May 8, 2026, 9:24 AM ET

Veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke announced his retirement on Thursday through a post on his Instagram page. The 2015 undrafted free agent out of Old Dominion played 11 professional seasons and spent time with eight different teams, including the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL. He ends his NFL career with 6,663 passing yards, 42 total touchdowns, and 28 interceptions. Heinicke's last on-field action came in 2024 with the Chargers, while his last start came with the Falcons in 2023. The pinnacle of his career was undoubtedly his 2021 season with Washington, in which he threw for 3,419 yards and 20 touchdowns, good enough for a QB19 fantasy finish.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Adam Schefter

May 8, 2026, 9:14 AM ET

Wide receiver Jauan Jennings and the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a one-year deal that will pay the former 49er up to $13 million in 2026. While missing two games in his final season with San Francisco, the 2020 seventh-round pick out of Tennessee recorded 643 yards and nine touchdowns, this after making a career-high 77 receptions for 975 yards in 2024. With Jennings reportedly expecting a more robust market for his services, the one-year prove-it deal will allow him to test free agency again in 2027. Meanwhile, after the team's third receiver, Jalen Nailor, agreed to a three-year, $35 million deal with the Raiders, the Vikings have arguably upgraded the position at a fraction of the cost. Jennings will round out a receiver room of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and 2025 third-round pick Tai Felton, creating an environment in which quarterback Kyler Murray could thrive while on a one-year deal of his own.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Adam Schefter

May 7, 2026, 5:31 PM ET

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. officially signed his $15.045 million franchise tender on Thursday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Pitts is locked into a sixth season with the Falcons, but the team's brass may want to see another strong season in 2026 before getting serious about signing him to a long-term extension. The 25-year-old former fourth overall pick in 2021 out of the University of Florida looked legitimate in his first year in the NFL, when he posted a 68-1,026-1 line on 110 targets over 17 games. However, He combined for just nine touchdowns and didn't exceed 667 receiving yards or 53 receptions in his next three seasons from 2022 to 2024. Pitts finally broke out again for fantasy managers in 2025, securing 88 receptions on 118 targets for 928 yards and five touchdowns in 17 starts in a career year. Can he do it again? Well, it's a major question mark, especially with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. (knee) set to compete for the starting QB job this summer. He should still be considered a TE1 in fantasy in 2026, but fantasy managers shouldn't reach for him as an elite TE1. Right now, RotoBaller has Pitts ranked as the No. 8 option at his position.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero

May 7, 2026, 5:19 PM ET

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who missed nine games in 2025 after having surgery for turf toe, was reportedly with the team last week for the start of their voluntary offseason workouts and appeared to look pretty happy, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Rapoport adds that Burrow was quoted recently in Vanity Fair, saying he's "excited to see the initiative of the Bengals" this offseason. Cincy went 6-11 last season (third in the AFC North) and missed the playoffs for the third straight season and the eighth time in the last 10 years. The Bengals are going all-in for the 2026 season after acquiring defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants and signing linebacker Boye Mafe to a three-year, $60 million contract in free agency. The 29-year-old Burrow appears to be fully healthy as he enters his seventh season in the league, and he'll be a clear high-end QB1 target in fantasy drafts this fall despite his injury history. Burrow threw for a league-best 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns in 17 starts in 2024, and he's RotoBaller's No.5-ranked fantasy QB for 2026 right now.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

May 7, 2026, 4:00 PM ET

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson turned in a disappointing season in 2025, recording 51 receptions for 438 yards and three touchdowns on 66 targets across 15 games. Like the rest of Minnesota's pass-catchers, Hockenson's numbers were impacted by a Vikings' offense that received subpar play at the quarterback position from the underwhelming combination of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Minnesota added veteran signal-caller Kyler Murray over the offseason, and Murray should help stabilize the team's passing game in 2026. Still, Hockenson has now recorded just 893 receiving yards and three touchdowns across 25 games over the past two seasons. Since tearing his ACL late in the 2023 season, the soon-to-be 29-year-old has struggled to regain his peak form. While the upgraded quarterback play in Minnesota certainly improves Hockenson's outlook for 2026, his overall dynasty value is fading as he enters his eighth NFL season.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 3:51 PM ET

