Fantasy Football News
Travis Kelce To Take His Time On Retirement Decision
On his New Heights podcast, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said that he is planning to take his time this offseason as he decides whether to retire from professional football following a 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. "I'm gonna take some time to figure it out. And I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back that it's gonna be a wholehearted decision and I'm not half-assing it, and I'm fully here for them," Kelce said. "I think I can play, it's just whether or not I'm motivated or it's the best decision for me as a man, as a human, as a person to take on all that responsibility." The 35-year-old 10-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro managed 97 receptions in 16 regular-season games but had only three touchdowns and 823 yards, his fewest since his rookie season when he played just one game. If Kelce does return in 2025, he'll still be on the TE1 radar in fantasy, but his days of being the first TE off the board are over.
1 hour ago
Franchise Tag Could Be In Play For Tee Higgins
ESPN's Adam Schefter writes that the Cincinnati Bengals could work to re-sign impending free-agent wide receiver Tee Higgins before he officially becomes a free agent or put the $26 million franchise tag on him, which is lower than what he'd likely receive on the open market. The Bengals could also choose to tag and trade Higgins, but that option would require carrying their cap space past the new league year. Complicating matters is the fact that fellow wideout Ja'Marr Chase is entering the final year of his contract and will be looking to become the highest-paid receiver in NFL history in a deal that could average close to $40 million per year. Cincy has around $46 million in salary cap space, but it remains to be seen if they can pull off retaining both Higgins and Chase. Higgins has 34 touchdowns and two 1,000-yard seasons in five NFL seasons but could become a legitimate WR1 in 2025 if he leaves the Bengals.
14 hours ago
Seahawks Still Deciding On Tyler Lockett's Future
When asked whether wide receiver Tyler Lockett would be on the roster for the 2025 season, Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said the team is "working through that" and will make a decision in the next month or so. It's not a ringing endorsement for the 32-year-old veteran pass-catcher after he fell to 49 receptions on 74 targets for 600 yards and just two touchdowns in 17 games (14 starts) in 2024 in his 10th year with Seattle. His 600 receiving yards and two TDs were his fewest since the 2017 season, his third year in the league. Lockett will have a $30.8 million salary cap figure this year, and releasing him would save the Seahawks $17 million against the cap. If Lockett doesn't take a pay cut, Seattle will most likely release him after the emergence of second-year wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba in 2024.
15 hours ago
Jonathon Brooks Could Miss All Of 2025
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) will miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season after his second ACL tear in 2024 as a rookie. In addition to Brooks, the Panthers are expected to cut running back Miles Sanders. It's why The Athletic's Joseph Person has the Panthers taking SMU RB Brashard Smith with a fifth-round selection in his 2025 mock draft. Smith could be a nice change-of-pace option behind starter Chuba Hubbard next year in the Panthers' backfield. The 21-year-old Brooks can be avoided in all single-year fantasy drafts this fall after suffering a gruesome injury in his first year in the NFL. Brooks could have a lengthier recovery after already tearing the same ACL in his final collegiate season at the University of Texas. In three games in 2024, Brooks had nine carries for 22 yards and caught all three of his targets for 23 yards.
15 hours ago
Jets Were Willing To Stick With Aaron Rodgers Under Certain Stipulations
The New York Jets are fully expected to move on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2025, but The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that the team presented the future Hall of Famer with a plan to move forward with him as their QB. The Jets' plan included stipulations about outside media work during the season and required that he attend all mandatory offseason workouts, according to team and league sources. Specifically, Rodgers would no longer be allowed to make regular, paid appearances on "The Pat McAfee Show." Apparently, Rodgers wasn't inclined to agree with those stipulations, and the Jets are expected to release the 41-year-old, who still has one year left on his contract. If the four-time MVP chooses to return for a 21st year in the NFL, it will be with another organization. Rodgers' two-year run in New York was highly disappointing after he tore his Achilles in Week 1 in 2023.
15 hours ago
Matthew Wright Signs Reserve/Future Contract With Panthers
The Carolina Panthers signed kicker Matthew Wright to a reserve/future contract on Tuesday, which is a one-year, non-guaranteed contract that allows players to participate in offseason activities and compete for a roster spot. Wright has spent time with nine NFL organizations, and this is the third time he has signed with Carolina. Overall, the UCF product has connected on 55 of his 63 field goal attempts and 41 of his 43 extra point tries across 21 games with the Steelers, Jaguars, Chiefs, Panthers, 49ers, and Titans. Current Panthers starting kicker Eddy Pineiro ranks third all-time in career field goal percentage (88.095%), so it would be a surprise if Wright wins the job over him this offseason.
22 hours ago
Brandon Aiyuk Could Be Ready For Week 1
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) could be ready for Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season, though his status is uncertain for now. The 26-year-old suffered a torn ACL and MCL in October of last season, so the recovery timeline makes it realistic for him to be ready for the start of the new campaign. Following a 1,400-yard receiving season in 2023, the 49ers signed Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million contract. Unfortunately, he could only produce 25 receptions for 374 yards and no touchdowns in seven games in 2024. That said, Aiyuk could be a value pick in fantasy football coming off the injury, especially since Deebo Samuel appears to finally be on the way out of San Francisco via trade at some point this offseason.
22 hours ago
Derek Carr Likely To Remain Saints Starter In 2025
Rumors have been swirling that New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr could be traded or cut this offseason, but NFL insider Adam Schefter said Carr "will probably be the team's QB1 entering 2025." Carr has $10 million in contract guarantees with another $30 million scheduled to kick in on March 15. The organization moving on from the veteran would only save them a few million dollars against the cap, so it's not likely to happen. Since signing with New Orleans ahead of the 2023 campaign, the former Las Vegas Raider has thrown for 6,023 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 27 games. At Fresno State, Carr played against Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore, who is now his head coach in the NFL.
23 hours ago
49ers Committed To Brock Purdy
San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York reaffirmed the team's commitment to keeping quarterback Brock Purdy around long-term. "I know we want Brock to be here for a long time and we'll do everything we can to make that work," York said Monday. After selecting Purdy with the final pick of the 2022 draft, he has led them to two playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl, in his three years in the league. Now eligible for a new contract, the 49ers have remained committed to giving the 25-year-old a big contract he deserves. Both sides have been in talks on an extension, with Purdy saying last month that he wanted something "done quick" so that negotiations didn't extend into the offseason program. Even though Purdy's numbers dipped in 2024, he could land a deal worth more than $55 million per season. Purdy had career-lows in completion percentage (65.9), passer rating (96.1) and TD-to-interception ratio (20-12).
23 hours ago
Nick Bolton Wants To Stay With Chiefs
Impending free-agent middle linebacker Nick Bolton indicated that he'd like to re-sign with the Kansas City Chiefs after the team's 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in Super Bowl LIX. "But I've been here (in Missouri) for seven years it feels like home. Welcomed me with open arms as a little 18-year-old with short hair, no facial hair. Let me go through growing pains and find out my own identity, and it feels like home," Bolton said. As these things always do, it will come down to money and whether Bolton is looking to become one of the highest-paid linebackers in the league. The former second-rounder has won two Super Bowl rings in his four seasons with KC while also racking up 458 total tackles (32 for loss), five sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery TD, 15 pass breakups and four interceptions during the regular season. The 24-year-old has been a big reason for the Chiefs' success on defense.
Yesterday
Browns To Look At Kirk Cousins, Daniel Jones?
The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that the Cleveland Browns might only be able to afford players like the Atlanta Falcons' Kirk Cousins or Minnesota Vikings' Daniel Jones as their bridge quarterback this offseason. According to Over the Cap, Cleveland is projected to be $38.6 million over the 2025 salary cap, but the next anticipated restructure of QB Deshaun Watson's contract will clear up around $36 million in cap space. The status of QBs Derek Carr, Geno Smith and Russell Wilson will dictate how expensive Cousins and Jones will be this offseason. Cousins isn't a free agent, but the Atlanta Falcons probably will find it hard to trade him because of the $10 million roster bonus he's due after the start of the new league year. Cousins has familiarity with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski from their days with the Vikings. The Browns are expected to draft a QB at No. 2 overall this year, but Cousins could make sense as a bridge starter if he becomes a free agent.
Yesterday
Bills, Chargers Among Teams That Could Be In Play For Deebo Samuel Sr.
The San Francisco 49ers gave wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. permission to seek a trade this offseason. Samuel is under contract for one more season, and his deal includes a $15 million option bonus. Along with his drop in production in 2024, it could suppress Samuel's trade market, but NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco lists the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans as a few teams that could be interested in acquiring Samuel from the Niners. The 29-year-old former second-rounder had career-lows of 3.4 catches and 44.7 receiving yards per game in 15 contests in 2024, with his per-rush average also dropping to 3.2 yards. Although Samuel is much more of an injury risk with declining production, he does have 42 total TDs in six NFL seasons and will draw interest from receiver-needy teams as a trade target.
Yesterday
DeAndre Hopkins Finds End Zone In Super Bowl Loss
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught two passes for 18 yards and a touchdown in the 22-40 Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The 32-year-old made his Super Bowl debut in his 13th season in the league. Despite finding the end zone, Hopkins did not do much to impress in this contest. The Eagles defense suffocated the Chiefs offense, holding them to 23 total yards in the first half. The veteran receiver also caught a two-point conversion after the game's final touchdown. Hopkins finished third on the team in targets and receiving yards, behind Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce. Hopkins was acquired by the team at the trade deadline and will be a free agent this offseason. It remains to be seen where Hopkins will land, but he demonstrated his ability to be a reliable WR2/3 on a competing team.
Yesterday
Travis Kelce Nearly Disappears In Super Bowl Loss
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce caught four passes for 39 yards in the 22-40 Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The 35-year-old needed two touchdowns to tie Jerry Rice's playoff touchdown record, but failed to catch any in his last two games. The Eagles defense swarmed Patrick Mahomes on nearly every drop back, making it challenging to execute the passing game. Kelce was targeted six times, second on the team behind Xavier Worthy. The veteran tight end was unable to make a considerable difference in the game and his future in the league is uncertain after this loss. Kelce is a three-time Super Bowl champion and has a case to be the greatest tight end in NFL history. Whether he decides to return next season or not, Kelce is destined for the Hall of Fame.
Yesterday
Xavier Worthy Scores Twice In Super Bowl Debut
Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy caught eight passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns in the 22-40 Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Worthy was the lone bright spot for Kansas City in this contest, catching multiple 50-yard passes from Mahomes. The 21-year-old showed off his speed on the game's final touchdown, beating two safeties to the end zone for a 50-yard score. The speedy rookie led the team in catches, receiving yards, and targets. Worthy took center stage with Travis Kelce underperforming in this contest. Worthy put together one of the best Super Bowl performances by a rookie, but most of his production came well after this game was out of hand. Despite suffering this huge loss, Worthy showed that he can perform at the highest level and should be poised for more growth next season.
Yesterday
Patrick Mahomes Loses His Second Super Bowl
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 21 of 32 pass attempts (66%) for 257 yards and three touchdowns in the 22-40 Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Mahomes missed out on achieving the first three-peat in NFL history and picked up his second Super Bowl loss in five appearances. The veteran quarterback ended with a solid statistical performance, but the box score does not tell the story of this game. Mahomes threw two interceptions in the first half of the game, one being returned for a pick-six. The Chiefs offense only had 23 total yards and one first down by the time the game reached halftime. The 29-year-old was also constantly under pressure from the Eagles front four. Mahomes was sacked six times, one leading to a lost fumble. The Chiefs scored their first points of the game with 34 seconds left in the third quarter. With two more garbage time touchdowns in the fourth quarter, Mahomes scored three times in the blowout loss. With the future of Travis Kelce uncertain following this huge loss, it remains to be seen what the Chiefs will look like next season. Despite the uncertainty, the Mahomes and the Chiefs have the talent and coaching staff to stay relevant for years.
2 days ago
Chris Jones Injures His Knee In Super Bowl Loss
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (knee) injured his right knee in the 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday and never returned after getting a doubtful tag. Jones' injury didn't look too serious, but with the game essentially already over in the second half at the time of his injury, the Chiefs didn't feel it was necessary to risk further damage by bringing him back. Before hurting his knee, the 30-year-old pass-rusher was seen getting his neck worked on by trainers on the sidelines, but he was able to return to the game. It was a very disappointing performance by Jones and the entire Chiefs defense against an elite Philadelphia offensive line. Jones didn't record any tackles or sacks before injuring his knee in the second half and had only one QB hit.
2 days ago
Retirement On The Table For Terron Armstead
Miami Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead is expected to meet with the team's front office soon to discuss his plans for 2025. The Athletic's Dianna Russini explains that a decision on his future isn't easy because he's 33 years old and has a salary cap hit just north of $22 million in each of the final two years of his deal. It's clear that Miami is already thinking about the future at the left-tackle position after they drafted Patrick Paul in the second round in 2024. Armstead has dealt with plenty of injuries in recent seasons and even admitted that he's contemplating retirement this offseason. The five-time Pro Bowler has started 38 games in his three seasons with the Dolphins after originally being taken in the third round (75th overall) in the 2013 draft by the New Orleans Saints out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Despite dealing with injuries, Armstead graded out very well as a pass-blocker in 15 games in 2024.
2 days ago
Commanders Could Look To Trade For Greg Newsome II
The Washington Commanders are expected to be very aggressive this offseason as they look to improve their defense, and they'll have more than $68 million in salary cap space. Washington will certainly be a team to watch if the Cleveland Browns give in to All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett's trade demands, but The Athletic's Zac Jackson also believes they'll be a candidate to trade for Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II (hamstring). If the Browns were to trade Newsome this offseason, it would open up around $13 million in 2025 cap space and allow Cleveland to add pieces to their roster, potentially even a veteran starting quarterback. The 24-year-old Newsome ended his 2024 season on Injured Reserve due to a hamstring injury and finished with a career-low 27 tackles (24 solo), one interception and five pass breakups in 13 games (three starts).
2 days ago
Ravens, Derrick Henry Expected To Begin Extension Talks Early This Offseason
According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Baltimore Ravens and running back Derrick Henry are expected to start contract-extension talks early this offseason. Henry made $11 million in his first year with the Ravens in 2024 and is scheduled to make $7 million in his second year with the team in 2025. The 31-year-old King Henry proved this year that he still has plenty left in the tank and he recently told The Athletic that he would like to retire with the Ravens. Henry finished the 2024 campaign with 1,921 rushing yards -- the second-highest total of his career -- and a league-high 16 rushing touchdowns in 17 regular-season games to earn his fifth Pro Bowl selection. Despite the fact that Henry has a ton of tread on his tires and is an offense with quarterback Lamar Jackson, he will remain a high-end RB1 target in fantasy this fall.
2 days ago