March 7, 2026
New Orleans Saints tight end
Taysom Hill's football future remains uncertain heading into the 2026 offseason, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com. The Saints gave Hill a fitting send-off in his final home game of the 2025 season, in case he decided to retire after the year ended. Fast forward two months later, and the 35-year-old remains undecided on what the future holds. On one hand, he still has some production left in the tank after amassing 114 rushing yards, 91 receiving yards, and 57 passing yards last year. On the other hand, his stats took a step backward, and he dropped to the overall TE58 in PPR leagues, his lowest mark since 2018. Further complicating matters is the fact that Hill is an impending free agent, so within just a few days, he'll no longer have an NFL contract. It's possible that Hill will test the market before deciding whether to play football in 2026. Even if he does come back for another year, he's no longer a dependable option in dynasty or redraft leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: Katherine Terrell
March 7, 2026
The New York Giants are expected to move linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux this offseason, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com. Thibodeaux comes with a salary of nearly $15 million, and Raanan expects the Giants to move on from the former first-round pick so that they can spend money on "others in their defensive front, whether it be middle linebacker or defensive line." If this is indeed the end of Thibodeaux's time in New York, he finishes his Giants stint with 23.5 sacks, 152 tackles, 55 quarterback hits, and six forced fumbles across four seasons (53 games, 53 starts). Health has been somewhat of a concern with the 25-year-old, who missed 12 games over the last two years. He'll look to get back to his 2022 and 2023 form; he finished fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2022, and he had 11.5 sacks in 2023. Upon his anticipated departure, Abdul Carter and Brian Burns will continue to make an impact as edge rushers on either end of the defensive line.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jordan Raanan
March 7, 2026
The Carolina Panthers intend to replace backup quarterback
Andy Dalton this offseason, according to David Newton of ESPN.com. "Moving on is the plan, even if it means releasing Dalton and leaving $3.83 million in dead cap money with a post-June 1 parting," Newton wrote. This loosely echoes previous comments from Panthers general manager Dan Morgan, who said the team wants to develop a young backup behind
Bryce Young and that Dalton would have to compete for a roster spot. At this point, it sounds unlikely that he'll be back for 2026, with the Panthers perhaps looking toward free agency or the NFL Draft for a younger replacement. Newton identified veteran journeyman quarterbacks
Kenny Pickett,
Zach Wilson,
Trey Lance, and
Sam Howell as potential QB2 options in Carolina going forward.
--Andersen PickardSource: David Newton
March 6, 2026
Free agent running backs
Rachaad White and
Kenneth Gainwell "might make sense" for the Jacksonville Jaguars if they don't re-sign
Travis Etienne Jr., according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com. White, 27, spent his first four NFL seasons in Tampa Bay. He consistently flashed upside as a dual-threat back with the ability to score touchdowns, but he was held in check each of the last two years due to
Bucky Irving's breakout. We have seen what White can do in a shared backfield (or by himself), and he could be a 1A to the 1B of
Bhayshul Tuten in Jacksonville. There's real optimism that White could return to 2023 form, which included 990 rushing yards, 549 receiving yards, nine touchdowns, and an overall RB4 finish in PPR leagues. Notably, White has a connection to Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, who was previously his offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay. Gainwell, on the other hand, is coming off a breakout season in Pittsburgh. During his lone year as a Steeler, he ranked as the RB16 in PPR leagues with 537 rushing yards, 486 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. He split the workload with
Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh, and he'd presumably do the same with Tuten in Jacksonville. Either running back would have appeal as an RB2 or RB3 option if they sign with the Jaguars.
--Andersen PickardSource: Michael DiRocco
March 6, 2026
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Baltimore Ravens are acquiring superstar defensive end Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick. The five-time Pro Bowler has been in trade discussions for several months and has finally found a suitor. Crosby has spent his entire NFL career with the Raiders since joining them in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Throughout his seven-year NFL career, Crosby has recorded four double-digit sack seasons and averaged 9.9 sacks per season. Since 2022, Crosby has hit the double-digit sack mark in all but one season (2024), where he only played in 12 games. In 2025, Crosby logged 10.0 sacks with 73 tackles, one interception, and six deflections. The 28-year-old will bring high upside to the Baltimore defensive line, which tallied only 30 sacks last season, tying them for the third-fewest in the sport.
