RADIO
Josh Jacobs a Potential Boom-or-Bust Pick in 2026 Drafts
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has been one of fantasy's most consistent contributors when healthy, but allowing for the uncertainty stemming from his pending legal situation, he projects as one of the biggest boom-or-bust picks in 2026 drafts. Jacobs was the RB5 in 2024 and remained a top 12 fantasy back last season despite missing two games and playing through injury over the back half of the year. He has scored 30 total touchdowns in his 32 games with the Packers, and behind an offensive line that should see improvement in the run game, a healthy Jacobs is a near-lock to outperform his current ranking of RotoBaller's RB17. Green Bay has made no corresponding moves at running back since news first broke of his domestic violence allegations, and while charges have yet to be filed against him, the risk of suspension will follow Jacobs into the year, likely keeping him out of the first two rounds of 2026 drafts and threatening to derail his season altogether.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
How Long Will Max Klare Stay Buried on Rams Depth Chart?
Los Angeles Rams tight end Max Klare currently sits fifth on the team's unofficial depth chart, but if there's any offense where that should not be viewed as a deterrent, it's Sean McVay's. The Rams had three tight ends on the field for almost a third of their plays in 2025, and by spending one of their only five 2026 draft picks on Klare, that trend looks to continue with Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, and Davis Allen all still on the roster. While that sort of depth will allow Klare to develop as he adds play strength, only he and Ferguson are under contract beyond 2027. Not only the two most dangerous pass catchers of the group, but they also appear to be the future of the position. Parkinson and Allen's deals run only through this season, while Higbee is 33 and has been significantly slowed by injury in recent years. Klare could see a package of plays as a rookie to utilize his pass-catching abilities in more of a big slot role, but the second-rounder out of Ohio State factors more as a long-term dynasty play and a buy-low stash fit for a taxi squad in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Romeo Doubs Being Overlooked as a Reliable Dynasty Contributor?
Fresh off a career-high 724 receiving yards in his final season with the Packers, wide receiver Romeo Doubs signed a four-year, $68 million deal with the New England Patriots, where he could become the No. 2 option for 2025 MVP runner-up Drake Maye. While former Eagle A.J. Brown has since become the splashier addition, the three-time Pro Bowler is expected to handle more of the true outside role that was held primarily by Kayshon Boutte in 2025. Meanwhile, Doubs is presumed to inherit Stefon Diggs' inside spot, from which the veteran topped 1,000 yards while playing a part-time role. While he has yet to reach 60 receptions in a season, another career year could be in store for Doubs. Still just 26 years old, he is now tied through 2029 to a high-powered offense with plenty of room to grow. Providing a safe fantasy floor as a reliable chain-mover, a case could be made that he's become an undervalued dynasty asset at RotoBaller's WR62.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Makai Lemon Could Make an Immediate Impact
In trading up for wide receiver Makai Lemon in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman took yet another step to prepare the team for life without three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown. By that point, the Eagles had already signed Hollywood Brown and traded for Dontayvion Wicks, and with three-time 1,000-yard receiver DeVonta Smith still in the building, Roseman was able to retool the group on the fly. With a versatile group of new pass catchers looking to earn their spots behind Smith, it will undoubtedly be one of the most interesting position groups to watch when the team reconvenes for training camp in late July, and Sports Illustrated's Eagles reporter Ed Kracz believes Lemon will be used primarily out of the slot and will be the team's most impactful rookie. Lemon won the Biletnikoff Award operating primarily from the inside at USC, and if he can carve out an early role, he could pay immediate fantasy dividends as a late-round pick in 2026 drafts, particularly in full-PPR leagues.
Source: Ed Kracz
Source: Ed Kracz
Can Drake Maye Take Another Step in 2026?
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was one first-place vote away from winning the 2025 NFL MVP award in his first full season as a starter, and one area that his supporters pointed to was the level of pass catchers he was throwing to in comparison to the award's winner, Matthew Stafford. Heading into 2026, the Patriots have rebuilt their wide receiver corps, adding Romeo Doubs through free agency and sending a first and fifth-round pick to Philadelphia for three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown. Maye finished as the fantasy QB2 in 2025, accounting for 4,844 yards and 35 touchdowns through the air and on the ground, and as he continues to take agency over Josh McDaniels' offense, his game has the potential to reach even higher levels. He was one of the most proficient passers against man coverage last season, while Brown has been the league's most disruptive receiver against man since 2022, and with Brown and Doubs expected to hold the top two spots on the depth chart, the rest of New England's receivers like Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, DeMario Douglas, and, for now, Kayshon Boutte can slot into their more natural positions. With improvements made to both the receiver room and offensive line, and still possessing the ability to keep plays alive well-beyond structure, Maye is RotoBaller's QB4 for 2026, though a QB1 finish is very much in his range of possibilities.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sam Darnold Looking to Improve Footwork, Limit Turnovers
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory in his first year with the team in 2025, but after a mediocre performance in the Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots, the veteran signal-caller knows he has plenty to work on going into his ninth year in the NFL. Darnold didn't turn the ball over in the postseason, but he had 20 regular-season turnovers (14 interceptions and six fumbles lost). "I think the biggest thing is continuing to build off of my weaknesses, understanding what I wasn't great at this past year, which I think for me is continuing to hone in on the deep ball, understand how I can be better that way, quieting my feet in the pocket," Darnold said. The former No. 3 overall pick by the New York Jets in 2018 out of USC threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 picks during 17 regular-season starts to finish as the QB13 in fantasy. The 29-year-old has one of the best receivers in the game in Jaxon Smith-Njigba at his disposal, but the Seahawks will be relying on rookie running back Jadarian Price after letting Kenneth Walker III walk in free agency. His QB13 finish in 2025 might be his ceiling when considering the lack of depth on Seattle's offense and the fact that the offense will be run by a first-time play-caller in Brian Fleury.
