Wed Jul 3 10:36am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Hurts was first quarterback picked
RealTime Fantasy Sports is proud to present you the results of our “Champions Draft." The draft this season once again consists of the top rated fantasy players on our site. We invited players rated near the top of our Top Fantasy Players report. So this is the best of the best on our site.
In this column, we'll give you a round-by-round look at the draft. Each round includes some notes on that round, talking about what just went down. Hopefully, this gives you some insight into the draft and helps prepare you for all your drafts this coming year.
Before we get to that, here is a quick overview of the league format. We used the same rules as we do for the "All-Pro" fantasy leagues on our site. So you can view the entire set of rules on our main page for that game. But here is a brief look. Each team starts a quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, a tight end, a defensive/special teams, a kicker and a flex player (RB, WR or TE). Scoring is pretty standard. Touchdowns are worth six except for passing touchdowns, which are worth four. And it is a points per reception league, giving every player a point per reception. Defenses get points for sacks, interceptions and fumble recoveries. The rules are pretty standard with how many leagues operate these days.
ROUND 1
1. Ballers - Christian McCaffrey RB, SF
2. Birds - CeeDee Lamb WR, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Bijan Robinson RB, ATL
4. Super Paurs - Breece Hall RB, NYJ
5. Wreckingcrew - Tyreek Hill WR, MIA
6. PaurPlay - Justin Jefferson WR, MIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Amon-Ra St. Brown WR, DET
8. Bubbles Army - Ja'Marr Chase WR, CIN
9. HORNS - Jahmyr Gibbs RB, DET
10. Goodfellas - Puka Nacua WR, LAR
11. Suncoast - A.J. Brown WR, PHI
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Saquon Barkley RB, PHI
NOTES: The first round was pretty chalk, going very similar to the current ADP. These savvy owners didn’t take many chances with the first round. There were five running backs and seven receivers picked in Round 1. It was not a surprise to see no tight ends or quarterbacks picked in the first round. The only mild surprise was seeing Jonathan Taylor failed to get picked this round. He normally goes at the end of the first round, but didn’t in this one.
ROUND 2
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jonathan Taylor RB, IND
2. Suncoast - Garrett Wilson WR, NYJ
3. Goodfellas - Sam LaPorta TE, DET
4. HORNS - Travis Etienne RB, JAX
5. Bubbles Army - Davante Adams WR, LV
6. Crusty GON Pod - Chris Olave WR, NO
7. PaurPlay - Josh Jacobs RB, GB
8. Wreckingcrew - Kyren Williams RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - Devon Achane RB, MIA
10. CRUNCHY - Derrick Henry RB, BAL
11. Birds - Isiah Pacheco RB, KC
12. Ballers - Marvin Harrison Jr. WR, ARI
NOTES: Sam LaPorta was the first tight end picked, getting taken by Suncoast this round. He went a tad sooner, having an ADP of 24.99 but he wasn’t going to last to Suncoast when he picked again, so he had to pull the trigger now if he wanted him on his roster. . . . This was a running back heavy round, seeing seven go off the board. This is normally a trend in many drafts with a lot of owners going receiver in the first round. . . .Isiah Pacheco might have been the only surprise running back of this round. The Birds selected him with the 11th pick. This wasn’t too far off his ADP, though, normally going pick 26.62. . . . .Marvin Harrison continues to be the first rookie picked on draft day. The Ballers picked him with the last pick, making him the 24th pick overall.
ROUND 3
1. Ballers - Drake London WR, ATL
2. Birds - Michael Pittman Jr. WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Nico Collins WR, HOU
4. Super Paurs - Deebo Samuel WR, SF
5. Wreckingcrew - James Cook RB, BUF
6. PaurPlay - Travis Kelce TE, KC
7. Crusty GON Pod - Rhamondre Stevenson RB, NE
8. Bubbles Army - Rachaad White RB, TB
9. HORNS - Stefon Diggs WR, HOU
10. Goodfellas - Joe Mixon RB, HOU
11. Suncoast - Mike Evans WR, TB
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aiyuk WR, SF
NOTES: This round was a little more receiver heavy once again, having seven go off the board. This seems to be a trend in a lot of drafts, having owners get two receivers and a running back after three rounds. . . . .Travis Kelce is the second tight end picked, which is a little unusual for him, but definitely a trend. Kelce has an ADP of 30.8, going after LaPorta in most drafts. Paur Play is hoping he has at least one more big season in him. . . . .It is always interesting seeing how owners value the two top receivers for the Texans. Nico Collins went before Stefon Diggs in this draft. Collins was picked third this round by CRUNCHY while the HORNS picked Diggs with the ninth pick.
ROUND 4
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jaylen Waddle WR, MIA
2. Suncoast - Jalen Hurts QB, PHI
3. Goodfellas - D.J. Moore WR, CHI
4. HORNS - DeVonta Smith WR, PHI
5. Bubbles Army - Josh Allen QB, BUF
6. Crusty GON Pod - D'Andre Swift RB, CHI
7. PaurPlay - Patrick Mahomes QB, KC
8. Wreckingcrew - D.K. Metcalf WR, SEA
9. Super Paurs - Amari Cooper WR, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Kenneth Walker III RB, SEA
11. Birds - Lamar Jackson QB, BAL
12. Ballers - Trey McBride TE, ARI
NOTES: This was a quarterback heavy round, seeing four go off the board. Jalen Hurts was the first quarterback selected, getting picked by Suncoast. He went ahead of Josh Allen, who normally is the first quarterback picked in drafts. . . . .Trey McBride was the third tight end picked, going to the Ballers with the last pick in this round. McBride is flying up draft boards this year after this strong finish last season. He has an ADP of 48.2, so this spot for him is not out of the norm. . . .There was just two running backs picked this round after seeing at least four picked each of the first three rounds. D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Walker were the backs picked this round.
ROUND 5
1. Ballers - Zay Flowers WR, BAL
2. Birds - Mark Andrews TE, BAL
3. CRUNCHY - Aaron Jones RB, MIN
4. Super Paurs - Cooper Kupp WR, LAR
5. Wreckingcrew - C.J. Stroud QB, HOU
6. PaurPlay - Alvin Kamara RB, NO
7. Crusty GON Pod - Kyle Pitts TE, ATL
8. Bubbles Army - Dalton Kincaid TE, BUF
9. HORNS - Anthony Richardson QB, IND
10. Goodfellas - James Conner RB, ARI
11. Suncoast - David Montgomery RB, DET
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - George Kittle TE, SF
NOTES: David Montgomery was one of the top league winners last year but falls to the fifth round of this draft, going to Suncoast with the 11th pick. Fantasy owners have concerns for a repeat season from Montgomery, having an ADP of 68.9. This could end up being a make or break pick for the defending champ. . . . .Cooper Kupp is another polarizing figure this season. He was a very early pick last year, but goes to the Super Paurs with the fifth pick in Round 5. He has taken quite the fall in drafts, having an ADP of 46.5. . . .There were four tight ends pick this round. Dalton Kincaid is the biggest mover from last year. The Horns picked him with the eighth pick. Kincaid is normally the fifth tight end off the board, so Horns might have gotten a little value with him being the seventh tight end selected with this pick.
ROUND 6
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Malik Nabers WR, NYG
2. Suncoast - Najee Harris RB, PIT
3. Goodfellas - Jaylen Warren RB, PIT
4. HORNS - Zack Moss RB, CIN
5. Bubbles Army - Christian Kirk WR, JAX
6. Crusty GON Pod - George Pickens WR, PIT
7. PaurPlay - Calvin Ridley WR, TEN
8. Wreckingcrew - Jordan Love QB, GB
9. Super Paurs - Zamir White RB, LV
10. CRUNCHY - Tee Higgins WR, CIN
11. Birds - Jayden Reed WR, GB
12. Ballers - Tony Pollard RB, TEN
NOTES: The one pick that stands out in this round was the Birds taking Jayden Reed with the 11th pick. He has an ADP of 86.9, so they might have went a little early on Reed. He certainly has potential after scoring eight touchdowns his rookie season, but the Birds might have been able to get him a few rounds later. . . .The quarterback position slowed down a little this round with Jordan Love the only quarterback selected. He goes with the eight pick to Wreckingcrew. Love was fifth overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year, so getting him after the elite guys are gone could turn out to be good value for Wreckingcrew. . . . .Some running backs that could be splitting work this year flew off the board. Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Zack Moss, Zamir White and Tony Pollard were all picked. They all have some question marks about playing time but if one emerges, they could be great value in Round 6.
ROUND 7
1. Ballers - Terry McLaurin WR, WAS
2. Birds - Jonathon Brooks RB, CAR
3. CRUNCHY - Rashee Rice WR, KC
4. Super Paurs - Joe Burrow QB, CIN
5. Wreckingcrew - Evan Engram TE, JAX
6. PaurPlay - Diontae Johnson WR, CAR
7. Crusty GON Pod - Keenan Allen WR, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Austin Ekeler RB, WAS
9. HORNS - Chris Godwin WR, TB
10. Goodfellas - Tank Dell WR, HOU
11. Suncoast - Javonte Williams RB, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Raheem Mostert RB, MIA
NOTES: Our first rookie running back was picked this round, seeing the Birds take Jonathan Brooks with the second pick. Brooks could start the year slow, recovering from his knee injury, but could be a huge factor down the stretch for the Birds. Brooks went around 10 spots later than normal, having an ADP of 64.3. . . .Rashee Rice is a player facing a possible multi-game suspension. If not for that, he would be going much higher. Instead, he falls to CRUNCHY with the third pick this round. Rice has an ADP of 81.6, so he goes about where he normally does in drafts. If he can end up avoiding a suspension, this pick will be a huge steal for CRUNCHY. . . .Raheem Mostert is another intriguing player to watch in drafts. He was a league winner for many last year but is not getting drafted like that. AlwaysBetOnBlack gets him with the last pick this round. Mostert has an ADP of 84.8, so most drafters are not betting on a repeat of his huge season.
ROUND 8
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brian Robinson Jr. RB, WAS
2. Suncoast - Marquise Brown WR, KC
3. Goodfellas - Dak Prescott QB, DAL
4. HORNS - Nick Chubb RB, CLE
5. Bubbles Army - Devin Singletary RB, NYG
6. Crusty GON Pod - Tyjae Spears RB, TEN
7. PaurPlay - J.K. Dobbins RB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Blake Corum RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - David Njoku TE, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Jake Ferguson TE, DAL
11. Birds - Christian Watson WR, GB
12. Ballers - Trey Benson RB, ARI
NOTES: Nick Chubb is returning from another major injury and lasts until the fourth pick of Round 8. He has big question marks, but the Horns could take a chance on him with three quality backs already on his roster. . . .The Ballers took a chance on rookie Trey Benson in Round 8. After taking Christian McCaffrey with the first pick, the Ballers filled up other positions on his roster before taking chances on running backs later in the draft. . . . .There were seven total running backs picked this round. Many owners are hoping to find that great mid-round value, looking for the Raheem Mostert of this season.
ROUND 9
1. Ballers - Zach Charbonnet RB, SEA
2. Birds - Ezekiel Elliott RB, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Kyler Murray QB, ARI
4. Super Paurs - Ty Chandler RB, MIN
5. Wreckingcrew - DeAndre Hopkins WR, TEN
6. PaurPlay - Chase Brown RB, CIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Caleb Williams QB, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Jordan Addison WR, MIN
9. HORNS - T.J. Hockenson TE, MIN
10. Goodfellas - Gus Edwards RB, LAC
11. Suncoast - Courtland Sutton WR, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Trevor Lawrence QB, JAX
NOTES: Three quarterbacks go this round, giving every team at least one quarterback except one. Ballers is the only team that doesn’t have a quarterbacks after nine rounds. The three quarterbacks picked this round were Kyler Murray, rookie Caleb Williams and Trevor Lawrence. . . .Teams continues to load up on mid-round running backs with five getting of the 12 picks being running backs. None of these backs are sure things but both Ezekiel Elliott and Gus Edwards have some touchdown potential on their teams. . . .DeAndre Hopkins is not getting drafted as he was in the past. He goes with the fifth pick to Wreckingcrew. This spot is even later than normal for Hopkins, who has an ADP of 79.6.
ROUND 10
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Xavier Worthy WR, KC
2. Suncoast - Dallas Goedert TE, PHI
3. Goodfellas - Ladd McConkey WR, LAC
4. HORNS - Keon Coleman WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, SEA
6. Crusty GON Pod - Jerome Ford RB, CLE
7. PaurPlay - Jameson Williams WR, DET
8. Wreckingcrew - Rico Dowdle RB, DAL
9. Super Paurs - Mike Williams WR, NYJ
10. CRUNCHY - Brian Thomas Jr. WR, JAX
11. Birds - Curtis Samuel WR, BUF
12. Ballers - Brock Purdy QB, SF
NOTES: Round 10 is the round of the rookie. There were four rookie receivers picked this round, including Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey, Keon Coleman and Brian Thomas. These are four receivers that all have the chance to emerge as top playmakers in their respective offenses. . . . .Ballers is the last team to take a quarterback, picking Brock Purdy with the last pick in Round 10. Purdy was seventh overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year. . . . Suncoast was the last team to select a tight end, taking Dallas Goedert with the second pick. Goedert can be erratic but has a high weekly ceiling in his offense.
ROUND 11
1. Ballers - Kendre Miller RB, NO
2. Birds - Josh Downs WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Rome Odunze WR, CHI
4. Super Paurs - Gabriel Davis WR, JAX
5. Wreckingcrew - Brandin Cooks WR, DAL
6. PaurPlay - Jahan Dotson WR, WAS
7. Crusty GON Pod - Cole Kmet TE, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Brock Bowers TE, LV
9. HORNS - Jerry Jeudy WR, CLE
10. Goodfellas - Jayden Daniels QB, WAS
11. Suncoast - Tyler Lockett WR, SEA
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aubrey K, DAL
NOTES: We had our first team take a second quarterback. Goodfellas took rookie Jayden Daniels with the 10th pick. They picked Dak Prescott two rounds earlier, giving him what could be a potent one-two punch at quarterback. . . .Our first kicker was picked. Brandon Aubrey was taken with the last pick this round by AlwaysBetOnBlack. It is a tad earlier than normal for our first kicker. Aubrey has an ADP of 133.1. . . .The top tight end in this year’s draft, Brock Bowers, was picked by Bubbles Army with the eighth pick. Bubbles is hoping Bowers is the Sam LaPorta of this year’s rookie class.
ROUND 12
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Dallas Cowboys Def/ST, DAL
2. Suncoast - Jakobi Meyers WR, LV
3. Goodfellas - Kimani Vidal RB, LAC
4. HORNS - Khalil Shakir WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - MarShawn Lloyd RB, GB
6. Crusty GON Pod - Antonio Gibson RB, NE
7. PaurPlay - Justin Herbert QB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Pat Freiermuth TE, PIT
9. Super Paurs - Jared Goff QB, DET
10. CRUNCHY - Kirk Cousins QB, ATL
11. Birds - Tua Tagovailoa QB, MIA
12. Ballers - Chuba Hubbard RB, CAR
NOTES: AlwaysBetOnBlack took the first kicker and followed that by picking the first defense. The Cowboys defense is the first off the board, giving AlwaysBetOnBlack both the Cowboys kicker and defense. . . . .There were a couple rookie running backs picked this round. Kimani Vidal and MarShawn Lloyd don’t have a clear path to playing time with their respective teams but have some potential if given the opportunities. . . .Four teams took backup quarterbacks this round. It is interesting to see Justin Herbert fall so far, but he has question marks because of a new offense and lack of playmakers in the passing game.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
TFC Champion is Crowned
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Wednesday that wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) will remain on Injured Reserve, which means he won't play again this season, even if the Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship this Sunday to advance to a third straight Super Bowl appearance. The Chiefs opened Hardman's 21-day practice window to return from IR before the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos, but the team never felt comfortable putting him out there on game day. The 26-year-old will now begin his offseason early and make sure that his knee is fully ready for the start of the 2025 regular season this fall. Hardman was mostly valuable to the Chiefs this year before his knee injury as a return man on special teams, as he caught only 12 of 14 targets for 90 yards and no touchdowns in 12 