Across 15 starts in 2026, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love completed 66.3% of his pass attempts for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions. On arm talent alone, Love's fantasy upside appears to be higher than his QB17 and QB15 finishes of the past two seasons. However, Green Bay has been one of the most run-heavy offenses in the NFL in recent years and seems likely to profile similarly going forward. Love could also be working with a diminished group of pass-catchers in 2026. The Packers let wide receiver Romeo Doubs walk in free agency, and star tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) is working his way back from the torn ACL that ended his 2025 season. Love still carries some degree of dynasty upside as he enters his age-28 campaign, but he may be settling in as more of a fringe starter in single-QB formats.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 3:38 PM ET

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz put together a steadily productive campaign in 2025, recording 82 receptions for 777 yards and three touchdowns on 106 targets across 17 games. While Schultz has been a fantasy-relevant tight end at different points, 2025 is the only season of his eight-year NFL career with at least 100 targets and 80 catches. The 29-year-old has never averaged more than 10.8 yards per reception, so he's heavily reliant on target volume for fantasy production. Schultz remains atop the Texans' tight end depth chart heading into 2026, but he may be facing a significantly reduced role in his team's offense. Houston added veteran tight end Foster Moreau in free agency and used a second-round pick on tight end Marlin Klein in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Texans should also get more out of tight end Cade Stover, who missed eight games in 2025 with a foot injury. In dynasty formats, fantasy managers may want to consider selling high on Schultz before the start of the 2026 season.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 3:28 PM ET

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal played a surprisingly important role in his team's offense in 2026, finishing the year with 779 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 171 touches across 13 games. The Chargers were forced to turn to Vidal early in the year due to injuries to running backs Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton. While Vidal is back with Los Angeles for 2026, his playing time is an open question. Hampton should be fully healthy for the start of the year and profiles as a three-down back. The Chargers also signed former Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell to a two-year deal in free agency, which could signify that Mitchell has the upper hand on Vidal for the team's RB2 role. Despite the productive year in 2025, Vidal's dynasty value is trending in the wrong direction entering 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 3:19 PM ET

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson put together the most productive season of his career in 2025, recording 77 receptions for 889 yards and three touchdowns on 102 targets across 17 games. Johnson finished second on the team in targets, behind only star Saints wideout Chris Olave. However, New Orleans aggressively added pass-catchers over the offseason, which could put a ceiling on Johnson's upside in 2026 and beyond. In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Saints used a first-round pick on wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and added two more wide receivers in the middle rounds in Bryce Lance and Barion Brown. New Orleans also brought in direct competition at the tight end position for Johnson, using a third-round pick on Oscar Delp and signing veteran Noah Fant in free agency. While Johnson should still play a role in his team's offense, his fantasy production is reliant on target volume. Dynasty managers may want to consider selling Johnson now, while he's at the peak of his value.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 3:10 PM ET

After logging 1,366 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024, Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard saw his production dip in 2025. Across 15 games, the 26-year-old recorded just 734 scrimmage yards and four scores. Hubbard opened the year as the Panthers RB1, but an early-season injury opened the door for Rico Dowdle to take over the lead rusher role in Carolina. However, Dowdle signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March, which could provide Hubbard an opportunity to reassume a three-down role. The Panthers did not add any running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving the oft-injured Jonathan Brooks and the unproven Trevor Etienne as Hubbard's primary competition. In dynasty formats, Hubbard's stock is rising following Carolina's offseason moves.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 2:50 PM ET

After attempting to trade veteran defensive back Kenny Moore this offseason, the Indianapolis Colts granted him his release on Thursday, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. In 14 games (seven starts) in 2025 in his ninth year with the Colts, Moore finished with 55 tackles (34 solo), 1.5 sacks, one interception returned for a touchdown, six pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. The 30-year-old veteran missed three weeks with an Achilles injury. The former undrafted free agent out of Valdosta State has spent most of his career playing slot cornerback for the Colts, but as he nears the end of his career in the NFL with a new team, he could be asked to play more safety. In his nine years in the NFL, Moore has been a Pro Bowler once (2021) and has a total of 649 tackles (498 solo), 11.5 sacks, 39 tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, 21 interceptions (four returned for TDs), 68 pass breakups, six forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries (one returned for a score) in 132 regular-season contests (111 starts).--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

