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
The Jacksonville Jaguars released two-time Pro Bowl return man/wide receiver Devin Duvernay on Thursday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The Jaguars were busy on Thursday clearing salary cap space for the 2025 season, as they traded receiver Christian Kirk to the division-rival Houston Texans and also released tight end Evan Engram. The 27-year-old Duvernay was much more valuable to Jacksonville as a kick returner in 2024, racking up 351 yards on kickoffs and 167 yards on punt returns while also chipping in 11 receptions for 79 yards and no touchdowns in 13 games played. The former third-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2020 out of Texas had 94 catches on 131 targets for 898 yards and five touchdowns in his four years with Baltimore. Wherever he lands in free agency, he'll once again primarily be a kick returner.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco Standard's David Lombardi writes that San Francisco 49ers restricted free-agent running back Jordan Mason (ankle) has been drawing trade interest around the league after rushing for 1,253 yards on 5.3 yards per carry over his first three years in the league. The 49ers can tender the 25-year-old an offer that includes a right of first refusal ahead of the new league year next Wednesday. It would make sense for the Niners to place a second-round tender ($5.3 million) on Mason with the value of RBs potentially on the rise. Lombardi points out that the team has twice traded away a RB for a fifth-round pick, so Mason could be dangled with Christian McCaffrey (knee) coming back in 2025 and with Isaac Guerendo also on the roster. Mason had 789 rushing yards and three TDs on 153 carries in 2024 but missed the final five games with an ankle injury. His path back to fantasy relevance makes more sense outside of San Fran.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's David Lombardi said on the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday that he doesn't "think it's likely that the San Francisco 49ers are gonna trade Brandon Aiyuk." However, he also said "it's something that they're not saying a firm no to, though." The new contract that Aiyuk signed before last season wouldn't necessarily be a deterrent to a trade as much as the fact that he tore his ACL and MCL last season. If a team wanted to trade for the 26-year-old former first-rounder, they'd be inheriting him at four years and $110 million. Aiyuk also has a $20 million guarantee that kicks in on April 1, so it gives San Fran a little extra time to try and find a trade partner, despite just recently dealing Deebo Samuel Sr. to the Commanders. Before Aiyuk's injury, he didn't look good with 25 catches for 374 yards and no touchdowns in seven games. Depending on his recovery from his major knee injury, Aiyuk could be a rebound candidate in fantasy if he stays with the Niners now that Samuel is out of town.
From RotoBaller
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Minnesota Vikings and impending free-agent quarterback Sam Darnold continue to negotiate this week after the Vikings decided not to place the franchise tag on him by the deadline this past Tuesday. Minnesota continues to say that they would like to re-sign Darnold for less than the franchise tag ($40 million), which would make it manageable to build the team around him in 2025. It's a delicate situation, as last year's first-rounder J.J. McCarthy (knee), who the Vikings still have faith in as their future franchise signal-caller, will be back this year after missing all of 2024 due to a season-ending knee injury that he suffered last preseason. Their willingness to bring Darnold back could mean they'd be fine having McCarthy sit and learn as the backup in 2025 before finally taking over in 2026. Either way, Darnold's best path to his highest fantasy ceiling in 2025 will be to stay in Minnesota.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider said on Seattle Sports that the team is "talking to a ton of teams, taking offers, seeing what that looks like" after wide receiver DK Metcalf officially requested a trade this week. The GM also said "everything is in a very cordial, professional place." Schneider said if there's a deadline to get a trade done, it would be by the draft. However, he also noted the Seahawks don't have to do anything right now with Metcalf under contract for one more year. "Worst-case scenario we have an amazing, explosive, powerful athlete playing receiver for us again in 2025, so we'll see where this goes." Seattle released veteran Tyler Lockett this week as well, so if Metcalf were to be traded, their receiver depth would be very thin behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Seahawks reportedly will be seeking first- and third-round picks for Metcalf, who had a career-low five touchdowns in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders re-signed standout linebacker Bobby Wagner to a one-year deal worth up to $9.5 million on Thursday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The deal contains $8 million guaranteed. Wagner, a 10-time Pro Bowler and six-time first-team All-Pro, represented himself on the deal. In his first year in D.C. in 2024, the 34-year-old veteran continued to be a playmaker, recording 132 tackles (75 solo), two sacks, 10 tackles for loss, eight QB hits, four pass breakups, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 17 regular-season starts. While his 132 combined tackles were his fewest in a season since 2015, Wagner was still a key player for the Commanders and remained fantasy relevant in IDP formats. Wagner isn't a top-end fantasy linebacker anymore but he still finished at No. 18 at his position in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Jacksonville Jaguars released tight end Evan Engram (shoulder) on Thursday, per multiple reports. Engram was scheduled to make $14.75 million in 2025, with none of it being guaranteed, but the new coaching staff and front office apparently have decided to move on. The move to cut Engram comes just after the organization traded wide receiver Christian Kirk (collarbone) to the division-rival Houston Texans in exchange for a seventh-round selection in 2026. Engram had a career year in his second year in Jacksonville in 2023 with a 114-963-4 line in 17 games (15 starts) but only ended up playing in nine games in 2024 due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder that required season-ending surgery in mid-December. Jacksonville will free up $5.98 million in salary cap space with Engram's release. Brenton Strange is now their top TE, but the Jags could address the position in free agency or the 2025 NFL draft.
From RotoBaller
The Cincinnati Bengals have granted All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade this offseason, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. "It's been an honor and privilege to represent Cincinnati over the last four years," said Hendrickson, the NFL's sack leader. "I love this city and organization. I appreciate the privilege of now being allowed to explore my options." The Bengals are trying to sign Hendrickson and receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to contract extensions this offseason, but that was always going to be a tall task. The 30-year-old Hendrickson is heading into the final year of his deal in 2025 but wants a new contract after leading the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024. Of the trio of stars that the Bengals hope to keep, Hendrickson was always viewed as the least likely to stay. He has 35 sacks the last two years and will be a high-end defensive lineman in IDP leagues, regardless of where he's playing.
From RotoBaller
The Atlanta Falcons will not tender an offer to restricted free-agent linebacker Nate Landman, who has 191 tackles in 23 starts over the last two years, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. While the 26-year-old could return to Atlanta on a lesser deal, he will now become an unrestricted free agent next week. The former undrafted free agent out of the University of Colorado should have a decent market in free agency after posting 81 tackles (39 solo) and three forced fumbles in only 13 games (nine starts) in his third year in the league. 2023 was his best year, though, when he finished with a career-high 110 tackles (66 solo), two sacks, seven tackles for loss, his only career interception and three forced fumbles in 16 games (14 starts). Wherever Landman lands for the 2025 season, he'll provide valuable linebacker depth.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans are acquiring wide receiver Christian Kirk (collarbone) from the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick in 2026, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The Texans will take on Kirk's existing contract, which is scheduled to pay him $16.5 million in 2025 in the final year of the deal. Many folks were wondering what Houston was going to do this offseason given the fact that Tank Dell (knee) might miss all of 2025 and Stefon Diggs (knee) hitting free agency. The 28-year-old Kirk isn't without injury issues of his own, though, after suffering a season-ending broken left collarbone in October of last year. He should be fully healthy for Week 1 this fall, though, and will operate out of the slot as the No. 2 behind Nico Collins. If he can stay healthy, Kirk will be an intriguing bounce-back candidate for fantasy managers now that he'll be working with quarterback C.J. Stroud.
From RotoBaller
The Atlanta Falcons will not tender restricted free-agent cornerback Dee Alford, meaning he will hit the open free-agent market when it begins on March 12. Alford joined the Falcons in 2022 after two seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League and has played in 48 games with the organization. Overall, the 27-year-old has racked up 104 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception, and 24 passes defended. Alford should draw interest on the open market in a league that requires defensive-back depth.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans hired Mike McCoy as a senior offensive assistant, completing the team's staff for the 2025 season. McCoy began his NFL coaching career in 2000 as an offensive assistant with the Carolina Panthers and has held roles as the offensive coordinator for two organizations. He was the head coach of the San Diego Chargers from 2013 to 2016, compiling a 27-37 record with one playoff appearance. The 52-year-old spent the last three seasons as Trevor Lawrence's quarterback coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He'll now be tasked with working with young head coach Brian Callahan and whoever emerges as the starting QB in Tennessee.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson signed a two-year, $12.6 million contract extension to remain with the organization through 2027, according to NFL.com. Jackson was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee but did not make the active roster and landed with the Vikings to begin his career. In three seasons with Minnesota, he has racked up 47 total tackles (29 solo), two interceptions, and four pass deflections in 43 games. Jackson has special teams ability and is a valuable depth piece in Minnesota's secondary led by Brian Flores.
