0:00:00

The New England Patriots signed fourth-round rookie wide receiver Javon Baker to his rookie contract on Friday, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. Baker, the 110th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft was rumored to potentially come off the board on Day 2, but New England, a team that needed pass-catching help, stopped his fall. Baker earned first-team All-Big-12 honors in his final season at UCF after hauling in 52 passes for 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns. The Patriots have a wide-open wide receiver depth chart consisting of Kendrick Bourne, K.J. Osborn, Demario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, and second-round rookie Ja'Lynn Polk. It's difficult to predict who will start in three-wide sets in 2024, but the passing offense will likely offer limited fantasy upside under rookie quarterback Drake Maye when he takes over for Jacoby Brissett.

From RotoBaller

Dynasty | Caleb Williams is reportedly struggling to pick up the Chicago offense. Dynasty Analysis: In what amounts to be nothing more than an overreaction news piece, it seems Williams is reportedly being thrown into the fire early in Chicago and struggling against the Bears first-string defense. Dynasty managers should keep in mind we're not even into June, so this is nothing more than a rookie getting his feet wet in the NFL. Williams remains the favorite to be the 1.01 in Superflex drafts this off-season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

The Athletic's Mark Kaboly writes that the No. 2 wide receiver spot for the Pittsburgh Steelers is currently wide open. Quez Watkins, Calvin Austin III, Marquez Callaway and Van Jefferson could all be competing for the job this summer at training camp if the team doesn't add a legitimate No. 2 receiver via trade before then. Austin could be the most consistent of the group, but rookie Roman Wilson also can't be counted out for now because of his quickness. George Pickens is the team's unquestioned top wideout this year after the Steelers traded Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers this offseason. Because of the lack of clarity beyond Pickens right now, tight end Pat Freiermuth, who has already developed notable chemistry with new quarterback Russell Wilson, could be one to watch for a breakout season.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson has looked on point during organized team activities this week with his new team, and the 35-year-old still appears to have plenty of arm strength. Wilson's accuracy was spot on this week, whether in warmups, drills or competition periods, including a 70-yard pass in stride to receiver Quez Watkins on Thursday. His ability to sell play-action fakes was also noticeably better than the other QBs this week. Wilson is in pole position to open the 2024 season as Pittsburgh's starter under center for Week 1, but Justin Fields, a former first-rounder, is competing to make starts for the Steelers at some point in 2024 as well in what is a contract year for him. Fields' presence and dual-threat abilities will be a threat to Wilson's value as a QB2 in fantasy in his first year in the Steel City.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has been one of new quarterback Russell Wilson's favorite targets during organized team activities this week. The Athletic's Mark Kaboly writes that it's hard not to notice the connection the two have already built. The two had a throwing session in San Diego earlier in the spring, which might have helped. Wilson seems to have the most trust in Freiermuth right now, and the big tight end is fully healthy and is entering a contract year in 2024. Having a more accurate QB and an offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith who will highlight the tight end position could be the factors that lead to the 25-year-old having a breakout year. A hamstring injury cost Freiermuth five games in 2023, and he caught just 32 passes for a career-low 308 yards and two touchdowns in 12 regular-season games (nine starts) in 2023. With better health, he's a value pick at TE to consider in fantasy this fall.

From RotoBaller

As he competes with both rookie first-round quarterback Bo Nix and former first-rounder Zach Wilson in offseason workouts, Denver Broncos QB Jarrett Stidham said he's much more comfortable running the offense in his second year with the team. Stidham was with head coach Sean Payton a year ago and will have an advantage over both Nix and Wilson in that area. His four career starts in the NFL have come in the last two seasons with the Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders. "I'm not out there thinking as much, I'm just out there playing free and playing more confident, which is great. It's been good," Stidham said. It remains to be seen who will emerge as the team's Week 1 starter after training camp and the preseason, but if it's Stidham, he'll probably be no more than a low-end QB2 in fantasy. Even if Stidham wins the job to begin the year, it would be a surprise if Nix doesn't make starts at some point in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL draft out of USC, has looked like a rookie in the early going at organized team activities this week. The Bears are hoping that their strong defense will prepare the rookie QB and help him improve by the time he's facing other teams in games that matter. The Bears are installing a new offense under coordinator Shane Waldron and have a rookie signal-caller learning the speed and intricacies at the next level, so it's not exactly a surprise that he's struggling early on. Williams also hasn't had first-rounder Rome Odunze or Keenan Allen to throw to. Odunze is sitting out with a minor injury. Fantasy managers shouldn't read too much into Williams' early struggles against a strong defense in voluntary offseason workouts, but it's certainly worth noting.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (hamstring) said this week that he's made significant progress toward ending his hamstring issues for good. Tests this offseason showed a muscle imbalance in his legs, which likely contributed to his problems -- he has missed 11 games in his first two seasons, including eight in 2023, due to a pulled right hamstring. Packers coaches have raved about the progress Watson has made so far this year, and the 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 out of North Dakota State looked explosive as a full participant in organized team activities on Tuesday. Watson had a 20% difference in muscle mass between his right and left legs. Now, it's between 8% and 10%. It's interesting news, but most fantasy managers may still be hesitant to roster a player with the injury history he has early in his career. But when healthy, Watson has the most upside of any of Green Bay's current wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder), who suffered a severe AC joint sprain in his right shoulder in Week 5 of last year that required season-ending surgery in October, is not limited at all during organized team activities and is throwing 60-yard bombs. The 22-year-old also dismissed any notion that he needs to change his dual-threat playing style to remain available. He described his injury last year as unlucky rather than unwise. Through the first two days of OTAs, head coach Shane Steichen said Richardson has "been pretty smooth." Richardson said some days his surgically repaired shoulder feels "a little achy," but he's not worried about the occasional soreness. He said he's also more comfortable in the offense in his second year in the NFL. Richardson is a bit of an injury risk, but he has clear high-end QB1 appeal, which will make him attractive in fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has been getting valuable repetitions during organized team activities this week with second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. Last year at this time, Taylor and Richardson didn't practice together in the offseason because Taylor was hurt and in a contract dispute. When he returned in Week 5, Taylor played with Richardson for two snaps before Richardson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Taylor missed seven games in 2023 due to ankle and thumb injuries but ended the year with season-highs in carries (30) and rushing yards (188), including a 48-yard touchdown run. The 25-year-old should be a lock for 1,000 rushing yards in 2024 if he's healthy, and his ceiling will be pretty high if Richardson remains healthy all years as well, although the dynamic QB could vulture plenty of TDs at the goal line.

From RotoBaller

Dynasty | The Eagles have signed free agent wide receiver John Ross. Dynasty Analysis: Ross was last seen with the Chiefs prior to deciding to retire around a year ago. Instead, the former fastest man in the league has decided to give it one more go and takes the place of the newly retired DeVante Parker on the roster, at least for now. Ross will not be guaranteed a roster spot and while this is a fun story to follow, it's doubtful we see any kind of fantasy value emerging from Ross, a former first round pick who busted in Cincinnati.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed free agent running back La'Mical Perine to a one-year deal, they announced on Thursday. Perine had been cut loose by the Kansas City Chiefs roughly one week earlier. A fourth-round pick in 2020, Perine has never been a major contributor out of the backfield. His best season came as a rookie with the New York Jets when he totaled 295 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. He has just 33 touches over seven games since then, though he did log one start with the Chiefs in 2023 (21 rushes, 76 rushing yards, three receptions, 33 receiving yards). Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren have the top two running back spots occupied in Pittsburgh, so Perine is presumably competing for the third-string role with versatile veteran Cordarrelle Patterson, former Harvard standout Aaron Shampklin, and undrafted rookie Daijun Edwards. He remains off the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

The Los Angeles Rams have asked running back Blake Corum to evolve into a three-down back, according to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic. Specifically, he's working to improve his route running, pass-catching, and pass-protection skills. This is an interesting note out of Los Angeles for a couple of reasons. First, Corum was viewed as a goal-line and change-of-pace option when drafted by the Rams just a few weeks ago. Expanding his role suggests Los Angeles has high expectations and optimism for the running back, and it could also lead to more snaps and touches (which equates to extra fantasy points). Second, the Rams' request for Corum to take on a larger role could have some connection to Kyren Williams (foot) being sidelined at OTAs. If the Rams think Williams could be delayed this offseason, it only makes sense that they look to get Corum involved as their No. 1 running back for the time being. Similarly, expanding Corum's skill set prepares him for the opportunity to jump into the starting role during the regular season should Williams suffer a different injury and miss time. The landing spot of the Rams wasn't immediately attractive for fantasy managers looking at drafting Corum. However, the latest signs out of Los Angeles suggest that the Michigan product could get his fair share of work right away in 2024. His fantasy value should climb as September draws nearer.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Malik Cunningham has officially transitioned to wide receiver, according to his listing on the team's website. The Louisville product even hauled in some passes during Thursday's OTAs. This move has been roughly a year in the making for Cunningham, who previously drew attention thanks to his athleticism and flashy playing style last preseason with the New England Patriots. The Patriots were reportedly interested in using him at both quarterback and wide receiver, but they ultimately made him active for just one game and deployed him under center. The Ravens poached him from the Patriots' practice squad in December, but he only appeared in one game with Baltimore, too. In theory, though, this official switch to wide receiver could allow Cunningham to carve out more opportunities, even if it's in a depth role. With most teams carrying around a half-dozen receivers on their 53-man rosters, there's a chance that Cunningham could be active in Week 1. Of course, that's dependent on him producing throughout training camp and the preseason. Even if he does make the team, he's unlikely to generate any fantasy appeal.

From RotoBaller

The Las Vegas Raiders and star defensive end Maxx Crosby have agreed to a restructured contract that pays him an extra $6 million in 2024, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. The team also moved an additional $1.2 million into 2025. As Schefter notes, the Raiders wanted to reward Crosby for being a standout player and leader. This move accomplishes those goals while not altering the total length of his contract. He still has three more years left on his deal, tying him to Vegas through the 2026 season. That's bad news for AFC West quarterbacks, of course. Crosby tallied 90 tackles (23 for loss), 14.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles through 17 starts last year.

From RotoBaller

Denver Broncos running backs Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin "will face a challenging battle to maintain their roles this offseason," according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. He notes that the same is true for Javonte Williams. It appears as though all three holdover running backs in Denver have reduced job security after the team drafted Audric Estime and signed Blake Watson. There will be plenty of competition throughout the offseason as the Broncos work to determine which running backs are worthy of key volume in 2024. However, as of now, it appears there's at least some favor for Estime and Watson while the three returners may need to do a little extra to prove themselves. From a fantasy perspective, Williams and Estime seem like the most intriguing names, but Perine and Watson (and even McLaughlin) benefit from their pass-catching skills.

From RotoBaller

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams "will face a challenging battle" to maintain his role heading into the 2024 season, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. He notes that the same is true for Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin. It appears as though all three holdover running backs in Denver have reduced job security after the team drafted Audric Estime and signed Blake Watson. There will be plenty of competition throughout the offseason as the Broncos work to determine which running backs are worthy of key volume in 2024. However, as of now, it appears there's at least some favor for Estime and Watson while the three returners may need to do a little extra to prove themselves. From a fantasy perspective, Williams and Estime seem like the most intriguing names, but Perine and Watson (and even McLaughlin) benefit from their pass-catching skills.

From RotoBaller

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jerome Baker (wrist) didn't take part in organized team activities on Wednesday. Baker injured his right wrist in the Week 18 regular-season finale last year while playing for the Miami Marlins and required offseason surgery. The 27-year-old is still recovering from his surgery, and it remains to be seen what his availability will be like for mandatory minicamp next month and training camp this summer. When healthy, Baker should help make up for the offseason losses of both Jordyn Brooks and Bobby Wagner at the linebacker position in Seattle. The former third-round pick of the Dolphins in 2018 out of Ohio State has 22.5 sacks, 382 solo tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 46 QB hits, five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 21 passes defended and six forced fumbles in his six years in the league.

From RotoBaller

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (pectoral) said last month that he "absolutely" plans to be ready for training camp this summer after having surgery last October to fix a torn pectoral. Nwosu was seen at organized team activities on Wednesday working in a positional drill and he later took part in team periods and didn't look to be at all limited. OTAs are non-contact practices, but it's still good progress for the 27-year-old former second-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2018 out of USC. He tore his pectoral muscle back in Week 7 in 2023 and missed the rest of the season, but barring a setback, Nwosu should be ready for Week 1 of the 2024 regular season this fall. The Seahawks signed Nwosu to a three-year, $45 million extension after he had a career-best 9.5 sacks in 2022.

From RotoBaller

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has decided to hand over the direction of the offense to new offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher this year. "I'll take a step back this spring," Taylor said, "And let [Pitcher] take ownership in the direction of the offense." Tight end Drew Sample said that Pitcher has "added new wrinkles." The Cincinnati Enquirer's Charlie Goldsmith wrote that the Bengals' playbook has changed more this offseason than it has in any offseason since quarterback Joe Burrow's rookie year. The Bengals are more interested in lining up under center this year, using the play-action passing game more and marrying their run game, their screens and their drop-back passing. It remains to be seen if Taylor will turn the play-calling over to Pitcher, too, but in general, it should be good news for Burrow and the rest of the offense in 2024.

From RotoBaller