Source: NFL.com - Eric Edholm
Source: NFL.com - Eric Edholm
DeAndre Hopkins in No Rush to Sign With a Team
Veteran free-agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins said on Sirius XM NFL Radio on Wednesday that "going into Year 14, I would love to play for a competitor." However, Hopkins also indicated that he's not in a rush to join a team this offseason, with about a month until training camps kick off around the league. The 34-year-old former 27th overall pick by the Houston Texans in the 1013 NFL draft out of the University of Clemson has been named to five Pro Bowls and three first-team All-Pro units in his 13 years in the league, but he acknowledged that he's merely a part-time player at this point of his career. In 17 games (three starts) with the Baltimore Ravens in 2025, Hopkins had only 22 receptions on 39 targets for 330 yards and two touchdowns. His last 1,000-yard campaign came in 2023 with the Tennessee Titans. Nuk might not latch on with a new team before the start of the 2026 regular season this fall, but if the right situation arises, he could become an interesting third-down/red-zone weapon for a contending team.
Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio
Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio
Cowboys Seeing "Night and Day" Difference With Jaydon Blue
Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue was a non-factor in his first year in the NFL in 2025 after the Cowboys took him in the fifth round out of the University of Texas, only carrying the ball 38 times for 129 yards and one touchdown while catching one pass for a gain of five yards in five games. Malik Davis became the primary backup to workhorse Javonte Williams, and he finished as the team's second-leading rusher (250 yards). Blue was never the lead RB in college with the Longhorns, but he was a key member of their backfield. It was a disappointing first year in the NFL for the 22-year-old, but head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the difference in Blue during the offseason program has been "night and day." Williams is the Cowboys' unquestioned lead back after inking a new three-year, $24 million deal after posting a career-high 1,201 rushing yards in 2025. Blue will have a chance to compete with Davis and Phil Mafah for an increased role in his sophomore season in 2026. There's some sleeper potential here for the second-year RB, with RotoBaller ranking him as the No. 75 fantasy RB.
Source: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
Source: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
Keon Coleman has Strong Offseason for Bills
Nick Wojton of Bills Wire lists Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman as an offseason winner. He had some big efforts during minicamp drills this month and took advantage of Joshua Palmer (ankle) missing time. It's exactly the type of offseason the 23-year-old needed to have after another disappointing season in his sophomore campaign in 2025, and after the Bills acquired DJ Moore in a trade with the Chicago Bears. The former second-rounder (33rd overall) in the 2024 NFL draft out of Florida State was also benched for several games last year for showing up late to team meetings. Drops and immaturity issues have plagued Coleman so far in his first two NFL seasons, as he's produced 67 catches on 116 targets for 960 yards and eight touchdowns in 26 regular-season games (18 starts). Coleman took a step back a year ago, finishing with a 38-404-4 line in his 13 games played (six starts). He has fallen all the way to No. 109 in RotoBaller's WR ranks for the upcoming season, but the Bills have been clear that they aren't giving up on Coleman as he heads into Year 3.
Source: Bills Wire - Nick Wojton
Source: Bills Wire - Nick Wojton
Mac Jones Throwing Passes, Should be Ready for Training Camp
San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones (shoulder), who was sidelined with a sore right shoulder during the team's spring program, threw passes during Tuesday's session at Tight End University, which is run by 49ers tight end George Kittle, according to David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. Jones kept the Niners' offense afloat last year with Brock Purdy missing extended time due to a foot injury. The 27-year-old former 15th overall pick by the New England Patriots in 2021 out of the University of Alabama completed a career-high 69.6% of his pass attempts for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 11 games played (eight starts) in his first year in the Bay Area. All signs point to Jones being a full-go for the start of training camp at the end of July. After a strong 2025 season, teams had interest in trading for Jones, but the Niners put an exorbitant price tag on his head and appear ready to run it back with him as QB insurance for the injury-prone Purdy. Obviously, Jones won't have much fantasy appeal in 2026 unless Purdy misses more time due to injuries.