From RotoBaller
The Chicago Bears signed former Miami Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe to a one-year deal on Thursday, according to NFL.com. The former fourth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame has played his entire seven-year career with Miami but was released this offseason. Overall, the 28-year-old has hauled in 132 receptions for 1,228 yards and three touchdowns in 112 career games. Smythe is best utilized as a blocker, and with Chicago trading for former Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Jonah Jackson and former Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Joe Thuney, it's evident they want to improve quickly in run and pass blocking. Smythe could help Chicago's offense in 2025 under new head coach Ben Johnson, but he's unlikely to be on the fantasy football radar.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders re-signed kicker Zane Gonzalez to an undisclosed deal on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Gonzalez took over for an injured Austin Seibert (hip) before Week 13 last season and finished the year (including three playoff games) by making 12 of his 15 field-goal attempts and all 27 of his extra-point tries in nine games. That was enough to convince the Commanders that the 29-year-old deserves a shot to open the 2025 season as their primary placekicker. Gonzalez was returning to the NFL in 2024 for the first time since he kicked in 12 games for the Carolina Panthers back in 2021. Washington is one of the better up-and-coming offenses in the NFL after quarterback Jayden Daniels led them to the NFC Championship in his rookie season, so at the very least, Gonzalez will be a fantasy streaming option to open next season.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers and linebacker Cole Holcomb (knee) agreed to a revised contract on Thursday that will clear $4 million in salary cap space in 2025, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Holcomb suffered a season-ending dislocated knee on Nov. 2 of 2023 and didn't play at all last year, but he's considered fully healthy now and is expected to play in 2025. Before the contract restructure, the 28-year-old was set to count $7.6 million against this year's cap. In his first year with the Steelers in 2023 before suffering his serious knee injury, he had 54 tackles (31 solo), two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in eight starts. Holcomb's last full season came in 2021 with the Washington Commanders, when he recorded a career-high 142 tackles (83 solo), a sack, two interceptions (one returned for a TD), seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 16 regular-season starts.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams are signing wide receiver Tutu Atwell to a one-year, $10 million fully guaranteed contract. The 2021 second-round pick out of Louisville was set to be a free agent with his rookie deal expiring, but he'll remain with the organization for at least one more season. Atwell has hauled in 99 receptions for 1,343 yards and four touchdowns in 54 career games. The speedster posted career highs in receptions (42) and receiving yards (562) in 2024. With Cooper Kupp likely to be traded, the organization keeps one of its depth wideouts to play behind Puka Nacua and whoever the team brings in this offseason. While Atwell is not a target hog or high-end producer, he stretches the field for Sean McVay's passing offense and could see an increased role in 2025.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that multiple NFL teams have contacted the Cincinnati Bengals about the availability of wide receiver Tee Higgins after the Bengals placed the franchise tag on him on Monday, according to sources. Those teams have been told that Higgins remains unavailable as the Bengals work on giving him a long-term deal. Had the 26-year-old been allowed to reach the free-agent market next week, he would have been the top pass-catcher on the open market. But instead, it looks like the Bengals are going to keep him, at least for the 2025 season. If Cincy doesn't change their stance if contract talks break down, Chris Godwin would be the best free-agent wideout this offseason. Despite playing in only 12 regular-season games in 2024 due to injury, Higgins was the WR17 in half-PPR scoring with 73 receptions, 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. He'll be a strong WR2 if he stays in Cincy.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants exclusive-rights free-agent quarterback Tommy DeVito will sign his tender at some point this weekend, sources tell The Bergen Record's Art Stapleton. DeVito will be the only current QB on the Giants' roster with free agency kicking off next week. DeVito has played in 12 games, including eight starts, for the G-Men the last two seasons, but he's expected to continue in a depth role in 2025. The Giants swung and missed in their attempt to trade for Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford last week, but they are fully expected to sign or trade for a veteran signal-caller while also drafting a young QB in this year's draft. Reports suggest that they could be one of the most aggressive teams in trying to trade up for the No. 1 overall pick this year. The 26-year-old DeVito went 31-for-44 for 257 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in his three games (two starts) in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns converted $44.75 million of Deshaun Watson's (Achilles) 2025 salary into a signing bonus, creating $35.8 million of cap space. The team has already reworked Watson's contract in the past but is continuing to make moves to make it less of a financial burden in the future. Watson signed a five-year, $230 million contract with Cleveland ahead of the 2022 campaign but, it's been a disastrous tenure for the former Houston Texans first-round pick. Watson has compiled a 9-10 record across three seasons behind 19 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions. The 29-year-old's 2023 season ended with a major shoulder injury, and his 2024 season was cut short after suffering a torn Achilles. Since his in-game Achilles tear, he has suffered another Achilles setback. Watson is not expected to play in 2025, and it would be a surprise if he sees any playing time for Cleveland in 2026.
From RotoBaller