NFL Player News
Vikings saying goodbye to Aaron Jones? 03/01/2026 11:01 am
Set to make $10 million in 2026
The Minnesota Vikings have begun whittling down their salary cap deficit by informing veteran running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that they will be released later this month barring a trade, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday. The moves will save the team $18.65 million in cap space. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: It's difficult to envision a trade being worked out for the veteran Jones who is 31 years old heading into his 10th season in the league. He has spent the last two seasons in Minnesota and missed five games last year due to a hamstring injury. Jones carries a $14.8 million cap hit in 2026 which is why his release is likely.
Colts allow Anthony Richardson to seek a trade 02/26/2026 11:26 am
QB has been cleared to play after eye injury in 2025
The Colts have given quarterback Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade, agent Deiric Jackson told ESPN on Thursday.
Richardson has battled numerous injuries and was beaten out by veteran Daniel Jones in a preseason quarterback battle last season. Now, with Jones slated to be re-signed and to continue as the starter, Richardson faces an uncertain path forward. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Richardson has spent three years in the league but has never gained traction in large part due to his questionable skills as a passer and injuries. He's played in just 17 games. With the league starved for quarterback options, the Colts will likely get multiple offers for a quarterback that still has one year left on his rookie deal.
TE Zach Ertz wants to play in 2026 02/24/2026 07:42 am
Recovering from ACL injury
Three-time Pro Bowl TE Zach Ertz plans to play a 14th NFL season and is expected to be cleared right around Week 1, per sources.
Ertz is 2 months into rehab from a torn ACL. He ranks 5th in catches and 8th in yards among TE in NFL history, including 50-504-4 in 13 games in 2025. (Tom Pelissero on X)
FF Today's Take: Ertz (35) is a free agent and coming off a torn ACL suffered in Week 14 last season. His days as a reliable fantasy asset are over but he could have a spiked week here and there depending on his landing spot. He should go largely undrafted in fantasy leagues this summer.
Falcons expected to franchise tag TE Kyle Pitts 02/23/2026 11:56 am
Hope is to work out a long-term deal
The #Falcons are planning to franchise tag standout TE Kyle Pitts, sources say, keeping their playmaker in the fold on a 1-year, fully guaranteed deal worth more than $15M.
The hope is to work out a long-term deal rather than the tag. The two sides have until July to do it. (Ian Rapoport on X)
FF Today's Take: Pitts turned in a career-year last season posting an 88-928-5 line, finishing as the TE6 in fantasy points per game (half-ppr). Pitts has played in every game the last three seasons but has largely failed to live up to expectations after a solid rookie season in 2021 (68-1026-1). A mid-season injury to WR Drake London helped Pitts to become the focal point of the passing offense for four weeks last season.
Javonte Williams gets 3-year deal with Dallas 02/21/2026 03:35 pm
$16 million in guaranteed money
The #Cowboys and standout RB Javonte Williams have agreed to terms on a 3-year deal worth $24M, sources say. Dallas keeps a big-time player.
He gets his $8M per year after a breakout season in a deal was done by @AgentNicoleLynn of @KlutchSports. (Ian Rapoport on X)
FF Today's Take: The deal includes $16 million guaranteed. Williams turned in an impressive season posting a 1201-11, 35-137-2 line in his first year with the Cowboys, finishing as the RB12 in fantasy points per game (half-ppr). Still just 25 years old, Williams projects to be the lead back in Dallas for at least the next two seasons provided he stays healthy.
Mike Evans expected to play in 2026 02/17/2026 03:40 pm
32 years old
#Bucs receiver Mike Evans plans to play in 2026 and explore options in free agency, according to his agent Deryk Gilmore. Bucs would be in play. “Yes, that’s correct. He is opening it up,” Gilmore said. “That he will play next season with someone. It could be Tampa but Will definitely play a 13th season”.
(Rick Stroud on X)
FF Today's Take: Evans has played 12 seasons and appears ready to make it 13 in 2026. He was limited to eight games last season (30-368-3) due to a broken collarbone. The 32-year old still has some gas left in the tank but his days as a low-end WR1 are likely over. A return to Tampa Bay is still an option but other landing spots will be in play.
Seattle unlikely to use franchise tag on Kenneth Walker 02/17/2026 07:36 am
Seahawks focused on other priorities
The Seattle Seahawks are unlikely to use either a franchise or transition tag on running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday.
The Seahawks have multiple free agents that they want to retain and sign, and the team would also try to extend the contract of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take: Walker will become a free agent in March and will be one of the top running backs on the market. He largely underperformed this past fantasy season (RB29 in FPts/G), working in a split role with Zach Charbonnet. A landing spot with a true lead back role in an above average offense would spike his fantasy value heading into the 2026 drafting season.
Dolphins release Tyreek Hill, 2026 return unclear 02/16/2026 10:33 am
Spent four seasons in Miami
The Dolphins are releasing eight-time Pro Bowl WR Tyreek Hill, sources say. Hill is rehabbing a major leg injury and it’s unclear when or if he’ll play in 2026. He would’ve had $11 million become fully guaranteed this month, so his release was expected. He’ll now be a free agent at age 31.
(Tom Pelissero on X)
FF Today's Take: The Dolphins also released Bradley Chubb, James Daniels and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine as they cut salary prior to free agency. Tyreek spent four seasons in Miami but his 2025 campaign was cut short when he suffered a dislocated knee and torn ACL in Week 4. He will be 32 on March 1st and his availability for the 2026 season is still a question mark. The free agent market for wide receivers is relatively thin, which should work in Hill's favor if he can clear his medical hurdles.
David Njoku bids farewell to the Browns on IG post 02/09/2026 07:02 pm
Set to be a free agent in 2026
Tight end David Njoku, who is scheduled to be a free agent, announced that he will not return to the Browns in 2026. (Adam Schefter on X)
FF Today's Take: Njoku is set to be a free agent in 2026 and it appears isn't interested in returning to Cleveland. The Browns drafted Harold Fannin Jr. in 2025 who quickly took over as their main receiving weapon in the offense. Njoku (29) has played in exactly 11 games each of the last two seasons. He should draw plenty of interest in free agency, but injury concerns are real.
Dallas expected to franchise WR George Pickens 02/07/2026 06:06 pm
Pickens turns 25 in March
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to place their franchise tag on Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens, league sources told ESPN. (Adam Schefter on X)
FF Today's Take: Pickens had a monster season in his first year with Dallas, finishing as the WR5 overall (half-PPR) with a 93-1429-9 line. He won't turn 25 years old until early March and gives the Cowboys a prime second option behind CeeDee Lamb. The franchise tag for wide receivers in 2026 will be worth around $28 million. A long-term deal is said to be desired by team owner Jerry Jones.
Matthew Stafford wins MVP, says he'll be back in 2026 02/05/2026 09:50 pm
Rams QB turns 38 in two days
Matthew Stafford ends any drama with his MVP acceptance speech: He’ll be back in 2026. (Tom Pelissero on X)
FF Today's Take: Stafford posted 46 TDs and only 8 interceptions on his way to winning the MVP of the 2025 NFL season, barley beating out Patriots QB Drake Maye. Stafford more than doubled his TD total from 2024 (20) and finished as the QB2 in fantasy. The veteran quarterback turns 38 in just two days but appears set to return for his 18th season in the league in 2026.
Matt Nagy set to call plays for NY Giants 02/03/2026 10:30 pm
Former Bears head coach, Chiefs OC lands another OC job
Giants are hiring former Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy as their offensive coordinator. (ESPN - Adam Schefter)
FF Today's Take: It is hard to see this as a good move for the Giants and Jaxson Dart in particular. Then again, it might be a bit hasty to say that since he was tied to the hip of Mitchell Trubisky for most of his four-year stint in Chicago. The hope for new head coach John Harbaugh is that more of Andy Reid rubbed off on Nagy during his second stint with the Chiefs.
No surgery expected for Matthew Stafford 02/02/2026 03:30 pm
Did not miss any time due to preseason back injury
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford played with a herniated disc for most of the season but will not need to undergo surgery in the offseason to correct the issue, according to HC Sean McVay. (Yahoo! Sports)
FF Today's Take: This is great news for the soon-to-be 38-year-old, who is expected to be named the league MVP later this week. Now the focus on Stafford will shift from his health to the likelihood of his return for an 18th season. It seems extremely unlikely that he would retire following such a great season and with his current supporting cast, but no one should be surprised if Stafford makes his decision closer to the start of free agency in March. If he returns, he should be considered a very strong mid-range QB1 in fantasy.
Cardinals hire Rams' OC Mike LaFleur as head coach 02/01/2026 01:39 pm
Five-year deal
The Cardinals plan to hire Mike LaFleur as their head coach, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
LaFleur, 38, spent the past three seasons as Sean McVay's OC with the Rams. Now, Matt LaFleur’s younger brother gets his shot to run the show in Arizona. (Tom Pelissero on X)
FF Today's Take: Arizona (3-14) reportedly talked to Seattle OC Klint Kubiak but it sounds like he is going to take the Raiders HC job after the Super Bowl. LaFleur has been with McVay the last three seasons but hasn't been calling plays, for what that's worth. The status of Kyler Murray is the biggest question for the Cardinals' offense heading into 2026 - he has almost $40 guaranteed for the upcoming season.
Browns hire Todd Monken as Head Coach 01/28/2026 09:46 am
His first head coaching job
ESPN Sources: the Cleveland Browns are hiring former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their next head coach. (Adam Schefter on X)
FF Today's Take: Monken has been the Ravens offensive coordinator since 2023 but will now get his first opportunity as a head coach. This move has apparently ruffled the feathers of current Browns' DC Jim Schwartz, who was reportedly interested in the gig. He's under contract, but wants to move on after being passed over. Monken has plenty of work to do in reviving an offense that ranked 30th in total yards (262.1 per game) in 2025.
Kyler Murray could be had for a second-round pick? 01/26/2026 07:30 pm
QB will likely be traded if Arizona's brass wants it to happen
An NFC source believes the starting price for Kyler Murray, if Arizona is interested in trading him, could start with a second-round pick. That source believes if the Cardinals can trade Murray, they will. (ESPN.com - Josh Weinfuss)
FF Today's Take: The notion that Murray could be traded is not a surprising one, but the likely return that Arizona wanted was more of a mystery. A source - via ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss - is speculating that the limited crop of elite quarterback prospects in this draft will drive up the market for capable (or better) starters like Murray. Some of his more obvious shooters would likely be the Dolphins, Jets and Browns.
Travis Hunter to focus on defense in 2026? 01/26/2026 07:00 pm
GM hints No. 2 overall pick may play more CB than WR next year
At his season-ending news conference, general manager James Gladstone said Travis Hunter would be a two-way player again in 2026. Whether he'll be a cornerback first and then a receiver -- as Gladstone hinted -- or a receiver first and then a cornerback remains to be seen. He played 67% of the team's offensive snaps and 36% of the defensive snaps -- mainly coming in when the Jaguars were in nickel -- before the non-contact knee injury he suffered in practice on Oct. 30 required season-ending surgery.
But Gladstone indicated that it would be the reverse in 2026.
"Obviously you can take a peak at expiring contracts on our roster and see which side of the ball has more," he said "At this point walking into the offseason, corner is a position that we have a few guys who are on expiring contracts. By default, you can expect there to be a higher emphasis on his placement [at corner]." (ESPN.com - Michael DiRocco)
FF Today's Take: This potential development would have significantly more impact on Hunter's dynasty managers than any redraft manager. While Gladstone is focusing mostly on the expiring contracts of his team, some of the impetus for this decision likely comes as a result of how well Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington played down the stretch. It would make very little sense for him to mess with that, especially since the team also has Brian Thomas Jr. at receiver at well. More Hunter at CB means Meyers and Washington could me very good mid-round values in early drafts.
Troy Franklin inactive for AFC Championship game 01/25/2026 12:31 pm
Hamstring injury
Broncos WR Troy Franklin is inactive because of his hamstring injury for today's AFC Championship Game. (Tom Pelissero on X)
FF Today's Take: Not only will the Broncos be down their starting QB, but Franklin will miss the AFC Championship game with a hamstring injury. He was limited in practice all week. Franklin's absence should mean more targets for Pat Bryant and perhaps Marvin Mims as well.
Patriots elevate Mack Hollins off Injured Reserve 01/24/2026 03:02 pm
Abdominal injury
The #Patriots are activating WR Mack Hollins to play Sunday against the #Broncos after recovering from an abdominal injury that landed him on Injured Reserve. (Ian Rapoport on X)
FF Today's Take: Hollins missed the final two weeks of the regular season in addition to the Patriots two playoff games. His return will muddy the already deep waters of the New England receiver room. It's likely we'll see Efton Chism put on the Inactive list tomorrow, but expect New England to rotate five wide receivers, making each of them difficult to trust against a good Broncos pass defense.
NY Giants provide updates on Nabers, Skattebo 01/20/2026 10:50 pm
Nabers recovering from torn ACL, Skattebo from ankle injury
Schoen said Cam Skattebo should be ready for the start of the offseason program, which begins on April 6. Less certainty on Malik Nabers. Schoen said Nabers is trending to "hopefully" be ready for the start of training camp. He added, "things can change." (The Athletic - Dan Duggan)
FF Today's Take: Fantasy managers need to keep in mind that while Skattebo may be ready for offseason workouts, his injury was a serious one. In other words, managers would be wise to wait for positive reports out of camp before believing he can pick up where he left off. As far as Nabers is concerned, he underwent surgery on his knee in late October. That means he will have had nine full months to recover. It may be overly ambitious to expect WR1 production from him out of the gate in 2026, but the odds would seem to be good he will get there before midseason barring a setback.