Fantasy Football News

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has climbed up the depth chart and could open next season as Baker Mayfield's No. 1 target in the passing game. Legendary wide receiver Mike Evans recently signed with the 49ers after 12 years in Tampa Bay, leaving Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr. atop the wide receiver depth chart. Both Egbuka and Godwin had their ups and downs last season, but the former has significantly greater upside and offers more of a threat to make big plays in contested one-on-one scenarios downfield. In other words, he edges out Godwin in terms of the superstar potential needed to fill the void of someone like Evans. The former Ohio State first-round pick finished his rookie campaign with 63 catches, 938 yards, and six touchdowns. He was the overall WR23 in PPR leagues, and that was after he came back down to earth during the second half of the season. Through the first five weeks of his rookie season, he had ranked as the WR3 in PPR leagues. Egbuka has already shown that he can be a top-five fantasy receiver, so we wouldn't be totally surprised if he returns to that form as the post-Evans era gets underway in 2026.

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson seemed like an intriguing buy-low candidate in fantasy football entering this offseason, but his upside has been squandered following the Cardinals' backfield roster moves so far in free agency. The Cardinals restructured a deal to keep James Conner in Arizona, signed Tyler Allgeier, and also brought back Zonovan Knight. Their urgency to put pen to paper with three different running backs could spell disaster for Benson going forward, and even though he's not a cut or trade candidate, he could be falling out of favor in Arizona, where new head coach Mike LaFleur is starting to put his own print on the offense. In his second pro season last year, Benson, a former third-round pick, amassed 160 rushing yards and 64 receiving yards over four games (one start). Just as he was starting to take on a larger role with Conner injured, Benson suffered a knee injury of his own and missed the rest of the season. At this point, it seems like the best-case scenario for Benson is the third-string running back role, and even that's not guaranteed after Knight signed his deal. Dynasty managers should hold Benson for now; he has minimal fantasy football trade value, but at just 23 years old and one year removed from being a backup running back, it's too soon to cut bait entirely.

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt currently sits atop the depth chart as the new league year gets underway. With Chris Rodriguez Jr., Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols all departing for free agency, Croskey-Merritt remains the lone holdover from Washington's 2025 backfield. That could change via free agency, the NFL Draft, or even a trade, but for now, it appears that Croskey-Merritt has an early leg up on the backfield competition for 2026. He's coming off a solid rookie season in which he amassed 873 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns. We should also note that it's not like Washington is just waiting to bring back some of its familiar faces, either. Rodriguez has already signed with Jacksonville, and it seems unlikely that Ekeler will return to Washington following his Achilles injury. Dynasty managers should hold Croskey-Merritt for now. Although he could be a buy-low candidate, there's also the risk of his value slipping if Washington does make a running back splash in the next month or so.

The Minnesota Vikings have released safety Harrison Smith, according to an announcement on the team's official website. Smith's release will be categorized as the post-June 1 variety, which allows the Vikings to release him immediately while still spreading his cap hit over two seasons. A defensive legend in Minnesota, Smith has spent his entire 14-year career with the Vikings, amassing 207 appearances, 203 starts, and six Pro Bowl nods. He remained effective at 36 years old last season, producing two interceptions, 10 passes defended, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one sack, and 54 tackles. The Vikings' announcement describes Smith's release as procedural and leaves the door open for him to sign a different contract that would bring him back to Minnesota for a 15th season. If he does choose to continue his NFL career, he'll have the option to explore opportunities with all 32 NFL teams. However, it's difficult to envision him wearing anything other than purple and gold.

The Chicago Bears have signed free agent offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. to a one-year contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Wills was the Cleveland Browns' No. 10 overall pick back in 2020, and he was talented enough for the Browns to exercise his fifth-year option. However, injuries have limited him to just 13 games (12 starts) over the last three seasons combined. Specifically, Wills dealt with a nagging knee injury that resulted in him sitting out the entire 2025 season as a free agent. Signing an NFL contract is a step in the right direction for Wills, but his role is far from guaranteed. He'll need to prove that he's both healthy and productive as the Bears look to build a strong offensive line that will get them back into the playoffs for the second consecutive season. For now, Wills projects as a backup tackle with additional upside. Chicago currently has Theo Benedet and Darnell Wright at the left and right tackle spots, respectively.

The Indianapolis Colts have signed free agent defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Terms and duration of the contract weren't disclosed, but it's likely a short-term deal, especially since Nnadi has signed a one-year contract in each of the previous four offseasons. That strategy paid off for him last year, as he initially signed with the Jets but then was traded to Kansas City, where he had spent his first seven NFL campaigns. With the Chiefs last year, he made 15 appearances (11 starts) while amassing 16 tackles and one quarterback hit. He's not a major pass-rush threat, tallying just one sack over the last four years. However, he still offers solid depth in the Colts' defense behind dependable veteran DeForest Buckner.

The Washington Commanders have signed free agent defensive lineman Charles Omenihu to a one-year, $4 million deal that has a maximum value of $7 million, according to Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network. A former fifth-round pick out of Texas, Omenihu has spent time in the NFL with the Texans, 49ers, and Chiefs. Across 17 games (zero starts) in Kansas City last year, he amassed 3.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and 28 tackles. The Commanders and defensive-minded head coach Dan Quinn had been in search of pass-rush reinforcements on the defensive line, so the Omenihu signing makes plenty of sense. He projects as a rotational piece alongside fellow free agent additions K'Lavon Chaisson and Odafe Oweh.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are signing defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson to a one-year deal worth $10 million, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The deal is fully guaranteed and represents a raise from the $8.5 million he was projected to earn in 2026 before he was released by the Carolina Panthers. Not only will the veteran lineman get a salary bump, but he'll also remain in an NFC South division that has served him well to this point. Through 33 games (32 starts) with the Panthers over two seasons, he amassed one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, eight sacks, 16 quarterback hits, and 145 tackles. In Tampa Bay, he projects to earn a starting spot along a Bucs defensive line that already features Calijah Kancey.

The Green Bay Packers have signed defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to a two-year, $23 million contract, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Hargrave, a two-time Pro Bowler, now stays in the NFC North after spending 2025 with the Minnesota Vikings. In the purple and gold, he amassed one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 3.5 sacks, and 52 total tackles across 16 games (15 starts). Even at 33 years old, Hargrave has remained a very productive staple among NFL defensive lines, and he'll cash in with a new deal that pays him eight figures annually. He projects to earn a starting spot alongside Devonte Wyatt in new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon's system. It's worth noting that this is a reunion of sorts between coach and player, as Gannon was Hargrave's defensive coordinator in Philadelphia from 2021 through 2022.

Former Miami Dolphins defensive end Bradley Chubb agreed to a three-year, $43.5 million deal with the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal is worth up to $52.5 million and includes $29 million guaranteed. Chubb, who began his career with the Denver Broncos in 2018 after they took him with the fifth overall pick out of North Carolina State, will stay in the AFC East. The two-time Pro Bowler was with Miami the last four seasons but didn't play at all in 2024 due to a torn ACL in his knee. Chubb looked good in his return in 2025, finishing with 47 tackles (24 solo), 8.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, and a fumble recovery in 17 starts. The Bills are hoping that the 29-year-old pass-rusher will be even better another year removed from his torn ACL. Chubb had a career-high 12 sacks in his rookie campaign in Denver and had 11 sacks for Miami in 2023. He'll help bolster a defensive line in Buffalo that already includes Ed Oliver, Greg Rousseau, and Michael Hoecht.

The San Francisco 49ers acquired defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa from the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday in exchange for a third-round pick in this year's NFL draft, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Odighizuwa has been pretty steady in his first five years in the NFL (all with Dallas), totaling 216 tackles (115 solo), 17 sacks, 34 tackles for loss, 81 QB hits, and two forced fumbles in 84 games (76 starts). The 27-year-old former third-round selection out of UCLA in 2021 had 44 tackles (16 solo), 3.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, and 23 QB hits in 17 games for the Cowboys last year. He had offseason elbow surgery but is expected to be fine for the offseason program this spring. Odighizuwa just signed a four-year, $80 million deal with the Cowboys last offseason. While he's not flashy, he'll bring stability to a Niners defense that was wrecked by injuries in 2025.

Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) will visit with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports. Minnesota is offering a starting spot as they look to challenge first-round QB J.J. McCarthy, and a deal with Murray could be finalized in the next 24 hours. However, Murray and his representatives are also expected to explore several options as a backup in 2026 for teams that could need a starting signal-caller in 2027. The Vikings are the 28-year-old Murray's best chance for a starting gig right away and to rehab his fantasy football value after he played in only five games in 2025 due to a foot sprain. Injuries have been an issue for the former No. 1 overall pick out of Oklahoma, but when healthy, he offers plenty of dual-threat abilities and would have a strong WR duo to work with in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. If Murray signs with the Vikings, he'll be one of the most obvious QB bounce-back candidates in the NFL.

The New England Patriots agreed to terms on an undisclosed deal with free-agent tight end Julian Hill on Wednesday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Hill will stay in the AFC East and will join the division-rival Patriots after spending the first three years of his career with the Miami Dolphins, where he caught a total of 33 passes for 288 yards and no touchdowns on 48 targets over 45 games (26 starts). The former undrafted free agent out of Campbell University had career-highs in catches (15), targets (20), and receiving yards (140) in 14 games for the Dolphins in 2025. The 25-year-old won't have any real fantasy appeal going into next season in Boston, but he'll help fill a blocking role behind starter Hunter Henry to help make up for the loss of Austin Hooper, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.

The Denver Broncos re-signed tight end Lucas Krull to an undisclosed one-year deal on Wednesday, according to Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette. Krull just wrapped his fourth year in the NFL and his second with the Broncos in 2025 by catching only two passes for 15 yards on four targets in three games played due to a foot injury that caused him to miss the majority of the season. The 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Pittsburgh had his best year in 2024 with Denver, catching 19 of his 23 targets for 152 yards and no touchdowns in 13 games (two starts). Krull could be the Broncos' No. 4 tight end entering the 2026 season this fall, behind Evan Engram, Adam Trautman, and Nate Adkins, who is a restricted free agent. He will be miles from fantasy relevance when drafts kick off later this year.

The New York Jets had some interest in free-agent quarterback Carson Wentz (shoulder), but he's unlikely to sign with the Jets "as of now," multiple sources told Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Wentz, who suffered a season-ending shoulder injury filling in for J.J. McCarthy last year, is going through his options on the open market. The Jets have already traded for veteran signal-caller Geno Smith, but they'd like to bring in another veteran QB this offseason, similar to what the New York Giants did a season ago with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. The 33-year-old Wentz, a former Pro Bowler back with the Philadelphia Eagles in his second year in the league in 2017, isn't much more than a low-upside game manager now when he's running an offense. If he were to sign with Gang Green, he'd most likely enter the 2026 campaign as the backup to Smith.

The Houston Texans signed former New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau to an undisclosed deal on Wednesday, a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Moreau will move to the AFC South after spending the last three seasons in the Big Easy. The 28-year-old former fourth-round pick by the Raiders in 2019 out of LSU caught 60 of his 78 targets for 665 yards and six touchdowns in 43 games (36 starts) in his three years with the Saints. Moreau only played in 11 games in 2025, though, due to an ankle injury. He finished with a career-low seven grabs on 10 targets for 59 yards and no touchdowns. At best, Moreau will serve as the No. 2 tight end in Houston in 2026 behind starter Dalton Schultz, who recently signed an extension through the 2027 campaign. Moreau can be safely ignored in single-TE leagues this fall.

Philadelphia Eagles impending free-agent tight end Dallas Goedert's void date has been pushed back to Friday, a league source told Zach Berman of The Athletic. It's a procedural move that will give both sides a chance to work out a contract extension before he officially hits the open market. The 31-year-old and the Eagles could be close to getting something done to keep him around. The veteran tight end was originally drafted by the Eagles in the second round in 2018 out of South Dakota State, and he's been with the team for all eight years of his career. Goedert suited up for 15 regular-season games in 2025 and caught a career-high 60 passes on 82 targets for 591 yards and a career-best 11 touchdowns to finish as the TE3 in half-PPR scoring. If he returns to Philly, he'll be a big part of the Eagles' new-look offense again, but fantasy managers certainly won't be able to count on a repeat of double-digit touchdowns.

Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said that they and quarterback Lamar Jackson ran out of time to get a long-term extension done, but he added that the Ravens are "still hopeful to reach an agreement," according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. The 29-year-old two-time MVP serves as his own agent, which makes things more difficult for the organization. Jackson signed a five-year, $260 million contract with Baltimore in April of 2023 and restructured his contract on Wednesday to give the Ravens some extra salary cap space to make moves this offseason. Without an extension, Jackson can be an unrestricted free agent after the 2027 season. He battled through injuries and was a disappointment for fantasy managers last year who took him as a high-end QB1, but Jackson is still one of the most dynamic dual-threat QBs in the game and is tied with Aaron Rodgers for the best passer rating (102.2) in NFL history. He also has the record for most career rushing yards (6,522) by a QB.

Former New York Jets wide receiver John Metchie III is signing an undisclosed one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Metchie will reunite with quarterback Bryce Young, with whom he played college ball at Alabama. The 25-year-old was originally a second-round pick (44th overall) by the Houston Texans in the 2022 NFL draft. Metchie had an unfortunate setback with a cancer diagnosis and missed the entire 2022 season, but he has slowly bounced back and posted a career-high 274 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 33 receptions in 16 games (seven starts) with the Jets and Philadelphia Eagles last year. Metchie will now head to the NFC South, where he'll serve in a depth role behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker. His previous connection with Young should help, but barring an injury ahead of him on Carolina's WR depth chart, it's hard to imagine Metchie having much weekly fantasy football appeal in 2026.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are signing former Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. to an undisclosed two-year deal on Wednesday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Rodriguez will head to the AFC South after three years in Washington. The 25-year-old former sixth-round pick by the Commanders in 2023 out of Kentucky had his best year in 2025, carrying the ball 112 times for 500 yards and six touchdowns, which were all career-highs. He also caught three passes for 30 yards in 13 games played (seven starts) in D.C. In his three years with Washington, C-Rod had 10 rushing touchdowns while averaging a healthy 4.6 yards per tote. Jacksonville lost Travis Etienne Jr. to the New Orleans Saints in free agency and will now go into the 2026 campaign with Rodriguez, Bhayshul Tuten, and LeQuint Allen Jr. as their backfield options, barring another RB addition in the upcoming draft. Tuten figures to be the Jags' RB1, but Rodriguez could easily have flex appeal in a complementary role in a rising offense. UPDATE: Rodriguez will make $10 million on his two-year deal.