Guest of the League
The Examiner Fantasy Football League Est. 2002
FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Cowboys acquiring WR George Pickens from Steelers

Wed May 7 7:29am ET
Field Level Media

The Dallas Cowboys are finalizing a trade to acquire wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for draft pick compensation, ESPN reported on Wednesday.

Per the report, the trade is expected to include a third-round draft pick and likely will be completed later on Wednesday.

The Cowboys had been seeking another star wideout to pair with four-time Pro Bowl selection CeeDee Lamb.

This reported move comes approximately six months after Dallas acquired wide receiver Jonathan Mingo and a seventh-round pick of the 2025 NFL Draft from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a fourth-round selection in the same draft.

The Steelers, in turn, acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks on March. 9. The two-time Pro Bowler then signed a four-year, $132 million deal with Pittsburgh.

Pickens, 24, had 59 catches for 900 yards with three touchdowns in 14 games last season. He has one season remaining on his rookie contract is slated to become a free agent next March.

Pickens, however, appeared to be distancing himself from the Steelers, notably unfollowing the team on social media.

Pickens has 174 receptions for 2,841 yards with 12 scores in 48 career games since being selected by Pittsburgh in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Fantasy Life Championship Live Stream (4-30)

Player Notes
Allen Lazard May 7 9:40am CT
Allen Lazard

As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to navigate the offseason, trading for New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard is "in play," according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. As Florio notes, the move likely hinges on whether the Steelers sign quarterback Aaron Rodgers. This wouldn't be the first time a team has pursued a receiver to satisfy the veteran signal caller. The Green Bay Packers once re-acquired Randall Cobb as part of Rodgers' demands during a contract holdout, and the Jets signed Lazard after trading for Rodgers in 2023. The 29-year-old would likely slot in as Pittsburgh's No. 2 receiver behind DK Metcalf after they traded George Pickens to Dallas. He typically plays much better with Rodgers throwing him the football, as he commanded 100 targets from the future Hall of Famer in 2022. He also opened last season with 412 yards and five touchdowns over his first seven games, all of which featured Rodgers under center. Any sort of Lazard trade likely won't happen until Rodgers makes a decision on his future. While nothing is imminent, fantasy managers should keep tabs on Rodgers, as his eventual decision will surely have a ripple effect on many players across the league.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens May 7 9:20am CT
George Pickens

The Dallas Cowboys have officially announced that they acquired wide receiver George Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. The Pickens trade had been reported earlier in the morning on Wednesday, but the Cowboys' announcement provided details on the return package and officially confirmed the transaction. The trade gives Dallas a very strong No. 2 wide receiver alongside CeeDee Lamb, perhaps reinforcing Dallas' desire to operate a pass-heavy offense in 2025. After all, the Cowboys have one of the NFL's weaker backfields, so being able to move the ball through the air is a priority. Pickens piqued Dallas' interest during the draft, and the Cowboys now make the move to get him less than two weeks later. For Pittsburgh, this trade downgrades an already weak offense. Although Pittsburgh did go out to get DK Metcalf this offseason, they might struggle to get passing production out of a quarterback room that features Will Howard, Mason Rudolph, and Skylar Thompson. The pass-catching depth chart is also weak beyond Metcalf and Pat Freiermuth, and the backfield now features Jaylen Warren after the team lost Najee Harris in free agency. Metcalf remains a high-end WR3 option for fantasy purposes, Freiermuth could be a fine security blanket once again, and Warren figures to have heavy involvement on the ground. Meanwhile, Pickens' quarterback upgrade gives him a major fantasy boost. At the same time, there shouldn't be any panic about CeeDee Lamb; there are plenty of targets to go around, and he remains a strong fantasy WR1.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis May 7 9:20am CT
Gabriel Davis

The Jacksonville Jaguars have released wide receiver Gabe Davis, according to an announcement from the team. Davis appeared in 10 games (nine starts) last season, which was his first with the Jaguars. He converted 42 targets into just 20 catches, 239 yards, and two touchdowns. Each of these four marks represented career-lows as Davis struggled to match the level of production that he delivered during the four years with the Buffalo Bills. Still just 26 years old, Davis should find a new landing spot thanks to his previous experience as a solid No. 2 receiver in Buffalo. However, he is no longer a reliable fantasy football option, and he'll still have to compete to earn a roster spot somewhere this summer.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens May 7 7:00am CT
George Pickens

