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
March 6, 2026
The New York Giants released veteran offensive tackle James Hudson on Friday, according to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. Hudson will hit the open market this offseason after struggling in the 11 games (two starts) that he appeared in over the course of his only year with the team in 2025. The 26-year-old reached an agreement on a two-year, $12 million contract with the G-Men in March of last year. The former fourth-round pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2021 out of Cincinnati only played in four games in his final season in Cleveland in 2024 due to a shoulder injury. Hudson will be searching for a depth role in free agency this offseason, as he has started just 19 of the 60 games he's appeared in over his five years in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Paul Schwartz
March 6, 2026
Center Nazem Kadri rejoined the Colorado Avalanche in a trade deadline deal on Friday. After winning the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022, Kadri signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Calgary Flames as a free agent. Now, he's back in town after Colorado re-acquired Kadri from Calgary in exchange for forward Victor Olofsson, unsigned draft pick Maxmilian Curran, a conditional 2028 first-round pick, and a conditional 2027 second-round pick. Additionally, the Avalanche received a 2027 fourth-round pick as part of the deal. Calgary will retain 20 percent of Kadri's salary. Kadri had a career year with the Avalanche in 2021-22 and could increase his productivity down the stretch. He has recorded 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists) in 61 games this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 6, 2026
Center Ryan Kelly announced his retirement from professional football on X on Friday. Kelly was placed on Injured Reserve in late December of last year after suffering his third concussion of the year. His head injuries also prompted the 32-year-old veteran to hang up his cleats after playing 10 years in the league. Kelly was originally the 18th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts out of Alabama. Nine of his 10 seasons in the NFL came in Indy, where he was named a Pro Bowler four times, including three straight seasons from 2019 to 2021. Kelly played in only eight games last year because of his head injuries, but when he was on the field, he was playing at a high level. With the announcement, the Vikings will most certainly be in the market for a center in free agency this offseason. Kelly started all 129 games that he appeared in over his 10-year career.
--Keith HernandezSource: Ryan Kelly on X
March 6, 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Friday that they placed an exclusive-rights tender on free-agent running back
Kimani Vidal to keep him around for the 2026 season. The Chargers also signed running back
Jaret Patterson and safety Kendall Williamson to contract extensions. The 24-year-old Vidal was thrust into a bigger role than anticipated last year when both
Najee Harris (Achilles) and rookie
Omarion Hampton (ankle) went down with injuries. The former sixth-rounder in 2024 out of Troy had 155 carries for 643 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and three touchdowns in 13 regular-season games, adding 16 catches for 136 yards and another score. Vidal proved to be a reliable plug-and-play RB3/flex option for fantasy managers, although with Hampton returning as the Bolts' clear lead back, it will be difficult for Vidal to improve on his numbers in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Chargers
March 6, 2026
The Washington Commanders re-signed former first-round wide receiver
Treylon Burks to a one-year deal worth a maximum of $4 million on Friday, a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Burks, who was taken 18th overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2022 out of Arkansas, was a bust in his three years in Nashville and was barely healthy, playing only 27 games (17 starts) and catching 53 of 92 targets for 699 yards and one touchdown. After being cut by the Titans, the Commanders scooped him up, and Burks had 10 receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown on 22 targets in eight games played last year in D.C. The 25-year-old obviously didn't do enough to be rostered in most fantasy leagues, but he could have a much bigger opportunity for Washington in 2026 with
Deebo Samuel Sr. hitting free agency this offseason. Burks is worth watching going into training camp this summer.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
March 6, 2026
The Houston Texans released running back
Joe Mixon (foot) on Friday, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. We knew Mixon was expendable, especially after not playing at all last year due to an ankle/foot injury, when the Texans acquired
David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions this week. Details on the 29-year-old Mixon's injury last year were sparse, and it's unclear if he'll even be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign this fall. Because of that, Mixon could be greeted with a cold free-agent market upon his release. In fantasy football, the former second-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017 out of Oklahoma will be hard to gauge until he lands with a new team. The two-time Pro Bowler has five 1,000-rushing seasons in his eight years in the NFL and can do anything on the field when healthy, but his uncertain future and injury status have really cratered his fantasy value this offseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
March 6, 2026
SNY's Connor Hughes reports that the New York Jets could prefer to sign two veteran free-agent quarterbacks this offseason, and Minnesota Vikings impending free-agent QB
Carson Wentz could be high up on their wish list. Wentz is believed to be offensive coordinator Frank Reich's "preferred option," according to two sources. Reich was previously Wentz's offensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2016 to 2017, and Wentz's best season came in his second year in the league under Reich, when he threw for 3,296 yards, 33 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Wentz also played for Reich with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021, throwing for 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. "No one loves Wentz more than Frank," a third source said. The 33-year-old played through a shoulder injury in five starts in Minnesota last year, throwing for 1,216 yards, six TDs, and five picks. If Wentz were to land in New York, he'd most likely be battling another veteran for the starting gig. And with the Jets, that's about as gross as it gets for fantasy purposes.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY - Connor Hughes
March 6, 2026
Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Kyler Murray (foot) is the top available option at the QB position this offseason. The New York Jets have discussed him as an option, but the "resounding belief" from multiple sources is that he will sign with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, according to Connor Hughes of SNY. The 28-year-old former first overall pick in 2019 out of Oklahoma didn't play beyond Week 5 last year due to a foot sprain, and veteran
Jacoby Brissett actually elevated the offense in Murray's absence. The Vikings are looking for a signal-caller to push
J.J. McCarthy and perhaps even win a QB battle going into next season. Murray, the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, would be in position to rebound in a big way if he were to land in Minnesota, with head coach Kevin O'Connell and legitimate receiving threats in
Justin Jefferson and
Jordan Addison. Murray is going to be cheap on the open market and in fantasy drafts this fall, but he will make for an interesting QB2 flier with bounce-back potential if he signs with the Vikes.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY - Connor Hughes
March 6, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward
Harrison Barnes (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The usually reliable Barnes is set to miss his third straight game due to a lingering ankle issue. His next chance to play will come on Sunday, so fantasy managers should check back later this weekend. In the meantime,
Carter Bryant and
Julian Champagnie (knee) should see increased roles in the rotation. Champagnie is currently considered questionable with a knee injury, so Bryant could be looking at a bigger role, assuming he sits out as well.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
It's becoming "increasingly obvious" that Milwaukee Brewers right-hander
Quinn Priester (wrist) won't be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season due to a right-wrist injury that is "not responding consistently," manager Pat Murphy told Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Priester doesn't have structural damage, but more than six months after feeling discomfort in his wrist, the issue has not gone away. Opening Day is three weeks away, and Priester has not thrown off a mound in more than a week. "He'll have a bullpen and feels great, and then the next bullpen, he can't do it. Whenever you're dealing with whatever up the arm, [starting at] the wrist, it's concerning. But I'm optimistic," manager Pat Murphy said. Milwaukee is even thinking of sending Priester to a specialist at this point. If Priester is not ready to start the year,
Jacob Misiorowski and
Chad Patrick are the leading candidates to take a rotation spot. Fantasy managers should be extremely hesitant to take the 25-year-old in upcoming drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
March 6, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard
Dejounte Murray (rest) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Murray is set to return after sitting out the front end of the back-to-back set for rest purposes. The Pelicans will continue to be cautious with Murray, who recently returned from an Achilles injury. When healthy, Murray has been solid, so fantasy managers should get him active in their lineups on Friday. He finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists across 28 minutes of action during Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. He figures to have a similar workload during Friday's contest.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers guard
VJ Edgecombe (back) was unable to practice on Friday, according to Noah Levick. Instead, Edgecombe went through an individual workout session following Friday's practice. The rookie guard is in danger of missing a second straight game after suffering a lumbar contusion during Tuesday's contest. The Sixers are likely going to wait and see how Edgecombe feels on Saturday before deciding if he'll suit up against the Atlanta Hawks. If he's unavailable,
Quentin Grimes and
Cameron Payne are expected to help fill the void. Between the two, Grimes is the better streaming choice after dropping 16 points with five rebounds during Wednesday's game.