May 7, 2026, 2:18 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings have requested to interview Los Angeles Chargers assistant general manager Chad Alexander for their general manager job, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. In addition to Alexander, the other candidates to take over as the Vikings' GM include San Francisco 49ers assistant GM RJ Gillen, Buffalo Bills assistant GM Terrance Gray, Los Angeles Rams assistant GM John McKay, Seattle Seahawks assistant GM Nolan Teasely, and Tennessee Titans assistant GM Dave Ziegler. Vikings executive vice president Rob Brzezinski has also expressed interest in the job and is a candidate to take over after the team surprisingly fired Adofo Kwesi-Mensah back in January. All of the candidates come from a scouting background. Alexander has been the Chargers' assistant GM since 2024. He was previously with the Baltimore Ravens' personnel department from 1999 to 2018 before serving as the New York Jets' director of player personnel from 2019 to 2023.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert

May 7, 2026, 1:35 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings requested an interview with San Francisco 49ers assistant general manager RJ Gillen for their general manager job, a source told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The Vikings are ramping up their search for a new GM after surprisingly firing Adofo Kwesi-Mensah in January. In addition to Gillen, the Vikings have requested to interview Tennessee Titans assistant GM Dave Ziegler and Los Angeles Chargers assistant GM Chad Alexander. Ziegler is the only one who has previous experience as a GM with the Raiders in 2022 and 2023, but he was fired midway through his second season with the organization, along with head coach Josh McDaniels. Gillen has spent the last 11 seasons with the 49ers and was promoted to his current role in 2025 after serving as the director of player personnel for two years. The Vikings are looking for new leadership after letting quarterback Sam Darnold walk in free agency last year before he landed with the Seattle Seahawks and led them to a Super Bowl championship.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero

May 7, 2026, 1:27 PM ET

When asked about the shoulder injury that bothered New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (shoulder) down the stretch last year, he said he's doing "great," according to The Associated Press. "Nothing, nothing, no problems at all," Maye said, adding that he didn't require surgery. The 23-year-old former third overall pick out of North Carolina in 2024 finished second in the MVP voting in 2025 after an amazing regular season thanks to a soft schedule, but he really struggled in four postseason games, completing 70 of his 120 pass attempts for 828 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions while taking 21 sacks. Maye required a pain-killing injection in his right shoulder before the Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but his shoulder is all systems go this offseason, and he shouldn't have any physical limitations going into Year 3. Some fantasy managers will want Maye to prove it again in 2026, but after an outstanding sophomore season, RotoBaller has him ranked as a top-five QB. The Pats added receiver Romeo Doubs in free agency, and Maye's fantasy stock in redraft and dynasty formats will only be boosted if they trade for A.J. Brown, as is expected.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Associated Press

May 7, 2026, 11:46 AM ET

Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm represents an intriguing buy-low option ahead of a potential Year 2 breakout in 2026. Despite missing one game and playing behind Chig Okonkwo last year, Helm managed to catch 44 passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns. Even though he was a rookie and No. 2 on the depth chart, he finished as the overall TE31 in PPR leagues. The Texas product was trending up to end the season, and his dynasty outlook got a major boost as the Titans let Okonkwo depart in free agency. Now, Helm is the clear-cut No. 1 tight end in a Titans offense that could be trending upward. Quarterback Cameron Ward is certainly still developing, but we'd expect him to make a significant leap in his second season. And the state of the offense as a whole is in a very good place with players like Tony Pollard, Wan'Dale Robinson, and Carnell Tate. There are a lot of mouths to feed in the passing game, but the fact that Helm essentially has the tight end position all to himself is a very encouraging sign, especially in an offense led by Brian Daboll. Under the guidance of Daboll, Giants tight end Theo Johnson jumped from TE37 as a rookie to TE18 in his second season. Don't be surprised if Helm follows a similar trajectory. He currently ranks as the TE27 in RotoBaller's dynasty fantasy football rankings, but there is clear top-15 upside here. Dynasty managers would be wise to trade for Helm before the buy-low window closes.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller