Nailor could be the team's WR1 and the number two option in the passing game behind tight end Brock Bowers. Nailor's main competition in the Raiders' wide receiver room is Tre Tucker, Jack Bech, Dareke Young, Dont'e Thornton Jr., and 2026 sixth-round pick Malik Benson. In dynasty formats, Nailor's value is rising as he heads into the best target-volume situation of his career.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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