--Andy WebbSource: Noah Levick
March 6, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Corbin Carroll (hand) is already taking live batting practice in camp as he works his way back from hamate surgery on his right hand that he had on Feb. 12, according to Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. Nothing is set in stone, but the fact that the 25-year-old former National League Rookie of the Year is already facing live pitching means he should be ready to go for Opening Day at the end of the month. The two-time All-Star is an elite five-category contributor when he's fully healthy, and he's coming off a bounce-back season in which he slashed .259/.343/.541 with an .883 OPS, career-best 31 home runs, 84 RBI, 107 runs scored, a league-high 17 triples, and 32 stolen bases in 642 plate appearances over 143 games. With easy 20-20 potential in a hitter-friendly home park, Carroll is a lock as a top-10 fantasy outfielder going into his fifth MLB season.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Arizona Republic - Nick Piecoro
March 6, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (oblique) isn't quite ready to return yet. According to Noah Levick, Embiid will be shut down and re-evaluated in one week. The Sixers were hopeful that Embiid could potentially return on Saturday, but that won't be the case. He has missed three straight games and eight of the last 10 games. During that span, the Sixers have only won two games, so they desperately need their superstar center back on the court. In the meantime,
Andre Drummond and
Adem Bona should continue to split up the playing time at center. Between the two big men, Bona has been the more consistent fantasy option while Embiid has been out.
--Andy WebbSource: Noah Levick
March 6, 2026
The Houston Texans restructured nickel cornerback Jalen Pitre's contract on Friday, one year after signing him to a $42.6 million extension, a league source told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. The Texans converted a majority of his $9 million guaranteed base salary into a signing bonus and added two void years to lower his $11.911 million salary cap number for this year. The 26-year-old defensive back was part of one of the best secondaries in football in 2025, and the former second-rounder had 74 tackles (43 solo), four interceptions, and 12 pass breakups in 14 regular-season games for the Texans. Pitre forms a strong combination in the secondary in Houston alongside Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, and the Texans' defensive unit will be one of the top options off the board in fantasy drafts this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
March 6, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers center
Yanic Konan Niederhauser (foot) has been ruled out for the rest of the 2025-2026 season. It was announced on Friday that Niederhauser has been diagnosed with a Lisfranc injury in his right foot, which will require surgery. This is a tough blow for the first-round rookie who suffered the injury during Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. He'll finish his rookie season averaging 4.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.3 assists across 10.4 minutes per game in 41 contests. The absence of Niederhauser should mean an uptick in minutes for
Brook Lopez and
Isaiah Jackson. The hope is that the 22-year-old will be ready for the beginning of next season, but more information should be known later in the offseason.
--Andy WebbSource: Michael Scotto
March 6, 2026
Green Bay Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary, who has been the subject of trade talks, doesn't expect to return to the team in 2026, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Gary announced on social media that his time in Green Bay was over before deleting the post. He is due $19.5 million in 2026 with no guaranteed money. Before outright releasing the 28-year-old linebacker, the Packers will try to see if another team will take him off their hands in a trade. The former 12th overall pick in 2019 out of Michigan was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024, and he had a second straight season of 7.5 sacks in 16 regular-season games in 2025, adding 45 tackles (25 solo), seven tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Gary has two years left on his four-year, $96 million contract, and he has a $28 million salary cap number for 2026. He has 46.5 sacks in his seven NFL seasons and would most likely be picked up by another team pretty quickly if he reaches the open market.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
March 6, 2026
Boston Celtics forward
Jayson Tatum (Achilles) is officially making his season debut against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. Tatum is off the injury report and will return to the court after missing 10 months of action. Tatum had surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon in May of last year. He has made incredible progress to get back on the court this quickly. Given the circumstances, the Celtics are likely going to be extremely cautious with Tatum. He probably won't handle a full workload until closer to the postseason. Despite the limitations, Tatum should still be worth rostering in basically all fantasy formats. The superstar forward should still be able to make a solid contribution even with a monitored workload.
