Fantasy Football News

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) is working his way back to full health after tearing his ACL during the 2025 NFL season. His road to recovery doesn't just concern the Packers, but dynasty fantasy football managers, too. Kraft was the overall TE1 in half-PPR leagues from Weeks 1 to 8, when he was healthy. Injuries can sometimes derail players' fantasy values, so his dynasty managers will hope that's not the case here. By all accounts, the 25-year-old is ahead of schedule and will be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season. That's encouraging for his fantasy outlook, and even if he doesn't immediately return to TE1 form, we expect him to be a top option. There have also been rumors of contract talks between Kraft and the Packers, which would ensure year-over-year consistency that offers plenty of value in dynasty formats. Dynasty managers should look to buy low on Kraft coming off his injury, as he should be a top-five fantasy tight end for many years to come.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers broke out after being acquired midseason, providing plenty of optimism for his outlook in 2026 and beyond. Meyers had 39 catches, 442 yards, and three touchdowns over the final eight games of the regular season. He finished the year as the overall WR32 in PPR leagues despite a subpar start to the year in Vegas. It's unlikely the Jaguars envisioned Meyers becoming a No. 1 wide receiver when they traded for him, but that's the situation they find themselves in ahead of the 2026 campaign. Brian Thomas Jr. had a woefully disappointing second season, finishing behind both Meyers and Parker Washington in both catches, yards, and touchdowns. Meyers, Washington, Thomas, and, to some extent, Travis Hunter will all demand targets in the Jaguars' offense next season. This may not be the most traditional-looking receiver room, but if we were to place a ranking on the pecking order, we'd say that Meyers has an early advantage on the quest to be Jacksonville's WR1 in 2026.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf had an inconsistent 2025 season, and his dynasty managers will be looking for him to bounce back with a little more reliability next year. One key factor in Metcalf's productivity level is out of his control: the Steelers' quarterback situation. At this point, it seems likely that Aaron Rodgers will return for another season, but that's far from official. Given how last season played out, we wouldn't be surprised to see Rodgers take his time before re-signing. A Rodgers return would be good for Metcalf in the sense that he wouldn't have to play with a lower-tier or rookie quarterback. However, we have already seen what a year of Rodgers and Metcalf looks like together, and it wasn't great. The veteran receiver was the overall WR26 in PPR leagues in 2025, finishing outside the top 24 for the second consecutive year. He had 59 catches and a career-low 850 yards while making six trips to the end zone. A glimmer of hope could be headed Metcalf's way if the Steelers bring in another established receiver. While a new pass catcher could take some targets away, it could also pull some defensive coverage off Metcalf. The Steelers' No. 2 receiver in 2025, Calvin Austin III, had a subpar season and rarely drew the opponent's top cornerback. Adding a more competitive option in the passing game could give defenses a headache and lead to more opportunities for Metcalf to use his size and physicality in one-on-one matchups. So while a Rodgers return isn't the best-case scenario for Metcalf, the 28-year-old receiver could still benefit and bounce back if the Steelers bring in other key weapons to strengthen their offense all around.

Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins put together a strong rookie season, and he's making a push to be the team's No. 2 receiver in 2026. Higgins finished his first NFL campaign with 41 catches, 525 yards, and six touchdowns, including 111 yards and two scores over his final two games. The second-round pick was Houston's third leading receiver behind Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz. He established himself ahead of Christian Kirk, who is headed for free agency this offseason. Other names in the mix in Houston include Jaylin Noel and Tank Dell (knee). Higgins is already ahead of Noel in the pecking order, and he'll likely have an early advantage over Dell given that he hasn't played since the 2024 playoffs due to a very serious knee injury involving his ACL, MCL, LCL, meniscus, and kneecap. The 23-year-old Higgins was the WR47 in PPR leagues last year, which is likely his floor going forward. He has top-30 potential in 2026, especially if quarterback C.J. Stroud is able to bounce back from a down campaign. Higgins is a strong target in redraft leagues, and his buy window in dynasty formats will close real soon.

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) missed the final eight weeks of the 2025 regular season, and when he returns in 2026, he'll find himself in a new-look offense. The strong supporting cast remains in place (minus David Montgomery), but we expect to see a new offensive scheme and style of play after Detroit made a coaching staff change. The Lions hired former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing to the same role, indicating we could see even more emphasis on the tight end position next year. Petzing helped pepper Trey McBride with targets last year; the 26-year-old was the TE2 in PPR leagues in 2024, and the TE1 last season. LaPorta is looking to return to that type of elite form. He was the TE1 himself as a rookie in 2023, but he dropped to TE8 in 2024 and TE27 in his injury-shortened 2025 campaign. When healthy last season, LaPorta averaged 4.4 catches, 54.3 yards, and 0.3 touchdowns per game. If Petzing places an emphasis on getting the tight end even more involved, he'll make a strong push to be a top-five fantasy option at the position in 2026. Because he's coming off an injury, he's an intriguing buy-low option in dynasty leagues, as well as an underpriced draft pick at his ADP in redraft formats.

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift faced strong competition from rookie Kyle Monangai during the 2025 NFL season, but he managed to hold onto his lead-back role thanks to a productive campaign of his own. Swift benefited from new head coach Ben Johnson's offense, ultimately finishing the year with 1,087 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, both career highs. He also caught 34 passes for 299 yards and another touchdown through the air. Swift's snap share had dipped to just above 50% by the end of the season. Still, over the final six weeks, he had 13.5 carries per game, 1.7 receptions per game, and five total touchdowns. Monangai had a strong season of his own and should take on a bigger role next year, but Swift showed that he deserves to continue to lead this backfield, at least for the time being. He'll need to continue playing well to fend off Monangai in his second season. Swift is still an attractive RB2 option in redraft leagues, but the eventual threat of Monangai taking over -- even if not imminent -- makes the veteran running back a sell-high candidate in most dynasty formats.

The Houston Texans plan to release veteran safety Jimmie Ward (foot) after his contract tolled last year on the Physically Unable to Perform list, a league source told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Ward was scheduled for a $2.75 million base salary in 2026. Ward didn't play a single snap for the Texans in 2025 and had foot surgery in December. The 34-year-old veteran defensive back is nearing the end of his career and probably won't have a strong market in free agency this offseason. By cutting Ward, the Texans will save $750,000 in salary cap space for this season. The former 30th overall pick in 2014 by the San Francisco 49ers out of Northern Illinois, Ward only played in 20 games in his time in Houston since the start of the 2023 season, and he recorded 98 tackles (65 solo), five tackles for loss, three interceptions (one returned for a TD), seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble.

The Los Angeles Rams announced on Monday that they tendered exclusive-rights free-agent kicker Harrison Mevis and wide receiver Xavier Smith. Neither Mevis nor Smith will be allowed to negotiate with other teams this offseason. Mevis, 23, made his NFL debut last year and was impressive, making 12 of his 13 field-goal attempts (made his lone try from 50-plus yards) and all 39 of his extra-point tries in nine regular-season games. He finished the year ranked as the No. 8 fantasy kicker in terms of fantasy points per game at 8.3. In the playoffs, Mevis was a perfect 15-for-15 on field goals (six) and extra-point tries. The former undrafted kicker out of Missouri should enter the 2026 season as the favorite to be L.A.'s starting kicker, which will make him pretty attractive in fantasy football in one of the league's highest-scoring offenses.

The Seattle Seahawks tendered exclusive-rights free-agent running back George Holani to a one-year, league-minimum deal on Monday, according to John Boyle of Seahawks.com. The team did the same with safety Ty Okada. Neither player will be able to negotiate with other teams and will return to Seattle in 2026. Holani, 26, only carried the ball 22 times for 73 yards and one touchdown while catching both of his targets for 15 yards in 11 regular-season games in 2025 in his second year in the NFL. The former undrafted free agent out of Boise State could have a much bigger complementary role in 2026, though, with Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III set to hit the open market and with Zach Charbonnet (knee) potentially unavailable for the start of the regular season after tearing his ACL in the playoffs. In addition to being valuable RB depth for the Seahawks, Holani should also be an asset in the return game on special teams next year.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are telling teams, at least right now, that tight end Pat Freiermuth is "not available," according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. According to a league source, at least six teams would be interested in "exploring the idea of acquiring" Freiermuth. Fellow TE Jonnu Smith's situation "seems a bit more fluid." General manager Omar Khan said the Steelers are in a fine salary cap situation to "keep both," but they are also in the process of understanding what a change in their offensive philosophy will "mean for personnel." Freiermuth and Smith essentially canceled each other out in fantasy football, with neither TE being in the top 20 in overall half-PPR points at season's end. After a career year in Miami in 2025, Smith had just 38 catches for 222 yards and two TDs, while Freiermuth took a step back, too, with a 41-486-4 line. The Steelers trading Smith out of town would be good news for both Freiermuth's and Smith's fantasy value heading into 2026.

The Athletic's Zach Berman writes that "there's an internal sentiment" among the Philadelphia Eagles that wide receiver DeVonta Smith "has another level he can reach," regardless of what happens with fellow wideout A.J. Brown. Smith's 113 targets in 2025 were the second-most of his career, and they still ranked 22nd in the NFL. Since entering the NFL in 2021 as a first-rounder (10th overall) out of Alabama, the 27-year-old is 77th in targets per route and 10th in receiving yards per target. Berman goes on to write that the Eagles' new scheme "must find ways to highlight Smith and diversify his routes." The easiest path to a potential breakout in 2026 is if the Eagles trade Brown. That would give Smith a clear path to WR1 duties in a new offense in Philadelphia with potentially even more targets from quarterback Jalen Hurts. If Brown stays with the Eagles, Smith will still be a fine fantasy target, but more of a boom/bust one.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said on the Dan Patrick Show on Monday that Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is a "second-tier option" this offseason as the Minnesota Vikings look to pair a veteran signal-caller with J.J. McCarthy. Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray and the Las Vegas Raiders' Geno Smith are considered in the first tier. Minnesota is an attractive destination for signal-callers that will either be traded or released since they have a QB guru in head coach Kevin O'Connell and one of the best receivers in the league in Justin Jefferson. Minnesota doesn't have a ton of money to spend, but they should be able to land a pretty good value on a QB this offseason that will most likely compete with McCarthy for the starting role in 2026. After another disappointing season for Tua in 2025, his fantasy stock in dynasty/keeper leagues continues to drop, and he may find himself as a backup QB to begin the 2026 season outside of Miami.

The Detroit Lions announced on Monday that they released offensive lineman Graham Glasgow. The move to cut Glasgow will save the Lions around $5.6 million in salary cap space for the 2026 season. The 33-year-old veteran was taken in the third round (95th overall) in 2016 out of Michigan by Detroit. He spent the first four years of his career with the Lions before joining the Denver Broncos from 2020 through 2022. Glasgow returned to the Lions in 2023 and spent the last three seasons with them. He played in 15 games (14 starts) a year ago but will now head to the open market. The veteran offensive lineman's best days are likely behind him at this point, but his experience alone should make him plenty attractive on the open market for team's looking for interior O-line depth.

The Athletic's Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur say that San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones doesn't have a very robust market so far this offseason. The 49ers also aren't looking to trade Jones, with general manager John Lynch saying last week that "we're a better team with him on it." The 27-year-old was expected to attract an offer of at least a third-rounder after playing well in Brock Purdy's absence last year. The Minnesota Vikings and other teams that could need a QB "weren't so open" to the idea of Jones. Other teams expected to be in the market for a signal-caller this offseason include the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and maybe the Atlanta Falcons. All of them could prefer a dirt-cheap option this year over trading for Jones and signing him to an extension. Jones completed 70% of his passes in eight starts (five wins) in 2025, but "there are still some skeptics." In addition to Jones, QBs like Anthony Richardson Sr., Kyler Murray, Geno Smith, Kirk Cousins, and Tua Tagovailoa can all be had via either a trade or on the open market.

Los Angeles Chargers impending free-agent linebacker Khalil Mack will play in 2026, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The 35-year-old is coming off a strong season in 2025 and will be one of the top edge rushers available in free agency, but he'll be a priority for the Chargers to try to re-sign. Rapoport writes that Mack is "back exploring all options." The nine-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro, and former fifth overall pick in 2014 by the Raiders played in 12 games last year and had 32 tackles (19 solo), 5.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, 11 QB hits, and four forced fumbles for the Bolts. The aging linebacker has 11.5 sacks the last two seasons combined, but he's only two years removed from a career-high 17-sack season in 2023 in L.A. After signing a one-year, $18 million contract with the Chargers last March, he could be approached with a similar one-year pact to remain in Hollywood for a fifth straight season.

The Washington Commanders informed veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore (knee) that they are releasing him, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Lattimore will hit the open market after suffering a torn ACL in his knee last November. He was scheduled to make $18.5 million in 2026, including a $2 million roster bonus next week. The 29-year-old four-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Rookie of the Year only played in nine games in D.C. last year before his knee injury, recording 27 tackles (16 solo), one interception, seven pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. Lattimore hasn't played in more than 10 games in a single season since 2021 with the New Orleans Saints, which was also the last time he was a Pro Bowler. Heading into his age-30 season, the oft-injured defensive back and former first-rounder might be greeted with a cold market as he recovers from his ACL tear.

The Detroit Lions acquired offensive guard Juice Scruggs, a fourth-round pick, and a seventh-round pick on Monday from the Houston Texans in exchange for running back David Montgomery, a source told Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Scruggs, 26, was originally selected 62nd overall in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft by the Texans out of Penn State. He played in a career-high 17 games in 2025 in Houston, but he started just one game and wasn't very efficient on the offensive line for the Texans. In his new home in Detroit, Scruggs will most likely serve as offensive-line depth as he enters his fourth year in the league. Scruggs has started 20 of the 37 games he's appeared in over his first three seasons in the NFL in Houston.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (hip) is five weeks removed from hip surgery that will "prevent him from being a full participant in the offseason program," a source told Todd Archer of ESPN. Ezeiruaku is expected to be ready for training camp at the end of July. The 22-year-old former second-rounder last year out of Boston College should be ready for the start of the 2026 season this fall, barring a setback this offseason. He played in 17 games (nine starts) for the Cowboys in his first year in the NFL in 2025 and finished with 40 tackles (20 solo), two sacks, nine tackles for loss, 12 QB hits, and a forced fumble. Dallas will be hoping that Ezeiruaku will be able to take a step forward in his sophomore season once he's fully recovered from his hip injury.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer writes that he would "lean toward a Maxx Crosby trade happening maybe this week." It seems optimistic, as the Raiders are hoping to get something similar to the return that the Dallas Cowboys got for All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons last year, which included two first-rounders and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Most reports suggest that the Raiders are unlikely to get that type of return for Crosby, who is three years older than Parsons and is coming off a knee injury that ended his 2025 campaign early. The 28-year-old Crosby hasn't requested a trade and isn't expected to, but there have been plenty of reports floating around that suggest he's not interested in going through another rebuild in Vegas. There should be no shortage of suitors for Crosby if the Raiders are serious about trading him, and Breer mentions the Cowboys, Bears, Ravens, Bills, Patriots, Eagles, and Rams as teams that are "keeping tabs on his availability." Regardless of where Crosby is playing in 2026, he'll be a high-end starting defensive lineman in IDP fantasy leagues.

ESPN's Adam Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday that he was told "it's 50/50" that the Indianapolis Colts will be able to get a deal done with impending free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) by Tuesday's deadline. If a long-term deal isn't done, Schefter thinks "the transition tag is in play here." If the Colts have to use the tag on Jones, it means that wide receiver Alec Pierce could make it to the open market when the new league year begins. The 28-year-old Jones was in the midst of a career year in Indy in 2025 before he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts have made it clear that they want Danny Dimes back as their starter in 2026, but it remains to be seen if his injury will affect the length of a potential new contract. The next thing to focus on will be whether Jones will actually be 100% for the start of the regular season this fall after throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in his 13 starts last year.