Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson will be more aware of the speed and violence of the football game around him so that he can better protect himself heading into his second pro season, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter told members of the media. Richardson was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft but made just four starts as a rookie before he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Richardson's physicality and athleticism helped him become a top pick and budding NFL star, but these same qualities likely made him more susceptible to injury, too. Cooter's comments should provide Colts fans and fantasy managers with some optimism that Richardson can stay healthy in 2024. At the same time, though, they also suggest that Richardson may tone down his physicality, which could lead to fewer rushing yards and touchdowns, as well as more sacks. Fantasy managers should view the Indianapolis signal-caller as a fringe QB1 heading into drafts.

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Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz could face competition from rookie Ben Sinnott heading into the 2024 season, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. Ertz landed with Washington during free agency as the Commanders looked to replace fellow veteran Logan Thomas. While Ertz currently has a grasp on the No. 1 tight end role, Washington did spend a second-round pick on Sinnott, a Kansas State product, suggesting there could be some competition and turnover at the position. Standig writes that "Sinnott's unique versatility means he could carve out a role in offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's attack," implying the rookie has an inside track to earning targets right away. Ertz might still be the preferred option to open the year, but Sinnott will get involved. As a result, both tight ends should be avoided in most redraft formats. Sinnott, however, is an intriguing depth name in dynasty leagues.

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New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton is expected to remain a starter despite the addition of first-round pick Malik Nabers, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Duggan notes that while Slayton has expressed frustration about his current contract status, the pass-catcher is expected to open the 2024 campaign as New York's No. 2 receiver behind Nabers. Such an alignment would push Jalin Hyatt into the No. 3 role, at least to start the year. Isaiah Hodgins, Isaiah McKenzie, and Gunner Olszewski would round out the depth chart. With uncertainty at quarterback and increased competition in the passing game, Slayton isn't a very enticing name for the 2024 fantasy football season. In all likelihood, he'll open the year on the fringe of rosters and waiver wires in most 12-team redraft formats.

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New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt has likely dropped to No. 3 on the depth chart after the team spent a first-round pick on Malik Nabers, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Duggan notes that Nabers already has the inside path to being New York's No. 1 receiver and Darius Slayton will likely start opposite him. With that said, there could be an opportunity for Hyatt to surpass Slayton on the depth chart. "The plan should be for Hyatt to take on a bigger role this season and eventually replace Slayton," writes Duggan. Such a plan would put Hyatt on the radar in deeper dynasty leagues, but he can be avoided in most redraft formats.

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The Dallas Cowboys expect cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) to be ready for the start of training camp this summer after he tore the ACL in his left knee during a Sept. 21 practice. He had surgery at the end of October. Fellow cornerback DaRon Bland, who set an NFL record with five interceptions returned for touchdowns last year, is expecting his teammate Diggs to make a full recovery. "I mean, a lot of people are not expecting what Tre is gonna come back with," Bland said. I know what Tre is gonna come back with. It's going to be something dangerous. Can't wait." The 25-year-old former second-round pick in 2020 out of Alabama as an All-Pro in both 2021 and 2022 and racked up 14 touchdowns (two returned for touchdowns). Providing he's fully healthy this fall, he should once again be a coveted defensive back in IDP fantasy formats because of his ball-hawking abilities.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer had a good rookie season in 2023 considering his draft status and with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in front of him, but he has far from secured the No. 3 spot in an offensive system that is sure to be 11-personnel heavy in his second season. However, Palmer should be a lock for the active roster out of training camp, as should rookie Jalen McMillan, who the Buccaneers spent a Day 2 pick on in a deep receiver class. Palmer and McMillan are expected to battle for the No. 3 job in training camp this summer. With Godwin expected to move back into the slot in 2024, Palmer may struggle to match his rookie numbers (39 catches, 385 yards, three touchdowns), especially if McMillan impresses.

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Washington Commanders rookie tight end Ben Sinnott was taken with the No. 53 overall pick in the third round of this year's draft out of Kansas State, and he will have an opportunity for playing time right away despite the presence of Zach Ertz, John Bates, Cole Turner and Armani Rogers on the roster. He brings receiving prowess and height (6-foot-3, 250 pounds) to an offense that could use a bit of both to help rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was taken second overall. The athletic tight end's unique versatility means he could carve out a role in offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's attack in 2024. Sinnott had 676 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 49 catches in 2023. Still, Ertz is likely to open the year as Washington's primary pass-catching tight end, with Bates being a steady blocker. Sinnott could leapfrog Turner and Rogers with a strong training camp, but he's unlikely to be an immediate fantasy asset in single-year leagues.

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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (knee) said he's been cutting and "doing everything" as he rehabs from a torn right ACL. His plan remains to be ready for training camp this summer. In addition to a torn ACL, Jones missed time with a neck injury and ended up starting just six games after having a career year in 2022. In his six starts, Jones didn't have much of a chance behind a sieve-like offensive line, throwing for 909 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions. The 2024 season could be a make-or-break year for the 26-year-old former first-round pick, although the G-Men didn't take another QB in this year's draft. Jones now has an elite wideout to work with in Malik Nabers, but he also lost do-it-all running back Saquon Barkley to free agency. Jones is an injury question mark with a low floor and ceiling as a QB2 in fantasy.

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New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who was taken with the sixth overall pick in this year's NFL draft, is expected to be the team's No. 1 receiver immediately in his first year in the league. Despite his contract unrest, Darius Slayton is still the most established receiver on the roster, so he figures to maintain a significant role in the final year of his deal in 2024. Meanwhile, The Athletic's Dan Duggan writes that the plan should be for Jalin Hyatt to take on a bigger role this year and eventually replace Slayton. Isaiah Hodgins will provide solid depth, while Isaiah McKenzie and Gunner Olszewski figure to battle for a return job on special teams. Nabers, 20, was extremely productive at LSU, but there's an argument that he's downgrading at quarterback from Jayden Daniels to Daniel Jones (knee), which will make him a volatile gamble in single-year fantasy leagues in 2024.

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The Dallas Cowboys will decline to pick up the fifth-year option on quarterback Trey Lance, according to a source. The move isn't a surprise at all after the decision was essentially made last August when Dallas acquired him from the San Francisco 49ers for a 2024 fourth-round pick. Lance's 2025 option would have cost the Cowboys a fully guaranteed $22.4 million. The Cowboys don't have a QB on their roster signed beyond the 2024 season, with Dak Prescott, Lance and Cooper Rush all set for unrestricted free agency next March. They cannot use the franchise tag on Prescott and haven't started serious talks on an extension. Lance will make $5.31 million in base salary in 2024 as part of the fully guaranteed, $34.1 million deal he signed with the Niners as the third overall pick in 2021. Dallas liked the progress Lance made in 2023, but he was inactive for every game.

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Free-agent wide receiver Tyler Boyd was in Los Angeles this week to meet with the Los Angeles Chargers and is also scheduled to meet with the Tennessee Titans later this week, according to a source. The market should be heating up for Boyd, who had 513 catches for 6,000 yards in his eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. The 29-year-old wideout fell out of favor in fantasy circles as the No. 3 behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in recent seasons, though, but perhaps he'll resurface with a change of scenery. His best chance to do so would probably be with the Bolts after they traded Keenan Allen and lost Mike Williams to free agency this offseason, although LA is also transitioning to more of a run-first offense under new head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

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New York Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker (Achilles), who just had his fifth-year option picked up, said he is "on pace for a good start to the season." The No. 14 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft suffered a torn Achilles in Week 5 of last season and missed the remainder of the year on Injured Reserve. He was limited to just seven games in 2022 due to a torn tricep, so it's a positive sign that he's optimistic about his recovery. Tucker has played both guard and tackle for New York, but he's a more natural fit at guard and is projected to play on the best offensive line of his pro career. This offseason, New York signed future Hall of Fame left tackle Tyron Smith, traded for veteran right tackle Morgan Moses, and drafted Penn State rookie Olu Fashanu in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Clearly, the team wants to do a much better job of protecting Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) this season, and Vera-Tucker staying healthy will play a factor in doing so.

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The New York Giants signed defensive back David Long Jr. on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 26-year-old corner was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Michigan, but New York will already be the fifth organization he has spent time with in his brief NFL career. In 2023 alone, he was on the Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers, and Green Bay Packers roster. Overall, he has racked up 97 tackles, one interception, and eight pass deflections in 63 games. Assuming he makes the 53-man active roster, he'll likely act as a depth option in New York's secondary which was a middle-of-the-pack unit in 2023.

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In a media availability this week, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke on the team's current running back situation. "I think Jerome [Ford] has done a nice job. He had some really, really, really big moments for our football team and he made big plays for us when we needed it." Stefanski said. "So, excited about that." The Cleveland Browns appear to have a crowded running back room heading into 2024, as Nick Chubb (knee), Ford, and D'Onta Foreman have all had their moments over the last two seasons. Of course, Chubb is recovering from a major knee injury that he suffered in Week 2 of last season, so he could be eased into action to begin the new campaign. "With Nick [Chubb], obviously, we'll continue to let him rehab, and when he's ready and the doctors tell me he's ready, he goes." Stefanski said," Until then, we like the guys we have." There will be plenty of updates on this situation as we inch closer to fantasy football season, but for now, his comments regarding Ford are promising. The Cincinnati product rushed 204 times for 813 yards and four touchdowns last year to go along with 44 receptions for 319 yards and five scores. Regardless of Chubb's status, Ford should at least be involved in the receiving game in his third NFL season.

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The New Orleans Saints signed free-agent cornerback Will Harris on Wednesday, according to NFL.com. Harris spent the first five seasons of his professional career with the Detroit Lions after being selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Through the first 81 games (40 starts) of his career, Harris has racked up 246 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and 14 pass deflections. Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor, and second-round rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry form a strong two-deep depth chart at cornerback, but Harrison also has experience as a safety. He could be a primary backup for Jordan Howden or Tyrann Mathieu if he makes the team's 53-man roster.

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Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane said that quarterback Josh Allen really liked wide receiver Keon Coleman before the team selected him in the second round of this year's draft at No. 33 overall. Coleman said that after he was drafted, Allen texted him to say, "You're the guy that I wanted." The 20-year-old big-bodied wideout from Florida State was as impressive as any of the team's top pass-catchers in this year's draft with his ability to make tough, contested catches down the field. That will be useful when working with Allen and his gunslinging ways, but Coleman's weakness is that he doesn't generate much separation from defensive backs. Outside of his 11 touchdowns in 2023, Coleman had just 7.3 yards per target and isn't a burner. Despite his weaknesses, he should have plenty of opportunity in Buffalo in his rookie season.

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The Denver Broncos have informed quarterback Zach Wilson and his representatives that they won't pick up his fifth-year option, according to sources. The Broncos acquired the New York Jets' former second overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft early last week and then selected QB Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick in this year's draft. Wilson's option would have been for a guaranteed $22.408 million in 2025. The Jets will pay a significant portion of Wilson's $1.055 million base salary in 2024, and he's now headed for free agency next spring. Wilson, Nix and Jarrett Stidham, who started the final two games in 2023 when the team benched Russell Wilson, will compete for the starting job in Denver in training camp this summer. It's a fresh start for Wilson, but he has not looked like a starter in his first three years in the league with a 57% completion rate, 25 interceptions and 23 touchdowns.

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The San Francisco 49ers were engaged in trade talks involving wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel leading up to the draft, but the team elected not to trade either of their star receivers, with all signs pointing toward both being on the 2024 roster. Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and the assumption was that he'd be the odd man out after the team paid Samuel and other star players. Samuel still has two years left on the deal he signed before the 2022 season. San Fran has been to at least the NFC Championship game in four of the last five seasons, and losing Aiyuk or Samuel would almost certainly make the team worse in 2024. The 49ers can afford to keep both this year, but an Aiyuk extension would likely reduce his $14.124 million salary cap number for 2024. Samuel's fantasy value would have likely taken a hit with a move out of the Bay Area.

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The Indianapolis Colts posted a video of quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) throwing at offseason spring practices, and he appears to be fully healthy after needing season-ending shoulder surgery in his rookie season in 2023. The 21-year-old is expected to be ready to take part in organized team activities in May and June, although the Colts could choose to ease him in. The former fourth overall pick last year out of Florida played in just four games in 2023 due to a head injury and his shoulder ailment, but he flashed high-end QB1 upside in that small sample size by throwing for 577 yards, three touchdowns and an interception while also picking up 136 rushing yards and four touchdowns. There's obvious injury risk involved because of his propensity to take off and run, but fantasy managers can't deny the upside.

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The Arizona Cardinals have chosen not to pick up defensive end Zaven Collins' fifth-year option, according to general manager Monti Ossenfort. With the move, Collins will be in the final year of his rookie deal in 2024 and will become a free agent next March. It's a surprising move after the 24-year-old former 16th overall pick has recorded 166 tackles (103 solo), 5.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, 10 QB hits, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 12 passes defended, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 50 games (39 starts) in his three years in the NFL. Collins isn't exactly on the IDP fantasy radar as a defensive lineman because of his lack of sacks, but he should continue to be a starting edge defender for Arizona in 2024.

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