Instant Fantasy Analysis

Mon Mar 10 9:35am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Metcalf heads to the Steelers


The NFL does such a good job of staying relevant all season long. Free agency hasn’t even officially opened but the NFL continues to dominate headlines. Teams are agreeing to deals with free agents and trades are happening nearly every day. There is so much to keep up with, but we are here to help. It is time for some instant fantasy analysis of the latest moves from around the league.

Here is the latest. . . . .

The Jaguars traded receiver Christian Kirk to the Texans. This is a great spot for Kirk to land. He could become the go-to possession receiver for Houston. With Tank Dell’s status up in the air for the coming season, Kirk could take his role in the offense. Kirk should pair with Nico Collins to form a solid duo for quarterback C.J. Stroud. With that said, Kirk probably isn’t more than a No. 3 or 4 fantasy receiver. He isn’t likely to post some of his huge numbers from past seasons but should be able to get 70-plus receptions with around 1,000 yards. He should be a good depth piece or spot starter.

Las Vegas found their quarterback for the coming season, trading for Geno Smith. This is a big upgrade for the Raiders offense and their playmakers in the passing game. As for Smith, this probably isn’t a great spot for his fantasy value. He does reunite with his old coach, Pete Carroll, but the weapons in the passing game are lacking a little in Las Vegas, especially if you compare what he had to work with in Seattle. The only positive is the Raiders could be playing from behind, giving Smith more chance to air out. Smith could see his numbers dip a little from his days in Seattle. He is going to be spot start material for fantasy teams. 

The Seahawks got their quarterback a few days later, agreeing to a deal with Sam Darnold. This could be a good fit for Darnold and the Seahawks. He isn’t going to post the huge numbers he did with the Vikings explosive offense last year, though. We would consider Darnold more of a spot starter for fantasy teams this year. He should have a few big games but likely be pretty ho-hum most weeks.

Defense end Myles Garrett requested a trade a few weeks back but money apparently talks. The Browns signed Garrett to a massive contract extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. Garrett will continue to lead the Browns top defense, which is good news for that fantasy unit.

The Vikings agreed to terms with running back Aaron Jones on a new two-year contract. This keeps Jones in Minnesota for a few more seasons. Jones was 15th overall in fantasy running back scoring this past season and has obvious fantasy value in this offense. He should be considered a top No. 2 fantasy back for the coming year. Injury is always a concern for him, especially at his age, but as long as he is on he field, he should produce good numbers in this offense.

The Rams made a big move for their offense, agreeing to terms with receiver Davante Adams on a two-year contract. Adams will replace Cooper Kupp, who the team is trying to move. Adams should be a healthier version of Kupp and produce some good numbers in this top offense. It wouldn’t surprise to see Adams push 100 receptions this coming season, being a top possession target for Matthew Stafford. Consider Adams a top No. 2 for fantasy teams. And don’t downgrade Puka Nacua because of this move. Nacua remains the top target in this offense and produced big numbers when Kupp was healthy and playing at a high level.

Pittsburgh added another top weapon to their passing game, trading for DK Metcalf. And he is signing a new, five-year contract with the team. It is hard to gauge Metcalf’s fantasy value right now, though, because we don’t know their quarterback. We will have a better idea of his value once that is figured out. For now, Metcalf should be considered a solid No. 2 fantasy receiver in this offense. The Steelers don’t have a great history in recent seasons of producing big fantasy receivers. Metcalf could be a little hit or miss for a team that likes to run the ball.

The Jets agreed to terms with Justin Fields to be their starting quarterback. This is a really intriguing signing for fantasy purposes. Fields might not be the best passer but his rushing totals really boost his fantasy value. As long as he is starting, he has good fantasy value. And he also gets to reunite with former college teammate Garrett Wilson, which could be a plus as well. Overall, Fields in a starring role is a plus for fantasy teams. He has the potential to a be top-10 fantasy quarterback if all goes well for him.

Dalles added Javonte Williams to their running back room. This is an interesting signing. It is thought the Cowboys want to address the running back position in the draft but for now, Williams looks to have the first shot to start. And if starting, he could have his best season to date in Dallas. He could do well in their pass-first offense, getting plenty of chances as a receiver out of the backfield. We’ll know more about this signing after the draft, though.

The Chargers seem to be moving on from JK Dobbins, agreeing to a deal with Najee Harris. This might be a downgrade from Dobbins a little but is a great fantasy spot for Harris. He seems like he could be a perfect fit for the Chargers offense. It would not surprise if he has his best fantasy season to date in this offense. 

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Devonte Wyatt Apr 30 2:00pm CT
Devonte Wyatt

The Green Bay Packers have officially picked up defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt's fifth-year option ahead of the May 1 deadline, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Wyatt was the No. 28 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Georgia and has tallied 74 tackles (43 solo), 12 sacks, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries, and 12 run stuffs in 47 career games. The 300-pounder has pass-rush skills from the interior that are valuable to any defense. He is now locked in with the organization through the 2026 campaign and will earn $12.9 million guaranteed on the final year of his rookie deal.

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Jordan Travis Apr 30 1:40pm CT
Jordan Travis

New York Jets quarterback Jordan Travis (leg) is retiring from football after being medically advised to end his career, he announced on X. The former Florida State quarterback suffered a major leg injury in November of 2023 after leading the Seminoles to an 11-0 record. His season ended ahead of postseason action, but he was still selected by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Travis spent the entire 2024 season rehabilitating his injury, but rehab efforts were unsuccessful. Travis never got to play a snap in the NFL, but he'll end his football journey at age 24 with an ACC Offensive Player of the Year award and two all-ACC selections in 2022 and 2023.

From RotoBaller

Montravius Adams Apr 30 1:30pm CT
Montravius Adams

The Pittsburgh Steelers released defensive lineman Montravius Adams on Wednesday, the team announced on X. Adams spent the last four seasons with the Steelers following one season with the New Orleans Saints and four seasons with the Green Bay Packers. The former third-round pick out of Auburn in 2017 saw his playing time dramatical dip in 2024, recording zero starts after making 17 starts in the two seasons prior. Overall, the veteran has tallied 123 tackles (61 solo), 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, seven pass deflections, and 14.5 run stuffs in 96 career games. While he's unlikely to be a clear-cut starter moving forward, there are plenty of teams lacking interior defensive line depth that could be interested in his services.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Davis Apr 30 1:20pm CT
Jordan Davis

The Philadelphia Eagles exercised the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Jordan Davis, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. Davis, the former No. 13 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Georgia, has tallied 90 tackles (41 solo), 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, four pass deflections, and 13 run stuffs in 47 career games. His counting stats don't do his play justice as an interior run-clogger, but he's an important piece on the dominant Philly defensive front, so this move comes as no surprise. This will keep Davis with the organization through the 2026 campaign, barring a trade or unexpected situation.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Apr 30 1:10pm CT
Shedeur Sanders

The NFL is fining the Atlanta Falcons $250,000 and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich $100,000 due to the leak of quarterback Shedeur Sanders' phone number ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, according to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo. Ulbrich's son, Jax, used the phone number to prank call Sanders on Day 2 of last week's draft. The 21-year-old issued a public apology days later, and the NFL is looking into ways to stop this from happening in the future.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Apr 30 1:00pm CT
Shedeur Sanders

The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot writes that it is going to be a steep climb for rookie fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders to beat out Steelers 2022 first-rounder Kenny Pickett, 2025 third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel and fan favorite Joe Flacco for the starting job in 2025. The Browns passed on Sanders six times in last week's draft, including at No. 94 when they took Oregon product Gabriel. Cleveland only traded up to take Sanders at 144th overall because the "steep discount" was too good to pass up. Cabot thinks the 23-year-old will have to outperform the other three QBs on the roster, and he'll have to do it with limited reps this summer. If the season started tomorrow, Pickett might be the current favorite to start under center for the Browns. If Sanders doesn't look good in training camp, he could eventually be cut before the start of the 2025 season this fall.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Apr 30 12:50pm CT
Calvin Austin III

The Athletic's Mike DeFabo writes that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has the inside track to win the starting job in the slot in 2025, with DK Metcalf and George Pickens locked in to start on the outside. However, Roman Wilson will challenge Austin for playing time in training camp this summer after missing virtually his entire rookie season due to multiple injuries. Metcalf, Pickens, Austin and Wilson are probably locks for the 53-man roster, with Ben Skowronek the most likely candidate for the fifth spot because of his value on special teams as a gunner. The Steelers could also elect to take newcomer Robert Woods as a big-bodied slot receiver and willing blocker. With questions at quarterback in Pittsburgh, it's hard to get excited about anyone in fantasy beyond Metcalf and Pickens for the 2025 season.

From RotoBaller

Kaleb Johnson Apr 30 12:40pm CT
Kaleb Johnson

The Athletic's Mike DeFabo lists Pittsburgh Steelers rookie third-round running back Kaleb Johnson as a co-starter with Jaylen Warren in an early look at the team's positional battles this offseason. Johnson, who stands at 6-foot-1, 224 pounds, is a physical back that is built to carry the load. It remains to be seen how the Steelers will divvy up the touches in their backfield in 2025, but it's widely believed that Johnson was taken with the 83rd overall pick to essentially replace Najee Harris, who signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. The 21-year-old had 240 carries for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns for Iowa in 2024 and also caught 22 passes for 188 yards and two more TDs. Warren starred in a third-down role for Pittsburgh his first three years and will take valuable touches away from Johnson in his rookie campaign, even if Johnson is the go-to guy on early downs.

From RotoBaller

Andrew Van Ginkel Apr 30 12:30pm CT
Andrew Van Ginkel

The Minnesota Vikings reached an agreement on Tuesday with linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel on a one-year, $23 million contract extension that includes $22.4 million guaranteed, according to his agents Drew and Jason Rosenhaus. The Vikings liked what they saw from Van Ginkel in his first year in Minnesota in 2024, when he totaled a career-high 79 tackles (50 solo), a career-high 11.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, 19 QB hits, two interceptions returned for touchdowns, six pass breakups and one forced fumble in 17 regular-season starts for his first Pro Bowl selection. Fantasy managers in IDP formats may want to temper expectations going into 2025 because of the fact that he hadn't produced more than six sacks in a single season in his first five years in the NFL. Still, the 29-year-old has big-play ability at the linebacker position.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Hamilton Apr 30 12:30pm CT
Kyle Hamilton

The Baltimore Ravens announced on Wednesday that they are exercising the fifth-year option for the 2026 season on safety Kyle Hamilton, according to general manager Eric DeCosta. The GM also said that the team is open to working out a long-term contract extension with Hamilton. It's no surprise for Hamilton, who has been a Pro Bowler each of the last two years and a first-team All-Pro in 2023. The 24-year-old defensive back had a career-high 107 tackles (77 solo), two sacks, six QB hits, one interception, nine pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 17 regular-season starts last year. Hamilton's numbers last year were good enough to make him a top-10 defensive back in IDP fantasy formats. He had double-digit tackles in five regular-season games and played every snap in nine contests. Hamilton will be a must-start defensive back in IDP lineups again in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Pat Bryant Apr 30 12:28pm CT
Pat Bryant

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton says that rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant, who the team took at No. 74 overall in the third round in last week's NFL draft, reminds him of former New Orleans Saints wideout Michael Thomas. "(Bryant) has just a lot of traits that Mike had," Payton said. "Especially at the line of scrimmage." Bryant was a surprise top-75 pick because of his lack of speed -- he ran the second-slowest 40-yard dash (4.61 seconds) at the combine among receivers. While the 22-year-old didn't show off-the-charts athleticism, the Broncos think he'll bring an edge to the receiver room and push second-year players Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin in the passing attack. The 6-foot-2, 204-pounder had 17 touchdowns at Illinois in his last two seasons. Behind WR1 Courtland Sutton, Bryant will be competing with Vele, Franklin and Marvin Mims Jr. for playing time in his first year in the NFL.

Kirk Cousins Apr 30 12:27pm CT
Kirk Cousins

Dynasty | Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was not traded during the 2025 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: With the Falcons picking up his option and now with both free agency and the NFL Draft essentially complete, the obvious window of time to move on from Cousins has come and gone. At this point, it looks like he's going to be a very high-priced backup quarterback for Atlanta. Still, the phone could certainly ring at some point here should Aaron Rodgers choose to retire and not go to the Steelers or if another team loses their starters in camp. At this point, Cousins is a weak hold in dynasty leagues.

Nick Nash Apr 30 12:20pm CT
Nick Nash

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Nick Nash, who signed as an undrafted free agent out of San Jose State, could find himself in the team's receiver rotation in 2025 after leading all FBS pass-catchers in 2024 in catches (104), touchdowns (16) and receiving yards (1,382). The converted quarterback played half of his 2,169 collegiate snaps under center, giving him a unique perspective at the receiver position. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder gives QBs a wide catch radius, but for now, excelling on special teams could be his ticket to the main roster. He's old for a rookie at 26 years old and is relatively new to the receiver position, too, so at best, Nash will probably work in four- or five-receiver sets for the Falcons behind Drake London, Ray-Ray McCloud III and Darnell Mooney. He'll have to make up for his lack of long speed with his size and precise route-running.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Apr 30 12:10pm CT
Drake London

