Fantasy Football News

The New England Patriots announced on Friday that they released linebackers Curtis Jacobs and Andrew Parker Jr., offensive tackle Caleb Jones and center Lecitus Smith. Jacobs went undrafted last year out of Penn State before joining the Patriots when he was claimed off waivers last August. The 23-year-old appeared in nine games (two starts) in his first year in the NFL and recorded only four tackles (two solo). A concussion cut his season short and landed him on Injured Reserve. Jacobs mostly played on special teams for the Pats and is now searching for another opportunity as a special-teamer and depth linebacker heading into the 2025 season. Parker, 25, was also undrafted but did not see any action in 2024 for New England.

The New Orleans Saints waived defensive tackle Camron Peterson (undisclosed) this week, according to KPRC's Aaron Wilson. Peterson went undrafted last year out of Southern before eventually latching on with the New Orleans Saints. The 25-year-old interior defensive lineman played in one game in the preseason with the Saints before being placed on Injured Reserve right before the start of the regular season. Peterson didn't play all year long in his first year in the NFL and now finds himself on the open market. If he latches on with another team in free agency, he will just be hoping to stick around on a practice squad going into the 2025 regular season.

The Seattle Seahawks announced on Friday that they have signed free-agent wide receiver River Cracraft to an undisclosed deal. The Seahawks continue to add receiver depth this offseason after releasing veteran Tyler Lockett and trading DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cracraft will merely be providing depth at the position behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The 30-year-old veteran and former undrafted free agent out of Washington State heads to the NFC West after spending the last three years with the Miami Dolphins, where he caught only 25 passes on 35 targets for 289 yards and three touchdowns in 29 games (one start). In his seven seasons in the NFL, Cracraft has 32 receptions, 374 yards and three touchdowns on 46 targets in 53 games (two starts). He will continue to be off the fantasy radar in all leagues in 2025 in Seattle.

Former New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin reached an agreement on an undisclosed one-year deal on Friday with the Los Angeles Chargers, according to his agent, Mike McCartney. Conklin heads to the AFC West after spending the last three years with the Jets, where he had 170 catches on 246 targets for 1,622 yards and seven touchdowns in 50 games (43 starts). While the 29-year-old did have a career-high four touchdowns in 16 games (15 starts) last year, he had just 51 catches and 449 yards (his lowest total since 2020) on 72 targets. The former fifth-round selection (157th overall) by the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 out of Central Michigan has the opportunity to be the Chargers' top pass-catching tight end in 2025, but he'll also be sharing playing time with Will Dissly. Dissly had a very similar 50-481-2 line to Conklin a year ago in L.A. Expect Conklin to be a touchdown-dependent TE2 in fantasy in his new home.

The Minnesota Vikings have had talks with former Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill about a potential deal, sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Talks are ongoing but nothing is imminent at this moment. For the time being, the Vikings have told free-agent QB Aaron Rodgers that they are not interested and are moving ahead full steam with last year's first-rounder, J.J. McCarthy (knee), as their starting signal-caller in 2025. However, after both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones left in free agency this offseason, the Vikes continue to search for QB insurance behind McCarthy, and Tannehill could be their guy. The 36-year-old didn't join a team for the 2024 season and played in only 10 games (eight starts) in his final season in Tennessee in 2023, throwing for 1,616 yards, four TDs and seven picks. If Tannehill joins the Vikings, it would strictly be as their backup behind McCarthy.

The New York Giants and free-agent quarterback Jameis Winston are finalizing a two-year, $8 million deal on Friday that could be worth up to $16 million with incentives, multiple sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Winston now joins Tommy DeVito as the only quarterbacks on the Giants roster, but the G-Men are still fully expected to sign another veteran QB -- either Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson -- while also possibly taking a rookie QB with the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. The 31-year-old Winston, the former first overall pick out of Florida State by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015, famously led the league with 5,109 passing yards and also 30 interceptions in 2019 with the Bucs. He ended up playing in 12 games (seven starts) for the Browns in 2024 after Deshaun Watson's (Achilles) season-ending injury but was eventually benched after throwing 13 TDs and 12 picks. If Winston is starting in 2025, he'll be a turnover-prone, low-end QB2 in superflex leagues.

Free-agent defensive back Avonte Maddox signed an undisclosed one-year deal with the Detroit Lions on Friday, according to his agent, Jason Chayut. Maddox will head to the NFC North after spending the first seven years of his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he racked up a total of 270 tackles (200 solo), three sacks, 13 tackles for loss, eight QB hits, four interceptions, 36 pass breakups, eight forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 81 games (41 starts). The 28-year-old safety started the 2024 campaign as Philly's slot cornerback but was eventually benched in favor of impressive rookie Cooper DeJean. Maddox finished his last year with the Eagles with a Super Bowl ring but had only 20 tackles (nine solo) and five pass breakups in 17 regular-season games (three starts). Expect him to provide experienced depth for Detroit's secondary in 2025.