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to trade wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys for draft pick compensation. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the deal will include a third-round draft pick and other pick swaps. The move is expected to be finalized on Wednesday. Pickens is in the final year of his rookie deal and is ultimately looking for a contract extension in 2025. The 24-year-old hauled in 59 catches for 900 yards and three touchdowns over 14 games for the Steelers last season. Pickens should see an uptick in production in a better offense with the move to Dallas as quarterback Dak Precott's No. 2 option behind CeeDee Lamb. Unless the Steelers bring in a wide receiver, Roman Wilson, Robert Woods, and Calvin Austin III will compete for Pittsburgh's WR2 role behind DK Metcalf. Pickens to the Cowboys is close to being finalized, and the trade details should be announced later on Wednesday.

From RotoBaller

BJ Thompson May 6 11:20pm CT
BJ Thompson

The Kansas City Chiefs signed undrafted rookie wide receiver Jimmy Holiday out of Louisiana Tech after a successful tryout at rookie minicamp. Holiday played collegiately at Tennessee and Western Kentucky in addition to Louisiana Tech. His best year came in 2023 with Western Kentucky, when he had 20 catches for 326 yards and two touchdowns. Holiday had 658 all-purpose yards and six total touchdowns at Louisiana Tech last year. The 5-foot-11, 198-pounder can function as a return specialist on special teams as well as a slot receiver, but he'll be a long shot to see meaningful playing time, let alone make the 53-man roster out of training camp. The Chiefs waived undrafted free-agent safety Will Brooks and receiver Justin Lockhart (undisclosed) to make room for Holiday. Defensive end BJ Thompson (chest) cleared waivers and will revert to the Non-Football Injury list.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr May 6 11:03pm CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr (shoulder) reportedly wants to try to play through the shoulder injury he believes he suffered in Week 14 of last season, according to NFL Network's Jane Slater. Per Slater, Carr has met with the team doctor twice in recent weeks and did not know the shoulder was hurt before because he only resumed throwing a football a few weeks ago as he began to ramp up for offseason work.

Fantasy Spin: Slater adds that surgery remains on the table, but it is something Carr wants to avoid since he has already had surgery on the same shoulder. Fantasy managers can expect another update or two over the next couple of weeks, but it appears a decision - either by the team or Carr - is coming shortly.

From TheHuddle

Alex Singleton May 6 10:50pm CT
Alex Singleton

Despite tearing his ACL in the Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024, Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton (knee) said he feels good and that he's on track for the start of the 2025 season. "It's good. I feel like I'm on schedule. It's feeling really good," Singleton said. The 31-year-old veteran posted a video in March on his Instagram of him running full speed, and since then he's taken more encouraging steps in his rehab. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues will probably want to take a wait-and-see approach on Singleton early on, but if he returns to his pre-injury form, he should at least be a streaming consideration at the linebacker position. Before the 2024 season, Singleton had four-plus 100-tackle campaigns, including a career-high 177 total tackles (106 solo) in 2023 in Denver. If he's healthy in 2025, he'll be a starting linebacker for a strong Broncos defense.

From RotoBaller

Desmond Ridder May 6 10:40pm CT
Desmond Ridder

Free-agent quarterback Desmond Ridder will receive a tryout for the Denver Broncos during their rookie minicamp this weekend, a source tells 9 News' Mike Klis. The former University of Cincinnati product was drafted in the third round in 2022 by the Atlanta Falcons and started 13 games in 2023. The 25-year-old was way too inconsistent and injury-prone, though, with the Falcons moving on after just two seasons. He appeared in six games (one start) for the Las Vegas Raiders last year and completed 61.2% of his 85 pass attempts for 458 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Former first-rounder Bo Nix is Denver's unquestioned starter after a strong rookie season in which he led the Broncos to the playoffs, and Jarrett Stidham will return as his backup. If Ridder is signed, he'd compete with Sam Ehlinger for the No. 3 job in the QB room.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Luepke May 6 10:30pm CT
Hunter Luepke

The Dallas Cowboys still don't know how their running back situation is going to materialize in 2025, writes The Athletic's Saad Yousuf. The Cowboys signed Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency. Deuce Vaughn and Hunter Luepke are returning, but neither is guaranteed a roster spot out of training camp. The team likes the explosiveness that rookie fifth-rounder Jaydon Blue brings to the table after the Cowboys ranked dead-last in the NFL in 20-plus-yard runs in 2024. Blue's receiving abilities -- he led FBS RBs in 2024 with six receiving touchdowns -- are also something that Dallas will look to find ways to use. Neither Williams nor Sanders will be handed a significant role, so Blue will have a chance to prove himself in what is shaping up to be more of a RB committee. Ball security and pass protection will be things Blue will need to clean up if he wants to jump onto the fantasy radar in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr May 6 10:20pm CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (shoulder) is dealing with a right-shoulder that could cause him to miss the start of the 2025 season this fall. Per NFL Network's Jane Slater, Carr thinks he suffered the injury in Week 14 against the New York Giants, the same game he also suffered a left-wrist injury. The 34-year-old veteran was shut down for the rest of the year shortly after that with the Saints out of playoff contention, so Carr didn't really start ramping up his throwing until recently, when he realized his shoulder wasn't right. Slater goes on to say that Carr has had surgery on his shoulder before and would like to avoid another surgery, so he wants to see if he can play through it. He has been to New Orleans twice in recent weeks to meet with the team doctor and remains in constant contact with GM Mickey Loomis. With Carr's status up in the air to start 2025, New Orleans drafted rookie QB Tyler Shough in the second round.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Moore May 6 7:20pm CT
Elijah Moore

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Elijah Moore told the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle on Monday that the chance to play with quarterback Josh Allen swayed him to sign with the team in free agency. "For me, it's more like my whole career, I haven't really had too many great opportunities with a stable quarterback the entire season," said Buffalo's new wideout. The former second-round pick of the New York Jets isn't wrong, considering he's earned targets from a carousel of signal-callers at both of his stops in the pros. After a decent rookie season in 2021, Moore had a falling out with the Jets' coaching staff and was shipped to Cleveland the following year. His production has leveled off since then, but the 25-year-old believes his best is yet to come. Outside of teammate Khalil Shakir, the Bills did not have another pass-catcher accrue more than 45 receptions or 560 yards in 2024. Joshua Palmer is in the mix now, and Keon Coleman should improve in his second campaign. Still, Moore is likely to get a solid chance to vie for targets. He's an interesting low-risk investment for now.

From RotoBaller

Trey Hendrickson May 6 6:40pm CT
Trey Hendrickson

ESPN's Ben Baby reports that the Cincinnati Bengals have restructured defensive back Geno Stone's contract. The speculation is that Cincinnati is clearing cap space in order to sign defensive end Trey Hendrickson to a lucrative deal, though that has not been confirmed. Stone's new deal is a one-year, $4.9 million agreement netting him roughly $1.6 million less in 2025. However, $1.5 million will be guaranteed. The 26-year-old has appeared in every contest over the past three seasons and notched a new personal best with 81 tackles. Additionally, he's recorded 11 interceptions since the start of 2023. If this move is to make room for another massive contract, then it's undoubtedly a smart one for the Bengals -- holding on to a productive asset at a discounted price while retaining their star player.

From RotoBaller

Brashard Smith May 6 6:20pm CT
Brashard Smith

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed rookie seventh-round running back Brashard Smith to a four-year, $4.33 million deal. Kansas City selected the 22-year-old with its final pick in April's draft, No. 228 overall. Smith spent the first three campaigns of his collegiate career as a Hurricane in Miami, and started just ten games, but was a do-it-all player contributing in the rushing, receiving, and return game. His move to SMU during his final season proved to be an excellent decision as he rushed for 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns across 235 carries (5.7 YPC). The first year back has speed for days (4.39 40-yard dash) and stands out in that regard amongst other Kansas City rushers. While there's a steep climb to the top in terms of playing time, it wouldn't be surprising to see the former Mustang push for snaps. He's an intriguing late-round selection in dynasty rookie drafts for the time being.

From RotoBaller

Jason Pierre-Paul May 6 5:43pm CT
Jason Pierre-Paul

Free-agent DE Jason Pierre-Paul (Dolphins) remains interested in returning to the NFL after sitting out all of the 2024 season. He's staying in shape and training seriously, claiming to be ready immediately. Pierre-Paul, 36, played sparingly in 2023 and has only 5.5 total sacks since 2021.

From TheHuddle

Spencer Shrader May 6 3:00pm CT
Spencer Shrader

According to James Boyd of The Athletic, Spencer Shrader is the favorite to win the team's starting placekicking duties for 2025. Last season, Shrader kicked for the Colts in Week 1 due to an injury to Matt Gay. The Colts released Gay this offseason and brought Shrader back. He will compete with undrafted free-agent kicker Maddux Trujillo out of Temple, but it is "his job to lose." Shrader went undrafted last offseason out of Notre Dame and kicked in one game for the Colts, one game for the New York Jets, and two games for the Kansas City Chiefs. Overall, he made all five of his field goal attempts and was a perfect nine-for-nine on extra point tries. Gay attempted the seventh-most field goals last season for Indy, so Shrader could find his way on the fantasy football radar in 2025.

From RotoBaller

DJ Giddens May 6 2:50pm CT
DJ Giddens

The Indianapolis Colts added former Kansas State running back DJ Giddens in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and James Boyd of The Athletic believes he is poised to beat out Tyler Goodson as the team's top pass-catching back. The team added Khalil Herbert this offseason to replace Trey Sermon, but Giddens profiles as more of a receiver after snagging 50 receptions over his final two collegiate seasons. That said, Indianapolis ranked 30th in total running back targets a season ago (65), so Giddens is unlikely to have standalone upside as a backup to Jonathan Taylor. Instead, he'll be more of an interesting handcuff back that could have flex value in the case of a Taylor injury. Giddens was a fifth-rounder, though, so it's too early to assume he'll have any role in Indy's offense.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson May 6 2:40pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) told FOX reporter Ellie French that he is in a "really good spot" in his rehab following a torn ACL last January. The speedster finally stayed healthy for most of the 2024 campaign after lingering hamstring issues in 2023, but the significant knee injury cost him the NFC Wild Card matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles and puts his future in question. After Green Bay selected Matthew Golden in the first round and Savion Williams in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Watson's days in Green Bay could be numbered. The North Dakota State product has flashed upside and speed in short spurts, but his injury misfortune has limited his ability to be a consistent contributor. Through his first 38 regular-season games, Watson has collected 98 receptions for 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

B.J. Hill May 6 2:30pm CT
B.J. Hill

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle B.J. Hill (undisclosed) was seen at the team's facility wearing a walking boot, according to ESPN's Ben Baby. It's early in the offseason, so this should not be viewed as much of a concern, but the Bengals were ravaged by injuries on defense a season ago. Hill signed a three-year, $33 million contract to remain with the team this offseason. The former third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Giants out of NC State has spent the last three seasons with Cincy, racking up 154 tackles and 12.5 sacks in 46 games. The 30-year-old will be tasked with helping the team turn things around under new defensive coordinator Al Golden following a disastrous 2024 campaign for its stop unit.

From RotoBaller

Jalin Hyatt May 6 2:20pm CT
Jalin Hyatt

The New York Giants did not add any notable free-agent wide receivers this offseason, and the team did not pick a wideout in the 2025 NFL Draft. Following those developments, Dan Duggan of The Athletic believes Jalin Hyatt will safely make the 53-man roster at the end of training camp this summer. Hyatt, a former Fred Biletnikoff Award winner and third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, has collected just 31 receptions for 435 yards in 33 career games. Last season, he caught eight passes for 62 yards. While it would be surprising to see him on the fantasy football radar, the editions of quarterbacks Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and Jaxson Dart all but ensure the G-Men will have better quarterback play in 2025. Hyatt likely will not start in three-wide sets, but he could make an impact as a rotational field-stretcher. Either way, he can be ignored for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Eric Gray May 6 2:10pm CT
Eric Gray

According to Dan Duggan of The Athletic, New York Giants running back Eric Gray is likely to be the odd man out in the team's running back room after the organization selected former Arizona State ball carrier Cam Skattebo in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. New York is likely to keep three running backs on the 53-man roster, and Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Devin Singletary are favorites to lock up those spots. Gray was a fifth-round pick out of Oklahoma in the 2023 NFL Draft and has racked up just 79 rushing yards and 31 carries, and 104 receiving yards on 16 receptions in 30 career games. While he could get a shot with another team, his early-career resume suggests he won't be on the fantasy football radar anytime soon. He is a safe drop in dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller