RADIO
Darnell Mooney Facing Further Dynasty Decline
When veteran wide receiver Darnell Mooney signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants in March, he joined what looked to be one of the thinnest receiver rooms in the league. The Giants have since used a third-round pick on big-bodied boundary wideout Malachi Fields and opened June by handing out contracts to Odell Beckham Jr., JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Braxton Berrios. While the signings were perhaps an indictment of the health of presumed starters Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton, the infusion of depth is enough to make dynasty managers bearish on Mooney after he failed to top 450 receiving yards in his final season in Atlanta despite playing starter's snaps alongside players like David Sills V and Casey Washington, while Drake London missed five games with a sprained PCL. In what projects to be another run-heavy offense under John Harbaugh and Matt Nagy, Mooney already faced an uphill climb to reestablishing fantasy value, but with his situation now considerably murkier than it was at the time of his signing, the undersized 28-year-old has fallen to RotoBaller's dynasty WR98.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Christian Kirk Unlikely to Regain Dynasty Value in San Francisco
Since 2021, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk has taken more than 75% of his snaps out of the slot, but in signing with the Niners in free agency, he landed with a team that deployed 11 personnel at the league's sixth-lowest rate in 2025. In the Kyle Shanahan era, no team has more regularly removed a receiver from the formation in favor of a fullback than the 49ers, putting Kirk at a disadvantage before even factoring in the team's splashier free agent signing of six-time Pro Bowler Mike Evans or the surprise selection of De'Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. There's a slim possibility of a tendency shift to lighter personnel early in the year as the team awaits a return to health from All-Pro tight end George Kittle, but even in this unlikely scenario, Kirk could still find himself fighting for playing time behind Evans, Stribling, and 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall. Once partly responsible for resetting the wide receiver free agent market, Kirk is now 29 years old, and at RotoBaller's dynasty WR97, he is no longer a player who needs to be rostered in shallower leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Brashard Smith Be Dropped in Dynasty Leagues?
Inconsistency and a lack of a true bell cow atop the Chiefs' running back depth chart allowed ample opportunity for Brashard Smith to carve out a meaningful role as a 2025 rookie, but the seventh-round pick out of SMU was never able to capitalize. Appearing in all 17 games, Smith ran for only 151 yards on a 3.4-yard-per-carry clip, adding another 172 yards through the air and scoring his only touchdown of the season in a Week 17 loss to the Broncos. Kansas City added the top free agent running back on the market in Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III before spending a fifth-round pick on arguably the best receiving back in the 2026 rookie class, Emmett Johnson. The Chiefs rounded out their depth chart with the low-cost addition of veteran Emari Demercado, who had been hyper-efficient in his limited work with the Cardinals, averaging almost 7.9 yards per attempt over the past two seasons. Smith has accordingly been pushed to the bubble of most dynasty rosters, and with no clear path to fantasy relevance, he has fallen to RB74 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings, making him a drop candidate in all but the deepest leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zachariah Branch Impressing New Falcons QB in OTAs
Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who was the 79th overall pick in the third round of this year's draft out of the University of Georgia, has been quickly learning the team's offense and building chemistry with his teammates in OTAs this offseason, according to Will McFadden of AtlantaFalcons.com. The 22-year-old proved to be one of college's most explosive playmakers in 2025 with the Bulldogs, leading the SEC with 81 catches and gaining 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 14 games played. He has drawn the attention of new quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who played with two elite speed receivers in Miami in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. "I mean, dude's fast," Tagovailoa said. "Dude can play very shifty. Kind of reminds me of Waddle." Branch caught 159 passes for 1,634 yards and nine touchdowns in his three collegiate seasons (two at USC), and he did most of his damage after he already secured the football. He was targeted 96 times and caught 92 passes behind the line of scrimmage in college. Speed is not in question with Branch, but his durability at 5-foot-9, 177 pounds, and his role in his rookie season are up for debate. Expect him to compete with Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson for the WR2 role in Atlanta in 2026 behind WR1 Drake London.
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Will McFadden
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Will McFadden
AJ Barner Expected to be Ready for Training Camp
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (undisclosed) hasn't taken part in on-field workouts during the offseason program after having two undisclosed surgeries, but he's "feeling good" and is expected to be back on the field for training camp this summer, according to John Boyle of the team's official website. The 24-year-old was on the weekly injury report for Seattle regularly late last season, being listed with hip, elbow, shoulder, knee, ankle, and calf injuries. He still made 20 starts, including the postseason, and he finished with 52 receptions (68 targets) for 519 yards and six touchdowns in 17 regular-season starts in his second year in the NFL. "I'm going to feel much better, and I'm already feeling much better, and I think that's where I'll see strides," Barner said. "I'm feeling good, and I'm chomping at the bit trying to get back out there." The third-year TE should remain a threat in the red zone for the defending Super Bowl champs in 2026, but the expected emergence of Elijah Arroyo will certainly cap his fantasy ceiling in 2026. RotoBaller has Barner ranked as the No. 27 fantasy TE going into the upcoming season.
