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Buccaneers | Baker Mayfield successful against blitz (Tue Jul 8, 12:24 AM) [jump to this story] Dolphins | Darren Waller may pick up offense quickly (Tue Jul 8, 12:17 AM) [jump to this story] Lions | Amon-Ra St. Brown very capable of winning out wide (Mon Jul 7, 03:01 PM) [jump to this story] |
Buccaneers | Baker Mayfield successful against blitz Tue Jul 8, 12:24 AM
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield threw 17 touchdowns against the blitz during the 2024 season.
| Footballguys view: PewterReport's Adam Slivon added to this by noting that in 220 drop-backs when blitzed, Mayfield completed 73.3% of his passes with 17 touchdowns to just four interceptions. His ability to distribute the ball quickly and efficiently has drastically improved since entering the NFL. Mayfield, who finished last season as QB4, is currently being drafted as QB7 in Round 7. |
Baker Mayfield player page
Dolphins | Darren Waller may pick up offense quickly Tue Jul 8, 12:17 AM
Miami Dolphins TE Darren Waller has played in an offensive system similar to head coach Mike McDaniel's system and should be able to pick up the offense relatively quickly, in the opinion of The Miami Herald's Kaitlyn Pohly.
| Footballguys view: Waller is also familiar with Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith, who coached the Raiders' tight ends from 2018 to 2020 -- Waller's best NFL seasons. All that said, while Waller might well end up the Dolphins' starting tight end, his presence on an NFL roster doesn't necessarily mean he merits a spot on yours. He opens up as TE31 on the Footballguys Projections. |
Darren Waller player page
Panthers | Bryce Young works out with teammates Tue Jul 8, 12:15 AM
Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young worked out with several of the team's pass catchers last week. WR Tetairoa McMillan, WR Xavier Legette, WR Adam Thielen, WR David Moore, WR Jimmy Horn Jr., WR Kobe Hudson and TE Ja'Tavion Sanders were among the pass catchers at the workout.
| Footballguys view: The group linked up in Minnesota this past week to work with Ryan Englebert of ETS Performance. Young finished last season with a strong run, so the work they're putting in this week could give the third-year QB a jumpstart when the Panthers hit the field at training camp later this month. The team's rookies report back to Charlotte on July 21 and veterans on July 22. |
Bryce Young player page
Lions | Amon-Ra St. Brown very capable of winning out wide Mon Jul 7, 03:01 PM
Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ran 240 routes from the slot with 39 receptions (on 56 targets) for 441 yards and five touchdowns in 2024. However, he ran 252 routes out wide, which led to 67 receptions (on 75 targets) for 740 yards and five touchdowns.
| Footballguys view: It's no surprise to learn that he's winning in all areas of the field. Last year, St. Brown, who has three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, joined Larry Fitzgerald as the only wide receivers in NFL History to have multiple seasons with 100-plus catches, 1,000-plus receiving yards, and 10-plus touchdowns in their first four years in the league. Even with a new playcaller, John Morton, taking over for Ben Johnson, St. Brown is being drafted in the elite tier, going as WR6 overall in Round 1. |
Amon-Ra St. Brown player page
NFL | Nyheim Hines waiting for another chance to play Mon Jul 7, 02:48 PM
Free-agent RB Nyheim Hines (knee) believes his knee is ready for a return to action almost two years to the date he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a jet-ski accident, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Link to storyNyheim Hines player page
Giants | Thomas Fidone receives nice compliment Mon Jul 7, 02:08 PM
New York Giants TE Thomas Fidone II recently attended 'Tight End University' and recently told KETV that Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce - one of the hosts of the event - was impressed by what he saw.'I got some pretty cool compliments from Kelce, just out of the blue. He told me I was extremely athletic and moved extremely well. He told me that the top of my routes were really good. He didn't say it like that, but he said it. So, just being able to hear that from him was cool,' Fidone told KETV.
Link to story Giants | Theo Johnson pronounces himself healthy Mon Jul 7, 01:11 PM
New York Giants TE Theo Johnson recently told the 'Giants Huddle' podcast that he is now healthy after undergoing foot surgery last season.
| Footballguys view: It's easy to forget that Johnson heads into 2025 with a clear path to workload and that he was showing signs of life before he was hurt last year. In fact, he drew four or more targets and caught three or more passes in all of his final five games. Johnson finished with 29 of 43 targets for 331 yards and one touchdown. He's currently being drafted as TE30, available in Round 18. |
Chargers | Trey Lance on CFL radar Mon Jul 7, 11:06 AM
Los Angeles Chargers QB Trey Lance's CFL negotiation rights went to the Saskatchewan Roughriders
| Footballguys view: In the CFL, that list permits players from that league to "claim" a player's rights on the off chance the player elects to leave the NFL or other league and go play football in the CFL's realm. The Chargers signed Lance in April, inking the former third-overall pick to a one-year deal to put him in a competition with Taylor Heinicke for a depth chart spot behind Justin Herbert. Should Lance ever choose to go North, he'll suit up for the Roughriders. |
Trey Lance player page
Browns | Shedeur Sanders on CFL list Mon Jul 7, 11:04 AM
Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders' CFL negotiation rights were acquired by the Toronto Argonauts.
| Footballguys view: As Profootballtalk.com noted, this isn't a surprising development. The Argonauts have held his rights since late April, after Sanders fell to pick No. 144 in the draft. If it comes to playing North of the border, that means things will have gone very poorly for him in Cleveland, and possibly elsewhere. It will also put the kibosh on any possible fantasy value Sanders might have held. |
Cowboys | Unfortunate distinction for Jake Ferguson Mon Jul 7, 01:10 AM
Dallas Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson's 88 targets in 2024 were the most among any player who failed to catch a touchdown.
| Footballguys view: After a breakout 2023 season that saw him finish as TE9, Ferguson was slowed by a knee injury and a concussion last year. Those injuries and Dak Prescott's absence held Ferguson to fewer than 500 receiving yards. That said, Ferguson drew the fifth-most targets among all tight ends and the second-most on the Cowboys during his six-game stretch with Prescott. He's projected to finish as TE13 this season, but he's being drafted two spots later, as TE15 in the 12th round. |
Patriots | Hunter Henry allergic to end zone Mon Jul 7, 12:59 AM
New England Patriots TE Hunter Henry ranked eight or better in catches, yards and targets among tight ends in 2024, but his two touchdowns ranked 26th at the position.
| Footballguys view: Even though the touchdowns were limited, Henry had career highs in catches and yards (66 catches on 97 targets for 674 yards), and there's an obvious connection brewing between him and Drake Maye. It's reasonable to expect that connection to grow in Year 2. Of course, Austin Hooper was also a factor last season. But with Josh McDaniels back as offensive coordinator, both tight ends could be in line for even more production. Henry is TE20, available in Round 14, making him a solid value as a TE2. |
Hunter Henry player page
Commanders | Terry McLaurin still frustrated Mon Jul 7, 12:46 AM
Washington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin is 'not happy with where things are with an extension,' according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com.
| Footballguys view: As Profootballtalk.com's Mike Florio noted, that's obvious, given that he boycotted the entire offseason program -- voluntary and mandatory. The real question is whether McLaurin will hold out if he doesn't get what he wants before camp starts. McLaurin has five straight 1,000-yard seasons. Last year, he finished with 82 catches for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns and became one of Jayden Daniels' favorite targets. Even though he turns 30 on September 15, it seems likely the Commanders will get something done here. We'll continue to monitor. |
Terry McLaurin player page
Bengals | Jermaine Burton rebounding nicely Mon Jul 7, 12:43 AM
Cincinnati Bengals WR Jermaine Burton has 'rebounded nicely' this offseason, in the opinion of Bengals Wire's Chris Roling.
| Footballguys view: ESPN.com's Ben Baby reports the same, noting that Burton showed up with a new look and approach to the pro game. "This offseason, Burton has made all the right moves," Baby wrote. "He was attentive and engaged throughout the spring workouts. He earned praise from every person who was asked about him." Baby also reminded readers that Burton has the tools to become a big-play option in special situations. We'll see if that strong offseason can carry over into training camp. |
Jaguars | Coach excited about Dyami Brown Sun Jul 6, 02:08 PM
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said he is excited that WR Dyami Brown is on the roster because he can be productive in all types of routes in the passing game. 'You look at somebody that's able to attack the field at all three levels,' Coen said. 'He can go down the field on the post, in the go, in the pylons and be the top shelf, but also you can throw him a screen and he can go and do something with it. I can't coach that. I can't coach you to go and make three people miss after you've caught the ball. ... That's what he can do.'
| Footballguys view: This has been a consistent yet somewhat under-the-radar drum beat this offseason. The team is excited about Brown in this dynamic offense, and that means Fantasy GMs can look to Brown as a late-round flier. His 'easy speed' means Brown could take the top off the defense while Brian Thomas and Travis Hunter get plenty of targets. If Brown plays up to his potential, and this offense performs like it could, Brown is a 'what the heck' flex. |
Dyami Brown player page
Bears | Unenviable distinction for Rome Odunze Sun Jul 6, 12:41 PM
Chicago Bears WR Rome Odunze's three receiving touchdowns were the fewest in the NFL among players who received at least 13 end zone targets in 2024.
| Footballguys view: Odunze, and really the whole Bears pass offense this year, is a riddle for fantasy drafts. He and Caleb Williams had one of the most inefficient connections in the league last year, but offensive whiz Ben Johnson chose this head coaching staff and knew Williams would be his quarterback, so he must like the potential of the 2024 #1 overall pick. Odunze has also gotten a lot of early praise from Johnson, so he could emerge as the #1 in a passing game stocked with weapons. Odunze costs basically the same as he did last year in drafts, which shows optimism, since he and the Bears pass offense was such a disappointment last year. |
Texans | C.J. Stroud comfortable with Christian Kirk Sun Jul 6, 12:41 PM
Houston Texans WR Christian Kirk looked like a 'safety blanket' for QB C.J. Stroud during minicamp, according to DJ Bien-Aime II of ESPN.com.
| Footballguys view: Kirk has been a forgotten man even though the Texans are paying him over $15 million to play for this year. He was going to be released, but the team was willing to give a seventh round pick for him. Second round pick Jayden Higgins has been the talk of OTAs, but Kirk could easily reproduce Stefon Diggs pre-injury numbers last year, but he's a lot cheaper than Diggs was in 2024 drafts. The Texans offense could be improved after they made a lot of changes on the coaching staff in the offense, but they also traded away their best offensive lineman when they sent Laremy Tunsil to Washington in the offseason. |
Christian Kirk player page
Giants | Malik Nabers productive in final quarter Sun Jul 6, 12:41 PM
New York Giants WR Malik Nabers caught 39 passes for 472 yards and three touchdowns during the fourth quarter of games during the 2024 season.
| Footballguys view: It's not clear if going from Drew Lock to Russell Wilson will be an upgrade for Nabers, but we shouldn't be surprised if Nabers transcends his quarterback play again this year. You'll need to take him in the mid first round if you want him this year. |
Jaguars | Brian Thomas outstanding in December Sun Jul 6, 12:41 PM
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. caught 38 passes for 490 yards and five touchdowns in December during the 2024 season.
| Footballguys view: With Mac Jones at quarterback and a lame duck coaching staff, may we add. Thomas could and should be even better with Trevor Lawrence throwing to him and Liam Coen calling the shots. He's available in the second half of the first round, which might seem like a value in hindsight. |
Broncos | Marvin Mims gaining confidence Sun Jul 6, 12:41 PM
Denver Broncos WR Marvin Mims has been gaining confidence since he became more involved in the offense last season, according to offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. Mims may receive more playing time on offense this upcoming season and will still be used as a returner.
| Footballguys view: Mims came on at the end of the season and could be a breakout player this season. The Broncos wide receiver group is deep and varied, so Mims is the most valuable in a best ball league where inconsistency isn't as damaging to your weekly outcome. We'll be listening and watching to see if Mims is taking big steps forward in his third training camp as he competes with Troy Franklin, Devaughn Vele, and third round pick Pat Bryant for targets. |
Dolphins | Changes Coming if QB Can't Stay Healthy? Sun Jul 6, 12:23 PM
On a recent episode of "The Rich Eisen Show" NFL Network's Tom Pelissero said there will be "decisions for everybody to make" if Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa can't stay healthy in 2025.
| Footballguys view: No surprise here. Mike McDaniel is on the hot seat this year, and there could be a front office/coaching staff reset if the team doesn't make a run to the playoffs. That relies on the health of Tagovailoa as McDaniel's team doesn't perform the same without their starting quarterback. Zach Wilson is there to fill in if/when Tagovailoa is banged up. |
Tua Tagovailoa player page
Bengals | Joe Burrow's right wrist not fully healed Sun Jul 6, 10:39 AM
Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow (wrist) said during the club's mandatory minicamp last month that he hasn't fully recovered from season-ending surgery performed on his right wrist in November 2023. '(In 2024), I still wasn't quite back to throwing it the way that I expect,' he said. 'It's improved this year and it will continue to improve. As long as I keep making those reps, taking the extra time to get that rhythm back, it will continue to improve.'
| Footballguys view: Burrow was nearly an elite fantasy quarterback last year, and that was with some offensive line problems and Tee Higgins missing five games. If the line improves, Higgins stays healthy, and Burrow's wrist feels better, he could be even better, but fantasy drafters are onto him, as Burrow is going closer to the elite tier headed by Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson than he has before. He could end up being the #1 fantasy quarterback in 6 point per pass touchdown leagues. |
Joe Burrow player page
NFL | Chase Claypool completely healthy Sun Jul 6, 10:06 AM
Updating a previous report, free-agent WR Chase Claypool (Bills) said in a post on his Instagram account that he is fully healthy after spending the last year rehabbing from a torn ligament and tendon in the second toe on his left foot.
| Footballguys view: Claypool is sending the message via social networking that he's ready to play, and we're sure his agent is working the phones behind the scenes. If the veteran receiver is going to find a team, it's likely during training camp or the preseason if/when someone gets hurt. His size/speed combination should get him some interest now that he's healthy, but a move doesn't seem imminent. |
Chase Claypool player page
Panthers | Hunter Renfrow getting back into playing shape Sun Jul 6, 09:23 AM
After taking a year off from football, Carolina Panthers WR Hunter Renfrow said that he is still getting into playing shape but is pleased with how his body has responded to football movements through offseason workouts. Renfrow had battled the autoimmune condition ulcerative colitis, which caused severe bouts of fatigue and led to him dropping down to 150 pounds. 'I struggled my last two (seasons) with the Raiders and last year just struggled with fatigue but this is by far the best I've felt since 2021,' he said.
| Footballguys view: The Panthers have an interesting group of receivers at the top of the depth chart in Tetairoa McMillan, Adam Thielen, and Xavier Leggette. Renfrow is working for a spot on the depth chart behind those three. He'll compete against guys like sixth-round pick Jimmy Horn Jr and 2024 UDFA Jalen Coker to establish a pecking order. A Pro Bowler in 2021, Renfrow is just trying to stick in a more-talented-than-some-think room in Carolina. |
Hunter Renfrow player page
Giants | Tyrone Tracy Jr. hoping to be less fumble-prone Sat Jul 5, 11:25 AM
New York Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr., who finished his rookie campaign with five fumbles, has been working on holding on to the football. He purchased a grip strengthener this offseason that he uses every night and he feels that it has made a difference.
| Footballguys view: Tracy is a talented back who can thrive as a runner or receiver out of the backfield, but that doesn't matter if he can't hang onto the ball. In addition to ball security, Tracy needs to improve his pass-protection ability. Rookie Cam Skattebo is there to compete for playing time, and errors by Tracy could open the door for the young power back. |
NFL | Chase Claypool details injury Sat Jul 5, 11:25 AM
Free-agent WR Chase Claypool (Bills) said he has spent the last year rehabbing from the toe injury that he suffered last August. 'I tore a ligament and a tendon in my second toe and have been rehabbing, working out, and recovering every day for the past year,' Claypool said.
| Footballguys view: Claypool was released in mid-August last year with an injury settlement. Now, he's working to be in the best shape of his life....kind of the standard news you get in this type of situation with a veteran trying to return after a missed year due to injury. After 121 catches in his first two pro seasons (2020, 2021), Claypool only has 54 catches over the next three years with a few different teams. His size/speed combination might earn a look from a team who gets desperate at the wide receiver position. |
Chase Claypool player page
Giants | Theo Johnson excited about 2025 Sat Jul 5, 11:25 AM
New York Giants TE Theo Johnson said he was feeling more comfortable each game before his injury last season and is looking forward to this season because he believes he is more prepared to play.
| Footballguys view: A fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Johnson was an intriguing prospect out of Penn State. Last year as a rookie, Johnson had 29 catches for 331 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. He was placed on Injured Reserve with a foot injury, but now he's healthy and in line to be the top tight end for the Giants. Let's watch to see if he builds strong chemistry with QB Russell Wilson during training camp and the preseason. Fantasy GMs in dynasty leagues might have interest, but in re-draft leagues he's a TE3. |
Jaguars | Travis Hunter to do two-way practices at camp Sat Jul 5, 10:40 AM
Jacksonville Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter will see reps at wide receiver and cornerback during the same padded practices at training camp, according to chief football strategy officer Tony Khan, who made a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. During spring practices, Hunter had worked exclusively on one side of the ball on any given day.
| Footballguys view: Hunter wants to play full time on both sides of the ball, but he's likely to be primarily a wide receiver. He's a unicorn type of prospect, so Hunter might be able to log more defensive snaps than some think. Hunter has speed, concentration, and body control as a receiver. Opposite Brian Thomas, Hunter should be able to take advantage of coverage. He's a WR3 for Fantasy GMs with plenty of flex appeal. |
Steelers | PIT still searching for receiving help? Sat Jul 5, 10:08 AM
The Pittsburgh Steelers remain open to acquiring another wide receiver this offseason to start alongside WR DK Metcalf, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor.
| Footballguys view: We'll see if the Steelers are able to find someone else for QB Aaron Rodgers to throw to...and perhaps a former teammate of Rodgers. This offseason, Rodgers is holding private workouts with teammates like Metcalf, Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, and Ben Skowronek and TE Pat Freiermuth. At this time, Metcalf, Friermuth, and newly acquired TE Jonnu Smith should be the top targets for Rodgers. |
DK Metcalf player page
Patriots | DeMario Douglas may see time at multiple spots Sat Jul 5, 09:26 AM
New England Patriots WR DeMario Douglas could see playing time at multiple spots around the formation this season, according to head coach Mike Vrabel, who added that he has been impressed with his attitude during practices.
| Footballguys view: Douglas is a player we like calling '7-11' because he's always open. It doesn't matter where he lines up, Douglas has the quickness to create space against cornerbacks. Stefon Diggs might take up a lot of slot snaps this year, meaning Douglas might be lining up outside to attack defenses. Douglas has a current ADP of WR72, so that means he's a player to keep on waiver wire speed dial in case he hits. |
DeMario Douglas player page
NFL | Stephon Gilmore still waiting for right opportunity Fri Jul 4, 03:39 PM
Free-agent CB Stephon Gilmore (Vikings) recently told 'The Money Down' podcast that he still wants to play but that it has to be 'the right situation for me.'