The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed with free-agent offensive lineman Lucas Patrick on a one-year contract. ESPN's Adam Schefter did not report the details of the deal. Patrick will join his third team in four years, previously starting 64 games during stints with the Packers, Bears, and Saints. The Tennessee native appeared in 11 games for the Saints in 2024 (10 starts) while dealing with calf, ankle, and knee injuries. He spent time at center and guard for New Orleans. Patrick is listed behind returning teammate Cody Ford on the team's unofficial depth chart, though he did not allow a sack across 562 snaps a season ago, so he may push for a starting spot. Quarterback Joe Burrow was sacked the seventh-most times in the league last season (48), so Cincinnati could stand to improve in pass protection.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. noted in his introductory conference with reporters via The Associated Press that the team is "getting a motivated Deebo." "I'm just ready to get back to work." said the seventh-year pro. "I'm just ready to get around a group of guys, meet with the players, and we just go from there." The 29-year-old hasn't quite reached the heights of his absurd 1,770-yard, 14-touchdown All-Pro season in 2021. However, he has provided a versatile chess piece in Kyle Shanahan's offenses over the years. The South Carolina product also stated that winning is a motivator for him, and he was impressed with the play of second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels during his first stint in the pros. Samuel Sr. should fit opposite teammate Terry McLaurin nicely, adding another playmaker to deploy in Washington's dynamic offense.

Free-agent offensive lineman Trent Brown (knee) is signing a one-year, $3 million contract with the Houston Texans. The 31-year-old started two games for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024 at tackle, but his season ended early after tearing his patellar tendon during their Week 3 outing against the Washington Commanders. The Texans continue to revamp their offensive line, with Brown making the third acquisition for the team up front, joining fellow tackle Cam Robinson and guard Laken Tomlinson. Brown was once a Pro Bowler during his lone stint with the then-Oakland Raiders back in 2019, though he hasn't quite reached that level since. Injuries have been an issue for the 10-year pro, but the move allows Houston to keep teammate Tytus Howard inside at guard.

Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks has inked a two-year, $13 million deal with the New Orleans Saints, per Mike Garafolo. The 31-year-old returns to the team that drafted him. Cooks was plagued by a knee injury in 2024 -- an MCL sprain that evolved into an infection -- forcing him from seven games. Still, he was the team's clear No. 2 wideout ahead of Jalen Tolbert when healthy. Despite the time missed, he scored the third-most receiving touchdowns (three) of any Cowboys pass-catcher. Whether or not Cooks will make an impact in fantasy is unclear. However, he provides a valuable second option on the field alongside teammate Chris Olave, with Rashid Shaheed's (knee) status undetermined after a mid-season meniscus injury.

Free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers visited the Pittsburgh Steelers' facility on Friday, an indication that a deal with the team could be coming soon, sources tell the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that no deal is done or imminent, but Rodgers spent time with Steelers coaches. The future Hall of Famer appeared to be waiting to see if the Minnesota Vikings had any real interest in signing him, but they recently said they aren't interested in the 41-year-old at this time, which could put Rodgers to sign with the Steelers. Pittsburgh reunited with QB Mason Rudolph in free agency, but if Rodgers were to sign, he'd be the unquestioned starter heading into the 2025 season. The 10-time Pro Bowler and four-time MVP threw for 3,897 yards, 28 TDs and 11 interceptions but was unable to lead the Jets to the postseason in 2024. Even with George Pickens and DK Metcalf as the top receivers, Rodgers wouldn't be much more than a midrange QB2 in fantasy if he joins the Steelers.

The New York Giants are signing former Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey to an undisclosed one-year deal on Friday, a source tells ESPN's Adam Schefter. Humphrey joins a Giants team after spending the last two seasons in Denver, catching 44 total passes on 64 targets for 455 yards and four touchdowns. He was much more involved last year and set career-highs in receptions (31), targets (45) and receiving yards (293) while scoring once in 17 regular-season games (seven starts). The 26-year-old's best asset is his size (6-foot-4, 225 pounds), but he's unlikely to be much more than the team's No. 4 pass-catcher behind Malik Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton. The only quarterback currently on New York's roster is Tommy DeVito, too. However, the addition of a big downfield threat like Humphrey could mean the G-Men are getting close to adding veteran QB Russell Wilson.

The New Orleans Saints are bringing in free-agent offensive guard Dillon Radunz for a visit. Radunz is a former second-round pick of the Tennessee Titans from 2021. He began his career as a rotational player, but was a full-time starter with the Titans this past season. Radunz moved around the o-line quite a bit, so he does have experience at both the guard and tackle spots. He earned a 63.9 PFF pass-blocking grade last season. The Saints are exploring possible replacement options for Lucas Patrick who is currently a free agent. Radunz isn't an elite option, but he could be serviceable and affordable for the Saints.

The Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed defensive end Charles Omenihu. They've agreed on a one-year, $7 million contract for the upcoming season. Omenihu didn't play a full season in 2024 because he was still recovering from an ACL tear from 2023. Before suffering his season-ending knee injury, Omenihu recorded 28 tackles, five tackles for loss, and seven sacks in 11 games in 2023. He put up minimal stats last season, but he only played in six games. This is a solid deal for the Chiefs to bring back a valuable defensive piece.

The Detroit Lions announced on Thursday that they re-signed cornerback Khalil Dorsey (ankle) to an undisclosed deal. Dorsey will return for his third season in Detroit. The 26-year-old defensive back played in a career-high 14 games (one start) in 2024 and had a career-high 14 tackles (eight solo) and two pass breakups before suffering a season-ending ankle injury late in the year. Dorsey basically split half of his snaps on defense and half on special teams and is likely to do so again in 2025 as long as he's over his ankle injury. The former undrafted free agent out of Northern Arizona began his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens but then didn't resurface again until 2023 in Detroit. Dorsey has only 27 total tackles (17 solo) and three passes defensed in 33 games played (three starts). He will provide secondary depth for the Lions entering training camp.

The Cleveland Browns announced on Thursday that they re-signed cornerback Tony Brown (foot) to an undisclosed deal. Brown played in a career-low six games (no starts) in his first year with the Browns in 2024 due to a season-ending foot injury that landed him on Injured Reserve in late October. In those six games, he had just five tackles (two solo) and a forced fumble. The 29-year-old former undrafted free agent out of the University of Alabama played all 135 of his snaps with Cleveland on special teams and will likely resume that role with them in training camp this summer. In six NFL seasons with the Browns, Colts, Packers and Bengals, Brown has only 80 tackles (56 solo), one sack, one interception, seven pass breakups and four forced fumbles in 67 games played (five starts).

The Philadelphia Eagles announced on Thursday that they agreed to terms on an undisclosed one-year deal with free-agent outside linebacker Patrick Johnson (knee). The 26-year-old entered the NFL as a seventh-round selection (234th overall) by the Eagles in 2021 out of Tulane, and he spent the first three seasons of his career in Philadelphia before he was waived by the team in September of last year. He eventually latched on with the division-rival New York Giants and played 12 games (no starts) in 2024, totaling only four tackles (one solo). A knee injury caused him to miss the final three games of the season. Johnson will now return to the Eagles, where he'll likely just be competing for a roster spot in training camp. In his first three years in Philly, Jones had only 35 tackles (23 solo), a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 48 games (two starts).

The Arizona Cardinals signed Chicago Bears free-agent cornerback Jaylon Jones (shoulder) to an undisclosed deal on Thursday, according to KPRC's Aaron Wilson. Jones will reunite him with high-school teammate Kyler Murray. The former undrafted free agent out of Mississippi has 4.41-second 40-yard dash speed and will now head to the NFC West to give the Cardinals more depth for their secondary. Jones was a restricted free agent this offseason, but the Bears didn't tender him a contract in order to try and re-sign him. In his three seasons with the Bears, the 27-year-old defensive back totaled 85 tackles (64 solo), four pass breakups and a forced fumble in 41 games (five starts). Jones played in just eight games a season ago and finished the year on Injured Reserve due to a shoulder injury. He will likely continue to mostly be a factor on special teams in Arizona.

The Kansas City Chiefs signed veteran free-agent defensive tackle Jerry Tillery to an undisclosed deal on Wednesday, according to Chiefs.com's Matt McMullen. Tiller will join the Chiefs in 2025 after recording 28 tackles (13 solo) and a forced fumble in 17 regular-season games (11 starts) in his lone season with the Minnesota Vikings. His 467 defensive snaps ranked fourth among defensive linemen on the team. The 28-year-old was mostly used as a defensive end in Minnesota's 3-4 defensive scheme, but he's expected to compete for an interior defensive-tackle role in the Chiefs' 4-3 defense this summer in training camp. Tillery is versatile for his ability to play both on the interior and on the outside, but he's unlikely to suddenly become an option in IDP fantasy formats. The former first-rounder of the Los Angeles Chargers has only 12.5 sacks in six NFL seasons and has never had more than 51 total tackles in a single season.