Fantasy Football News

The Kansas City Chiefs signed former Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Demercado had over 1,100 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns (three rushing) in his three years with the team, and he'll now join Kenneth Walker III in KC's new-look backfield going into the 2026 season. The 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of TCU had a career-high 312 rushing yards on 44 carries in 13 games in Arizona in 2025, but he didn't find the end zone on the ground. Demercado added 13 receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown in an expanded role after both James Conner (foot) and Trey Benson (knee) suffered season-ending injuries. He never held a big role in Arizona's backfield, but he was productive when he touched the ball, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt on 126 carries. Demercado should have more upside as a stash candidate in deeper fantasy leagues while competing for backup duties with Brashard Smith.

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider said on Seattle Sports Radio on Thursday that running back Zach Charbonnet's (knee) ACL surgery "went very well," and his "outlook is good." Schneider wouldn't provide a timeline for Charbonnet's recovery or a timetable for when he might be able to resume football activities. The 25-year-old tore the ACL in his knee during the Divisional Round win against the San Francisco 49ers, so given the timing of the injury, it wouldn't be realistic to expect Charbonnet to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season. Typically, recovery from a torn ACL takes anywhere from eight to 12 months. Seattle's backfield is thin because of Charb's injury, and with Kenneth Walker III signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. If Charbonnet isn't ready in early September, the Seahawks could pair a rookie RB with both George Holani and newcomer Emanuel Wilson. Charbonnet's 2026 fantasy value is probably going to take a pretty big hit because of his injury, but when he's finally healthy, he could have a clear path to being the RB1.

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider praised running back George Holani on Seattle Sports radio on Thursday, so it sounds like Holani will have a bigger role in 2026, according to John Boyle of the team's official website. Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III left in free agency to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs, and there's a good chance Zach Charbonnet (knee) won't be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season this fall after tearing his ACL in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks added former Green Bay Packers RB Emanuel Wilson in free agency for more backfield depth, but if Charbonnet isn't ready for Week 1 in September, Holani could be Seattle's RB1, depending on what they do in the upcoming NFL draft in April. The 26-year-old mostly worked on special teams in 11 regular-season games in 2025, carrying the ball only 22 times for 73 yards and one touchdown and catching both of his targets for 15 yards. Most likely, the Seahawks will pair a rookie RB with Holani and Wilson to begin next season while they wait for Charbonnet to heal.

New England Patriots new offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (triceps) expects to be fully cleared for the start of organized team activities this spring, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. Vera-Tucker said he plans to be a full participant in the voluntary offseason program that begins on April 20, too. The 26-year-old offensive lineman signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Patriots earlier this week after spending the first four years of his career with the New York Jets. Vera-Tucker was selected with the 14th overall pick in 2021 out of USC. He has started all 43 of the games he's appeared in over the first four years of his career in the NFL, and he's expected to be New England's starting left guard to begin the 2026 regular season this fall.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed former Detroit Lions edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, a source told the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The deal carries a maximum value of $6 million via incentives. Muhammad leaves the Lions after a career year in 2025 in which he had 25 tackles (15 solo), a career-high 11 sacks, nine tackles for loss, and 20 QB hits in 17 games played. The 30-year-old veteran played just 41 percent of Detroit's defensive snaps, though, so unless the Bucs plan to give him a more regular role, it's going to be difficult for the former sixth-rounder to duplicate his breakout campaign. Muhammad was taken by the Saints in the 2017 draft out of the University of Miami. He has 193 tackles (126 solo), 26 sacks, 36 tackles for loss, 58 QB hits, four forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in his eight years in the NFL.

The Tennessee Titans signed free-agent tight end Kylen Granson to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, a source told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Granson will return to the AFC South division after spending the first four years of his career with the Indianapolis Colts. The 27-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2021 out of SMU caught a career-low seven passes for 40 yards on nine targets in 17 regular-season games a year ago with the Philadelphia Eagles. Granson had 86 catches on 136 targets for 958 yards and only one touchdown in his four years in Indy as a depth TE. In Tennessee, he figures to be no better than the TE3 with the Titans to open the 2026 season while working behind second-year man Gunnar Helm and new addition Daniel Bellinger. Most of Granson's playing time in Nashville is likely to come on special teams.

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed fullback Connor Heyward to a two-year deal worth up to $5.5 million, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The contract includes $2 million fully guaranteed. Heyward hit free agency earlier this week upon the expiration of his four-year rookie deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's scored a touchdown in three of his four pro seasons, and he posted a respectable 449 scrimmage yards during his time in the black and gold. Of course, handling the football is just a minor component of his role as a fullback. He's far more involved as a blocker, creating opportunities for the quarterback or running backs. He'll now take his talents to Las Vegas, where he'll be tasked with blocking for a young offense that features Ashton Jeanty and will also likely include projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed free-agent safety Jaquan Brisker, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL.com. Terms and duration of the contract were not immediately reported. Brisker, a former second-round pick, impressed while playing out his four-year rookie deal in Chicago. Now, the Pittsburgh native is heading home. It's a bit unclear what his role will be, as the Steelers already have a capable strong safety in Deshon Elliott. With that said, this is still an encouraging addition for Pittsburgh. Brisker started every game he played across four seasons in Chicago, including all 17 contests in 2025. He finished the season with one sack, one interception, eight passes defended, and 93 total tackles.

The Buffalo Bills are signing free agent safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Gardner-Johnson, a seven-year NFL veteran, spent last season with the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears. Across 13 games (10 starts), he tallied one forced fumble, two interceptions, four passes defended, three sacks, and 66 tackles. He has never made a Pro Bowl, but he led the NFL in interceptions in 2022 and was a Comeback Player of the Year finalist in 2024. The former fourth-round pick currently projects as the Bills' primary strong safety, operating alongside free safety Cole Bishop.

The Seattle Seahawks have signed running back Emanuel Wilson to a one-year deal worth up to $2.1 million, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Wilson is a former undrafted free agent who found success through three years as a depth option in Green Bay. He posted at least 550 scrimmage yards in each of the last two seasons, offering the Packers a reliable backup to Josh Jacobs. Wilson was healthy for all 17 games in 2025, making two starts. He had 496 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, with a significant portion of his statistics coming from a Week 12 performance in which he posted 28 carries, 107 rushing yards, two catches, 18 receiving yards, and a pair of touchdowns. This is a signing that may fly under the radar, but really should generate more buzz. Seattle lost Kenneth Walker III in free agency, and Zach Charbonnet (knee) is working his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered in the playoffs. Charbonnet might not be ready for Week 1 next season, and even if he does play, he likely won't be at 100%. Wilson has an opportunity to carve out a significant workload right away, potentially even as the Super Bowl champions' lead back.

The New York Giants have signed wide receiver Calvin Austin III to a one-year contract worth up to $4.5 million, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Austin hit free agency earlier this week upon the expiration of his four-year rookie contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former fourth-round pick entered the 2025 season with high expectations, given his role as the team's No. 2 wide receiver in a potentially pass-heavy offense. That never really came to fruition, though, as Austin finished the year with just 31 catches, 372 yards, and three touchdowns across 14 games. The Giants will rely on him and Darius Slayton to fill a depth role behind superstar wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) next season. Austin is more of a low-floor, high-ceiling receiver, so while he should be rostered in most dynasty and many redraft leagues, he won't be a weekly fantasy starter in 2026.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was not being shopped in recent trade talks, general manager James Gladstone said on Thursday. Gladstone said rumors of Thomas being shopped were "fraudulent claims" and that the team never received an offer for the wide receiver. The second-year general manager went as far as to say that Thomas will be a big part of the Jaguars' offense going forward. Fantasy managers should be excited to hear that, but the comments should obviously be taken with a grain of salt. Thomas is coming off a very frustrating second season in the NFL, catching just 48 passes for 707 yards and two touchdowns across 14 games. To make matters worse, he faces plenty of competition in the passing game from a crowded receiver room that features Jakobi Meyers, Travis Hunter, and Parker Washington. Managers who trust Gladstone's comments might consider buying low on Thomas in dynasty leagues. Otherwise, he's probably more of a "hold" for the time being. UPDATE: Gladstone also said when asked about trading Thomas, that, "We have no interest in disrupting the momentum."

The Minnesota Vikings have signed free-agent quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year deal, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com. The deal includes a clause that says Murray cannot be assigned a franchise tag or transition tag next offseason. He'll be paid $36.8 million in 2026, but the bulk of that will come from the Arizona Cardinals' payroll. Minnesota will only be on the hook for the league minimum amount. Murray, a former No. 1 overall pick, is coming off a disappointing seventh and final season in Arizona. Injuries limited him to just five starts last year, and he only produced 962 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also had 173 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. It was a weird end to Murray's tenure with the Cardinals, as he was technically on IR with a season-ending injury but may have simply been benched for Jacoby Brissett. Regardless of the actual reason, the bottom line is that the Cardinals and Murray went their separate ways this offseason, leading the quarterback to sign with Minnesota. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has repeatedly been praised for his ability to identify successful quarterback reclamation projects, but it's far from guaranteed that Murray will be able to bounce back. In fact, he's not even a lock to earn playing time. Incumbent starter and former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy will presumably compete with Murray in a wide-open position battle during training camp.

The San Francisco 49ers are agreeing to terms with free-agent linebacker Dre Greenlaw on a one-year, $7.5 million deal on Thursday, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Greenlaw was drafted by the 49ers in the fifth round (148th overall) in 2019 out of Arkansas, and he spent the first six years of his NFL career in the Bay Area before joining the Denver Broncos last season. The 28-year-old linebacker will now return to the mix in San Francisco after recording 43 tackles (15 solo), one sack, an interception, and a forced fumble in eight regular-season games for the Broncos in 2025. Greenlaw battled hamstring and quadriceps injuries in Denver, and he just has not been the same player since suffering multiple lower-body injuries over the last two years. He played in just two games for the Niners in 2024. Before getting hurt in 2024, Greenlaw had two straight 100-plus tackle seasons in San Fran. In his return to the team, Greenlaw will likely be more of a rotational linebacker to give what was a banged-up defense last year some more depth.

The Miami Dolphins are signing former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Atwell, a Miami native, will return home. The addition of Davante Adams in L.A. last year meant that Atwell's role in the Rams' offense would be reduced after he had a combined 81 catches on 129 targets for 1,045 yards and three touchdowns in 33 regular-season games (19 starts) in 2023 and 2024. The 26-year-old former second-round pick in 2021 out of Louisville only caught six passes for 192 yards and one touchdown on 15 targets last year in 10 regular-season games (four starts). There just weren't many targets to go around for Rams receivers not named Adams or Puka Nacua. In Miami, Atwell will have a shot at a bigger role behind WR1 Jaylen Waddle while working with new quarterback Malik Willis, but it still might not be a favorable outlook for fantasy purposes. Atwell is more of a deep threat on offense, averaging 14.6 yards per catch in his five-year NFL career.

ESPN's Rich Cimini writes that veteran quarterback Geno Smith is expected to replace Justin Fields as the New York Jets' bridge starter this year. Head coach Aaron Glenn is hoping to get enough wins out of Smith to stick around for a third year at the helm. The Jets signed Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract in March of last year, but he was not the answer under center. The 27-year-old former 11th overall pick by the Chicago Bears in 2021 out of Ohio State only made nine starts before being benched for veteran Tyrod Taylor. Fields, one of the better rushing QBs in the league, didn't run as much, and although he did limit his turnovers, he didn't help the Jets' offense much, throwing for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception in his nine starts. He had 71 carries for 383 yards and four touchdowns as a rusher. It would not be a surprise to see the Jets cut Field this offseason, which would save them $10 million in salary cap space in 2026.

New San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans is expected to "step in right away as the X receiver" and provide leadership for a wideout group that doesn't have much experience, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Evan's "red-zone and tight-window acumen" should translate quickly into head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense in 2026. The 32-year-old future Hall of Famer had 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before breaking that streak last year when he played in only eight games due to collarbone and hamstring injuries. Evans has scored double-digit touchdowns in six of his 12 seasons in the league, and his 27 TDs on tight-window throws over the last 10 seasons are six more than the next closest player, according to Next Gen Stats. While Evans is nearing the end of his career, his landing spot in the Bay Area could be the best chance he has for a 12th 1,000-yard season. The Niners swooped on Evans earlier this week and signed him to a three-year, $42.4 million contract that could reach $60.4 million through incentives.

The Cincinnati Bengals are signing veteran free-agent defensive tackle Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $26 million deal on Thursday, a source told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Allen can make a maximum of $28 million over two years through performance-based incentives. The 31-year-old two-time Pro Bowler will make the jump to the AFC North as he heads into his 10th NFL season after spending 2025 with the Minnesota Vikings, where he had a career-high 68 tackles (29 solo), 3.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, 11 QB hits, and a fumble recovery in 17 starts. He finished just inside the top-50 defensive linemen in IDP fantasy formats. The former 17th overall pick by Washington in 2017 out of Alabama is expected to serve as a starting interior defensive lineman in 2026 for a Bengals defense that needs all the help it can get after letting star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson walk in free agency. Allen has 469 total tackles (270 solo) and 45.5 sacks in his nine NFL seasons, starting in 125 of the 126 games he's appeared in.

The Washington Commanders are signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Washington non-tendered former RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. on Wednesday, and he quickly latched on with the Jacksonville Jaguars. To give the team more depth in the backfield alongside second-year back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the Commanders have now added White to the mix. The 27-year-old former third-round pick in 2022 out of Arizona State had 2,656 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns on 677 carries (3.9 yards per attempt) while adding 205 catches, 1,450 yards, and 11 touchdowns through the air in his four years in Tampa. Depending on what else Washington does at the RB position this offseason, White figures to operate as more of a third-down back in D.C. in 2026, with JCM operating as the early-down option. It's a similar role to what he had with the Bucs when Bucky Irving was healthy.

New England Patriots executive vice president Eliot Wolf hasn't completely shut the door on a potential return for free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs, according to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. The Patriots officially released Diggs at the start of the new league year on Wednesday to free up salary cap space for the 2026 season, but they aren't opposed to re-signing him to a new deal despite signing former Green Bay Packers wideout Romeo Doubs earlier this week. The 32-year-old veteran is probably past his prime, but he still managed to lead the Patriots in receiving in 2025 with 85 catches on 102 targets for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in 17 regular-season starts. It was Diggs' seventh time reaching the 1,000-yard mark in his 11 NFL seasons. New England continues to discuss a potential trade for Eagles receiver A.J. Brown, too, but reuniting with Diggs would be the cheaper option and also wouldn't involve giving up significant draft capital. The four-time Pro Bowler would most likely have a smaller role in the passing game for the Pats if he were to return in 2026.