--Andy SmithSource: Adam Schefter
March 6, 2026
The San Francisco 49ers have an interest in impending free-agent wide receivers
Alec Pierce and
Romeo Doubs, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
Brandon Aiyuk (knee) will be released soon, and it "sure seems" like
Jauan Jennings won't be retained at the wide receiver position in the Bay Area. Former first-rounder and injury-prone wideout
Ricky Pearsall would be the team's top wideout if both Aiyuk and Jennings leave, which is why it's not a surprise at all that the 49ers are looking at both Pierce and Doubs. Both wideouts are coming off career years with the Colts and Packers, respectively, and are in line for bigger roles with new teams in 2026 and beyond. Pierce, 25, had 1,003 yards and six touchdowns on 47 catches in 15 games as Indy's leading receiver. Doubs, 25, had a 55-724-6 line in 16 regular-season games. Pierce has a higher fantasy ceiling because of his big-play ability; he's led the league the last two years in yards per reception.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer
March 6, 2026
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer has heard that Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Kyler Murray (foot) has interest in the Indianapolis Colts as he looks for his next team. Breer adds that Murray's preference is probably to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, but all options are on the table right now, with the Cardinals expected to release him. As long as the Colts can retain
Daniel Jones (Achilles) -- he received the transition tag -- the Colts wouldn't exactly make sense for Murray from a playing-time standpoint. The 28-year-old former first overall pick back in 2019 out of Oklahoma is one of the quickest QBs in the game, but injuries have been an issue, and he just hasn't been able to take the next step as a dual-threat signal-caller in the NFL. Before a season-ending foot strain in Week 5, Murray had 962 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three picks in 2025. Landing in Minnesota would be the best thing for Murray's fantasy value as he looks to rebound in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer
March 6, 2026
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer thinks that Jacksonville Jaguars impending free-agent running back
Travis Etienne Jr. could wind up at over $10 million per year in free agency, and he could be a good fit with a team like the New Orleans Saints. Long-time lead back
Alvin Kamara (knee) played in a career-low 11 games last year due to a knee injury, and the Saints restructured his contract on Friday with the potential to move on from the aging back. If the Saints were to move on from Kamara or he were to retire, Etienne would be firmly in play for Etienne and the other top RBs on the open market this offseason. The 27-year-old is the total package as a runner and receiver, having totaled 1,107 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 260 carries while adding 36 catches for 292 yards and another six TDs in 17 regular-season games with the Jags in 2025. Etienne's fantasy arrow is pointing up, but his final 2026 value will be determined once we know where he'll be playing.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer
March 6, 2026
Denver Broncos free-agent running back
Tyler Badie plans to sign his one-year, $1.075 million tender "soon," according to Chris Tomasson of The Athletic. Badie could sign the tender as soon as Saturday. The Broncos are expected to explore the free-agent RB market, so at best, the 26-year-old could be relegated to RB3 duties again in Denver in 2026. In his third year in the NFL in 2025, the former sixth-rounder of the Baltimore Ravens in 2022 out of Missouri had carried the ball only eight times for 23 yards, adding 19 receptions on 31 targets for 141 yards and no touchdowns as a pass-catcher. Badie added 452 return yards on 17 attempts on special teams. There's a good chance both
J.K. Dobbins (foot) and
Jaleel McLaughlin won't be back in the Broncos' backfield next season. Badie is off the fantasy radar in the majority of leagues this offseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Denver Gazette - Chris Tomasson
March 6, 2026
The Chicago Bears are acquiring center Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots on Friday, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The deal won't officially be processed until the new league year begins next Wednesday. The move comes after former Bears center Drew Dalman surprisingly announced his retirement earlier this week. The 30-year-old veteran started all 17 regular-season games for the second straight year in 2025 and helped the Patriots get all the way to the Super Bowl, but he wasn't particularly effective as a run-blocker last season. He signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract with New England in March of last year. Bradbury, a former 18th overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2019 out of North Carolina State, could face competition at the center position in Chicago if the Bears add another center in free agency.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
March 6, 2026