Source: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi
Source: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi
Tyjae Spears has Cemented Himself Near Top of RB Depth Chart
Sports Illustrated's Bryce W. Lazenby writes that there haven't been many players who have improved their standing this offseason more than Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears. The 25-year-old former third-rounder in 2023 out of the University of Tulane came into the offseason as more of an afterthought, but he has cemented himself "near the top of the RB depth chart" in Tennessee, and head coach Robert Saleh has confirmed as much. Spears has looked explosive with plenty of burst during offseason workouts, and he's hoping to be more involved as a pass-catcher in 2026. Lazenby adds that Spears is looking like he'll be the 1B to Tony Pollard's 1A. The Titans took Nicholas Singleton in the fifth round of this year's NFL draft, but as of right now, it looks like Spears has done enough to stay in the RB2 position to begin the 2026 regular season. Spears played in only 13 games (one start) in 2025 and had 72 carries for 283 yards (3.9 yards per carry) and two touchdowns, adding 45 receptions for 264 yards as a pass-catcher. The Titans' offense could take a step forward under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, with Spears being a late-round consideration for RB depth in PPR fantasy formats.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Bryce W. Lazenby
Source: Sports Illustrated - Bryce W. Lazenby
Hype Continues to Grow for Jayden Higgins Heading into Year 2
Sports Illustrated's Jared Koch writes that the buzz surrounding Houston Texans second-year wide receiver Jayden Higgins has only grown since the team wrapped up their organized team activities and minicamp earlier this month. There have been plenty of signs that the 23-year-old is gearing up for an increased role in the offense in 2026, and he has looked strong during offseason workouts. "Higgins certainly has looked that part in the spring. His frame is nearly identical to Nico Collins', and while Collins is the physically stronger player, Higgins is a smoother, looser athlete than the Texans' incumbent No. 1--one staffer illustrated it as having a power forward (Collins) and small forward (Higgins) at the position. And having those two guys at around 6'4" on the outside certainly stands to present defenses with a host of problems," Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer wrote. From Weeks 9-18 last year, Higgins averaged over five targets and 40 yards a game, scoring four touchdowns over that span. He had a much bigger role later last year and finished with 41 catches, 525 yards, and six TDs in 17 games (10 starts). Higgins is absolutely worth a late-round pick as a young WR with breakout potential as he heads into his second season in the NFL.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jared Koch
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jared Koch
Brandon Aiyuk Ready to Sign With Commanders?
In a video posted to Instagram, San Francisco 49ers disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) said that if the Niners release him, he will sign with the Washington Commanders "tomorrow," according to ESPN. Aiyuk, who didn't play at all in 2025 due to a knee injury suffered in 2024, is still under contract with the 49ers, so it's unclear if Washington is actually interested in signing the former first-round talent. San Fran has held onto Aiyuk in hopes of trading him this offseason, but general manager John Lynch said in January that it was "safe to say that Aiyuk has played his last snap with the Niners." The 49ers may be waiting for the start of training camp at the end of July to decide on Aiyuk's status. The Niners signed Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million contract extension in August of 2024, but he ended up playing in only seven games that year due to a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee. The Commanders have been a popular potential destination for Aiyuk to pair with WR1 Terry McLaurin after they have not re-signed Deebo Samuel Sr. in the offseason.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Is DeVonta Smith Still Undervalued in Dynasty Formats?
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith has been a productive player since entering the NFL in 2021, averaging 77 catches for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns on 110 targets per season across the first five years of his career. While Smith has still provided fantasy value, his upside in recent seasons has been capped by the Eagles' run-heavy offense and his status as the team's WR2 behind A.J. Brown. Entering 2026, Smith could have a chance to take his production to a new level following the Eagles' trade of Brown to the New England Patriots. While Philadelphia used a first-round pick in the 2026 Draft on wideout Makai Lemon, Smith profiles as his team's clear WR1. The Eagles could also look to open up their offense a bit in 2026 under the stewardship of new play-caller Sean Mannion. For dynasty contenders, targeting Smith ahead of what could be a full-on superstar breakout could be a wise move.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Caleb Williams Named an Offseason Winner
Alyssa Barbieri of Bears Wire lists Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams as an offseason winner as he heads into his third year in the NFL. Williams, the first overall pick in 2024 out of USC, had a trying first year in the NFL. But in Year 2 in 2025 in his first season with head coach Ben Johnson calling the plays, Williams improved, throwing for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 17 starts. Barbieri writes that Williams is poised for another jump in his development while working in the same scheme for a second straight year. The third-year signal-caller continued to make plays during offseason workouts and has plenty of talent on offense around him, despite the loss of receiver DJ Moore in the offseason. The biggest improvement last year came in the sack department, as Williams took only 24 sacks after leading the league with 68 as a rookie. Although Williams' completion percentage dropped from 62.5% to 58.1%, his arrow is pointing firmly up in redraft and dynasty/keeper fantasy leagues. RotoBaller has Williams ranked as the No. 7 fantasy QB for 2026.
Source: Bears Wire - Alyssa Barbieri
Source: Bears Wire - Alyssa Barbieri
