Fantasy Football News

Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant is no longer a top candidate to enjoy a Year 2 breakout. The second season in the league is a common time for receivers to take a major leap, and it seemed like Bryant was heading in the right direction after the 2025 campaign. After all, he had cemented himself as the Broncos' No. 3 receiver and averaged 5.3 targets over his final five games. However, his role suddenly changed when the Broncos surprisingly traded for Jaylen Waddle out of nowhere. Denver now has Waddle and Courtland Sutton atop its depth chart, and Troy Franklin has a clear advantage over Bryant for the No. 3 receiver role. At this point, it seems like the Year 2 breakout is on hold for Bryant. He is a talented player, but his path to consistent fantasy production is nearly nonexistent as long as Waddle, Sutton, and Troy Franklin are healthy.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin enjoyed a second-year breakout as the overall WR31 in PPR leagues last season. It seemed like he was trending up and due for an even stronger showing in 2026, but then, the Broncos went out and traded for Jaylen Waddle. That acquisition offers a major shakeup in Denver, establishing Courtland Sutton and Waddle as the undisputed top two receivers on the team. As a result, Franklin will fall to the No. 3 role. Not only is he no longer a lock to consistently start games, but he's also due for a step backward in fantasy football. His 2025 finish as the WR31 could end up being the peak of the early portion of his career, as Franklin will have trouble being a top-36 fantasy receiver if both Sutton and Waddle are healthy. It'll be tough to sell high on the 23-year-old, so he's merely a hold in most leagues for now.

Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks Sam Howell and Joe Milton III will compete for the backup role behind Dak Prescott this summer, head coach Brian Schottenheimer told Todd Archer of ESPN.com. The Cowboys acquired Milton last offseason in hopes that he could offer a strong, accurate arm in case Prescott went down. Prescott was healthy for all 17 contests, but when Milton did get into the game, he struggled. He had three turnovers and just one touchdown across parts of four games. Perhaps because of his subpar results on the field, Dallas brought in Howell during the offseason. It appears that the Cowboys have a specific vision for their backup quarterback, as Howell offers mobility and a strong arm similar to Milton. The fantasy implications here are minimal, as we expect Prescott to start the full season unless he gives us a reason to believe otherwise.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cameron Ward (shoulder) has been "progressing very well" from a right shoulder injury that required offseason rehab, head coach Robert Saleh told Jim Wyatt of the team's official website. Saleh also noted that Ward has consistently been working in the building, sometimes on his own. It was a rookie season to forget for the No. 1 pick, who finished the 2025 campaign with just 3,169 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also took an NFL-high 55 sacks and lost seven fumbles. The turnover-to-touchdown ratio was far from ideal, and Ward will look to play cleaner football next season. He should benefit from an improved offense that now features wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson. We also expect Gunnar Helm, Elic Ayomanor, and Chimere Dike to make significant second-year leaps. It's too early to proclaim Ward will be fantasy relevant across the board, but as he continues to recover amid his first full offseason in the NFL, he's certainly trending up.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis could be the odd man out heading into the NFL Draft. Jim Wyatt of the team's official website writes that Mitch Trubisky will back up Cameron Ward next season, leaving Levis as either a trade candidate or competing with Hendon Hooker for the No. 3 role. Wyatt even wrote that he "suspect[s] some teams have been inquiring about Levis," and he indicated that the second-round pick is talented enough to justify a trade, rather than a demotion to the third-string quarterback role. No trade has materialized yet, but we wouldn't be surprised if something came together during the NFL Draft, similar to how the Cardinals traded away Josh Rosen during the draft after he simply didn't pan out in Arizona. One team that could be interested in Levis is the New York Jets. Rich Cimini of ESPN.com recently wrote that the Jets want to add a veteran backup before the draft, and he specifically mentioned Levis as a name to watch.