Source: Seahawks.com - John Boyle
Source: Seahawks.com - John Boyle
Luther Burden III Looking Like a True WR1 in OTAs With Bears
Chicago Bears second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III appears to be the one ready to step up after Chicago traded DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills this offseason. According to former NFL tight end Clay Harbor, Burden is "doing everything you'd think a No. 1 receiver would do" during OTAs this offseason. The 22-year-old former second-rounder (39th overall) out of the University of Missouri looks bigger and faster and is playing both inside and outside in head coach Ben Johnson's offense. Johnson even said himself last week that he's "buying Burden stock right now." He finished his rookie year as a real weapon in Chicago's offense, catching 47 of his 60 targets for 652 yards and two touchdowns in 15 regular-season games (five starts). Former first-rounder Rome Odunze remains in town, but he may never be the same after heel issues that could continue to be a concern for him. Burden looks like the real deal and is quickly becoming one of the top breakout candidates at the receiver position in 2026. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 19 fantasy WR for the 2026 season.
Source: Clay Harbor
Source: Clay Harbor
T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith Expected to Remain With Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers recently gave edge rusher Nick Herbig a four-year, $100 million contract extension, which has led to more speculation that the Steelers could trade one of linebackers T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith, this offseason. The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday that Watt "isn't going anywhere this year, and he's going to play for the Steelers." Rapoport also doesn't "get the sense" that Highsmith is going anywhere either. Watt, 31, signed a three-year, $123 million contract with Pittsburgh in July of last year. It doesn't sound like he's a realistic trade candidate this offseason, but that could be a different story come next year, when the Steelers will have a decision to make either way. The eight-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro can still be a difference-maker on defense when he's healthy, but he's not getting any younger, and durability is becoming a bit more of a concern for the Steelers and fantasy managers in IDP formats. Watt played in 14 regular-season games in 2025 and had just seven sacks, the second-fewest total of his nine-year NFL career.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Maxx Crosby Close to Returning to Practice?
Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee), who is calling his nixed offseason trade to the Baltimore Ravens "water under the bridge," is improving physically and is "almost back to being" on the field, according to Sam Warren of The Athletic. The 28-year-old was in the early stages of his recovery from surgery to fix a torn meniscus when the Ravens withdrew from a potential Crosby trade due to a failed physical. Baltimore's doctors reportedly were worried about Crosby's long-term prognosis of his surgically-repaired left knee, despite his short-term outlook being positive. New head coach Klint Kubiak said the team is "counting on" Crosby being back for training camp in July, adding that he "wouldn't be surprised if Maxx was ahead of schedule." Barring a setback, the five-time Pro Bowler should be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season, which will make him a highly coveted D-lineman in IDP fantasy formats despite added injury risk after he missed seven games in the last two seasons due to injuries.
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Patriots Don't Expect A.J. Brown to be Limited Physically
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown has had issues with his knees in the past, but the Patriots did their homework before acquiring him from the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday for a first-rounder in 2028 and a fifth-rounder in 2027, and they don't believe it will be something that limits him in 2026, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network. The Pats targeted the disgruntled Brown with a vision on maximizing quarterback Drake Maye's rookie contract window over the next couple of years. Brown is known to be fiery, competitive, and outspoken, but New England believes it will be a strength, especially since he's happy and exactly where he wants to be with a head coach that he played for before with the Tennessee Titans to begin his NFL career. The 28-year-old will be the unquestioned No. 1 target for Maye in his new digs, even though the Pats signed Romeo Doubs in free agency. Brown, a three-time Pro Bowler, had his sixth 1,000-yard season in 2025 in Philly, but he also had a career-low 12.9 yards per catch. He'll come at a slight discount in fantasy drafts but will remain a high-risk, high-reward low-end WR1/high-end WR2 in a Patriots offense that should offer much more passing-game volume.
