Tennessee Titans WR Calvin Ridley moves and cuts in a way that rookie QB Cam Ward has never seen any receiver move and cut before. '(Ridley is) different. How he moves, everything. Now that I see what a receiver is supposed to be like, that's why I'm glad that Eli (Elic Ayomanor), Chim (Chimere Dike), Strep (Xavier Restrepo), Bryce (Oliver), all the guys in that room, I'm glad they got him because I ain't never threw to no receiver like him, who move like him, can cut like him ... he ain't selfish either. He wants the rookies, all of us, to do better than him because he's gonna end up getting his one-on-ones,' Ward said recently. Ridley's career has become a bit of an odyssey in recently, most of which is through no fault of his own. The primary thing that held him back last year was lackluster quarterback play. In 2023, he was forced into more of an X role due to injuries when his skill set is a better fit as a 'Z.' He missed 2022 due to a gambling suspension and only played five games the season before, making his 90-1,374-9 season in 2020 a bit of a distant memory. With Ward expected to raise the level of quarterback play in Tennessee, Ridley could easily be a top-20 receiver in fantasy this season.

From TheHuddle

Pittsburgh Steelers CB Darius Slay (knee) has a knee issue that is enough of a concern that a source recently told insider Adam Caplan on Fox Sports Radio that it could impact how he runs this season. 'As I'm told, one of his knees is a concern. He actually had arthroscopic surgery on it late in 2023. He's got great length, and he was super fast coming out of Mississippi State. You have to wonder how well he can run. ... You never know when a guy's going to lose it, and they could lose it in an instant,' Caplan said.

From TheHuddle

According to Broncos beat writer Cody Roark of Mike High Sports, recently acquired running back J.K. Dobbins "will likely be the starter" to open the 2025 campaign. Dobbins came back from a brutal run of injuries, including a torn Achilles, to rush for 905 yards and nine touchdowns for the Los Angeles Chargers last season. The Broncos signed him to a one-year deal following the 2025 NFL Draft. During the draft, the organization selected UCF running back RJ Harvey in the second round, and Roark said he will also have an extensive role. While this only adds more confusion to what could be a complicated backfield, early-offseason beat reports and camp information should be taken with a grain of salt. Both Broncos running backs have upside, but Harvey should be viewed as the high-ceiling pick. After all, Dobbins averaged just 3.8 yards per carry after Weeks 1 and 2 a season ago.

From RotoBaller

The Miami Dolphins have officially agreed to send a 2026 sixth-round draft selection in exchange for former New York Giants tight end Darren Waller and a conditional 2027 seventh-round pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. This trade seemingly came out of nowhere, directly following the announcement that Miami had traded Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Waller posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2019 and 2020, but he did not eclipse 700 yards in 2021, 2022, and 2023 before taking the 2024 season off. While he should not be expected to be a high-end TE1, the tight end spot is always shallow, meaning he could find his way onto the fantasy football radar in 2025. A mid-range TE2 or even low-end TE1 season is not out of the realm of possibilities. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle present fierce target competition, but they also open the middle of the field up with their explosive skill sets.

From RotoBaller

The Seattle Seahawks released defensive back JT Woods on Monday, according to NFL.com. Woods, a former third-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Baylor, played his first two seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, collecting eight tackles in 13 games. He has not appeared in a regular-season or postseason contest since 2023 but has spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, and Seahawks offseason rosters and practice squads. The 25-year-old hasn't been able to stick on a roster to this point, so he's unlikely to make an NFL impact anytime soon.

From RotoBaller

The Miami Dolphins have reached out to free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., according to the Miami Herald. The organization dealt All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for All-Pro and former Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick last week, so they are in the market for a veteran corner. Samuel was a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Florida State by the Los Angeles Chargers. In 50 career games, he tallied 176 tackles (148 solo), 37 pass deflections, six interceptions, and one fumble recovery. A significant shoulder injury limited the 25-year-old to just four games in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) said he will be full-go in training camp, pending a final check-in with team doctors following a significant hamstring injury that cost him nine missed games in 2024. The veteran, entering his 10th NFL season, participated in all drills this offseason and should be more than ready to go by Week 1 of the 2025 campaign. Dallas added former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens this offseason, and Prescott is confident the two will get on the same page quickly. While Prescott's injury concerns are noteworthy, the 31-year-old could be undervalued at his mid-level QB2 average draft position. Dallas is likely to have another weak rushing attack in 2025, and Prescott should have several spike weeks due to the presence of Pickens and All-Pro wideout CeeDee Lamb.

