February 27, 2026
The Dallas Cowboys officially placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on impending free-agent wide receiver
George Pickens on Friday, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. The non-exclusive tag allows teams to talk to Pickens when free agency begins next month, but the Cowboys will have the right to match any offer. Ultimately, the Cowboys hope that the tag is just a placeholder until they can work out a long-term extension with Pickens, who had a career year in 2025 in his first season in Dallas. The two sides will have until July 15 to reach a new contract. If an extension isn't reached, Pickens will most likely play the 2026 campaign in Dallas on the franchise tag. The 24-year-old led the Cowboys in receiving last year and was money for fantasy managers, catching 93 of his 137 targets for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games. Pickens was the WR5 in half-PPR scoring and won't be cheap in the early rounds of drafts this fall as a WR1.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
February 27, 2026
University of Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon will not run the 40-yard dash at this week's NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic. Lemon will participate in the gauntlet and run some routes, but he won't take part in official testing. The 21-year-old won the Biletnikoff Trophy in 2025 after catching 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final collegiate season with the Trojans. Lemon will most likely run the 40-yard dash at his school's pro day next month. He's been compared to Lions wideout
Amon-Ra St. Brown and will be a lock to come off the board in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, possibly within the first 10 to 15 picks.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dane Brugler
February 27, 2026
Atlanta Falcons impending free-agent running back
Tyler Allgeier will be looking for a contract in the neighborhood of three years and $22 million this offseason, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. Kendall adds that it's almost certainly "more than the Falcons will be willing to pay" with
Bijan Robinson's second contract looming down the road in one or two years. Robinson will try to reset the RB market when he begins negotiations. Allgeier had 676 carries for 2,876 yards in his four seasons in Atlanta and set the franchise's rookie rushing record of 1,035 yards in 2022 after he was taken in the fifth round. The 25-year-old was a frustrating play in fantasy because of the unpredictability behind Robinson, but he did have a career-high eight TDs in 2025, and he should be in line for an expanded role in 2026 in a new location.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Josh Kendall
February 27, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop prospect
Konnor Griffin (foot) is back in the Grapefruit League lineup on Friday against the Baltimore Orioles, starting at shortstop and hitting eighth. Griffin was hit by a pitch on his foot in Wednesday's spring training contest and was removed as a precaution. The 19-year-old No. 1 overall prospect in baseball said after the game on Wednesday that he was fine. Despite still being a teenager and having played only 21 games above High-A in the minors, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal says that he's "trending toward" being the Pirates' Opening Day shortstop. Griffin has lived up to all the hype so far this spring and clubbed two home runs in the spring training game on Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox. All aspects of his game are polished well beyond his years, and his power/speed upside is through the roof. Griffin has all the makings of a future superstar and perennial All-Star.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pittsburgh Pirates
February 27, 2026
Detroit Tigers right-hander
Troy Melton (elbow) saw a doctor and was recommended to rest for an extended period of time, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. It means that Melton is unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season at the end of March. The 25-year-old hadn't pitched in a game this spring due to a right-elbow strain. Melton was sharp in his first 16 major-league outings (four starts) for the Tigers last year, delivering a 2.76 ERA (4.60 FIP) and 1.01 WHIP with 36 strikeouts, and 15 walks in 45 2/3 innings, and he was also a key piece for Detroit in the postseason. He'll now begin the 2026 campaign on the injured list, though, and it's unclear exactly when he might be an option to help the big-league pitching staff. Melton is a promising young arm in the Tigers' system, but he's likely to face workload restrictions.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit News - Chris McCosky
February 27, 2026
Minnesota Twins third baseman
Royce Lewis' (side) MRI exam came back clean after he was scratched from Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Pittsburgh Pirates with tightness in his side, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. The 26-year-old is being considered day-to-day for now and will likely be held out of spring training games for a couple of days as a precaution. Injuries have been an issue for the former first overall pick, as last year was the first time in his four major-league seasons that he played in over 100 games. Lewis hit .237/.283/.388 with a .671 OPS, 13 home runs, 52 RBI, 36 runs scored, and a career-high 12 stolen bases in 403 plate appearances. He played in 70 combined games in his first two seasons and has already suffered two torn ACLs. Lewis is injury-prone and streaky as a hitter, but when he's dialed in, he can be an elite power hitter for fantasy managers at third base.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
February 27, 2026
The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that the New England Patriots "will make a call soon" on wide receiver
Stefon Diggs' future, and it could mean cutting the 32-year-old veteran or restructuring his contract as early as next week. Diggs is set to carry a $26.5 million salary cap hit this year, and his contract guarantees him $6 million if he's on the roster on March 13. New England is in a tough position, as Diggs became the first Patriots receiver in six years to top 1,000 receiving yards in a season, and it would be counterproductive for quarterback
Drake Maye if the team were to cut their best WR. A league source expects the Pats to cut Diggs, unless they're able to "dramatically lower his cap hit with a reworked contract." If the Patriots do cut Diggs, Graff expects them to look at
Mike Evans or
Alec Pierce (if he's available). The other free-agent options at WR are not great.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Chad Graff
February 27, 2026
Dallas Cowboys impending free-agent wide receiver
George Pickens is expected to receive the franchise tag. If the two sides aren't able to work out a long-term contract by the deadline on July 15, Pickens would remain under the tag for the 2026 season. The Athletic's Jon Machota reports that Dallas is "not interested in trading the star wide receiver." "We want George here. It's really important to us," executive vice president Stephen Jones said. It's possible that the 24-year-old wideout might not attend the team's offseason program if/when the franchise tag is slapped on him, but the bottom line is that Pickens most likely will be playing in Dallas again for the upcoming season. The former second-rounder by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 out of Georgia broke out with a career year in his first season with the Cowboys, catching 93 of his 137 targets for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. Pickens will be firmly in the WR1 picture going into 2026 fantasy drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Jon Machota
February 27, 2026
The Houston Texans are expected to make a "push for a top running back in the free-agent market," but the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander also suggests the team could look to trade for Miami Dolphins running back
De'Von Achane this offseason as they look to improve their RB room. In free agency,
Kenneth Walker III,
Travis Etienne Jr., and
Rico Dowdle could all be targets. The Dolphins aren't exactly looking to trade Achane, though, and they want to build around him with their new front office and coaching staff, so the 24-year-old isn't exactly going to come cheap. Achane was the RB6 in half-PPR scoring in 16 games last year, accumulating 1,350 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 238 carries while also adding 67 receptions on 85 targets for another 488 yards and four touchdowns. He'd arguably become even more promising in fantasy football with a trade to Houston, although
Woody Marks will have a role after a strong rookie campaign in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Chronicle - Jonathan M. Alexander
February 27, 2026
Charlie Campbell of Walter Football reports that the New York Giants are "particularly high" on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Campbell suggests it would represent a best-player-available move instead of the Giants reaching for need. Live is a can't-miss prospect in this year's draft class and is a top-10 overall talent. In his last two seasons with the Fighting Irish, the 6-foot, 214-pounder had 2,497 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns, and he also has strong receiving skills. Campbell lists Love's big-play speed, urgent tempo, reacceleration, and versatility as his top qualities. He's been compared to the Lions'
Jahmyr Gibbs, who has quickly become one of the best all-around RBs in the NFL. If the G-Men were to select Love early in the first round this year, he'd be added to an already strong backfield of
Cam Skattebo and
Tyrone Tracy Jr., who combined for 1,150 rushing yards in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: Walter Football - Charlie Campbell
February 27, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward
Cedric Coward (knee) will remain sidelined for Friday's matchup against Dallas due to a sprained knee. The rookie wing is set to miss his sixth straight game, and Memphis has shown little urgency in rushing him back.
Jaylen Wells should continue to see steady minutes after logging eight points, two rebounds, three assists, and two triples in 27 minutes last game.
