Fantasy Football News

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.

The Washington Commanders and veteran offensive lineman Nick Allegretti agreed to a new two-year deal on Monday, a source told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Allegretti, a three-time Super Bowl winner with the Kansas City Chiefs, started the last two games for Washington at center in 2025 in place of the injured Tyler Biadasz (ankle, knee), who is being released. The 29-year-old was originally selected withthe 216th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL draft by the Chiefs out of Illinois. Allegretti played the first five years of his NFL career in Kansas City before joining Washington in 2024. He started only 13 of the 74 games he appeared in with the Chiefs, but he has started 21 of 33 games for the Commanders over the last two seasons. It looks like Allegretti will at least be competing for starting center duties this summer.

The Cincinnati Bengals and offensive guard Dalton Risner agreed to a new, undisclosed contract extension on Monday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Risner started 11 games for the Bengals last season and fit in perfectly on their offensive line. Getting him back in the fold for 2026 and beyond was a priority for Cincy this offseason, and now it's done. The 30-year-old former second-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2019 out of Kansas State spent the first four years of his NFL career in Denver before playing with the Minnesota Vikings in 2023 and 2024. Risner has started 92 of the 101 games he's appeared in over his seven NFL seasons. He started 11 of the 14 games he was active for in 2025 with the Bengals. Risner's return is ultimately good news for Cincy's offense as they look to return to the postseason this fall.

SNY's Connor Hughes writes that New York Giants impending free-agent wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson "could be the most difficult to retain." After the strong season that Robinson had in 2025, his market is expected to be strong, and the Tennessee Titans have "significant interest" as they look to give quarterback Cameron Ward more weapons. Sources that SNY spoke with "believed Robinson is more likely to play elsewhere than return to New York." The 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 out of Kentucky had a career year for the G-Men in 2025 in his fourth NFL season, catching 92 of his 140 targets for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games played. Robinson has 90-plus catches in back-to-back seasons and had exactly 140 targets each of the last two years. He's a receiver on the rise, but a move out of New York may not be great for his fantasy value going into 2026.

The Kansas City Chiefs have informed offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (elbow) that he will be released this month, barring a trade, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Taylor was due to enter the fourth and final year of his $80 million contract. His release will create $20 million in cap space while accounting for nearly $7.4 million in dead money. The 29-year-old has started 45 games since joining the Chiefs, but he missed the last five weeks of the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury. Kansas City could replace Taylor in free agency or the draft, but if they choose to look internally, the most realistic candidate to take over at right tackle is Jaylon Moore, who signed a two-year, $30 million contract with the Chiefs last offseason.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray's name has "surfaced repeatedly" in the New York Jets' offseason discussions, according to Connor Hughes of SNY. The Jets are reportedly keeping all options open when exploring a quarterback upgrade, but the idea of Murray heading to New York has gained plenty of traction. The veteran signal-caller and former No. 1 pick is in the middle of a five-year, $230.5 million contract with Arizona, but he's expected to be released this offseason. He had seven touchdowns and four turnovers through five games in his injury-shortened 2025 campaign, which was preceded by an ugly 15-turnover total in 2024. Despite injury and performance concerns, one source told Hughes that Murray offers athleticism and upside that the Jets won't find anywhere else. Specifically, that source said, "If the goal is basic competence, Murray can get you there." On the other hand, plenty of question marks persist. A different source reportedly told Hughes that signing Murray "would be a disaster" because of concerns about work ethic, leadership, and locker-room connectivity. We might not see any movement on the Murray front until the new league year begins later this month. However, once he's released by the Cardinals, we should at least keep an eye on the Jets as a potential suitor. The Minnesota Vikings, who might be looking to move on from J.J. McCarthy, have also been linked to Murray.

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks saw his outlook worsen on Monday after the team acquired David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions. While it's too early to tell how Marks and Montgomery will split snaps and touches, it's fair to say that the veteran might be the early favorite for the lead-back role. Montgomery had 908 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns last year, ranking as the overall RB27 in PPR leagues. He posted an impressive 4.53 yards per carry, a mark that is significantly higher than Marks' 3.59 YPC as a rookie in 2025. Even with Joe Mixon sidelined and Nick Chubb taking a major step back, Marks was limited to just 911 scrimmage yards, two rushing touchdowns, and three receiving touchdowns. The USC product will continue to offer a change of pace and figures to play passing downs, but he will likely lose an enormous amount of early-down and goal-line work to Montgomery. Entering the 2026 NFL season, Montgomery ranks a bit higher in redraft leagues than dynasty formats due to his age, but he's still a strong RB2 or RB3 in both. Meanwhile, Marks drops to the low-end RB3/flex tier in redraft leagues. If there's any consolation here, Marks could be an intriguing buy-low candidate in dynasty leagues if the trade prompts managers to panic sell.