From RotoBaller

Veteran free-agent running back Nyheim Hines, who suffered a torn ACL in a jet-ski accident nearly two years ago, is seeking a return to the NFL, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The former fourth-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2018 out of NC State posted 1,202 rushing yards, 1,778 receiving yards, and 18 total touchdowns through his first 81 career games with Indy and the Buffalo Bills. Hines spent last season on the Cleveland Browns roster but did not appear in a game after landing on the reserve/non-football injury list. The 28-year-old could have a tough path back toward meaningful NFL action, but his pass-catching skill set and veteran presence could make him an appealing acquisition for one of the 32 franchises.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (hamstring) declared himself fully healthy Tuesday, July 8, and ready to go for training camp, pending one more checkup with the team doctors.

Fantasy Spin: Prescott will be a midrange QB1 as he'll be a little one-dimensional and not much of a threat to run. The position is stacked with dual-threat QBs right now, and his top-three status is likely in the rearview.

From TheHuddle

Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins said he felt a little 'misled' when the Falcons took QB Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, in the first episode of Netflix's 'Quarterback.' Cousins said he was aware the Falcons might draft a quarterback, but definitely not that high. He wasn't informed about the Penix pick until a phone call by offensive coordinator Zac Robinson while Atlanta was on the clock. 'Certainly, if I had the information around free agency, it certainly would've affected my decision,' Cousins said on the first episode of the season. 'I had no reason to leave Minnesota with how much we loved it there if both teams are going to be drafting a quarterback high. But I've also learned in 12 years in this league that you're not entitled to anything. It's all about being able to earn your spot and prove yourself.'

Fantasy Spin: Cousins' best route to fantasy value would be in a different situation as Penix is expected to be the starter. Cousins could have fantasy value if Penix went down to an injury. However, he's in the fantasy purgatory for now.

From TheHuddle

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield threw 17 touchdowns against the blitz during the 2024 season.

Fantasy Spin: Mayfield tied for second in the NFL with 41 touchdowns this last season and probably will be asked to throw a lot again this upcoming season. He will have Emeka Egbuka in addition to other pass catchers coming back this upcoming season and can be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Miami Dolphins TE Darren Waller has played in an offensive system similar to head coach Mike McDaniel's system and should be able to pick up the offense relatively quickly, in the opinion of The Miami Herald's Kaitlyn Pohly.

Fantasy Spin: Waller has not played since the 2023 season, so it may take him some time to get back into game shape. He seems to be on track to be the starting tight end for the Dolphins and should have the chance to earn a solid role in the passing game. He probably should be considered a No. 2 tight end at this point with a chance to become a starting fantasy option during the season.

From TheHuddle

Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ran 240 routes from the slot with 39 receptions (on 56 targets) for 441 yards and five touchdowns in 2024. However, he ran 252 routes out wide, which led to 67 receptions (on 75 targets) for 740 yards and five touchdowns.

Fantasy Spin: This should serve as a reminder that St. Brown is #goodatfootball. There has been some discussion about St. Brown dropping from the elite fantasy receiver ranks in 2025 - due in part to the potential that he might lose some snaps in the slot - following the departure of former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. While the fifth-year wideout may see his production drop off a bit this season, the aforementioned stats clearly suggest it is unlikely to happen because of lining up more often outside.

From TheHuddle

Free-agent RB Nyheim Hines (knee) believes his knee is ready for a return to action almost two years to the date he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a jet-ski accident, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

From TheHuddle

New England Patriots TE Hunter Henry ranked eight or better in catches, yards and targets among tight ends in 2024, but his two touchdowns ranked 26th at the position.

Fantasy Spin: Henry emerged as one of Drake Maye's favorite targets last season, and he should have a similar role in 2025. Given his overall usage, don't be surprised if he has a few more trips to the end zone. He could finish as a low-end TE1.

From TheHuddle

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Pittsburgh Steelers and linebacker T.J. Watt aren't close to resolving the ongoing contract dispute. The team wants to keep him. However, there are still some glaring issues regarding a new deal, specifically, length and guaranteed money. The 30-year-old is still a top defensive option despite closing in on a decade of service in the National Football League, most recently finishing the 2024 campaign with 11.5 sacks while totaling 61 tackles. With training camp commencing in a few weeks, there is a greater sense of urgency for a deal to get done. If Watt isn't on the field come Week 1, it won't be an ideal scenario for a Steelers defense that is projected to be one of the most potent fantasy units in 2025.

From RotoBaller

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is still "not happy" with where things stand regarding a new contract. This situation has been ongoing for months, so this is nothing new. Still, with training camp right around the corner, the franchise is running a greater risk of a holdout situation if the wideout doesn't get a pay increase. He is coming off his best season since entering the National Football League, ending the 2024 campaign with 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns off 82 receptions. McLaurin is currently in line to make $15.5 million this season. However, it will presumably take well over $30 million a year to retain his services moving forward. If McLaurin isn't on the field, it won't be good news for Jayden Daniels, the 2024 NFL Rookie of the Year. McLaurin's potential absence from training camp could also cause his fantasy stock to fall.

From RotoBaller

NBCSports.com's Mike Florio reports that Dallas Cowboys wide receiver/kick returner KaVontae Turpin was arrested early Sunday morning on two misdemeanor charges. Turpin faces charges for possession of marijuana and unlawful carrying of a weapon, Florio notes. Not what you want to see. The TCU product was an impactful asset for the Cowboys last season -- particularly in the return game, which garnered him a Pro-Bowl selection. It's unclear whether he'll face repercussions for his crimes, considering the nature of the charges. However, both instances could "trigger potential scrutiny under NFL policies," as Florio states. The 28-year-old's punishment, if any, may not be severe, but what happened undoubtedly diminishes his value currently. It may take some time before we receive a definitive outcome.

From RotoBaller

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (foot) is hoping the work put in during the offseason will keep him healthy throughout the 2025 campaign. "The big thing for me this year is I want to play 17 games," said Johnson on the Giants Huddle podcast. "That's the number one priority. I've been taking my recovery and my health, what I'm putting in my body and everything, more serious than I ever have." The 24-year-old wasn't a consistent fantasy producer last season. However, he demonstrated some signs of growth and would total 29 catches for 331 yards and one touchdown before sustaining a season-ending foot injury in November. Johnson has more work to do to earn additional snaps, although it appears he has the edge over Greg Dulcich, Daniel Bellinger, among others, to enter Week 1 as the No. 1 tight end on the depth chart. Still, he has a way to go before establishing himself as a week-to-week fantasy starter.

From RotoBaller

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton continues to make a positive impression on the coaching staff. Head coach Zac Taylor has already touted the wideout's improved growth and maturity this offseason. However, it didn't end there, with offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher being the latest member of the staff to comment on Burton's personal development. "He's got a good look in his eye," stated Pitcher. "He's putting the time in." The 24-year-old, selected with the No. 80 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had a forgettable rookie campaign, amassing only four catches (14 targets) for 107 yards. He was also held out of three contests while failing to find the end zone. Without question, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown will each command attention from quarterback Joe Burrow. Tight end Mike Gesicki should also be involved. Still, Burton has a chance to climb the depth chart, which could result in fewer snaps for Andrei Iosivas. With that said, Burton has a way to go before earning the trust of fantasy managers, although he's worth monitoring heading into Week 1. His ceiling could rise even more if Chase, Higgins, or Iosivas get injured at some point during the season, giving him streaming potential.

From RotoBaller