Link to storyStephon Gilmore player page
Panthers | Adam Thielen a big believer of Tetairoa McMillan Fri Jul 4, 03:01 PM
Carolina Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan's 'natural ability to understand the game ... has really stuck to me,' according to teammate Adam Thielen.'Mentally, his natural ability to understand the game ... I haven't been around too many guys that it just comes so easily to them this early ... the playbook, the little intricacies, the game within the game. That has really stuck out to me. The same thing on the field, physically, everything just comes very natural to him. He doesn't have to force anything or do anything that's kind of out of his comfort zone because it just comes so naturally to him. That's going to help him have a lot of success. And on top of that, he's a great human being. So those things created together usually lead to a long career,' Thielen recently told PFSN.
| Footballguys view: McMillan was arguably the best receiver in this class, so it's not a surprise to hear a veteran like Thielen praise the rookie's skill set. There's a dash of Mike Evans to McMillan's game, and he should greatly help the Panthers passing game and the continued development of QB Bryce Young. |
Lions | Amon-Ra St. Brown tore up zone coverage last season Fri Jul 4, 02:20 PM
Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown was one of only two receivers in the league to draw at least 100 targets against zone coverage in 2024 - Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson was the other - and finished with 91 catches on 107 targets for 1,048 yards (second most in the league) and 51 first downs. St. Brown led the league in targets, catches and first downs against zone for the second straight season while tying for the fourth-best zone catch rate (85.0%), according to Pro Football Focus.
| Footballguys view: St. Brown is tough to cover no matter if defenses use zone or man against him. He's caught over 100 passes each of the last three seasons, and we're projecting him to go over the century mark again in 2025. St. Brown's current ADP is WR6, and Fantasy GMs are taking him around the turn between the first and second round. |
Amon-Ra St. Brown player page
Buccaneers | Baker Mayfield thrived on short stuff in 2024 Fri Jul 4, 01:47 PM
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield accumulated 967 yards passing on throws completed behind the line of scrimmage in 2024 - the second-highest mark by any quarterback since 2018, according to Nex Gen Stats. Only Patrick Mahomes had more such passing yards in a season (1,058 in 2018).
| Footballguys view: Expect more of the same this year as new Bucs OC Josh Grizzard isn't going to reinvent the wheel. Mayfield needs to cut down on his interceptions (he led the NFL with 16 last year), but he was the no.3 fantasy quarterback in 2024 (standard-scoring leagues). While we're not projecting him for 41 touchdowns, Mayfield should still pass for around 4,200 yards and 30-35 touchdowns this season. Those projections make him a top-10 fantasy quarterback for 2025. |
Patrick Mahomes II player page
Baker Mayfield player page
Giants | Russell Wilson impressed Fri Jul 4, 10:48 AM
New York Giants QB Russell Wilson was the most impressive on the field in front of the media, according to one Giants insider.
| Footballguys view: Wilson is the heavy favorite to start Week 1, but he is unlikely to be the starter in Week 18. Last year he was strong at the beginning of his tenure as the Steelers quarterback, but by the postseason looked like someone ripe for replacement. In a best case scenario for fantasy, Jameis Winston would take over if that happens again this year, but head coach Brian Daboll will probably be more inclined to start first round pick Jaxson Dart. |
Russell Wilson player page
Titans | Cam Ward learning lessons Fri Jul 4, 10:08 AM
Tennessee Titans QB Cam Ward said he is learning to move defenders with his eyes and adjusting to the closing speed of defenders.
| Footballguys view: We'll be watching the camp reports on Ward closely to project how rough that first month will be for the #1 overall pick. He opens with Denver, the Rams, Indianapolis, and Houston, not exactly a cake walk. Don't be surprised if he has a rough start in both NFL and fantasy terms. Ward is going off of the board as QB25 per the latest Footballguys ADP, which reflects the hesitation to use him early in lineups - even in superflex leagues. |
Vikings | Ty Chandler not a lock for roster? Fri Jul 4, 10:08 AM
Minnesota Vikings RB Ty Chandler likely needs an 'inspiring training camp' in order to secure a roster spot, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic.
| Footballguys view: The Vikings appeared to sour on Chandler during the 2024 season even though they had big hopes for him going into the year. They traded for Cam Akers in October and quickly phased out Chandler. Akers wasn't re-signed (he's in New Orleans now), but the Vikings traded for Jordan Mason, who will be in a committee with Aaron Jones. It's possible the team only carries two backs into the season, but if they have a third and it's not Ty Chandler, two undrafted free agents - Zavier Scott and Tre Stewart - are the other two backs on currently on the roster. |
Vikings | Tai Felton to have limited role? Fri Jul 4, 10:08 AM
Minnesota Vikings WR Tai Felton's rookie season will be 'spent mostly on special teams,' according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic.
| Footballguys view: Jalen Nailor the third wide receiver and he has been very productive in the role as a downfield target with deep speed. The Vikings were probably looking ahead to Nailor hitting free agency next year and likely getting a deal from a team that they aren't willing to pay with wide receiver salaries going up at a higher rate than other positions lately. Felton will get a chance to be the third receiver behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but probably not until next season. |
Rams | Kyren Williams outstanding in red zone Fri Jul 4, 10:08 AM
Los Angeles Rams RB Kyren Williams recorded all 14 of his rushing touchdowns in the red zone during the 2024 NFL season. He also caught both of his receiving touchdowns in the red zone.
| Footballguys view: The Rams have drafted running backs in the third round (Blake Corum) and fourth round (Jarquez Hunter) in the last two drafts, and both are bigger than Williams. Don't expect Williams to cede that red zone role, though, as the Rams love him, and are seeking to sign him to a long-term extension. Williams is a clear lead back in a great offense, but he's still available in the third round of fantasy drafts. |
Eagles | Saquon Barkley better in second half of games Fri Jul 4, 10:08 AM
Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley rushed for 1,245 yards and eight touchdowns during the second half of games during the 2024 season. He posted 760 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns in the first half of games.
| Footballguys view: The Eagles will want to keep Barkley fresh after a 480+ touch season when the postseason is added to his final numbers. 2024 fourth round pick Will Shipley had a great spring and should play the Kenneth Gainwell role at a minimum after Gainwell signed with Pittsburgh in free agency. AJ Dillon is coming back from a neck injury and could be the early down backup, but Shipley is talented enough to claim that role too. When you are putting together a list of backup running backs to target late in your draft, Shipley should be on it. |
Saquon Barkley player page
Raiders | Two rookie WRs should have early roles Fri Jul 4, 10:08 AM
Las Vegas Raiders WR Jack Bech and WR Dont'e Thornton Jr. likely will have roles in the passing game during their rookie seasons since the Raiders did not make any big moves at the position during the offseason, in the opinion of ESPN.com's Ryan McFadden.
| Footballguys view: Thornton appears to be ahead of Bech because of his impressive OTA performance that highlighted his rare size/speed combination. Tre Tucker will battle Thornton for a starting role on the outside, while Bech is better suited in the slot. Jakobi Meyers can play both inside and outside and Brock Bowers will line up at wide receiver at times, so there's a lot to sort out here. In any event, the draft picks will improve the passing game and the running game, as both are spirited downfield blockers. |
Steelers | Jonnu Smith excited about joining team Fri Jul 4, 10:08 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jonnu Smith said he is excited about his move to the Steelers because he believes the team values him as a player.
| Footballguys view: Raheem Mostert took to social media to roast the Dolphins for their treatment of him and Smith in a sign that some players don't feel valued by the franchise. Miami also let Calais Campbell walk in free agency to Arizona over a few million dollars. The writing is on the wall that the Dolphins could be on the verge of a rebuild. |
Jonnu Smith player page
Saints | Tyler Shough among 30 unsigned second round picks, expects to sign before camp Fri Jul 4, 10:08 AM
New Orleans Saints second-round draft choice QB Tyler Shough said he expects to sign his rookie contract before the start of training camp.
| Footballguys view: Jayden Higgins and Carson Schwesinger were the first two picks of the second round and they became the first two second rounder to get full guaranteed contracts. Now, Shough, and the other 29 second round picks remain unsigned as they seek fully guaranteed deals. This should get resolved before camp, but Shough's case might be more difficult because as a potential starting quarterback, he has the best case of the remaining unsigned picks to get a fully guaranteed deal. We'll be watching this as Quinshon Judkins, TreVeyon Henderson, and RJ Harvey - all slated to play big roles this year, if not become the starting running backs for their teams - are among the unsigned players. |
Steelers | T.J. Watt on the verge of record-setting deal? Fri Jul 4, 09:49 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers LB T.J. Watt is expected to sign a long-term contract that will exceed the four-year, $160 million extension Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett signed earlier this offseason, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Per Pelissero, the 'most likely' outcome is that the two sides will agree to an extension before the season opener.
