Latest News
Filter by Team
QB RB WR TE PK | All Non-IDP | DT DE DL ILB OLB LB CB S DB | Footballguys View | All the news |
Top Stories:
Buccaneers | No rush on a new contract for Baker Mayfield (2026-07-07 12:38:25) [jump to this story] 49ers | Brandon Aiyuk continues to be his own biggest obstacle (2026-07-07 12:31:06) [jump to this story] Giants: Harbaugh: Cam Skattebo is a top-tier back (2026-07-06 10:50:47) [jump to this story] |
Giants | Rico Payton moved to IR Thu Jul 9, 06:10 PM
New York Giants CB Rico Payton (undisclosed) was moved to the Reserve/Injured list Wednesday, July 8, after clearing waivers.
Link to storyWashington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels has recently been working out with some of his pass catchers leading up to training camp.
Link to storyFree-agent WR Brandin Cooks (Bills) said he wants to re-sign with the Buffalo Bills.
Link to storyBrandin Cooks player page
Washington Commanders WR Dyami Brown could emerge as a reliable deep-threat for the team in their offense after joining them this offseason, according to ESPN's Aaron Schatz.
Link to storyDyami Brown player page
Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams is being labeled as an x-factor for his team for the 2026 season, according to ESPN's Seth Walder. He points to Williams' QBR being below league average, and if he can raise it, his production would skyrocket.
| Footballguys view: Williams had great highlights last year, his first with Ben Johnson. But the consistency, especially in the short and intermediate areas of the field, was lacking. Johnson has talked about the focus on accuracy and completion percentage this season, stating that "You get what you emphasize... Completion percentage is something that we're going to emphasize." An uptick in efficiency and consistency from Williams could help this be one of the best offenses in the league. |
Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders is 'closing the gap' on QB Deshaun Watson for the starting quarterback role.
| Footballguys view: A couple of months ago, all indications were that Watson had the inside track to the starting job. Considering we're a few weeks out of OTAs, it's hard to see what Sanders could be doing to close the gap. Todd Monken has refused to name a starter, but we should get some clarity in training camp. Until then, drafters in deep best ball leagues can take final-round shots on either quarterback. It would be a surprise if either quarterback earns and holds the starting job for the entire season. |
San Francisco 49ers WR De'Zhaun Stribling was labeled as a non-starter to know by ESPN's Aaron Schatz. He credited Stribling's yards after the catch potential in Kyle Shanahan's offense.
| Footballguys view: Stribling will have a chance to earn a starting role with Jauan Jennings now in Minnesota. Stribling is a fantastic blocker, and that alone could lead to snaps. Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall are likely atop the depth chart to start the season, but Stribling was selected with the 33rd overall pick, clearly signaling plans for him. And Evans and Pearsall have struggled to stay healthy. Stribling is falling deep into drafts this year and has enough injury-away contingent upside to make him an alluring target. |
Arizona Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett hosted a private workout with skill-position players including WR Marvin Harrison Jr. and TE Trey McBride. Brissett missed organized team activities due to a contract dispute.
| Footballguys view: Brissett and the Cardinals are still at a standstill over an extension, but the players clearly view him as the starting quarterback. The Cardinals' quarterback room could remain fluid this year, with Carson Beck and Gardner Minshew both vying for starts. However, Brissett took this offense to new heights last year, and fantasy managers should hope he ends up as the Week 1 starter. |
Jacoby Brissett player page
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey can be an elite running back 'for at least one more year,' according to an NFC executive. 'But he's such an elite overall player with versatility who takes care of himself,' the executive said.
| Footballguys view: McCaffrey is coming off another superb year as he heads into his age-30 season. Ricky Pearsall is expected back and healthy. The team drafted De'Zhaun Stribling. The signed Mike Evans and Christian Kirk. There are more mouths to feed than last year, but McCaffrey is clearly the engine powering the offense. He's being valued as a consensus top-six pick, and if healthy, he can finish as fantasy's top-scoring player again. |
Christian McCaffrey player page
Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley had four runs of 20-plus yards last season after recording 17 such runs the previous year.
| Footballguys view: Barkley's 2024 season was highlighted by breakaway runs through the second level, but he was regularly tripped up there in 2025. With Kevin Patullo out of the picture, there's hope that Sean Mannion can get this offense back on track. A lack of a deep postseason run and minimized usage could lead to fresher legs for Barkley. He's settling into Round 2 of fantasy drafts, where both his upside and downside are being recognized. |
Saquon Barkley player page
Jacksonville Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter (knee) will be a 'full go' for training camp, according to Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network.
| Footballguys view: Hunter was limited through OTAs while returning from last year's torn LCL, so this is great news. The big question for fantasy managers has been regarding his deployment on both sides of the ball. NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe stated yesterday that he expects Hunter to be a full-time defensive player, and the Jaguars' offseason moves signal as much. Hunter has contingent upside as a late-round target in fantasy drafts, and we'll hope for more information on his role throughout training camp. |
Free-agent OT Brady Christensen (Achilles) said he has been medically cleared for contact.
Link to storyMac Jones was subject to trade rumors this offseason, but the 49ers never received an offer they couldn't refuse, electing to hang onto Brock Purdy's backup. Jones said he's "excited" to continue learning under Kyle Shanahan and will be ready when he gets his next shot at a starting job. "I'm still 27. I have some good scars and bad scars, but I know I can play," he said, noting he takes solace in how Sam Darnold turned his career around. "I feel like I can really elevate people around me. And whether that comes soon or later or never, I know I'm going to be ready for it. I hope it does happen."
| Footballguys view: After a solid rookie season in New England, things went sideways for Jones, who was traded to Jacksonville in 2024. Once Jones hit free agency in 2025, Shanahan landed the quarterback, who inked a two-year pact. With Purdy dealing with injuries last season, Jones was thrust into action and acquitted himself well. In 11 appearances, including eight starts, Jones completed a career-high 69.6 percent of 289 attempts for 2,151 yards,13 touchdowns, and six interceptions. The Niners went 5-3 in his starts. Jones will get his shot, likely in free agency next year. |
Mac Jones player page
Washington Commanders personnel executive Scott Fitterer has left the team for an opportunity outside of the NFL.
Link to storyCleveland Browns TE Harold Fannin Jr. (undisclosed) was engaged in the offseason program even though he was not able to participate in practice, according to tight ends coach Jeff Blasko.
| Footballguys view: Fannin, who led the Browns with 72 receptions -- the most ever by a Cleveland rookie, was limited late last season by a groin injury. It's not clear if his current undisclosed injury is related to that or a new injury. As Fannin steps into his second year with the Browns, his presence as a pass catcher, as well as in the run game and in protection, will play an important role in the overall success of the Browns' offense, so we'll be watching for more. |
Tennessee Titans RB Tyjae Spears said has been trying to consistently improve this offseason.
| Footballguys view: A third-round pick in 2023, Spears has played in 42 games over three seasons, with three starts. He's totaled 1,048 rushing yards and eight touchdowns over that time while also catching 127 passes for 873 yards and two more scores. In June, Titans coach Robert Saleh called Spears one of the "bell cows" at the running back position, where Spears plays alongside veteran Tony Pollard. The Titans plan to use Pollard and Spears plenty in 2026, but what the division of carries and reps looks like remains to be seen. Pollard is being drafted as RB29; Spears is RB42. |
Tyjae Spears player page
Buffalo Bills FB Jackson Acker (undisclosed) did not participate in offseason workouts and seems to be behind FB Ben VanSumeren for a possible roster spot, in the opinion of Syracuse.com's Ryan Talbot.
Link to storyBuffalo Bills WR Tyrell Shavers (knee) is a candidate to start the regular season on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list, in the opinion of Syracuse.com's Matt Parrino and Ryan Talbot.
| Footballguys view: Shavers tore his ACL during the team's Wild Card victory against the Jaguars and could be heading for a redshirt season. In 2025, Shavers stepped into a larger role with the Bills after making the team's 53-man roster at the end of training camp. He appeared in all 17 games during the regular season, recording 23 catches for 245 yards and a touchdown. |
Philadelphia Eagles CB Quinyon Mitchell allowed 4.8 yards per target in coverage last season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, third best in the NFL among 87 defensive backs who were targeted at least 50 times. His minus-0.16 expected points added is tied for fourth among cornerbacks last season (minimum 75 targets faced). He has allowed 1.8 yards after the catch per reception, the fewest among corners. And his 42% tight-window throw rate was the highest in the NFL.
Link to storySeattle Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon had a career-high four quarterback pressures in the Super Bowl. He had six pass rushes total and recorded a sack and forced a pick-six. He also allowed two receptions for 16 yards on 47 coverage snaps.
Link to storyDevon Witherspoon player page
New England Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez allowed 14 completions on 36 targets in the 2025 playoffs. His 38.8% completion percentage allowed was the lowest by any player to face 25 or more targets in a postseason since at least 2018, per NFL Next Gen Stats. His nine pass breakups in 416 regular-season coverage snaps equated to a 2.2% pass breakup rate, one of the best clips among corners.
Link to storyChristian Gonzalez player page
Houston Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. was ranked the second-best cornerback in the league by league executives, coaches and scouts. 'His zone vision is outstanding,' a veteran NFL offensive coach said. 'He can play man at a high level, but the way he sees the field and anticipates in zone is special.'
Link to storyDenver Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II was named the top cornerback in the league by league executives, coaches and scouts. 'It's not close,' a seasoned NFL coordinator said. 'A generational player. Watch the AFC Championship Game. He was the best player on the field by far.'
Link to storyDenver Broncos CB Ja'Quan McMillian signed a one-year, $5.77 million contract on Tuesday, July 7.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings assistant general manager Demitrius Washington was officially hired by the Washington Commanders as a senior personnel executive on Tuesday, July 7.
Link to storyFree-agent DE C.J. Ravenell (Titans) was claimed by the New York Giants on Tuesday, July 7.
Link to storyNew York Giants CB Rico Payton was waived from the roster with the waived-injured designation on Tuesday, July 7.
Link to storySan Francisco 49ers DL Gracen Halton signed a four-year, $5.62 million rookie contract on Tuesday, July 7.
Link to storyHouston Texans WR Jaylin Noel could take on a larger role in the offense if WR Tank Dell (knee) is not back to 100%. He could find himself earning the team's slot receiver role, according to ESPN's Aaron Schatz.
| Footballguys view: Schatz contends that Noel's 4.38-second 40-yard dash speed shows that he can be a serious threat, but he is also good at finding holes in zones. Noel had 26 catches for 292 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie. Expect him to be available on your waiver wire after the season begins. |
Buffalo Bills RB Ray Davis is 'an excellent backup' to James Cook III, according to ESPN's Aaron Schatz.
| Footballguys view: While Cook deservedly gets the accolades, Schatz notes that Davis averaged 4.7 yards per carry and 8.6 yards per reception with two receiving touchdowns in his reserve role last year. He was also one of the top kick returners in the NFL. Davis is being drafted as RB64 in the 17th round. That's a great price for an insurance policy. |
Seattle Seahawks WR Rashid Shaheed could emerge as the team's WR2 in 2026, according to ESPN's Seth Walder.
| Footballguys view: While Shaheed delivered a kick return touchdown in the playoffs, his receiving production after he was traded to Seattle was lower than expected. Shaheed recorded 1.8 yards per route run with the Saints in the first half of 2025 but only 1.1 with Seattle, postseason included. Still, with a full offseason as a Seahawk, Walder believes Shaheed could be a productive No. 2 option behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba. With a WR56 ADP and 11th-round price, taking a chance on him as your WR5 isn't cost-prohibitive. |
Philadelphia Eagles WR Hollywood Brown is expected to have 'a role' in the team's offense in 2026, according to ESPN's Aaron Schatz.
| Footballguys view: Schatz acknowledges that Brown is not going to start, but the 2019 first-rounder will get opportunities in his first season with the Eagles. Last season, he had 49 catches in Kansas City for 587 yards and five touchdowns, and his average of 12.0 yards per reception was his highest since 2020. DeVonta Smith, rookie Makai Lemon, and Dontayvion Wicks are likely ahead of Brown on the depth chart, so consistent weekly production seems unlikely. Brown's ADP, he's WR107, reflects that. |
Hollywood Brown player page
Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman believes he's facing a "make or break" 2026 season, and his preparation for it has included work with former Bills star Stevie Johnson.
| Footballguys view: Johnson reached out to Coleman after the end of a disappointing 2025 season. The 2024 second-round pick was benched at times for disciplinary reasons, and owner Terry Pegula noted his failure to develop after Sean McDermott's firing. Johnson said that Coleman has been "the opposite" of what he expected before meeting him and called the wideout "a masterful student" who is working on being more professional and on how to give Josh Allen exactly what he needs on a weekly basis. The Bills have expressed confidence in Coleman, and the team's offense would welcome that bet paying off. |
Keon Coleman player page
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield said early last month that he and the team were not close to an agreement on a new contract and that "we're not doing contract stuff" after the start of training camp. The Bucs report to camp on July 28, and there doesn't appear to be much change in where things stand for Mayfield. Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports that "a lot of work needs to be done" before any agreement is reached with the quarterback.
| Footballguys view: That is also reportedly the case for defensive tackle Vita Vea. Mayfield is in the third year of a three-year, $100 million deal, while Vea is set to make $17 million during the 2026 season. Garafolo adds that the Bucs feel "no rush" to wrap up negotiations with either player at the moment. That urgency could grow with the window before camp getting shorter, but it remains to be seen if all involved will find the middle ground needed to reach the finish line. Meanwhile, based on his QB20 ADP, fantasy investors are also lukewarm on Mayfield. |
Baker Mayfield player page
Receiver Brandon Aiyuk's path to free agency is simple. One, file a petition with the league for reinstatement from the reserve/left squad list. Two, once reinstated, show up for training camp. At that point, the 49ers most likely would release him. Aiyuk has made it clear that he won't be doing that. In his latest Instagram story -- which consists of a statement, not a video -- Aiyuk says this: "I will not be reinstating with them or ever doing any kind of business with them. I'm locked in and focused on my opportunity to return to the field this season! #RAISEHAIL"
| Footballguys view: In a separate post, Aiyuk accused the 49ers of lying to the media and the fan base regarding the decision to void his guarantees and his intent to return to the team. Whatever the case, unless the 49ers release him from the reserve/left squad list (they have no incentive to do that), he'll continue to be in limbo. The thing he refuses to do is the one thing he needs to do in order to force the team's hand. "Either he doesn't realize this, or he doesn't care," PFT's Mike Florio writes. "Neither explanation will get him to the Commanders." |
Brandon Aiyuk player page
Pittsburgh Steelers OT Dylan Cook is expected to start at right tackle.
Link to storyNew England Patriots third-round pick TE Eli Raridon may be asked to block more after the season-ending injury to TE Julian Hill (knee).
| Footballguys view: According to USA Today's Jordy McElroy, the Patriots hope that Raridon can contribute right out of the gate. Still, it's hard to count on that kind of progress from a first-year tight end, and the Patriots could explore bringing in a veteran tight end for training camp. From a fantasy perspective, Hunter Henry is locked in as a solid starter for the Patriots, but he turns 32 later this year. Raridon is a versatile option with the ability to serve as a solid receiving tight end, but he could be asked to do more of the latter early on. |
Miami Dolphins OT Patrick Paul received a 66.2 overall grade and ranked 45th out of 89 qualified tackles in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus. This was an improvement from a 44.9 overall grade, which put him No. 79 out of 81 qualified tackles in 2024.
Link to storyArizona Cardinals WR Kendrick Bourne is expected to be the No. 3 receiver for the Cardinals this upcoming season.
| Footballguys view: Bourne enters his 10th NFL season and his first with the Cardinals. He has 313 career receptions for 4,008 yards in stints with the 49ers and Patriots, and his best season was in 2021 in New England, when he caught 55 passes for 800 yards and five touchdowns. Now almost 31 years old, can he produce at the level the Cardinals need from their No. 3 receiver, although he will be No. 4 among pass catchers, as tight end Trey McBride is one of the top targets. |
Kendrick Bourne player page
Free-agent CB Terrion Arnold (Lions) cleared waivers Monday, July 6, and is expected to start meeting with interested teams.
Link to storySan Francisco 49ers third-round draft choice DE Romello Height signed a four-year contract with the 49ers Monday, July 6, worth $7.29 million.
Link to storyCleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson's insurance kicked back more than $88 million in total salary-cap credits from 2024 through 2029 to the team, according to NFLPA records.
| Footballguys view: While the trade for Watson and the five-year, $230 million, fully-guaranteed contract combine to create one of the single worst transactions in NFL history, the Browns' decision to purchase insurance (the premiums for which surely weren't cheap) resulted in the more than $88 million in refunds for the games Watson missed due to injury. Watson will compete with Shedeur Sanders for the starting job in training camp. |
Deshaun Watson player page
Free-agent CB Rasul Douglas (Dolphins) agreed to a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders Monday, July 6. The deal could be worth up to $3.8 million.
| Footballguys view: Douglas, who turns 31 in August, appeared in 15 games for the Dolphins last year with 13 starts. He finished the year with two interceptions, 13 passes defensed, a forced fumble, and a sack. Entering his 10th season in the league, Douglas has appeared in 135 games with 93 starts for the Eagles, Panthers, Packers, Bills, and Dolphins. He's also spent time with the Raiders, Texans, and Cardinals. In all, he's tallied 21 interceptions, 92 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, and 3.0 sacks. |
Rasul Douglas player page
Tennessee Titans TE Daniel Bellinger said he has improved as a blocker but wants to improve after the catch. 'I want to be more dynamic after the catch,' Bellinger said. 'I want to get better at that and continue to grow in that area. ... (But) my job overall is to help us win. Whatever that takes, whatever they need me to do, I am here to do it.'
| Footballguys view: Then the Titans signed the former Giants tight end to a three-year, $24 million deal, which is just outside the top-20 contracts for tight ends around the NFL. Unquestionably, the Titans are paying Bellinger like a starter, while Gunnar Helm was a Day 3 pick last year. Still, Helm's established chemistry with Ward, his production last year, and the team's willingness to let Chig Okonkwo move on in free agency are all positives. Helm is being drafted as TE27 in the 17th round. Bellinger does not currently have an ADP. |
Cam Skattebo, who scored seven touchdowns in eight games as a rookie, is coming off a serious ankle injury, but coach John Harbaugh expressed little concern about his ability to pick up where he left off last year. "He's a top-tier back," Harbaugh said. "And he's planning on playing that way this year."
| Footballguys view: Harbaugh added: "I thought he was just what you saw, a downhill runner, a tone-setter type runner. He's a tough tackle. That's what you look for. How many guys can make yards when they're not supposed to make yards on their own? He was that kind of guy at Arizona State and the exact same guy that I saw on tape last year." As PFT suggested, a strong run game was a consistent part of Harbaugh's Baltimore offenses. Skattebo should be front and center as the Giants try to establish the same in Harbaugh's first year in New York. |
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers said he is enjoying the familiarity with head coach Mike McCarthy's offense. 'It's stuff that we used to run, but he's just called it something different now,' Rodgers said. 'It's just the next generations of the West Coast offense. From a real fundamental level, it's all about the quarterback's timing.'
| Footballguys view: When McCarthy last ran an offense, it was led by quarterback Dak Prescott, and Dallas was 21st in scoring back in 2024. McCarthy's taking over a Pittsburgh offense that wasn't much better in 2025, ranking 16th in scoring -- its sixth consecutive season outside the top 10 in scoring. Adding to the positive vibe, Rodgers will have another option out wide this year after the Steelers acquired Michael Pittman JR. in a trade with the Colts. Pittman bolsters a WR corps led by DK Metcalf and infused with some youthful energy from second-round rookie Germie Bernard. |
Aaron Rodgers player page
New England Patriots RB Terrell Jennings 'appears to have the early edge' in the battle to be the No. 3 running back behind RB Rhamondre Stevenson and RB TreVeyon Henderson.
| Footballguys view: According to ESPN.com's Mike Reiss, the 6-foot, 220-pound Jennings appears to have that edge based on his work with the first-unit punt protection team. A 2024 undrafted free agent out of Florida A&M, he finished last season on injured reserve (concussion) after having been signed from the practice squad and appearing in seven games. |
Houston Texans RB Woody Marks' role this season is expected to include more pass-catching duties and a new role on kickoff returns.
| Footballguys view: Marks emerged as the starting running back as a rookie, replacing Nick Chubb as the primary centerpiece of an up-and-down running game. This year, Marks is adapting smoothly to a complementary role behind featured veteran David Montgomery after an offseason trade for the former Lion and Bear. "I think the key for Woody is understanding his role, which he does," RBs coach and assistant head coach Danny Barrett told KPRC 2. "He's going to get lots of opportunities." But those opportunities will come behind Montgomery. Marks is currently being drafted as RB42 in Round 11. |
Dallas Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue admitted he 'wasn't really there' in his rookie season of 2025, but he is 'ready to go now'. The former University of Texas star enters the season in a battle to be the primary backup to RB Javonte Williams. 'I didn't start off like I should have,' Blue said. 'Maybe if it was not practicing the right way or just on a maturity level, I think I wasn't really there. But just learning from all the vets, having the offseason that I've had, I think I'm ready to go.'
| Footballguys view: The Cowboys need much more from Blue in Year 2. He's the ideal complement to Williams, but his rookie season was a dud. Blue only had 129 yards and one touchdown on 38 carries in 2025. He didn't make his debut until Week 5. This year, the Cowboys believe Blue's ability as a pass catcher would make him the perfect match with Williams. What Blue could bring in the passing game would also add another element to what should again be one of the NFL's best offenses. The price is right. Blue is being drafted as RB70 outside Round 20. |
Javonte Williams player page
Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts signed a big-money contract extension this offseason, and he views it as just the start of a new phase of his career. 'I think there's a lot more out there, a lot more to get, and a lot more things to keep grinding towards. It's cool to see,' Pitts said. He feels his best football is '100 percent' in the future.
| Footballguys view: Pitts is still just 25 years old and theoretically has his best days ahead of him. After a fantastic rookie campaign, Pitts' next season was cut short after tearing his MCL and PCL. His production and play over the next two seasons were underwhelming, but he started to look like his old self again in 2025, posting the best fantasy season of his career. Pitts is being drafted as a middling TE1 this year, but has the upside to drastically outperform his draft-day cost. |
Kyle Pitts Sr. player page