games played in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni told reporters that quarterback Jalen Hurts (knee) will take part in Wednesday's walkthrough practice, as will rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder). Hurts injured his left knee in the second half of the Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday and was examined in the medical tent before eventually returning to the field. Although Hurts finished out the game under center, his mobility was compromised and he appeared to be walking with a significant limp after the contest. The Eagles were non-committal on Hurts' status for the NFC Championship against the Washington Commanders earlier this week, but he did say he fully expects to be out there this Sunday. The 26-year-old had 70 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground against the Rams, but fantasy managers might want to temper expectations for Hurts' rushing contributions this weekend if he's active.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that safety Taylor Rapp (hip) will not practice on Wednesday and listed him as day-to-day with a hip injury. Meanwhile, cornerback Christian Benford (concussion) will be limited as he works his way through the league's concussion protocol, and linebacker Matt Milano (hamstring) will also be limited. Rapp was limited to 33 percent of the team's defensive snaps last Sunday in the Divisional Round win over the Baltimore Ravens and is now in danger of missing the AFC Championship this Sunday in Kansas City against the Chiefs. However, the 27-year-old could have a chance at suiting up if he's able to return to practice on Thursday or Friday. Not having Rapp in the secondary would be a notable downgrade for Buffalo's secondary. Cole Bishop would be the likely replacement if Rapp is ruled out.
From RotoBaller
With Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen now out of the running, many around the NFL view former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh as the potential favorite to become the next head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Saleh is scheduled to fly to Jacksonville on Thursday for a Friday meeting with Jaguars owner Shad Khan, general manager Trent Baalke and others. While Saleh could have the leg up for the job, Jacksonville could also expand their head-coaching search. The other name that could still be in the running for the head-coach job is Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, but the Jaguars can't interview him again until the Bills season is over. Jacksonville will interview Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham for a second time on Thursday.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports on Wednesday that Detroit Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams will become the New England Patriots' new defensive coordinator, according to sources. Williams worked with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans from 2018-23, and Vrabel thought so highly of Williams that he had him serve as the Titans' head coach during the 2023 preseason opener. The move to hire Williams comes a day after Josh McDaniels was hired to return to New England to run the team's offense under Vrabel. Williams will have plenty of work to do in his new location in Boston after the Patriots' entire defense struggled in 2024. His biggest building block on that side of the ball is cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Look for the Patriots to try and add talent to the defensive side of the ball this offseason through the draft and free agency.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta said on Wednesday that the team will be looking at a possible contract extension for running back Derrick Henry this offseason. Despite being on the wrong side of 30 (31), King Henry proved that he still has plenty left in the tank, rushing for 1,921 yards and a league-high 16 rushing touchdowns on 325 rushing attempts in 17 regular-season starts in his first year in Baltimore. He also added 19 receptions for 193 yards and two more TDs while averaging a career-high 5.9 yards per carry. Henry finished the regular season as the RB3 in half-PPR scoring. He'll be heading into the last year of the two-year, $16 million deal he signed last offseason, but the Ravens want him around longer. Showing no signs of slowing down and being in one of the best offenses in football, Henry should be a high-end RB1 again this fall.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached a contract extension with offensive coordinator Liam Coen on Wednesday that will put him amongst the highest-paid coordinators in the NFL, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move comes after it was reported on Tuesday that the Jacksonville Jaguars' head-coaching job was essentially Coen's to lose. It's a huge win for Tampa's offense in 2025 and beyond, especially for quarterback Baker Mayfield, who had been making a huge push for the team to retain Coen after he had a career year in 2024. Mayfield had career-highs in passing yards (4,500), touchdown passes (41) and completion percentage (71.4%) in his first year working with the 39-year-old Coen. If Coen had departed for Jacksonville, the Bucs would have been searching for a new offensive coordinator for the second straight offseason after Dave Canales became the Panthers head coach last offseason.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta said on Wednesday that he expects Justin Tucker to be a great kicker for the team moving forward into the 2025 season. Tucker had the worst season of his career in 2024, but DeCosta mentioned that he finished the year strong. The 35-year-old finished the year going 22-for-30 on his field-goal attempts and 60-for-62 on his extra points in 17 regular-season games. He made just 73.3% of his field goals, with his previous low in conversion rate coming in at 82%. The seven-time Pro Bowler particularly struggled from deep, where he had been so money before, making just six of his 11 tries from 50-plus yards. While Tucker's leg might not be as strong as it was earlier in his elite career, he can still be a fantasy asset in 2025 in a strong Baltimore offense -- he just shouldn't be the first kicker off the board anymore.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Los Angeles Chargers nine-time Pro Bowl linebacker Khalil Mack will return to play in 2025, according to a source. Mack said after the wild-card playoff loss to the Houston Texans that he needed time to decide on his future, but he has chosen to come back for at least one more season. However, the 33-year-old's contract with the Chargers is up and he will be an unrestricted free agent this March. Now that we know Mack wants to keep playing, the Bolts will probably do everything in their power to re-sign Mack, who had a down year in 2024 after posting a career-high 17 sacks in his second year in L.A. in 2023. The three-time All-Pro and former Defensive Player of the Year finished his third year with the Chargers with only six sacks in 16 regular-season starts. Wherever Mack lands in free agency, he could be more of a situational pass-rusher in 2025.
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles signed free-agent tight end Cameron Latu to a Reserve/Futures deal on Tuesday and released wide receiver Elijah Cooks from their practice squad in a corresponding move. Latu was with the San Francisco 49ers during training camp but was cut before the start of the regular season. The 24-year-old then latched on with the Cleveland Browns and spent time on their practice squad in 2024, although he did not play in any games. He has never appeared in an NFL game and will merely be looking to stick around on Philly's active 53-man roster after training camp this summer. Latu was originally taken by the 49ers in the third round (101st overall) of the 2023 NFL draft out of Alabama.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers announced on Tuesday that they signed free-agent tight end James Mitchell and outside linebacker Boogie Basham to Reserve/Futures deals. Mitchell was a former fifth-round selection by the Detroit Lions in 2022 out of Virginia Tech. He was with the Lions on their practice squad in 2024 and will now try to make Carolina's active 53-man roster for the 2025 season. In 30 games over three seasons in the NFL, he has only recorded 13 catches for 141 yards and one touchdown in Detroit. Basham, meanwhile, was a second-round selection by the Buffalo Bills in 2021 out of Wake Forest. He'll reunite with general manager Dan Morgan, who was in Buffalo's front office when he was drafted. In 40 games over his four years in the NFL, Basham has 4.5 sacks. He was traded to the New York Giants in 2023.
From RotoBaller
The Atlanta Falcons announced on Tuesday that they signed wide receivers David Sills, Phillip Dorsett II, Dylan Drummond, Jesse Matthews and Makai Polk, defensive tackles Junior Aho and LaCale London, offensive lineman Matthew Cindric, running back Elijah Dotson, offensive guards Joey Fisher and Jovaughn Gwyn, defensive backs Lamar Jackson and Benny Sapp III, quarterback Emory Jones, defensive end Khalid Kareem and offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr. to Reserve/Futures deals. Thirteen of the 16 players were on the Falcons' practice squad at some point in 2024, with Gwyn, Jackson and Kareem seeing time on the active roster. Sills was with the Denver Broncos this year and was elevated to the active roster in Week 17, although he didn't see any action. He has 13 career catches for 123 yards in 16 games (seven starts) since debuting in 2021.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Malik Cunningham has signed a reserve/future deal to stay with the organization in 2025. Cunningham spent the entire 2024 campaign on the practice squad, but he'll get a chance to earn a spot on the 53-man roster during training camp. The Louisville product started his pro career as a quarterback, but has transitioned to a wideout with the Ravens. He played briefly with the New England Patriots before joining the Ravens roster. There is plenty of untapped potential here due to Cunningham's speed and the fact he played quarterback in college. Hopefully, the Ravens find a way to get him involved in their 2025 gameplan. In addition to Cunningham, the Ravens signed quarterback Devin Leary, receiver Dayton Wade, tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden, offensive linemen Corey Bullock and Darrian Dalcourt, defensive linemen Adedayo Odeleye, Basil Okoye and C.J. Ravenell and linebacker William Kwenkeu.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions have signed wide receiver Ronnie Bell to a reserve/future deal on Tuesday. Bell was waived by the San Francisco 49ers in late November, but he was quickly signed back to the practice squad. The 24-year-old finished the season with two reception for 22 yards in nine games with the 49ers. The former seventh-round pick failed to do much in his two seasons in San Francisco. He'll look to catch on as a depth option with the Lions next season.
From RotoBaller
According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, Daniel Jones could return to the Minnesota Vikings for the 2025 season. While Lewis noted that Jones is expected to test free agency, he could be a part of Minnesota's plans if Sam Darnold were to depart. This would present an opportunity for Jones to operate as the No.2 option behind J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy missed the entire 2024 season after he tore his meniscus during the preseason. Jones opened the 2024 campaign with the New York Giants but was released after Week 10. During this ten-game stint, Jones scored ten touchdowns, threw seven interceptions, and averaged a mere 207.5 passing yards per game. The 27-year-old operated as the No.3 QB while with the Minnesota Vikings. Given his struggles this season, Jones will likely operate as a backup throughout most of the 2025 campaign.
From RotoBaller
According to Colton Pouncy and Amos Morale III of The Athletic, Detroit Lions defensive back Carlton Davis could depart in free agency. Pouncy and Morale also mentioned offensive guard Kevin Zeitler as another name who could depart in free agency. With the Lions already losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and also potentially defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the team could look quite different heading into the 2025 campaign. Davis sustained a fractured jaw during Week 15 and was sidelined for the remainder of the season. During the first 13 games of the campaign, the 28-year-old defensive back tallied 56 tackles (42 solos), 11 deflections, and two sacks while operating as a starter in the secondary. If he were to depart, Kindle Vildor would likely have an increased role next season.
From RotoBaller
According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, linebacker Lavonte David is considering retirement. Stroud reported that the 34-year-old linebacker will take some time to discuss his future with his family before making a decision. However, given that David played on a one-year deal during the 2024 season, retirement seems likely. During his career, David has been named to three All-Pro teams and one Pro Bowl team. He also won Super Bowl LV with Tampa Bay during the 2020 NFL Season. The former second-round selection out of Nebraska has tallied 1,601 tackles, 39 sacks, 71 deflections, 13 interceptions, and 31 forced fumbles throughout his 13-year career. This past season, David tallied 130 tackles across 18 contests.
From RotoBaller
According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, the New England Patriots are hiring Josh McDaniels as their new offensive coordinator. McDaniels has had two prior tenures with the New England Patriots and will now be tasked to be a critical part of developing their new franchise quarterback, Drake Maye. McDaniels joined the Patriots for the first time in 2001 and eventually parted after the 2008 season to work for the Denver Broncos. He would then have a brief stint with the St. Louis Rams before returning to New England. He operated as the Offensive Coordinator for another ten seasons before becoming the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders for two seasons. During that short tenure, he held a disappointing 9-16 record. Now, he will return to where he spent 18 seasons, hoping to kickstart another dynasty with newly hired head coach Mike Vrabel. During his 18-year period with the Patriots, McDaniels won six Super Bowls. He was the offensive mind behind the record-breaking 2007 New England Patriots that went undefeated during the regular season. This is a positive sign for Drake Maye as he will have an experienced offensive coordinator with him who has had decades of professional winning experience.
From RotoBaller