--Andy WebbSource: Boston Celtics
March 6, 2026
Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker announced on his Instagram account on Friday that he requested and will be released by the team, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Decker and the Lions were unable to agree on a contract restructure, and now the 31-year-old veteran is free to sign with any team. Decker was due to make $18.2 million in 2026. The former 16th overall pick in 2016 out of Ohio State was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024. All 10 of his NFL seasons have been with the Lions, and he has started all 140 games that he's appeared in. By releasing Decker, the Lions will save $17.9 million in salary cap space this year and $21 million next year. It will be a big change for the Lions offense, as Decker has been a cornerstone left tackle for the franchise since 2016. Decker will attract plenty of interest on the free-agent market.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
March 6, 2026
The Miami Dolphins and 2023 Pro Bowl fullback
Alec Ingold are parting ways, sources told Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Ingold had talks with the Dolphins about a new deal, but he will now be released and will be free to sign with a new team as soon as Friday. The 29-year-old was entering the final year of a three-year, $12.2 million deal that he signed with the team in 2023. Ingold has never been on the fantasy map as a blocker out of the backfield, but he should receive interest on the open market from teams looking to improve their efficiency on the ground. In his seven years in the NFL, Ingold has only had 35 carries for 56 yards and two touchdowns in 107 games played. He's been more prolific as a receiver, catching 75 of his 97 targets for 611 yards and four touchdowns with the Dolphins and Raiders since entering the league in 2019.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
March 6, 2026
The New York Islanders acquired center Brayden Schenn from the St Louis Blues for a first-round pick, a third-round pick, and a prospect to be named later on Friday. Schenn is having a down year with just 12 goals and 28 points this season, but a change of scenery on a better team like the islanders can help improve his production. He will most likely be the second-line center behind Bo Horvat.
--Marko23Source: Darren Dreger
March 6, 2026
The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired forward Elmer Soderblom from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a 2026 third-round draft pick. Soderblom has appeared in 39 games this season, scoring just two goals and occupying a minimal role on the team. The 24-year-old is signed through the 2026-27 season, and his contract has an average annual value of $1.125 million. Despite the move to the Penguins and a change of scenery, Soderblom is not on the fantasy radar outside of the deepest formats and dynasty leagues.
--Marko23Source: @penguins
March 6, 2026
The Los Angeles Rams and safety Kamren Curl agreed to a three-year, $36 million deal on Friday with a maximum value of $39 million, sources told Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Curl's last contract paid just under $6 million per year, so it's a big raise for the 26-year-old defensive back. In his sixth NFL season and second with the Rams in 2025, Curl had a career-best 122 tackles (79 solo), a career-high two sacks, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 17 regular-season starts. The former 216th overall pick in the seventh round by the Washington Commanders in 2020 out of Arkansas will pair with new cornerback Trent McDuffie in L.A.'s secondary going into the 2026 season. Curl has a total of 586 tackles (385 solo), eight sacks, 18 tackles for loss, 14 QB hits, five interceptions (one for a TD), 28 pass breakups, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries (one for a TD) in his six NFL seasons.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
March 6, 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers agreed to terms with free-agent center Tyler Biadasz on a three-year deal worth $30 million on Friday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Biadasz was cut by the Washington Commanders after being set to make $8.3 million in 2026. The 28-year-old is expected to be past the ankle and knee injuries that landed him on Injured Reserve to close out last season in Washington. The Chargers were desperate for some offensive-line upgrades, particularly at center, so they have made Biadasz the sixth-highest-paid center in the NFL. Since entering the league as a fourth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 out of Wisconsin, Biadasz has started 84 of the 92 games he's appeared in while making the Pro Bowl in 2022 with Dallas. The addition of Biadasz is a big positive for quarterback
Justin Herbert.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
March 6, 2026
The Buffalo Bills are releasing cornerback Taron Johnson on Friday after eight seasons together, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Johnson started 87 of the 113 games he appeared in for the Bills in his eight seasons, and he recorded a total of 572 tackles (411 solo), eight sacks, 23 tackles for loss, 11 QB hits, six interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 48 pass breakups, eight forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries (one returned for a TD). The 29-year-old slot cornerback had 57 tackles (34 solo) and four pass breakups in 13 regular-season games (eight starts) in Buffalo in 2025. Johnson shouldn't have any trouble drumming up interest on the open market as he looks to play somewhere else besides Buffalo for the first time in his career.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
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