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Rams Rework Myles Garrett's Contract
The Los Angeles Rams and star edge rusher Myles Garrett did not agree on a new deal after he was acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Cleveland Browns on Monday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Instead, the Rams reworked Garrett's contract that pays him $204 million over five years. The average per year and term stay the same as his deal was in Cleveland, but the alteration allows the Rams to onboard Garrett and his record-setting deal to move the vesting date of his guarantees back a few months. The 30-year-old seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro will head to the NFC West to try and help the Rams get to another Super Bowl after setting the NFL's single-season sack record with 23 in 17 starts for Cleveland last year. On paper, the Rams now clearly have the best roster in the NFL, and Garrett's arrival could bring legendary defensive tackle Aaron Donald out of retirement to make their defensive line even more formidable. Garrett will be the No. 1 defensive lineman off the board in IDP fantasy drafts in 2026.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Tank Dell Back on the Field at OTAs This Week
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) was seen back on the field in team drills during OTAs on Thursday for the first time since tearing multiple ligaments in his knee back in Week 16 of the 2024 season. The 26-year-old did not play at all last year for the Texans while rehabbing, but barring a setback in training camp this summer, Dell could have a great shot to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in early September. He will most likely be limited in mandatory minicamp workouts later this month, but it's definitely good to see Dell running around on the football field again. The Texans took him with the 69th overall pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft out of the University of Houston, and he caught 98 of his 156 targets for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023 and 2024. Houston is confident that Dell will have a role in his return to action in 2026, but how much of a role he'll have is a big question mark. Dell will be trying to challenge second-year wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel for playing time behind WR1 Nico Collins, and he'll likely go undrafted in most 12-team formats. RotoBaller has Dell ranked as the WR78 currently for the upcoming season.
Source: Houston Texans
Source: Houston Texans
Sam LaPorta Looks Good During OTA Practice on Thursday
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) looked good and was moving around well at OTA practice on Thursday after he sat out of the first open practice last week, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. It's a good sign for LaPorta, who is coming off back surgery to fix a herniated disc that forced him to miss the final eight games of the 2025 season. The 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2023 out of the University of Iowa was the No. 1 fantasy TE in his rookie year, catching 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns on 120 targets in 17 regular-season games. LaPorta took a slight step back in 2024 with a 60-726-7 line in 16 starts, before catching just 40 passes for 489 yards and three scores a year ago in nine starts. It won't cost nearly as much to secure LaPorta's services in fantasy as a low-end TE1 after his injury in 2025, and with the situation not much different in Detroit than in his first two years, there is clear bounce-back potential in his fourth year in the NFL if he can stay healthy. LaPorta is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 9 TE for the 2026 campaign.
Source: DetroitLions.com - Tim Twentyman
Source: DetroitLions.com - Tim Twentyman
Mike Evans Making a Strong Impression at OTAs With his New Team
New San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans has quickly won over his coaches and teammates in the Bay Area during OTAs, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Not only has Evans, a surefire future Hall of Famer, been humble around his new teammates, but his length and route-running abilities have stood out in practices. "I pinch myself every day," tight end George Kittle said. "This is like the first legit veteran wide receiver I've had on my roster since Emmanuel Sanders in 2019, in my opinion. And nothing against the other veteran receivers I've had, but he's a Hall of Famer. I think he takes ball seriously. That kind of sets the tone for the wide receiver room, especially when we have a bunch of young guys in there." Evans' string of 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons ended in 2025 due to a broken clavicle, but he's intent on starting a new streak in 2026 at 32 years old. Joining the Niners gives Evans a clear path back to the 1,000-yard mark and perhaps even double-digit touchdowns, but there's no denying the risk involved with an aging player like Evans, who has a lot of tread on the tires. Fantasy managers would be wise to target him as more of a high-end WR3/low-end WR2 in drafts this fall.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Trevor Etienne Currently the RB3 in Carolina?
Carolina Panthers running back Trevor Etienne currently projects to be behind both Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks on the team's running back depth chart, per Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Etienne recorded just 107 scrimmage yards on 23 touches across 17 games as a rookie. Hubbard has recorded over 3,200 scrimmage yards and 20 touchdowns over the past three seasons for Carolina and profiles as the clear RB1. However, Brooks has been limited to just three games by knee injuries since being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Etienne could work his way past Brooks over the course of the summer. Still, it's notable that the Panthers may be thinking of Brooks as the complement to Hubbard at this point. It's too early to give up on Etienne in dynasty formats, but the 21-year-old has some work to do to establish himself after his underwhelming rookie year.
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
Jaylen Wright Impressing Bobby Slowik During OTAs
Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said running back Jaylen Wright is showing a greater comfort level this season and "has some speed," per David Furones of the Sun Sentinel. Wright missed time early in the 2025 season with a knee injury, but finished the year with 332 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 75 touches across 10 games. As long as star Dolphins running back De'Von Achane remains healthy, it will be difficult for Wright to earn enough touches to provide fantasy-relevant production. However, Wright may be on his way to firmly seizing the RB2 role in Miami away from fellow Dolphins back Ollie Gordon II. If Wright emerges as the clear backup to Achane, he would profile as one of the better handcuff running back options for fantasy managers entering 2026.
Source: Sun Sentinel - David Furones
Source: Sun Sentinel - David Furones