The Athletic's Chad Graff thinks Indianapolis Colts impending free-agent wide receiver
Alec Pierce "fits a lot of what New England is likely to be looking for in a receiver" in free agency this offseason. Graff took it a step further and predicted that the Patriots would sign Pierce to a four-year, $104 million contract. The 25-year-old will be in high demand on the open market after posting his first 1,000-yard season in 2025 while catching 47 of his 84 targets for six touchdowns in 15 games. Pierce has led the league in yards per catch in each of the last two years in Indy. The second-round speedster and the Colts have mutual interest in a reunion, but Pierce could also bolt to the highest bidder, as long as they have a stable quarterback situation. Pats QB
Drake Maye was extremely accurate deep down the field, which would make Pierce an ideal fit after New England just cut their top wideout in
Stefon Diggs this week.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Chad Graff
March 6, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Deni Avdija (back) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Houston Rockets. As expected, Avdija will miss this game after being listed as doubtful on the injury report. He'll miss his seventh game in a row due to a lingering back issue. His next chance to play will come on Sunday against the Indiana Pacers. Fantasy managers will need to check back this weekend for another update on his status.
Scoot Henderson should continue to see increased playing time with Avdija banged up. Henderson is worth a look in deep leagues, but he doesn't have a ton of upside outside of that.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
The Athletic's James Boyd mentions Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent wide receiver
Rashid Shaheed as an option for the Indianapolis Colts in free agency if they cannot bring
Alec Pierce back. Shaheed torched the Colts a few years ago while playing with the New Orleans Saints and just helped the Seahawks win the Super Bowl over the New England Patriots. The 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Weber State was more productive on special teams as a kick returner for Seattle than on offense after he was acquired in a midseason trade from the Saints. Shaheed had 44 catches for 499 yards and two touchdowns with New Orleans in nine games, but caught just 15 passes for 188 yards and no TDs in nine regular-season games with the Seahawks. The speedy wideout would be a natural replacement for Pierce as a deep threat in Indy, though, perhaps improving Shaheed's fantasy upside in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - James Boyd
March 6, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
Brandon Williams (quad) is available to play ahead of Friday's contest versus the Boston Celtics. Williams is back in action after sitting out Thursday's loss due to a quad issue. Luckily, it seems like a minor issue, so Williams will return to the court for the second leg of this back-to-back set. Since the All-Star break, Williams is averaging 15.9 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in 24.7 minutes per game across seven contests. Williams has been a sneaky solid fantasy option lately, but his value figures to drop with
Cooper Flagg back in the mix. Fantasy managers who have Williams rostered can get him active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported this week that NFL teams will be calling the Atlanta Falcons to make trade offers for tight end
Kyle Pitts Sr., per The Athletic's Josh Kendall. "Whether or not they listen is another question," Kendall writes. He adds that new head coach Kevin Stefanski has sounded like he wants to coach Pitts this year, and he's the only real pass-catching TE on the roster. If the Falcons were to trade Pitts for a couple of mid-round draft picks, Kendall thinks they'd have to turn around and use the additional draft capital to take a rookie tight end in this year's NFL draft. The dynamic around trading Pitts could change if Atlanta is able to land a starting-caliber TE in free agency, such as
David Njoku or
Darren Waller. New general manager Ian Cunningham said recently the Falcons want another year to decide on whether Pitts is worth a long-term deal, which is why they placed the franchise tag on him. The former fourth overall pick broke out for 88 catches, 928 yards, and five touchdowns in 2025, but with potential issues at the QB position, Pitts could be a volatile TE1 in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Josh Kendall
March 6, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
Klay Thompson (groin) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Boston Celtics. As expected, Thompson will suit up after being listed as probable on the injury report. Since the All-Star break, Thompson is averaging 12.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.5 three-pointers in 21.2 minutes per game in six contests. The veteran guard has been inconsistent in terms of fantasy value this season. Thompson has been playing better lately and could be worth a look as a streaming option for Friday's slate. He knocked down seven three-pointers on Thursday, so hopefully he can keep it going here.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
Houston Rockets guard
Amen Thompson (ankle) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Thompson has been upgraded to available after coming into this game with a questionable tag. He tweaked his ankle during Thursday's game, but it won't be enough to keep him off the court. He played 44 minutes during Thursday's overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Rockets monitor Thompson on Friday. Regardless, fantasy managers should feel comfortable plugging him into their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Boston Celtics. As expected, Gafford will head to the sideline after being listed as doubtful for this game due to an ankle injury. This is likely the Mavs being cautious with Gafford after he played 25 minutes during Thursday's contest. The expectation is that Gafford will be back for Sunday's game, but fantasy managers should check back for an update this weekend. The Mavs are thin at the center spot, which means
Dwight Powell and
Moussa Cisse could play heavy minutes. Powell could be worth a look as a deep league streaming option on Friday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
Miami Heat forward
Andrew Wiggins (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Wiggins has been playing through knee tendinitis, so it's not shocking to see him sitting out the second leg of this back-to-back set. His next chance to play will come on Sunday versus the Detroit Pistons. The Heat are expected to use a committee approach to fill the void left by Wiggins on Friday.
Kel'el Ware,
Pelle Larsson, and
Myron Gardner all figure to see increased roles here. Among the three, Ware is the best fantasy option, but he's also rostered in most leagues. Otherwise, Larsson could be another option to look at in deep leagues with Wiggins unavailable.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers center
Deandre Ayton (knee) is ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Ayton won't play after exiting during the first half of Thursday's contest due to a left knee injury. The severity is unknown, but the Lakers are likely just being cautious in the second leg of this back-to-back set. His absence will mean increased roles for
Jarred Vanderbilt and
Jaxson Hayes on Friday. Hayes finished with 19 points and five rebounds across 27 minutes of action on Thursday. He figures to be a safe streaming choice with Ayton and
LeBron James (elbow) both out on Friday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (elbow) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. James was forced to sit out during the fourth quarter of Thursday's game due to a left elbow injury. It appears to be significant enough to keep him out of the second leg of this back-to-back set. The severity of the injury is unknown right now, but his next chance to play will come on Sunday. The Lakers are expected to use a committee approach to fill the void left by James. That means
Rui Hachimura,
Jake LaRavia, and
Jarred Vanderbilt should all see increased playing time. Among the three, LaRavia is probably the most consistent option for fantasy managers seeking a streaming option on Friday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
Edmonton Oilers center Mattias Janmark (undisclosed) has had season-ending surgery, head coach Kris Knoblauch revealed on Friday. He has been out since Feb. 25 with an undisclosed injury. The team expects Janmark to be healthy for training camp in the fall. Janmark has one season left on a three-year, $4.35 million contract. He finishes this season with eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 48 games. Having acquired Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach from the Chicago Blackhawks this week, the Oilers have several options available to fill in for Janmark. Both new additions are expected to be in the lineup on Friday night against the Carolina Hurricanes.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
March 6, 2026
The Houston Texans and tight end
Dalton Schultz agreed on a one-year contract extension worth $12.6 million on Friday, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Schultz now has $17.6 million guaranteed in 2026 and 2027. The Texans will reward the 29-year-old after finishing up his third year with the team in 2025. The former fourth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2018 out of Stanford caught a career-high 82 passes on a career-high 106 targets for 777 yards and three touchdowns in 17 regular-season games last year in his eighth year in the league. Schultz's numbers made him the TE11 in half-PPR scoring in 2025, averaging 8.0 fantasy points per game. He is a trusted weapon over the middle for quarterback Dalton Schultz and should remain a low-end TE1/high-end TE2 target in fantasy football drafts this fall. Schultz has 194 grabs for 1,944 yards and 10 touchdowns in his three years in Houston.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
March 6, 2026
The Arizona Cardinals released defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson on Friday, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. Tomlinson played his only season with the Cardinals in 2025 and had 26 tackles (13 solo) and one sack in 17 starts in his ninth year in the NFL. The 32-year-old former second-round pick back in 2017 out of Alabama by the New York Giants played the first four years of his career with the Giants before spending two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and two seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Tomlinson has been a durable and consistent defensive tackle in his nine years in the NFL, but he doesn't move the fantasy needle in IDP formats with only 20 total sacks through 142 games played (142 starts). The Cardinals will free up around $9.4 million in salary cap space this year by cutting Tomlinson, who signed a two-year, $29 million deal with Arizona last March.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Josh Weinfuss
March 6, 2026
Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson (upper body) will return to work on Friday against the Florida Panthers. He has been named the starter for Friday night after missing Wednesday's loss to Vegas with an upper-body injury. Gibson has been strong between the sticks this season, posting a 23-12-2 record with four shutouts. He holds a 2.58 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. On Friday, Gibson draws a good matchup, as Florida has dropped nine of its last 11 games and has scored two or fewer goals in four of the past six contests.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 6, 2026
Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (illness) will return from a four-game absence on Friday night against the Colorado Avalanche. Due to illness, the Finnish forward hasn't played for the Stars since the Olympics. Hintz will resume his role as the top-line center, with Wyatt Johnston shifting to the right wing. Mavrik Bourque is expected to move down to the third line. Across 52 games this season, Hintz has tallied 15 goals and 29 assists. He has recorded points in three of his last four regular-season games against Colorado.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 6, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (lower body) returned to practice on Friday. He skated for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury at the Olympics. Last Wednesday, Crosby was ruled out for at least four weeks. However, it seems there's a chance the Penguins captain might return sooner. While it's great news for the Penguins and fantasy managers to see Crosby back on the ice Friday, he has not been cleared for contact and isn't expected to play during Pittsburgh's back-to-back set this weekend. With Crosby out, Thomas Novak held the top-line center spot in Thursday's loss to Buffalo, while Ben Kindel has also seen increased usage recently.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
March 6, 2026
Left wing Bobby McMann will finish the 2025-26 season with the Seattle Kraken. He was traded on Friday by the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick. McMann is in the final season of a two-year, $2.7 million contract. While McMann was a top-six regular in Toronto, it's not yet clear where he'll fit into the Kraken's lineup. The 29-year-old is aiming for his first 40-point campaign, amassing 19 goals and 13 assists in 60 appearances so far.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 6, 2026
Former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback
Geno Smith and Arizona Cardinals QB
Jacoby Brissett are the front-runners to be the New York Jets' starting signal-caller in 2026, according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Smith was taken by the Jets in the second round in 2013 out of West Virginia, so it would be a homecoming after he spent the first four years of his career in New York. The 35-year-old was one of the worst QBs in the league in 2025, but he'll come cheap this offseason and has enough experience to be a one-year bridge option at the position. Brissett would be more expensive, and it's unclear if the Cardinals will even trade him this offseason. Reports on Friday suggested the Jets could add two veteran QBs in free agency, so if the team adds Smith or Brissett, they'd likely be competing for the starting role this summer. Most likely, the QB position will be one to avoid in fantasy leagues this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
March 6, 2026
The Detroit Red Wings acquired defenseman Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues on Friday in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 third-round pick, defenseman Justin Holl, and forward prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov. Faulk spent six and a half seasons with the Blues, recording 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists), 116 shots, 102 blocks, and 49 hits in 61 appearances this term. The veteran blue-liner has had a decent campaign on a bad team and will have an opportunity to improve his production with the playoff-chasing Red Wings. He's going to be part of the top-four group in Motown and will likely strengthen the second power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
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