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 New Orleans Saints are projected to be $50 million over the 2025 salary cap, so they are once again going to need to perform salary-cap gymnastics this offseason. Defensive end Cameron Jordan is a beloved and long-time member of the organization and has told ESPN's Dan Graziano he wants to finish his career in New Orleans. However, he turns 36 years old in July, has one year left on his current contract, and has a cap number of around $20 million in 2025. If the Saints don't want to approach Jordan with an extension, they could make him a post-June 1 cut to save $11 million in this year's cap. It will be a difficult decision on a player that has spent all 14 years of his NFL career with the Saints, but Jordan, an eight-time Pro Bowler, has seen his production fall off dramatically the last couple of years and has just six sacks in the last two seasons.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers have said they are interested in working out an extension with cornerback Jaycee Horn that will keep him in Carolina long term, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. The former first-rounder is scheduled to make $12.472 million in 2025 on his fifth-year option. Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II's four-year, $96 million deal last September is the target for top cornerbacks due for extensions, but it's unclear how high the Panthers will be willing to go for Horn. The 25-year-old defensive back has missed time due to injuries in his career -- he played in only three games in his rookie season and six games in 2023 -- but he was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024 and has been a key defender when he's been healthy. Horn had a career-high 68 tackles (49 solo), his first two career sacks, five tackles for loss, one interception and 13 pass breakups in 15 starts last year.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans will have top-30 visits with Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter, Miami quarterback Cam Ward and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, as expected, before the start of free agency on March 12. The Titans hold the top pick in this year's NFL draft in April. Around six of the team's other top-30 visits will be for first-round options in case they trade down within the first round, and the other 20 will be for players they might look to draft in the later rounds this year. Aside from the top overall pick, Tennessee has the No. 35 selection in the second round, two fourth-round picks (one from Seattle), two fifth-rounders (one from the Chiefs), a sixth-round pick, and a seventh-round selection. Even though the Titans are expected to add a QB this year, it may not come with the No. 1 overall pick if they decide to trade for or sign a veteran signal-caller.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed write that the Los Vegas Raiders want a No. 1 wide receiver to pair with Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker. Depending on what happens with Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins -- he's expected to be franchise-tagged as the Bengals work out a long-term extension -- he'd be the top option for the Raiders if he's available via a trade. Cooper Kupp and Stefon Diggs (knee) are also available, but they aren't "X" receivers who have the size, speed and separation skills to thrive on the outside. The best chance for the Raiders to find one of those wideouts, since Higgins is probably off the table, might be in the upcoming NFL draft. Finding a No. 1 receiver won't matter all that much if the Raiders don't find the right quarterback to lead their offense moving forward, though. They have the No. 6 pick in the draft, but the new coaching staff prefers to find the right veteran QB.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White is believed to be available via trade this offseason if some teams want to take a chance on the former fourth-rounder in 2022 out of the University of Georgia, according to The Athletic's Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed. White had some great moments for the Raiders in 2023 before falling off last year to a scheme change while also ending the year on Injured Reserve due to a quadriceps injury. The 25-year-old was set to take over for Josh Jacobs as the Raiders' lead back in 2024, but that did not happen. White ended up playing in only eight games (five starts) in his third year in the NFL and carried the ball 65 times for 183 yards (career-low 2.8 yards per carry) for one rushing touchdown. He added six catches for 30 yards. A change of scenery would probably be best for White's fantasy stock, but he'd still likely be nothing more than a complementary back elsewhere.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed say that the Las Vegas Raiders prioritized trading for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford because they aren't very high on Minnesota Vikings impending free-agent QB Sam Darnold or the other potential free agents such as the Pittsburgh Steelers' Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. However, according to league sources, there are members of the coaching staff who prefer adding a veteran signal-caller to taking a dice roll on a rookie QB. It makes sense because of the fact that this year's QB draft class isn't perceived to be very deep, and the only options worth drafting in the first round could be gone by the time the Raiders make their pick at No. 6 overall. The Raiders want to win now, but Darnold, who is coming off a career year with Minnesota, might be too expensive for their taste after he collapsed in the final two games in 2024.
From RotoBaller
According to league sources, the Las Vegas Raiders have had discussions with teams who have interest in tight end Michael Mayer. The team's second-round selection in 2023, Mayer hasn't had the type of impact the Raiders were hoping for, which is why they took Brock Bowers in the first round in 2024. Not only did Bowers become a first-team All-Pro in his rookie season, but Mayer had only 27 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games in his first year in 2023. He missed six games last season due to personal reasons and was barely heard from as Bowers excelled. It makes more sense for Vegas to trade Mayer for assets, and since he'll be on a team-friendly deal for two more years, there should be several teams that are interested. Mayer was completely off the fantasy radar in 2024, but he could resurface as a sleeper if he's traded to a team that utilizes him much more as a pass-catcher.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams and left tackle Alaric Jackson agreed to a three-year, $57 million extension that includes $35 million guaranteed on Thursday, sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Jackson will now remain in L.A. to protect the blind side of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who will also stay with the team after agreeing to a restructured deal. If he had reached free agency, Jackson would have been one of the top left tackles available on the market this offseason. It's a big day for the Rams' offense after they narrowly missed a shot at playing in the NFL Championship in 2024. The 26-year-old went undrafted out of the University of Iowa but eventually latched on with the Rams and made his NFL debut in 2021. He played in only 12 games his first two seasons but has started 29 games in L.A. the last two years.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders informed quarterback Desmond Ridder that they will not tender him an offer as a restricted free agent this offseason, a source tells NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Ridder will now hit the open market next month after playing in six games (one start) in his lone season for the Raiders in 2024. He went 52-for-85 for 458 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions as a backup in Vegas. The 25-year-old former third-round selection (74th overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022 out of the University of Cincinnati appeared in 19 games (17 starts) in his first two years in the NFL in Atlanta before the Falcons moved on. Ridder briefly latched on as a backup option with the Arizona Cardinals before joining the Raiders this past season. He has plenty of starting experience since entering the league, but Ridder will just be hoping for a chance to earn a backup gig somewhere else in 2025.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders are now expected to investigate veteran quarterback options that include free-agents Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Sam Darnold, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Raiders recently met with quarterback Matthew Stafford and reportedly offered him a two-year deal worth up to $90-100 million guaranteed, but Stafford instead chose to restructure his deal to stay in L.A. With Stafford now off the table, Vegas will turn to their backup options, including both of the Pittsburgh Steelers' impending free-agent signal-callers. Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew III are currently on the roster, but the new Raiders coaching staff prefers a veteran with experience, and Minshew is expected to be released. The most obvious fit is Wilson due to his history with head coach Pete Carroll in Seattle, but he's also 36 years old and fizzled out down the stretch in his first year in the Steel City.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings impending free-agent quarterback Sam Darnold was a name brought up to ESPN New York's Jordan Raanan on Friday as a potential option for the New York Giants. The G-Men were interested in Darnold last offseason before he signed a one-year contract with the Vikings, but he was too expensive for what they were looking for. Now, New York is looking for a starter after cutting Daniel Jones midway through the 2024 season. In addition to Darnold, Raanan also mentions veterans Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers as options the Giants will be looking at after Matthew Stafford restructured his deal with the Los Angeles Rams on Friday. Darnold, 27, fell apart in the final two games of the year for Minnesota, but he still had the best year of his career in 17 regular-season starts, throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 TDs and 12 interceptions. He'd be a pretty nice upgrade over what Jones was during his Giants tenure.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Texans and Commanders have been the two teams reportedly showing the most interest in Deebo Samuel. Dynasty Analysis: Samuel is destined to be traded this off-season and it seems Washington and Houston have the most interest at the moment. Other teams like Pittsburgh and New England have been mentioned, but this is all speculation at this point. Regardless, Samuel has a ways to go before he reclaims WR1 status in any way after a down year. His ultimate destination will go a long way in determining just where his dynasty value arrow will point.
Dynasty | The Giants may have some interest in Aaron Rodgers. Dynasty Analysis: Every team with a quarterback vacancy is going to likely kick the tires on Rodgers, who looks like a shell of himself at the moment. Still, it's possible a team is convinced he'll be better after a healthy season and convince themselves they could get one last season or two of greatness from him. Regardless, Rodgers is looking like a QB2 even if he does indeed get another contract with a team.
Dynasty | The Rams have agreed to a restructured contract with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Dynasty Analysis: Matthew Stafford will be the starter for the Rams next season as he agreed to a restructured contract. This was always the expected outcome but Stafford was able to at least dip his toes into the market to see if there was something better out there for him. This is the first domino to fall in the a quarterback carousel that should feature Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, Justin Fields, and Sam Darnold all possibly find new homes. Los Angeles won't be one of those. As for Stafford, he'll remain a low-end QB1 for at least next season as his career really is a year-to-year thing at this point.
The Athletic's Tashan Reed and Vic Tafur feel that it's unlikely that the Las Vegas Raiders will make a large financial commitment to a veteran quarterback who is expected to be available this offseason, according to league sources. The Raiders reportedly offered a two-year deal worth up to $90-100 million guaranteed to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, but he's now off the board after he and the Rams agreed to a restructured deal on Friday. With Stafford now unavailable, the Raiders could be in a tough spot, as league sources say the coaching staff prefers adding a proven veteran QB as opposed to taking a dice roll on an unproven rookie QB in what is considered a weak class. They have the sixth overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, but the only options worth drafting in the first round could be gone by the time they are on the clock. Aidan O'Connell, Gardner Minshew III and Carter Bradley are the QBs on the current roster, but none of them have been viable starters, and Minshew is expected to be released.
From RotoBaller
There has been no contact or negotiations as of now between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks regarding wide receiver DK Metcalf, a source told The Athletic's Matt Schneidman. A report earlier on Friday suggested that the Packers had already offered an enticing package to the Seahawks to potentially acquired Metcalf this offseason. While the Seahawks aren't necessarily shopping Metcalf, it's clear that some teams are calling about his availability after back-to-back seasons of only 66 receptions for the two-time Pro Bowler. While the 27-year-old former second-rounder still had a healthy 992 receiving yards in 15 games in 2024, he also had a career-low five touchdowns and took a back seat to breakout wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Metcalf moving to Green Bay would certainly make him an intriguing bounce-back candidate, especially with Christian Watson (knee) expected to miss at least half the season.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants are investigating all veteran quarterback options this offseason, including New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Giants reportedly offered Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford a two-year deal worth $90-100 million guaranteed, but Stafford and the Rams agreed to a restructured deal on Friday, so he's off the table for the G-Men. While the Giants, who could take a rookie signal-caller with the No. 3 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, could still sign a veteran QB like Rodgers or trade for one. Rodgers, who is expected to be designated as a post-June 1 cut by the New York Jets soon, has reportedly already reached out to the Giants. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer will probably only play one more season in the NFL, and after tearing his Achilles in Week 1 in 2023, he was very inconsistent and looked his age in 2024 in a disappointing year with the Jets.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford reached an agreement on Friday on a restructured deal that will keep him in L.A., sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. Financial terms of the restructure weren't immediately available, but this now squashes all trade rumors this offseason after the Rams gave permission to Stafford to talk with other teams about a new contract. Both the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants reportedly discussed two-year deals with the veteran signal-caller that included between $90-100 million guaranteed, but after meeting with the Rams on Friday, Stafford has decided to stay in Los Angeles. The 37-year-old was the QB19 in fantasy in 2024, throwing for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 16 regular-season games. Although he won't be a QB1 in fantasy in 2025, he was playing his best ball late last season and nearly led the Rams to the NFC Championship.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is expected to be traded this offseason, and the Washington Commanders and Houston Texans have had significant interest in trading for him, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos have also checked in, among other teams, but Washington and Houston are believed to be the most aggressive in trade talks. Samuel has spent his entire career with Niners since being selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft and has posted 334 receptions for 4,792 yards, and 22 touchdowns in 81 games. He has added 1,143 yards and 20 touchdowns as a runner. Both Washington and Houston have quarterbacks on rookie deals and see their Super Bowl window as wide open, making them formidable suitors for the veteran wideout.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is scheduled to meet with the Rams on Friday, feels more likely to return to L.A., according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Nothing is final, but it's looking like a reunion between Stafford and the Rams is more likely than a few days ago when it looked like he would leave. Both the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants have discussed a two-year deal for Stafford that includes $90-100 million guaranteed, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. A resolution is expected by the end of the NFL Combine this weekend. The Rams' preference is to stay year-to-year on a potential deal with Stafford -- they've typically averaged an annual salary of $40-45 million for him. It's a figure that ranks around the middle of the NFL this year, while Stafford has mostly produced like a top-10 QB in his time in L.A., including a Super Bowl victory.
From RotoBaller