When quarterback Trevor Lawrence was selected first overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2021 NFL Draft, he was considered by many to be the safest quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck, and yet, through his first four seasons in the league, questions still remained about whether or not he was a true franchise quarterback. In 2025, he took significant strides in his first season with head coach Liam Coen, helping him climb to QB11 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings. With Brian Thomas Jr. struggling mightily in his second season and Travis Hunter lost to injury, the Jaguars retooled their wide receiver room on the fly, acquiring Jakobi Meyers at the trade deadline, and over the final nine weeks of the season, Lawrence threw 20 touchdowns to only six interceptions. He also finished the year with a career-high 359 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground. The Jaguars enter the 2026 season with Thomas and Meyers still on the roster, along with underrated tight end Brenton Strange, and Parker Washington, whose own late-season surge coincided with Lawrence's. Hunter could spend more time on the defensive side of the ball in year two, but anything he can contribute offensively will only help to elevate an already dynamic group of pass catchers and their quarterback.

Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million contract with Miami on the first day of free agency, and one week later, the team traded away its number one wide receiver in Jaylen Waddle. In speaking at the annual owners meeting, Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan told reporters that the trade materialized after Willis' signing, but that he had a conversation with his new quarterback to ensure that he didn't feel "tricked". Sullivan stressed the need for Miami to get younger and cheaper, with a clear goal of surrounding Willis with a young core of players on rookie contracts. The Dolphins now hold the 11th and 30th picks in the first round of the NFL Draft, and with Malik Washington, Tutu Atwell, and Jalen Tolbert currently topping the wide receiver depth chart, the team is expected to take multiple swings at the position in what is considered to be a deep draft class.

Since the Denver Broncos traded for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle in mid-March, Courtland Sutton has seen his consensus dynasty ranking drop by almost 10 spots at the position, moving him well outside the first 10 rounds in dynasty startups. While Waddle does bring an electric element to a Broncos team that fell one game short of reaching the Super Bowl, he has not topped a 22% target share since his record-breaking rookie campaign in 2021, and he has never been a true red zone threat, which is historically where Sutton has done the bulk of his damage from a fantasy perspective. Adjustments will obviously be made to Denver's passing offense, but after two consecutive top-13 fantasy finishes, Sutton should still see enough of a role to make him a regular contributor for contending dynasty managers hunting for bargains.

Free agent tight end David Njoku was unable to find a home in the early wave of free agency, and at this point, it would seem he is waiting until after the NFL Draft to make a decision on his future. The soon-to-be-30-year-old former first-round pick was released by the Cleveland Browns after nine seasons with the team, largely in part to the emergence of Harrold Fannin Jr., who led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns as a rookie. This is considered to be another deep rookie class, with a record 27 tight ends receiving invites to the NFL Combine, so many teams might opt to look for a younger, cheaper option at the position, with Njoku seeing a year-over-year decline in production since recording career highs across the board with 81 catches for 882 and six touchdowns in 2023. That said, even approaching his second decade in the league, Njoku's athleticism is rare for the position, and he could still find a fantasy-relevant role, even if it comes as a mid-season injury replacement.

Before he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a late-round pick swap, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. had led the Indianapolis Colts in targets for five consecutive seasons. In his absence, one of the pass catchers most expected to benefit from the newly formed triple-digit target vacuum is tight end Tyler Warren, fresh off a rookie season in which his 76 receptions led all first-year players. He was also the third most targeted tight end in the league, and with Pittman no longer taking up residence between the numbers, Warren's target share could rise to the ranks of the fantasy elite. Alec Pierce signed a top-of-the market deal to stay in Indianapolis as the primary downfield and boundary option, but he has never cracked 85 targets or 50 receptions in a season, while Josh Downs, who could offer more direct target competition on short to intermediate routes, is listed at only 171 pounds and has seen his snap count drop in each of his professional seasons.

Veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore has officially announced his retirement from the NFL. Gilmore crafted a thoughtful Instagram post in which he thanked his family, coaches, and fans for their continuous support throughout his 13-year career. He spent his first nine seasons in the AFC East with the Bills and Patriots before embarking on one-year stints with the Panthers, Colts, Cowboys, and Vikings. Gilmore expressed a desire to play football in 2025 but ultimately sat out last season. The former first-round pick finishes his career with 32 interceptions and 149 passes defended. He led the league in both categories with the Patriots in 2019, when he was also named Defensive Player of the Year. While not a Hall of Fame lock, Gilmore was as good as anyone during the peak of his career.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford could have a limited workload leading up to the 2026 regular season, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com. Stafford missed most of training camp last summer due to a back injury, and the Rams will likely modify the number of throws he makes this upcoming summer to ensure that he stays healthy. Jimmy Garoppolo took most of the QB1 reps when Stafford was sidelined last summer, and the Rams will likely follow a similar plan during training camp this year. Not only does reducing Stafford's workload keep him healthy, but it also increases the reps for Garoppolo, who needs to be ready in case his number is called at any point during the regular season. As long as Stafford stays healthy, he remains a low-end QB1 in fantasy football because of his role in a high-volume passing offense and the tremendous presence of receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh said that he is "certain" tight end Isaiah Likely will take a major leap in 2026, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com. Harbaugh explained that he saw tremendous upside in Likely when the two were together in Baltimore, but the tight end never had much of an opportunity to break out because of the scheme and personnel. Indeed, Likely had his career-worst fantasy finish last year, checking in as the TE45 with 27 catches, 307 yards, and one touchdown. If Harbaugh is right, Likely could be due for his first-ever top-18 finish in 2026. However, we also need to be careful of just how much trust we invest in offseason coachspeak. Likely finds himself in a crowded Giants offense that also features Malik Nabers (knee), Theo Johnson, Darius Slayton, and Darnell Mooney. Likely is a high-risk, high-reward trade target this offseason. He could break out, as Harbaugh suggested, but he could also be headed for another year in a depth role.

NFL officials in Phoenix all believe that free-agent wide receiver Jauan Jennings is asking for too much money on the open market this offseason, according to Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur of The Athletic. "He's outplayed his talent," one head coach said. Jennings and the San Francisco 49ers couldn't work out a long-term deal last summer and instead worked out a one-year deal. The 28-year-old is by far the best remaining player on the free-agent market, but his financial demands might need to come down a bit for him to find a new home. Jennings, a former seventh-round pick in 2020 out of Tennessee, wasn't very involved in the Bay Area in his first three NFL seasons before breaking out in 2024 with a 77-975-6 line in 15 regular-season games. Jennings had a career-best nine touchdowns in 2025, but he also regressed elsewhere with just 55 catches for 643 yards in 15 regular-season starts. His 2024 campaign could easily end up being Jennings' high-water mark, but he could still have plenty of fantasy relevance as a chain-mover in 2026, depending on where he ends up.

The San Francisco 49ers have made it clear that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) won't be back with the team in 2026, but they are in no rush to get rid of him, according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur. If an NFL team is interested in Aiyuk's services and wants him in their building this spring to learn their offense, they can trade for him, but there's no reason for the Niners to do any other team a favor by handing Aiyuk over now for a draft pick. They may release him after the NFL draft at the end of April if they can't find a trade suitor by then, but they can also wait longer if they want to, as the 49ers don't owe Aiyuk anything until his option bonus is due on Sept. 1. The Washington Commanders seem like the logical destination because of general manager Adam Peters' familiarity with Aiyuk from his time in the Bay Area. Aiyuk was also teammates with Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels at Arizona State. The 28-year-old former first-rounder had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023, but he played in only seven games in 2024 before tearing his ACL, and he didn't play at all last year. There are questions about Aiyuk's motivation, making him a very risky option for NFL teams and fantasy managers going forward.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson confirmed that wide receiver Luther Burden III will be a big part of the team's passing attack heading into his second year in the NFL, according to CHGO Bears. "[Luther] is exactly what we thought we were getting out of the draft last year...this guy loves football. If you took football away from him, I don't know what he would want to do with himself," Johnson said. Especially since the Bears traded receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills this offseason, Burden will be a popular breakout candidate in fantasy football in 2026 as he heads into his sophomore campaign. The 22-year-old former second-rounder out of Missouri started slow last year but finished with 47 catches for 652 yards and two touchdowns on 60 targets in 15 regular-season starts. Target volume could be an issue with Rome Odunze and tight end Colston Loveland also being involved, but Burden will be a focal point for explosive plays in Chicago's offense going forward. His dynasty/keeper value is rising by the day.

NFL executives expect the New England Patriots to acquire wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in June, once the salary cap implications "become more tenable for the Eagles," according to Mike Sando of The Athletic. The Patriots have not closed the door on adding Brown this offseason despite signing Romeo Doubs to a deal worth $17 million per year. Brown previously played for Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel with the Titans in Tennessee, so the two have a history. The 28-year-old seven-year NFL veteran had his sixth 1,000-yard season in 2025 in 15 regular-season games, but Brown has been in a three-year decline, and he had a career-low 12.9 yards per catch. Still, landing Brown would be huge for a New England team coming off a Super Bowl appearance with young quarterback Drake Maye. Perhaps a change of scenery will be a plus for Brown, who publicly voiced his displeasure with Philly's offense in 2025.

Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd has struggled to stay healthy through two NFL seasons. He has logged offensive snaps in just one game so far, totaling seven touches. Nevertheless, we're intrigued by the possibility of Lloyd stepping into the No. 2 running back role next season. Emanuel Wilson departed in free agency, leaving an open competition for the role of Josh Jacobs' backup. Lloyd has significant draft capital attached to him as a 2024 third-round pick, whereas fellow depth option Chris Brooks is a former Dolphins undrafted running back with a minimal track record of his own. Given that Brooks hasn't built much momentum for a push to the No. 2 role, it seems like Lloyd is the early favorite to back up Jacobs, as long as he stays healthy. Lloyd's availability is far from guaranteed, but he has a clean bill of health this offseason and should be near 100 percent entering training camp. As long as the Packers don't spend a premium pick on a rookie running back in this month's draft, Lloyd will be an intriguing dynasty trade target this offseason. In addition to being a handcuff in 2026, he has long-term upside in case he takes on a bigger role after Jacobs' contract expires in two years.

Seattle Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson represents an intriguing buy-low candidate in offseason dynasty fantasy football trades. After three years in Green Bay, Wilson jumped ship and signed with the Seahawks this offseason. He'll join a Super Bowl-winning offense that had a glaring hole at running back with Kenneth Walker III departing in free agency and Zach Charbonnet (knee) expected to miss a portion of the 2026 season. The lead-back role is anyone's to win. While we can't rule out another signing or draft selection at the running back position, as it stands, Wilson seems to be the frontrunner for the No. 1 running back role. He has been a top-50 fantasy running back in the past two seasons, and he showed in 2025 that he was capable of stepping into a larger role when the usual starting running back goes down. Wilson may eventually relinquish the lead-back role to Charbonnet by the middle of next season, but even then, he'll continue to be a top handcuff option. The 26-year-old is currently quite affordable in dynasty leagues and is an intriguing trade target given that he should open the 2026 season as a high-end RB3 or low-end RB2 in fantasy football.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor signed a lucrative three-year deal with the team this offseason. The signing rewarded him for a solid two-season stretch in Minnesota, during which he caught 57 passes for 858 yards and 10 touchdowns. His nose for the end zone is very encouraging, as it suggests that he could get onto the WR3/flex radar if he handles more volume and produces more yardage. Therein lies the big question for the 2026 season, though. As it stands, Nailor is in line to compete for No. 1 receiver duties with Tre Tucker. However, neither Nailor nor Tucker has much of a track record in a No. 1 receiver role. With the Raiders expected to draft Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick, we wouldn't be surprised if they bring in an established veteran to serve as the rookie's favorite target. Players like Keenan Allen and Jauan Jennings have both been heavily linked to Vegas. If the Raiders were to sign either one of them, Nailor would take one step down the pecking order, lowering his fantasy upside for 2026. Managers looking to buy low on the 27-year-old receiver should make sure they avoid overpaying, in case Nailor slips down the depth chart as free agency continues.