| Footballguys view: The Steelers have made a lot of moves this offseason, but apparently some teams found it curious that they didn't get this deal done before the flurry of activity, so there have been inquiries about Watt's availability via trade. If Pelissero's report is correct, those have been in vain. Watt is turning 31 during the season, so any new contract will be paying top dollar for years on the back nine of his career arc. |
T.J. Watt player page
Vikings | Myles Price could return kicks Thu Jul 3, 09:26 PM
Minnesota Vikings WR Myles Price will have a chance to return kicks and punts during training camp and the preseason, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic.
Link to story Bengals | Kris Jenkins feeling better than he did in 2024 Thu Jul 3, 02:47 PM
Cincinnati Bengals DT Kris Jenkins told Dan Hoard - the team's radio voice - that he is 100% and no longer bothered by the broken right thumb he played with as a rookie last season.
Link to story Steelers | Pittsburgh extends Omar Khan Thu Jul 3, 02:28 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan signed a three-year contract extension - which will keep Khan in his current post through the 2028 season - on Thursday, July 3. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
| Footballguys view: We know that Mike Tomlin is probably unfireable at this point. Any suggestion that Khan might be on the hot seat after a string on moves that could be interpreted as desperate should be put to rest by this announcement. |
Jaguars | Rookie RB could handle third-down role Thu Jul 3, 01:08 PM
Jacksonville Jaguars RBs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen 'make sense as potential fill-ins on third downs thanks to their abilities as pass-catchers out of the backfield and the success each had pass-blocking in college,' according to SI.com's John Shipley.
| Footballguys view: Tuten is an exciting player with the ball in his hands. He loves the East-West cuts as a runner, and Tuten can be difficult for defenders to line up for a tackle. He had zero drops in 2024 and can be a reliable receiver out of the backfield. Allen has some James Cook to his game. He's got build-up speed, and Allen can make quick cuts with creativity as a runner. We like both rookie runners in dynasty formats. |
Chiefs | Elijah Mitchell should make team Thu Jul 3, 11:47 AM
Kansas City Chiefs RB Elijah Mitchell should make the team, given good health, in the opinion of beat writer Jesse Newell.
| Footballguys view: It will be interesting to see if Mitchell can stay healthy because everyone knows he has talent to produce in the NFL. As a rookie in 2021, Mitchell was nearly a 1,000-yard rusher for the 49ers but he's only played in 16 games over the next three years (and missed all of 2024 due to a hamstring injury). If healthy, Mitchell will work into the backfield rotation with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. |
Elijah Mitchell player page
Jets | Justin Fields showing off his arm Thu Jul 3, 11:47 AM
New York Jets QB Justin Fields has been making throws on the level of Aaron Rodgers, according to CB Sauce Gardner. 'And it's like Justin had made a few throws where I'm like, 'OK, he really been in the lab, for real,'' Gardner said.
| Footballguys view: Fields is a QB1 for Fantasy GMs because of his rushing ability. He's a low-end QB1, but there's an upside if he develops as a passer. Fields will be running a more creative offense than he did with the Steelers last year. ESPN's Rich Cimini reports the Jets offense under OC Tanner Engstrand will have a "Lions flavor to it." |
Justin Fields player page
Ravens | DeAndre Hopkins brings new element Thu Jul 3, 11:47 AM
Baltimore Ravens WR DeAndre Hopkins believes he could be the 'piece that's been missing' from the offense, and QB Lamar Jackson said he can already tell that Hopkins is a different type of receiver.
| Footballguys view: It's good that Hopkins believes that, but he's simply not the player he used to be anymore. Perhaps he's found a fountain of youth in Baltimore, but the Chiefs phased him out of their offense last year after they traded for him. Projecting him for 30 or so catches this year seems appropriate...and that makes him a player Fantasy GMs will be leaving on the waiver wire. |
DeAndre Hopkins player page