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The Pittsburgh Steelers and safety DeShon Elliott agreed to a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension on Monday that includes $9.21 million in guarantees, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Elliott cashes in with Pittsburgh after posting a career-high 108 tackles (72 solo), an interception, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 15 regular-season games (14 starts) in his first year with the team. The 28-year-old defensive back finished as the No. 15 defensive back in IDP fantasy leagues in 2024 while working next to Mikah Fitzpatrick in the defensive backfield. Elliott will continue to have an every-down role in his second year in the Steel City in 2025. He'll be in play as a DB streamer in IDP leagues, but last year's production is most likely Elliott's ceiling.

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New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka has been the team's offensive play-caller for every offseason practice open to the media, according to The Athletic's Dan Duggan. Head coach Brian Daboll has stuck with the same play-caller throughout the offseason in each of his first three years as the head coach, so all signs are pointing toward Kafka reclaiming the play-calling duties after Daboll took over in 2024. Kafka called the plays in Daboll's first two years as the head coach but was stripped of those duties when he was promoted to assistant head coach last year. The Giants offense finished worse in 2024 in most major statistical categories, so it looks like they will go back to Kafka with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson set to open the year as the starter. New York had its best offense under Daboll with Kafka calling the plays in 2022, when they finished 19th overall in offense and fourth in rushing.

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The Carolina Panthers have talked with free-agent safety Justin Simmons' representation, but no deal is imminent as of now, a league source told The Athletic's Joe Person. Simmons remains available this offseason despite recording 62 tackles (36 solo), two interceptions and seven pass breakups in 16 starts in 2024 in his first season with the Atlanta Falcons. The 31-year-old veteran was a two-time Pro Bowler in his eight seasons with the Denver Broncos after they took him in the third round in 2016 out of Boston College. Simmons is no longer in his prime, but he's had at least two interceptions in all nine of his NFL seasons and would certainly be an upgrade for Carolina's secondary going into the 2025 campaign. The Panthers had one of the worst defensive units in the league last year.

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley said he hasn't felt the effects of setting a career-high with 345 carries during the regular season last year while adding 91 more rushing attempts during the team's Super Bowl run. "I feel really good," Barkley said. "I feel like I'm entering my prime." The 28-year-old led the NFL in carries, rushing yards (2,005) and yards per game (125.3) in 16 regular-season starts in 2024 in his first year in Philly. Not much has changed with the Eagles offense, meaning Barkley could have another outstanding campaign in his second year with the team in 2025 if he can stay healthy all year. Barkley's phenomenal 2024 season makes him the consensus No. 1 overall pick in fantasy drafts going into this fall. He also added 33 receptions for 278 yards and two more touchdowns on 43 targets.

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison's trial date in connection to his 2024 DUI citation is now set for July 15 in the Superior Court of California. Addison pleaded not guilty in December. Even if Addison is found not guilty, it's possible he'll face a suspension from the league during the 2025 season. A potential suspension hanging over his head makes him more volatile of a fantasy asset heading into his third NFL season. The 23-year-old former 23rd overall pick in 2023 out of USC took a slight step back in his second year in the league in 2024, but he was still plenty effective in Minnesota's offense with 63 catches on 99 targets for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 15 regular-season games. Addison missed two games with an ankle sprain. He's not a heavy target guy with Justin Jefferson around, and it's uncertain how his chemistry will be with QB J.J. McCarthy. Target Addison as a WR3 in fantasy.

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Free-agent S Justin Simmons (Falcons) and his representation has been in communication with the Carolina Panthers this offseason, although no deal is imminent, according to Joe Person of The Athletic.

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Per the team, the San Francisco 49ers have agreed to terms with fourth-round rookie defensive lineman C.J. West on a four-year, $5.2 million contract. The 23-year-old was a three-year collegiate starter who culminated his time in the NCAA with the Indiana Hoosiers in 2024 after four campaigns with Kent State. West is a three-technique defensive tackle with good athleticism for his size (6-foot-1, 316 pounds), though he lacks length for the position. Currently, he's listed second (unofficially) on the team's depth chart behind teammate Kevin Givens, and figures to play a rotational role behind him if he displays confidence in camp. While his numbers in college were nothing to write home about, his blend of agility and strength could make him a sneaky standout on the team's defensive front, considering the presence of superstar pass-rusher Nick Bosa.

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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren recently noted via the team's website that he adjusted his training this offseason in anticipation of handling a larger workload in 2025. "I approached this offseason differently," said Warren. "I did a lot more things for longevity-wise...like they say, the best ability is availability." The Oklahoma State product enters his fourth season with the team and projects as the lead back for the first time in his career with former teammate Najee Harris' departure to the Los Angeles Chargers. However, he isn't the only show in town. Warren should play a substantial role in the backfield regarding touches, but rookie Kaleb Johnson projects to eventually fill the role vacated by Harris due to his similar frame. That isn't to say he'll overtake Warren, but it could mean he handles goal-line touches in time. Expect Warren to see an uptick in carries from previous seasons and play a significant role on third downs and passing situations.

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New York Jets WR Josh Reynolds is the 'clear favorite for the WR2 job,' according to ESPN.com's Rich Cimini.

Fantasy Spin: Most notably, it means Reynolds is running ahead of Allen Lazard and fourth-round speedster Arian Smith. How much it actually means for fantasy is another story, since the winner of the receiver battle figures to be the third-best option - behind Garrett Wilson and rookie Mason Taylor - in a one-read, RPO-heavy offense that caters to Justin Fields' skill set. The winner of the No. 2 receiver battle can probably be ignored in all but the deepest leagues.

From TheHuddle

The Athletic's Stephen Holder writes that Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell had one of the most impressive performances at last week's mandatory minicamp. The 22-year-old second-round pick (52nd overall) in 2024 had an uneven and frustrating rookie campaign and finished with 23 catches on 55 targets for 312 yards and no touchdowns in 17 games (seven starts). Mitchell also looked good in training camp last summer, so now it's a matter of him taking his practice reps into the regular season. "I think last offseason, same thing. Did some really good things. He's had a hell of an offseason so far through OTAs. [I] expect that to continue through training camp. But getting to those game situations, [it's] just continuing to get those game reps and really taking that next step," head coach Shane Steichen said. Mitchell has the talent to take the next step, but target volume could be an issue again.

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Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (knee) said he is fully healed from the knee injuries that forced him to miss all of last season. He has been a disruptive force from the moment he return to the field for voluntary organized team activities, and that continued into mandatory minicamp, according to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques. If he can stay healthy in 2025 alongside pass-rushers Chop Robinson and Jaelan Phillips, Chubb could have a nice bounce-back season. Chubb tore his ACL, meniscus and patellar tendon in Week 17 of the 2023 season, but it's promising to see that he's already looking back to his pre-injury form. The 28-year-old former fifth overall pick by the Denver Broncos in 2018 out of North Carolina State had a career-high 73 tackles (45 solo), 11 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 22 QB hits and a league-high six forced fumbles in 16 starts before his injury in 2023.

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Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said that contract talks were "still fluid." "Nothing has been resolved yet. It's still an ongoing situation." After a career year in 2024 in which Smith set franchise records for the tight end position, he's angling for an extension heading into the final year of his deal in 2025 and was a no-show at mandatory minicamp as a result. Miami would like to retain the 29-year-old, but if the two sides can't get something done before the start of the regular season this fall, it's possible that he'll be traded. Smith finished last year with 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, ironically with Miami's offense taking a step back overall. If he remains in South Beach this year, Smith should remain a big part of the offense, but fantasy managers should probably expect a step back as a midrange TE1.

From RotoBaller

Miami Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith's contract situation is still a fluid, ongoing process, according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus.

Fantasy Spin: Smith is coming off a career year with an 88-884-8 stat line at the age of 29. He's probably going to regress a bit, and there's uncertainty about where he'll be. So if you can get him as a TE2, that's the best scenario. Otherwise, you'll need an upside TE2 for the low-end TE1.

From TheHuddle

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Bengals and defensive end Trey Hendrickson have resumed discussions surrounding a new contract. The 30-year-old has been a force on the defensive side of the ball, amassing 35 sacks in the last two seasons combined. As expected, he wants a new deal. Although things at least appeared promising when talks between both sides began, the situation went south quickly, with Hendrickson recently skipping mandatory minicamp. The Bengals have one of the best offenses in the National Football League. However, it's a different story as it pertains to the team's defense. Rookie Shemar Stewart has also been absent while awaiting a contract to his liking, which indirectly has increased the urgency to get a new deal done for Hendrickson. With that in mind, there is renewed hope that negotiations are heading in a positive direction. On the other hand, there is still plenty of time for that to change.

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According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will "debut a bit of a slimmer look" at training camp. The multi-time All-Pro wasn't happy with his conditioning last season, so he lost 25 pounds in an attempt to improve his productivity. He is coming off one of his worst years since entering the National Football League in 2013, finishing the 2024 campaign with 97 receptions while amassing career-lows in yards (823) and touchdowns (three). The Chiefs are stacked on the offensive side of the ball. However, there is no denying the chemistry between Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Only time will tell if the weight loss will help Kelce get back on track, although it appears his stock is starting to trend up heading toward training camp.

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According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the New York Jets have made a contract offer to wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Fowler added that both sides "have exchanged some numbers," so it's unknown how close the wideout actually is to agreeing to a new deal. The 24-year-old is coming off the best season of his career, catching 101 passes for 1,104 yards and seven touchdowns. It's a new era in New York, with the team hiring former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to serve as the head coach. The team also parted ways with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, replacing him with Justin Fields. It's safe to say the Jets will need Wilson happy and motivated if the club hopes to return to the playoff conversation. While there are some questions about Wilson's fantasy outlook with a new signal-caller and head coach, he should continue to be a consistent performer for fantasy managers.

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According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) looked "a lot stronger" in the ninth day of offseason workouts compared to the beginning. "They like the way he's throwing the ball," said Fowler. "They feel very comfortable with where he's at going into training camp." The 22-year-old suffered a meniscus tear last summer, preventing him from suiting up for his rookie campaign. Fortunately, it appears that the injury is behind him. With receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at McCarthy's disposal, he should have some quality showings this season. Naturally, there could be some growing pains. Still, the young signal-caller definitely has a higher ceiling than most around his age, making him a perfect addition to any dynasty roster. His redraft outlook might also improve, assuming he continues to impress in the next few months.

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Pittsburgh Steelers LB T.J. Watt was absent from mandatory minicamp due to contract concerns, but the holdout is not considered contentious, according to sources Sunday, June 15.

From TheHuddle

Houston Texans rookie second-round wide receiver Jayden Higgins impressed during the team's mandatory minicamp, according to ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime. Higgins made one-handed catches with starting cornerback Kamari Lassiter in coverage and also connected with quarterback C.J. Stroud on other plays. He will be pushing for a role in his first year in the NFL and could seal a starting spot by the second week of training camp this summer if he continues to play well. For being 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, the young pass-catcher and Iowa State product moves extremely well. Nico Collins is Houston's clear WR1, but Higgins has the potential and athleticism to surpass Christian Kirk as the team's WR2 sooner than later in 2025. In his final season at Iowa State, Higgins had 87, catches, 1,183 yards and nine TDs. He's worth a late-round flier in deeper single-league fantasy formats.

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Green Bay Packers linebacker Isaiah Simmons, the former eighth overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, was shuffled among linebacker, safety and nickel defensive back with the Cardinals and New York Giants and never excelled at any of those positions. Part of the reason he signed with the Packers was their willingness to let him play exclusively at linebacker. ESPN's Rob Demovsky writes that Simmons has had the chance to line up with the starters at linebacker during the offseason program, despite the fact that Green Bay is deep at the position. "Honestly I feel like this is the most comfortable in a system I've been since I've been in the league," Simmons said. It's a notable development for the former Clemson start, but it won't guarantee a career turnaround, especially if he's not playing regularly. The 26-year-old had a career-low 21 tackles in 17 games (one start) with the Giants in 2024.

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