Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) said that his back injury from the 2024 season is in the past and he didn't require surgery on his back. He said he was cleared to play last month and thinks he's done the work necessary to get past the fractured back that he played through last year. In addition to shaky quarterback play and Anthony Richardson eventually being benched in favor of veteran Joe Flacco, Pittman battled a busted back to finish with only 69 receptions, 808 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 16 games, which were all the lowest marks of his five-year NFL career since his rookie campaign in 2020 in which he played in only 13 games. The 27-year-old might be better off from a fantasy perspective if Daniel Jones wins the quarterback competition over Anthony Richardson this offseason, but either way, fantasy managers are going to be more skeptical of Pittman as a WR2 in 2025.

From RotoBaller

ESPN's Brooke Pryor writes that Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan shut down speculation that the team could trade wide receiver George Pickens, who is eligible for a contract extension this summer, to add a second-rounder in this week's NFL draft. "We're glad we have George and DK here," Khan said. "I think they're going to be exciting for everyone to watch." The Steelers have six picks in this week's draft, but they are without a second-rounder after using the No. 52 overall pick as part of the trade to land receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. The 24-year-old Pickens fell short of 1,000 yards -- he had 900 yards and three touchdowns on 59 receptions -- and could be more volatile of a fantasy asset in 2025 with Metcalf now in the picture. That's especially true with Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson as the only quarterbacks currently on their roster.

From RotoBaller

Though there is good value in a deep running back class in this year's NFL draft, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he believes Jaylen Warren can be the team's top running back after the departure of 2021 first-rounder Najee Harris in free agency to the Los Angeles Chargers. "I certainly feel comfortable with his ability to do so," Tomlin said of Warren. "He got hampered by injury some in 2024. He appears to be ready to answer that. I know he's really excited about his opportunity. I don't think myself or anyone within the organization question his talents in regards to managing the ability to manage potentially that role." The 26-year-old signed his one-year, $5.35 million restricted free-agent tender on Tuesday, but that doesn't mean the two sides won't work out a long-term extension. Warren's 2025 fantasy value will depend on whether the Steelers add a RB in this week's NFL draft.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has signed a one-year, $5.3 million deal with the organization on Tuesday. Warren signed as a restricted free agent as he enters his final year before free agency. Warren figures to be the lead back for the first time in his professional career this upcoming season. Najee Harris has departed via free agency, which opens a door for Warren to be the No. 1 back in this offense. It's possibly that the Steelers do draft a running back in the upcoming NFL Draft. Nonetheless, Warren should get the first chance to be the lead back in 2025. Last season, Warren finished with 511 rushing yards and 310 receiving yards in 15 games as the primary backup in Pittsburgh. The assumption is that his fantasy value is going to rise with a move to the lead back spot.

From RotoBaller

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis is expected to stick with the organization a little bit longer. Recently, general manager Mike Borgonzi said Levis is a quarterback in their room. He continued saying Levis is still developing and learning, but he has experienced some good moments. It seems increasingly likely that the Titans are going to select Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. That means, Levis is going to be stuck as a backup going forward with Ward presumably viewed as the new franchise quarterback. It's never a bad idea to have depth, but Levis is only 25 years old and could potentially still help another organization. For now, the Titans seem interested in keeping Levis, but that might change over time.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) says that he has been participating in his offseason program without any restrictions. Head coach Kyle Shanahan noted that McCaffrey is healthy and doing great at the moment. The oft-injured back was only able to play in four games last season due to injuries. When healthy, McCaffrey is a stud, but he has only been healthy for two full seasons since 2020. The 28-year-old is a no-doubt RB1 when he's a full-go, so hopefully that will be the case in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has returned for the start of the offseason program. Owusu-Koramoah suffered a scary neck injury in late October when he collided with running back Derrick Henry. He was carted off the field and didn't see the field again after that. The fact that Owusu-Koramoah is back with the team on Tuesday is a good sign. General manager Andrew Berry said Owusu-Koramoah is progressing, but he doesn't have a timetable for his return. In 2023, Owusu-Koramoah recorded 101 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 16 games with Cleveland. He was limited to eight games last season, but is a stud when healthy.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle did not report to the start of team offseason activities, according to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. The six-time Pro Bowl selection is entering the final year of his contract and is set to earn a base salary of $14.4 million. The Iowa product put another fantastic season together in 2024, collecting 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games. The 31-year-old is one of the best tight ends of his generation and has five seasons of at least 900 receiving yards on his career resume. If Kittle wants a contract extension and a raise, he has earned it. He currently ranks behind Trey McBride, Travis Kelce, and T.J. Hockenson in average salary among tight ends and is likely to take on a bigger workload after the departure of Deebo Samuel Sr.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy reported to the start of the team's offseason activities, according to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. The 2022 seventh-round pick is entering the final season of his rookie deal and is slated to earn $5.35 million in base salary. Purdy, who has thrown for 9,518 yards, 64 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions in 40 career games, is making well below the starting quarterback market as a clear starter, and he could receive a lucrative extension this offseason. Entering 2025, Purdy will be without Deebo Samuel Sr., who was traded to the Washington Commanders. Additionally, Brandon Aiyuk (knee) could miss the start of the season after suffering a torn ACL in 2024. Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall could be his top two wideouts to begin the year, but the Niners could be aggressive in targeting a wideout in the 2025 NFL Draft.

From RotoBaller

Veteran free-agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore was at the Dallas Cowboys' facility on Tuesday, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports no signing is imminent. The former No. 10 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft out of South Carolina spent the 2023 campaign with Dallas before a season with the Minnesota Vikings last year. Overall, Gilmore has tallied 617 tackles (521 solo), 149 pass deflections, 32 interceptions, eight forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one sack, and two defensive touchdowns in 180 career games with the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Cowboys, and Vikings. The Cowboys could be interested in bringing the five-time Pro Bowler back, but it would likely be after the 2025 NFL Draft if they strike out on targeted cornerback prospects.

From RotoBaller

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins reported to voluntary OTAs on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. His arrival was a surprise to some Falcons staffers, but his presence in the building shows the relationship between him and the organization is still cordial. The Falcons have said they are willing to pay Cousins $27.5 million to back up second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., but the veteran would prefer to be traded somewhere he can start. However, starting quarterback roles around the league are now scarce, and options will be further reduced following the 2025 NFL Draft. Cousins was benched for Penix last season after throwing for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in 14 games. It remains to be seen how this situation will play out, but Atlanta could hold onto him in hopes of a fruitful trade offer at some point this offseason or during the 2025 campaign.

From RotoBaller

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook did not report to the start of the organization's voluntary OTAs, according to general manager Brandon Beane. The former second-round pick out of Georgia posted his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season in 2024 and is seeking a contract extension worth $15 million annually. In 16 games last season, Cook posted 1,009 yards on 207 carries and caught 32 passes for 258 yards. He found the end zone 18 times. It remains to be seen if Cook is a candidate to hold out of mandatory OTAs or training camp, but for now, it's too early to have any significant takeaways. If he's the clear starter in Buffalo next season, he'll continue to have RB1 upside in an offense led by MVP quarterback Josh Allen.

From RotoBaller

In a media availability on Tuesday, Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi confirmed the team will make a selection with the No. 1 overall pick rather than trading down. "We've come to a consensus," Borgonzi said. "We'll pick at No. 1 on Thursday night." Since at least the 2025 NFL combine, the belief has been that Tennessee will select Miami quarterback Cam Ward at the top of this week's draft, and Borgonzi's statement all but confirms that will be the case. After 2023 second-round pick Will Levis struggled in 2024 with 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 12 games, Tennessee is poised to bring in its franchise quarterback of the future. Ward threw for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his lone season with the Hurricanes and finished fourth in the 2024 Heisman Trophy voting behind Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty, and Dillon Gabriel.

From RotoBaller

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is the consensus top RB in a strong class in 2025, and he could very well come off the board within the first 10 picks on Thursday night. What sets Jeanty apart from the likes of North Carolina's Omarion Hampton, Iowa's Kaleb Johnson and Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins is hit tackle-breaking ability and penchant for gaining yards after contact. Jeanty had 1,733 rushing yards after contact last season with the Broncos, while Hampton, who is considered the No. 2 back in this class, has 1,660 total rushing yards in 2024. Jeanty's total rushing yards after contact are the most by any FBS player in a season in the last five years. The Las Vegas Raiders are the obvious candidates to take Jeanty at No. 6 overall, and multiple personnel people think the Chicago Bears are hoping he falls to them at No. 10.

From RotoBaller

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe was invited to attend this weeks' NFL draft in Green Bay, but ESPN's Peter Schrager writes that it doesn't mean the NFL expects him to be picked in the first round on Thursday night. The league invited Milroe to the draft because he's one of the top QB prospect, and even if he's not selected in Round 1, he could be in attendance on Friday night. Even though the 22-year-old might end up being a Day 2 pick, plenty of NFL teams are intrigued by him. "Rare physical talent," Browns general manager Andrew Berry said of Milroe. "Maybe the only quarterback who's faster than Lamar Jackson." The 6-foot-2, 217-pounder has the best speed at the QB position in this year's class, but in order to take the next step at the NFL level, he is going to need to improve as a passer, which is why teams might be skeptical on using a first-round pick on him.

From RotoBaller

There has been a lack of teams willing to trade up in the 2025 NFL draft so far, but ESPN's Peter Schrager writes that the Denver Broncos are one of the teams perhaps looking to move up. They have made multiple inquiries about moving up in Round 1 on Thursday night, according to sources. While there may not be many other teams besides the Broncos that are currently looking to move up within the first round, that could change quickly once the draft starts and players start falling. Denver currently has the 20th overall pick in the first round, but they may not be willing to wait that long to have a chance to a running back, possibly Boise State's Ashton Jeanty, who could come off the board in the top 10 picks. Denver's backfield was extremely disappointing in 2024, and they also let Javonte Williams walk in free agency, so they are fully expected to target the position in this year's draft.

From RotoBaller

Many people expect the Indianapolis Colts to take either Penn State tight end Tyler Warren or Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with the 14th overall pick in the first round of Thursday night's 2025 NFL draft, and general manager Chris Ballard said this week that he'd like to find a TE who can block in the run game and catch in the passing game. Ballard also stressed that this year's tight end class is deep, so perhaps the Colts won't go for either Warren or Loveland early on. But one thing is pretty clear: The Colts will take a tight end at some point in the draft later this week to add to a lackluster TE room that already includes Drew Ogletree, Mo Alie-Cox, Jelani Woods and Will Mallory, among others. If Indy takes Warren or Loveland, they would be expected to be the Colts' primary pass-catching TE right away in 2025.

From RotoBaller

SNY's Connor Hughes writes that Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart is a name to watch for the New York Giants as a trade-up option near the end of the first round of Thursday night's 2025 NFL draft. Sources are saying that head coach Brian Daboll is high on Dart as one of the top QB prospects in this year's class behind Miami's Cam Ward. Dart's toughness is something that Daboll values when he looks for a signal-caller. Other NFL teams are in on Dart, too, which is why the Giants may want to trade back into the first round if they really like him. At No. 3 overall, Hughes writes that there's not much out there connecting Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders to New York, and the hype has cooled dramatically from where it was in December. If the Giants were to land Dart late in the first round or early in the second round, he could push veteran Russell Wilson for the starting job in training camp this summer.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones will begin competing for the starting role in 2025 when their offseason program begins on Tuesday. Both Richardson and Jones are former top-10 picks that haven't lived up to their draft stock so far in their careers. Richardson has elite rushing upside, but he needs to improve as a passer and has missed 17 of a possible 34 games due to two injuries. "You don't want to begin with an end in mind," general manager Chris Ballard said. "If I'm a betting man, at some point, both of them will help us." Richardson was going through the draft process before his rookie year and was recovering from shoulder surgery last offseason, so he'll have his first normal offseason to prepare going into the 2025 campaign. He has more pure fantasy upside due to his rushing ability, but his draft stock is way down with the possibility that both Jones and Richardson are making starts.

From RotoBaller

When asked if the situation surrounding free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers will have any effect on what the Pittsburgh Steelers do in this week's NFL draft, head coach Mike Tomlin said, "It does not." "All options are on the table to acquire those last two [quarterbacks]," general manager Omar Khan said. The Steelers plan on taking four QBs into offseason workouts, but right now they only have Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. Pittsburgh has the No. 21 overall pick in the first round on Thursday night, and it's very possible they'll select a signal-caller in that spot, especially if Colorado's Shedeur Sanders falls all the way down to them. Taking Sanders wouldn't necessarily prevent the Steelers from signing Rodgers to be their starting QB in 2025, though. While signs had been pointing to Rodgers signing with Pittsburgh a while ago, retirement also remains on the table.

From RotoBaller