Walter Clayton Jr. should see minutes as well, but he is only a fringe streamer in deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Grizzlies PR
February 27, 2026
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, forward/center
Taj Gibson has agreed to a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, marking his return to the NBA for a 17th season at age 40. With Memphis lacking healthy frontcourt players, Gibson could step into legitimate rotation minutes behind
Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Prosper has averaged 25 minutes recently, and Gibson's presence may cap his upside slightly. Still, Gibson looks more like a steady veteran presence and insurance big for Memphis rather than someone fantasy managers need to target, except maybe in the deepest of leagues.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
February 27, 2026
Free agent forward
Kyle Anderson has agreed to a contract buyout with Memphis and is expected to sign with Minnesota once he clears waivers. The 32-year-old veteran is unlikely to command enough minutes in the Timberwolves' rotation to hold standard-league value, projecting more as frontcourt depth. His departure opens the door for
Olivier-Maxence Prosper to continue starting in Memphis. Prosper logged three points, two rebounds, and one block in 20 minutes last game after posting 17 points in 25 minutes previously, making him a volatile deep-league streamer.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
February 27, 2026
Houston Rockets forward/center
Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) did not return to Thursday's 113-108 win over Orlando after rolling his right ankle late in the fourth quarter. He finished with 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting with one rebound and one assist across 29 minutes before exiting. Further evaluation is pending, and his status for Saturday is uncertain.
Reed Sheppard would be the top fantasy beneficiary after posting 20 points, three rebounds, four assists, two steals, two blocks, and five triples in 31 minutes.
Josh Okogie and
Dorian Finney-Smith are deeper-league streamers if Smith sits.
--Brian DailisanSource: Varun Shankar
February 27, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (groin) did not return to Thursday's game against Philadelphia after sustaining a setback with his right groin in the second quarter. He finished with three points, three rebounds, and two assists in 10 minutes before being ruled out. Powell had been averaging 22.5 points in 30.0 minutes, so his absence would open up significant usage.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. posted 19 points, four rebounds, and two steals in 30 minutes off the bench and is a viable short-term add.
Pelle Larsson and
Tyler Herro should also see expanded roles.
--Brian DailisanSource: Miami HEAT
February 27, 2026
San Diego Padres starting pitcher
Joe Musgrove (elbow) was sharp in a simulated game early this week and is making a strong case to debut in spring training sometime next week. Musgrove is working his way back from Tommy John surgery but is slated to be a full-go for the start of the regular season. In this simulated game, Musgrove reached 95 MPH with his fastball and located his sinker and slider "very well." Earlier in the offseason, reports suggested that Musgrove would not face any major inning restriction, which is a great sign for his fantasy outlook. In 2024, Musgrove held a 3.8 ERA with a modest 1.17 WHIP. However, from 2021 through 2023, Musgrove held a strong 3.09 ERA with a dominant 1.09 WHIP. The 33-year-old carries solid sleeper appeal in all formats as he should take on a large role in the San Diego rotation.
--Andy SmithSource: Kevin Acee
February 27, 2026
Washington Wizards center
Alexandre Sarr (hamstring) is considered week-to-week and will miss at least three additional games as he rehabs a right-hamstring strain. The second-year big man had been averaging 12.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 26.0 minutes, so his absence keeps
Tristan Vukcevic in the starting lineup. Vukcevic logged 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one triple in 17 minutes last game, but he remains a fringe fantasy option given inconsistent minutes. He profiles as a deep-league streamer rather than a must-add.
--Brian DailisanSource: ᴍᴇɢʜᴀɴ ᴍᴄᴘᴇᴀᴋ
February 27, 2026
Colorado Rockies left-handed pitcher
Kyle Freeland (back) completed a successful bullpen session this week and could make his spring training debut as early as this coming week. The southpaw has been dealing with a minor back injury, but appears to be progressing quite well. Managers should continue to monitor his status, but he does not appear to be in danger of missing the start of the regular season. Last summer, Freeland logged 163 2/3 innings with the Rockies and held a 4.98 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP. He struck out only 124 batters but had solid command of his pitches, allowing walks at a 5.4% rate. When healthy, Freeland figures to serve as the No.1 option in the Colorado rotation. Given his minimal strikeout upside and high ratios, Freeland only holds value as a low-end streamer in deeper 15-team leagues in favorable matchups.