The Atlanta Falcons exercised the fifth-year option on wide receiver Drake London on Wednesday, a source tells ESPN's Adam Schefter. This was a no-brainer decision after London posted career-highs in catches (100), targets (158), receiving yards (1,271) and touchdowns (nine) in 17 starts in 2024 in his third year in the NFL. The 23-year-old eighth overall pick in 2022 will now be under contract with the Falcons through the 2026 season, but he could sign a long-term extension well before that if he has another big year in 2025. It was impressive performance for London last year, especially when considering that quarterback Kirk Cousins fell flat in his first year back from an Achilles tear and was benched for rookie Michael Penix Jr. late in the season. It's good news that he caught 22 passes for 352 yards and two TDs in the final three games with Penix. London is a surefire WR1 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Jaire Alexander Apr 30 8:53am CT
Jaire Alexander

Updating previous reports, Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander could remain with the team as all options are on the table. Those include a trade, a release or a reconciliation.

From TheHuddle

Johnathan Hankins Apr 29 6:03pm CT
Johnathan Hankins

Free-agent DL Johnathan Hankins (Seahawks) is re-signing with the Seattle Seahawks on a one-year deal, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero on Tuesday, April 29. Financial terms were not disclosed.

From TheHuddle

Aaron Rodgers Apr 29 4:03pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

Free-agent QB Aaron Rodgers (Jets) remains unsigned, but the Pittsburgh Steelers 'are confident' that he 'will be a member of the Steelers,' according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.

Fantasy Spin: Rapoport's report appears to be the product of a comment that team owner Art Rooney made during draft weekend. Ultimately, the decision lies with Rodgers, as it appears his only options are the Steelers or retirement. It goes without saying that Pittsburgh would love to have him, as it would be hard for the team to sell the idea that it was trying to make a deep playoff run with Mason Rudolph as its quarterback. DK Metcalf, George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth's fantasy fortunes hang in the balance.

From TheHuddle

Jack Bech Apr 29 4:00pm CT
Jack Bech

Las Vegas Raiders second-round rookie wide receiver Jack Bech is a strong candidate to be an immediate starter in his first NFL season, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Vincent Bonsignore. The TCU product was taken with the 58th overall pick on Day 2 and should line up next to Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker in starting three-wide sets. Rookie fourth-rounder Dont'e Thornton Jr. out of Tennessee could also push Tucker for playing time as a deep threat in 2025. Like Meyers and Tucker, Bech can play inside and outside and will likely be used in different spots on the field. The 23-year-old will probably be behind tight Brock Bowers and Meyers in terms of targets in his rookie year, but he'll be working with an established veteran quarterback in Geno Smith and could be worth a late-round dart throw in deep redraft leagues. Bech will be a solid target in rookie-only drafts once the top names at receiver come off the board.

From RotoBaller

Mason Taylor Apr 29 3:50pm CT
Mason Taylor

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt writes that rookie second-round tight end Mason Taylor will immediately walk into the Jets building at the top of the tight end depth chart going into his rookie season in 2025. Jeremy Ruckert projects as the No. 2, but he has yet to make an impact since the Jets drafted him in 2022. The Jets are at least hoping he can take a step forward as a blocker and contribute in the running game. The 20-year-old Taylor not only will be a starter immediately, but he could see plenty of targets from quarterback Justin Fields in his first year in the NFL, giving him TE1 fantasy upside in 2025. Outside of WR1 Garrett Wilson, the Jets don't exactly star-studded receiving depth in Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard and Arian Smith. Taylor will have intriguing rookie upside, but he'll still be better off drafted as a TE2 sleeper than a staple for those in single-TE leagues.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Apr 29 3:50pm CT
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White will be competing for a roster spot in training camp this summer after the team selected former Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick in this year's NFL draft. The Athletic's Tashan Reed has White listed as the current No. 4 behind Jeanty, Raheem Mostert and Sincere McCormick. The Raiders are unlikely to hand the ball to Jeanty almost 27 times per game like Boise State did in 2024, but he will still be the unquestioned workhorse back in Vegas in his rookie season. The veteran and oft-injured Mostert has become strictly a third-down back at this point in his career. The 25-year-old White had a very disappointing season in 2024 as the team's primary back to open the season, averaging just 2.8 yards per carry. Unless Jeanty misses time with an injury in his first NFL season, White will be off the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller