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Can Isiah Pacheco Re-Establish His Dynasty Value in Detroit?
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco enters 2026 looking to revitalize his career after consecutive disastrous seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024 and 2025. A fractured fibula limited Pacheco to seven games in 2024, and he recorded just 563 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns across 13 games in 2025. The Lions signed Pacheco to a modest one-year, $1.8 million contract in free agency, and he figures to serve as the RB2 behind Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit. While Gibbs' presence obviously limits Pacheco's fantasy upside, former Lions back David Montgomery collected 716 rushing yards and eight touchdowns while playing behind Gibbs in 2025. Should Pacheco see similar usage to Montgomery, he could be a matchup-dependent flex option while carrying latent handcuff upside. His dynasty stock has obviously taken a hit over the past couple of seasons, but Pacheco may still be a decent buy-low target for dynasty managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rico Dowdle's Dynasty Ceiling Limited By Backfield Committee in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle began the 2025 season as the RB2 for the Carolina Panthers behind Chuba Hubbard. However, an early-season injury to Hubbard opened the door for Dowdle, and he finished the year with 1,373 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 275 touches across 17 games for Carolina. The Steelers rewarded Dowdle with a two-year, $12.25 million contract in free agency, and he now forms a two-headed backfield monster in Pittsburgh with veteran back Jaylen Warren. Warren's presence in Pittsburgh likely caps Dowdle's production ceiling, particularly in the passing game. Still, Dowdle should be the team's primary early-down and goal-line rusher, a role he's proven he can excel in in recent years. In dynasty formats, Dowdle profiles as a solid flex option with some upside heading into 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rashid Shaheed a High-Risk, High-Reward Buy-Low Candidate for Dynasty Managers
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed helped lead his team to a Super Bowl after being traded from the New Orleans Saints at the 2025 trade deadline. However, Shaheed's production cratered once he joined Seattle, as he recorded just 15 catches for 188 yards on 26 targets across nine games with the Seahawks. Despite the middling production, Seattle re-signed Shaheed to a three-year, $51 million contract in free agency. The financial commitment could be an indication of the team's dedication to expanding Shaheed's role in his second season in Seattle. Still, it could also mean that Seattle was thrilled by how Shaheed opened up the offense as a downfield threat and plans to deploy him the exact same way. With wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Tory Horton, and Cooper Kupp demanding targets in Seattle as well, Shaheed's path to consistent fantasy relevance is unclear. Shaheed offers some buy-low appeal for dynasty managers, but his profile also carries significant risk.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Marcus Mariota Worth Stashing as an Injury Replacement in Dynasty Leagues?
After appearing in just six games (zero starts) between 2023 and 2024, Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota was pressed into starting duty in 2025 thanks to myriad injury issues for Washington QB1 Jayden Daniels. The veteran Mariota performed adequately, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 11 games (eight starts). Mariota's fantasy appeal comes from his ability to use his legs, as he rushed for 297 yards and a score on 50 attempts. With Daniels healthy heading into 2026, Mariota should slide back into a backup role. Given Daniels' injury track record dating back to his days in college, dynasty managers may want to consider stashing Mariota in a bench spot. Still, rostering Mariota is a deep-league play at best, as he offers little upside beyond capable QB2 production as he enters his age-33 season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacoby Brissett a Clear Sell-High Candidate for Dynasty Managers
After taking over for Kyler Murray as the starter in Week 6, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett put together a surprisingly productive season in 2025. Across 14 games (12 starts), the 33-year-old completed 64.9% of his pass attempts for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Brissett topped 300 passing yards in four games and threw multiple touchdown passes in 10 out of 12 starts. Pass volume was a huge factor in Brissett's success, as he averaged over 40 attempts per game. With a new coaching staff in place in Arizona in 2026, Brissett's numbers are likely to regress. He's also not a lock to remain the starter for the entire season, as the Cardinals used a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on quarterback Carson Beck. Brissett is currently angling for a contract extension with Arizona, and whether he secures it or not could be a telling sign of how the organization feels about him as its long-term QB1. Either way, dynasty managers should be looking to sell high on Brissett, who profiles as a clear regression candidate.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Najee Harris Re-Establish Some Dynasty Value in 2026?
Veteran running back Najee Harris (Achilles) appeared in just three games with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025 before suffering a torn Achilles tendon that ended his season. As he works his way back from the injury, Harris currently remains unsigned for the 2026 campaign. The 28-year-old was expected to play a complementary role in Los Angeles alongside Chargers running back Omarion Hampton, and it's unlikely that he'll land a starting gig coming off a serious injury. Harris was a productive back as recently as 2024, when he logged 1,326 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 299 touches across 17 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now that the 2026 NFL Draft is over, it would not be surprising to see Harris sign with a team in need of a steady veteran presence in the backfield. However, big-play upside and explosiveness have never been a strength of Harris' game. With his touch volume likely going down in 2026 and beyond, Harris' fantasy production ceiling is limited. Coming off his injury, Harris' dynasty stock is fading rapidly.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jets Sign Breece Hall to Three-Year Extension Worth $45.75 Million
The New York Jets and running back Breece Hall agreed to a three-year contract extension on Friday worth up to $45.75 million, making him the league's third-highest-paid RB, multiple sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Only the Eagles' Saquon Barkley and the 49ers' Christian McCaffrey will make more than Hall at the position on an annual basis. The 24-year-old earned himself a new deal in New York by having a career year in 2025 in his fourth year in the NFL with 1,065 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 243 carries across 16 starts. The former second-rounder in 2022 out of Iowa State also added 36 receptions for 350 yards and another score on 48 targets in the passing game despite being in one of the worst offenses in the league. He has averaged 1,453 scrimmage yards and 7.3 touchdowns per season in his four years with Gang Green. Unfortunately for Hall's fantasy ceiling, New York's offense could be atrocious yet again in 2026 with veteran QB Geno Smith expected to lead them. Because of how bad the Jets have been, he should be considered a volume-based RB2 in fantasy drafts this fall. RotoBaller has Hall ranked as the No. 19 fantasy RB.
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Broncos Sign GM George Paton to New Five-Year Deal
The Denver Broncos signed general manager George Paton to a new five-year deal on Friday, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Paton, who is one of the league's most respected executives, built a Broncos roster that reached the AFC Championship last year. He was entering the final year of the six-year contract that he signed with the organization in 2021. Paton got off to a nice start to his tenure in Denver by drafting All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II and offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz, plus linebacker Jonathan Cooper, in the 2021 draft, his first with the team. Things didn't go well when Paton hired Nathaniel Hackett as the head coach and when he traded for Russell Wilson, but head coach Sean Payton has helped stabilize the team in recent seasons before the Broncos reached the AFC title game this past season. With young QB Bo Nix (ankle) at the helm, the Broncos' arrow is pointing up for years to come.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Packers Release Kicker Brandon McManus
The Green Bay Packers released veteran kicker Brandon McManus on Friday after drafting University of Florida kicker Trey Smack in the sixth round last month, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. McManus' run in Green Bay comes to an end after two seasons with the Packers, in which he made 44 of his 51 field-goal attempts (6-for-8 from 50-plus yards) and 62 of his 63 extra-point attempts in 25 regular-season games. The 34-year-old, 12-year veteran and former Super Bowl champion with the Denver Broncos is nearing the end of the line in the NFL after a solid career that has seen him make 82% of his field-goal attempts in 186 regular-season games. With McManus gone, the Packers figure to have a kicking competition this summer between Smack and Lucas Havrisik. McManus wasn't 100% healthy last year in Green Bay and was successful on 24 of his 30 field-goal tries and 32 of his 33 extra-point attempts in his 14 regular-season games. Fantasy managers in 12-team leagues will want to avoid the Packers' kicking situation in 2026.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Jets Talking to a "Number of Veteran Quarterbacks"
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said he has no update on free-agent quarterback Russell Wilson and said that the team is talking to a "number of veteran quarterbacks," according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. Glenn added that he's "happy" with the current QB room, which includes veteran starter Geno Smith, rookie Cade Clubnik, Brady Cook, and Bailey Zappe. The Jets brought Wilson in for a visit last week and have reportedly offered him a contract for the 2026 season as a backup to Smith, but Wilson is non-committal on his NFL future and is considering getting into television for the upcoming season. The 37-year-old 10-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks has been a shell of his former self since his final season in Seattle back in 2021. He's bounced around with the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Giants since then and threw for 831 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions in six appearances (three starts) with New York in 2025. Wilson is no longer worth holding in dynasty leagues, as he'll be the clear backup to Smith if he signs with the Jets.
Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini
Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini
Travis Etienne Jr. a Reliable Dynasty Starter Entering First Season With Saints
After a down year in 2024, New Orleans Saints running back Travis Etienne Jr. bounced back in a big way while playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025. Across 17 games, Etienne Jr. recorded 1,399 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns on 296 touches. His resurgence earned him a significant commitment from the Saints, who signed him to a four-year, $48 million contract in March. While legendary Saints running back Alvin Kamara currently remains on the team's roster, the organization's financial ties to Etienne Jr. signify a changing of the guard. Etienne Jr. offers a three-down skill set and should dominate touches and playing time in the Saints' backfield. The offense around him in New Orleans should also be an improved unit in the team's second year with Tyler Shough at quarterback and head coach Kellen Moore calling plays. As he enters his age-27 season, Etienne Jr. profiles as a reliable starting running back option for dynasty managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Kenneth Gainwell's Dynasty Stock Still Rising After Offseason Change of Scenery?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenneth Gainwell put together the most productive season of his career while playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, recording 1,023 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns on 187 touches across 17 games. Gainwell emerged as a security blanket for Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the passing game, finishing the year with 73 catches for 486 yards and three touchdowns on 85 targets. The Bucs rewarded Gainwell with a two-year contract in free agency, and he now projects as the 1B option in the Tampa Bay backfield behind Bucky Irving. Gainwell may not see as many targets from Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield as he did from Rodgers, which would hurt his fantasy production. However, Gainwell should still play a role in the Tampa Bay passing game and could emerge as the team's go-to option in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Irving also has to be considered an injury risk after missing seven games with foot and shoulder injuries in 2025. Gainwell's dynasty value would have benefited more had he signed somewhere as a clear starter, but his stock is still up following his breakout 2025 season in Pittsburgh.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mac Jones a Deep-League Dynasty Stash Candidate
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones showed he still carries some starting potential in 2025, completing 69.6% of his pass attempts for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions across 11 games (eight starts). Jones stepped into the 49ers QB1 role when Brock Purdy went down early in the year with toe and shoulder injuries and performed admirably. While Purdy's presence blocks Jones from fantasy-relevant playing time in San Francisco, 2026 is his final year under contract with the 49ers. At just 27 years old, Jones could land with a team that views him as a starter when he hits free agency next spring. San Francisco could also look to trade him at some point before the 2026 trade deadline, which would be another path to a potential starting role. Either way, deeper-league dynasty managers may want to consider stashing Jones for his long-term upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tez Johnson Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Tampa Bay
A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson entered his rookie season buried on his team's depth chart. However, myriad injuries to the Bucs' wide receiver corps opened the door for Johnson to see the field, and he finished 2025 with 28 receptions for 322 yards and five touchdowns on 44 targets across 16 games (eight starts). While Johnson flashed upside when given the opportunity, he lost playing time as Tampa Bay got healthier down the stretch of the season. Johnson failed to play more than 25% of the team's offensive snaps in any of its final four games of the year. Entering 2026, Johnson projects to be behind Bucs wideouts Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan on the depth chart. Tampa Bay also used a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst, which could push Johnson even further down the target pecking order. Given the uphill battle he faces for playing time in Tampa Bay, Johnson's dynasty stock is down as he enters his second NFL season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jared Goff Remains a High-Floor Dynasty QB2 Heading into 2026
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff put together another solid statistical season in 2025, completing 68% of his pass attempts for 4,564 yards, 34 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Goff's complete lack of rushing ability limits his fantasy upside. However, the 31-year-old has now posted three consecutive seasons with at least 4,500 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, giving him a stable production floor. Heading into 2026, Goff still has a strong supporting cast of pass-catchers around him, led by wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs is also a weapon in the passing game, and tight end Sam LaPorta (back) should be part of the equation as well after missing the final eight games of 2025 with a back injury. The Lions have some questions on the offensive line, but the team added veteran center Cade Mays in free agency and used a first-round pick in the 2026 Draft on Clemson tackle Blake Miller. As long as Detroit can keep Goff upright, he profiles as a steady dynasty QB2 with matchup-dependent streaming upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