--Andy SmithSource: Thomas Harding
February 27, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (hip) will miss at least two weeks after imaging confirmed a hip impingement with inflammation and a bone bruise suffered in practice. The 28-year-old had been averaging 23.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 28.0 minutes, leaving a sizable frontcourt void.
Kyle Filipowski is the priority add after posting 13 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two triples in 18 minutes as a starter last game.
Brice Sensabaugh and
John Konchar should see added run, while
Ace Bailey and
Isaiah Collier could absorb more usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: Shams Charania
February 27, 2026
Colorado Rockies infielder/outfielder
Willi Castro is expected to be aggressive on the basepaths during the 2026 season. Rockies president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta noted that Castro's skill as a baserunner was one of the first qualities they took note of when they signed him to a two-year deal this offseason. While Castro only swiped 10 bags last season and 14 the year prior, he did total a season-high 33 stolen bases back in 2023, showing the raw skill he possesses as a baserunner. The Rockies have expressed interest in being aggressive on the bases this season, and adding Castro to their lineup suggests it will be a major focus for them in 2026. Castro is slated to be their everyday second baseman but could also see time in the outfield. Playing in a hitter's paradise at Coors Field, Castro possesses sneaky power and speed upside as a late-round option in category formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Thomas Harding
February 27, 2026
New York Yankees starting pitcher
Gerrit Cole (elbow) is set to face live hitters again on Friday. According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, the 35-year-old will face
Aaron Judge,
Trent Grisham, and
Giancarlo Stanton in the live inning. Cole has progressed quite well during the early stages of camp and is making a strong case to return to the mound early into the 2026 season. Cole was unable to pitch during the 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery with an internal brace procedure in March of 2025. However, Cole has looked quite sharp in his previous bullpen session and remains in the mix to return early within the first half. In 2024, Cole logged 95 innings with a 3.41 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. However, in the previous season, Cole took home the AL Cy Young Award after striking out 222 hitters with a 2.63 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP. He remains a prime stash option in the opening month as he could hold high-end SP2 upside as soon as he returns.
--Andy SmithSource: Bryan Hoch
February 27, 2026
Athletics right-handed pitcher
Gunnar Hoglund (knee) is set to see a doctor regarding a knee injury he suffered earlier in camp, according to Marin Gallegos of MLB.com. The 26-year-old has not been on the mound since last May after undergoing season-ending hip surgery. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but it appears Hoglund could be in danger of missing time to begin the 2026 season. In 2025, Hoglund made his MLB debut and posted a 6.40 ERA with a 1.52 WHIP over his first 32 1/3 innings with the Athletics. In this stint, Hoglund struck out only 23 hitters. At Triple-A, Hoglund found much more success, posting a 2.43 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, with a 30:7 K:BB over a short 29 2/3 inning stint. When cleared to return, Hoglund should be in the mix to see spot starts in the rotation or operate in a long relief role in the bullpen.
--Andy SmithSource: Martin Gallegos
February 27, 2026
Athletics left-handed starting pitcher
Jacob Lopez (elbow) has been throwing live batting practice this week and is tentatively lined up to make his spring training debut on March 8 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 27-year-old has been on the shelf since being placed on the 15-day injured list last August with a shoulder strain. However, the southpaw has progressed well and appears to be on track to be a full-go to begin the season. With the Athletics last summer, Lopez logged a career-high 92 2/3 innings with a 4.08 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. He struck out 113 hitters but posted a modest 9.3% BB rate. Under the hood, Lopez generated a strong 3.64 xERA with a .211 xBA, suggesting he should see some positive regression in 2026. He carries some sleeper appeal in deeper leagues given his underlying metrics and above-average strikeout upside.
--Andy SmithSource: Martin Gallegos
February 27, 2026
Minnesota Wild winger Matt Boldy notched two goals and two assists in his first outings as an Olympic champion on Thursday, playing a pivotal role in an impressive 5-2 road win over the Colorado Avalanche. The 24-year-old recorded two power-play assists and bagged a couple of empty-net goals. Boldy became the first player in franchise history to post four-plus points in back-to-back games. He is carrying an eight-game point streak. Boldy sits third in the league with 34 goals and is one of only nine players to record at least 30 goals and 30 assists during the campaign. After a career-high 73 points in 2024-25, Boldy already has 66 points through 55 outings this season and is poised to shatter his scoring record from last year.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 27, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning winger Jake Guentzel recorded a hat trick of assists in Thursday's entertaining 5-4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. His passing ability helped Tampa Bay erase a 3-0 deficit in the game, but Guentzel couldn't celebrate a victory over his former team. Guentzel is having a career year in 2025-26, posting 26 goals and 63 points in 57 outings. This could be his first campaign with 90 points. The newly crowned Olympic champion has been especially hot since the turn of the year, amassing 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists) in 18 games in 2026. This stretch includes nine multi-point performances.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 27, 2026
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl had his third four-point game of the season on Thursday night, finishing an 8-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings with a goal and three assists. The German superstar potted a power-play goal in the third period to become only the fifth player born outside North America to record at least eight consecutive seasons with 30 markers. He has also recorded 54 assists in 57 appearances. With 84 points, Draisaitl is fourth in the league. Meanwhile, only his partner in crime, Connor McDavid (40), has managed more power-play points than Draisaitl (36). The deadly duo will look to close out the week in style on Saturday against the San Jose Sharks, who have a 78.7 percent penalty kill.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 27, 2026
Colorado Avalanche winger Joel Kiviranta (undisclosed) left Thursday's 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild midway through the second period. He was unable to continue after absorbing a hit from Wild defenseman Zach Bogosian. Kiviranta has played in only 30 of Colorado's 57 games and could miss time again. The Finnish forward has contributed two goals and five assists as a fourth-line grinder. Colorado is carrying Zakhar Bardakov as an extra forward, and he'll likely hop into the lineup if Kivirant can't play in Saturday's contest against the Chicago Blackhawks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 27, 2026
Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (illness) was forced to leave Thursday's 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche with only 1:04 remaining in the third period. The Swedish netminder became ill during the game. Gustavsson put in a big performance, saving 44 of 45 shots. Jesper Wallstedt allowed one goal on two shots after replacing Gustavsson, who improved to 21-9-6 on Thursday night. With the Wild back in action on Friday against the Utah Mammoth, Wallstedt is likely to receive the starting nod. He has also seen a lot of success in the Wild crease this season, posting a 14-5-4 record.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 27, 2026
Seattle Mariners top prospect
Colt Emerson has begun to find his footing in spring training and is making a strong case to crack the Opening Day roster. On Tuesday, Emerson went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run. In his next contest on Thursday, Emerson stayed hot at the dish, going 2-for-3 once again. He has now gone 4-for-11 through his first five contests this spring. Last summer, the 20-year-old spent most of his time at High-A and Double-A but did earn a short stint at Triple-A, which has opened the door for an early 2026 MLB debut. Across 124 games shared between High-A and Double-A, Emerson posted a .280/.380/.444 line with 14 long balls and 14 stolen bases. The No. 9-ranked prospect on MLB.com remains a top name to watch in camp as he would hold high-end sleeper value if he can earn a spot on the Opening Day roster.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 27, 2026
Los Angeles Kings right wing Joel Armia was limited to 4:46 of action on Thursday against the Edmonton Oilers, leaving the game with an upper-body injury. Armia was one of the standout players at the Olympic tournament and was looking to build on that momentum. Unfortunately, he played only a handful of minutes on Thursday night and could miss additional time. Armia has totaled 10 goals and 20 points in 53 games with the Kings this season. Andrei Kuzmenko (undisclosed) or Samuel Helenius could replace Armia in the lineup on Saturday against the Calgary Flames. Kuzmenko is dealing with an undisclosed injury but was labeled day-to-day on Thursday and might be ready to play over the weekend.
--Taavi PailkSource: Los Angeles Kings PR
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