The Athletic's Mike DeFabo imagines that Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's scheme will take many of the quick-game concepts from the West Coast offense that will help get the ball out of quarterback Aaron Rodgers' hand to keep him upright and take advantage of his quick release. It could mean lots of slants to receiver DK Metcalf and plenty of Shanahan-style concepts like wide-zone runs and play-action passing built off those runs. DeFabo also thinks they will lean heavily on formations that put four eligible receivers on one side of the formation. Metcalf doesn't have much competition for targets in Pittsburgh, but he comes to the Steel City on a decline since 2020 and is now entering a run-first offense with an aging QB that is probably playing in his final season. The 27-year-old physical freak can do damage on slants, and his overall production could come down to his chemistry with Rodgers. RotoBaller has Metcalf on the WR2/3 borderline in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) is expected to be ready at some point during training camp this summer, according to KPRC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson. It's a bit ambiguous, but Wilson also goes on to say that it's possible Mixon will be taking part in workouts on the first day of camp in late July. The 28-year-old apparently aggravated ankle and foot injuries that he battled through in 2024, which is why he didn't take part in OTAs this spring. Barring a setback, Mixon should be ready for the start of the regular season, but it's certainly something that fantasy managers should be keeping close tabs on after he was in a protective brace. He finished as the RB15 in half-PPR leagues in his first year in Houston but was noticeably quiet toward the end of the year after battling ankle issues. There are injury concerns with Mixon, but he should at least be a high-end RB2 with plenty of volume if he can stay on the field.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton has made a good impression with his new team this offseason. "I like Tyquan. I like the way he approached things. He's got the quarterback's trust. That's an important thing. He's gotten some valuable reps here. So far, so good. I'd like to see him in a game situation," head coach Andy Reid said. Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster and rookie Jalen Royals are virtual locks to make the 53-man roster, but Thornton could have a leg up for another spot with training camp approaching. He'll be competing with the likes of Skyy Moore and Nikko Remigio. Thornton, a former second-rounder by the Patriots, has speed to spare and has developed strong chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The fact that he's also been involved on special teams increases the chances of him winning the No. 6 receiver role this summer.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said he's not inclined to limit tight end Travis Kelce's snaps this year or make concessions to his age (35) after he briefly contemplated retirement in the offseason. "I'm not feeling that," Reid said. "It would be similar to last year I would imagine as it goes. So, he's in great shape right now, so I think he's looking forward to getting going." However, Reid said he will continue to monitor Kelce as training camp and the regular season progress and makes changes if necessary. Kelce had the third-highest snap count and ran the fourth-most routes of his career in 2024, which bodes well for him staying heavily involved in the offense in 2025. However, the 10-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro's numbers took another dip (97-823-3 line in 16 regular-season starts), making it clear that his ceiling probably is no longer as an elite, high-end fantasy TE1.

From RotoBaller

The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Alex Darus reveals that Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders' citation for driving 101 mph came less than two weeks after another speeding ticket that he got in the Cleveland area, and he failed to appear in court just hours before being ticketed for speeding this week. Sanders notable went from potentially being a top-five pick in this year's NFL draft to falling all the way to 144th overall in the fifth round to the Browns. The 23-year-old former Colorado star looked decisive and accurate during offseason workouts, but these off-the-field missteps won't go over well as he merely works to convince the Browns this year that he's working keeping around beyond his rookie season. It's unlikely to result in a suspension in 2025, but Sanders clearly has a lot of maturing to do both on and off the field.

From RotoBaller

The Cleveland Browns signed tight end Sal Cannella and released Tre' McKitty, the team announced on X on Thursday. After going undrafted out of Auburn in 2020, Cannella has spent time with five NFL organizations, but he has not appeared in an NFL game. However, he's been a standout performer for the Arlington Renegades of the UFL over the last two seasons, totalling 97 receptions for 971 yards and seven touchdowns in 20 games. The 28-year-old has not found a way to stick on an NFL roster, but he's getting another chance entering the 2025 campaign. It would be a surprise if he makes a fantasy football impact based on what we've seen thus far, especially in a Cleveland tight end room that already has David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr.

From RotoBaller

The Pittsburgh Steelers released veteran running back Jonathan Ward on Thursday, the team announced on X. After signing with the organization last offseason, Ward spent the 2024 campaign rotating between the active roster and the practice squad. He appeared in four contests, totaling five carries for 22 yards. The undrafted free agent in 2020 out of Central Michigan has spent time with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Steelers during his five-year NFL career, compiling 91 rushing yards and 52 receiving yards with one total touchdown. The 27-year-old could find his way on an active roster for another team, but he'll likely have to make his mark on special teams.

From RotoBaller

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks (knee) is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered during a special-teams drill last October, but the former first-round pick out of Arkansas is already running and going through drills this offseason. Burks' career has not gone to plan, as he has registered just 53 receptions for 699 yards and one touchdown in 27 career games since essentially replacing A.J. Brown in Tennessee. However, Burks is not concerned with the doubters and is self-motivated heading into 2025. "I am not going out to prove nobody wrong, I am going out to prove myself right, Burks said." While it would be a nice feel-good story if Burks breaks out, there's a chance he will be released by the Titans following training camp. The team has Calvin Ridley on the roster and added wideouts Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson via free agency. They also drafted Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Undrafted rookie Xavier Restrepo and 2024 NFL draft pick Jha'Quan Jackson are among other WRs fighting for a roster spot.

From RotoBaller

Free-agent cornerback Robert Rochell agreed on an undisclosed one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, according to his agent, Kevin Conner. Rochell initially signed with the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason before they let him right after the NFL draft in late April. The 27-year-old was originally a fourth-rounder (130th overall) by the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 out of Central Arkansas. He spent his first two NFL seasons in L.A. before playing for the Green Bay Packers each of the last two seasons. Rochell will battle for a depth role in Dallas' secondary this summer in training camp. He played in 11 games (no starts) with the Packers last year and finished with only two solo tackles and a fumble recovery. Rochell has a total of 25 tackles (22 solo), one interception, four pass breakups and three fumble recoveries in 48 games (five starts) in his four seasons.

From RotoBaller

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold had a career year in 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings, completing 66.2% of his passes for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 17 regular-season games to lead Minnesota to a 14-3 record. However, the former third overall pick in 2018 finished on a sour note in his final two games and knows he must prove himself again in 2025 with a new team. Darnold has familiarity with new Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak from their one year together in San Fran in 2023, but the move from Minnesota to Seattle is definitely a downgrade in terms of overall offense and the weapons he'll have in Seattle. The 28-year-old was excellent throwing downfield in 2024, but it helped to have one of the best receivers in the league in Justin Jefferson. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting a repeat of 2024, when Darnold finished as the QB9.

From RotoBaller

Former Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley is retiring from the NFL on Thursday on his 33rd birthday, according to Ari Meirov. Mosley was originally the 17th overall pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2014 NFL draft out of Alabama. He spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Ravens before joining the Jets in 2019. Mosley was a five-time Pro Bowler and a five-time All-Pro during a standout career that was cut short due to a serious neck injury that he suffered last year with the Jets. He played in only two games in his first year with New York due to injury and also sat out the 2020 COVID campaign. During his prime, Mosley was one of the best linebackers in the sport, and he'll finish his 10 years in the league with 1,083 tackles (687 solo), 12 sacks, 55 tackles for loss, 40 QB hits, 12 interceptions, 53 pass breakups, 10 forced fumbles and nine fumble recoveries in 133 games.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that he expects both wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) and offensive tackle Josh Simmons (knee) to be full participants at the start of training camp at the end of July. Rice played in only four games last year before suffering a season-ending LCL tear. The injury is behind the 25-year-old, though, and he'll be ready to rock for Week 1 of the 2025 regular season this September after he was a full participant in OTAs and minicamp this spring. Before his injury last year, Rice was the clear WR1 for quarterback Patrick Mahomes and had 24 catches for 288 yards and three touchdowns in the first three games. However, he has a possible suspension hanging over his head for a hit-and-run incident in March of last year, which makes him more of a high-end WR3 target in fantasy drafts this fall.

From RotoBaller

Buffalo Bills WR Curtis Samuel is a 'lock' to make the 53-man roster, in the opinion of The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia, who writes that the team will carry five or six receivers with Samuel, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Joshua Palmer as the other locks.

Fantasy Spin: Just in terms of finances, Samuel was always considered a pretty safe bet to make the team in 2024 as releasing him would bump his cap hit from $9 million to a little over $12 million, though after a dismal first season in Buffalo (31-253-1 in 14 games) it at least seemed feasible, especially with veterans Elijah Moore and Laviska Shenault in the mix. The Bills will be hoping Samuel can produce more in Year 2, though fantasy owners are likely painfully aware how long it's been since Samuel delivered meaningful value. At best, he's watch-list fodder in case he revitalizes his career.

From TheHuddle

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving noted last week that he aims to improve heading into his second season. "But yeah, just always going back and looking at the film and looking at things that you can get better at and improve in, and also not getting satisfied and stuck in last year," said Irving. "Nobody cares about what you did last year. It's, 'What can you do for me now?'" The Oregon alum burst onto the scene last season with a PPR RB13 finish despite toting the rock just 207 times. He displayed an elite ability to break tackles and was a catalyst for Tampa Bay with the ball in his hands. With the Buccaneers returning all of their offensive line starters from 2024, Irving could be in for a massive year with a focus on aiming higher in his second season. He's one of the more exciting picks in the first two rounds of fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Fox 8 News of Cleveland reports that Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was pulled over early Tuesday morning and issued a citation for speeding. According to Strongsville police records, the 23-year-old was stopped by an officer on 71 North after he clocked in at 101 MPH -- 41 MPH over the posted speed limit. He can either fight the ticket in court or pay the fine. It's not the worst thing in the world for Sanders, but undoubtedly not a good look and unacceptable behavior for an athlete employed by the NFL. While it's unknown whether there'll be repercussions from the team or league, it doesn't quell the character concerns that surrounded him during the draft process.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson said he is not interested in talking about his contract situation at this time.

Fantasy Spin: Jackson has been passed by multiple quarterbacks in terms of salary over the last year or two, so he should be in line for an extension in the near future. He continues to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and is a must-start option in all fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle may receive more routes this upcoming season because the team can use TE Luke Farrell as a blocking tight end in two-tight end sets, according to general manager John Lynch.

Fantasy Spin: Kittle has been a key part of the passing game for the 49ers over a long period of time and could see more work since he will not be asked to block as often. He should be a weekly starting option in all fantasy leagues as long as he is healthy.

From TheHuddle

Washington Commanders WR Noah Brown's (undisclosed) injury is not believed to be serious but there is no official word on the injury, in the opinion of ESPN.com's John Keim.

Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to keep an eye on the situation over the next few weeks to see if Brown will be ready for the start of training camp. He will have a good chance to be the No. 3 receiver for the Commanders if he is healthy and could be a possible late round pick in some leagues.

From TheHuddle

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears has impressed this offseason, according to team writer Jim Wyatt. "Spears looked explosive on the field this offseason, when he got plenty of work," Wyatt wrote. "While Tony Pollard got the bulk of the work last fall, Spears showed flashes at different times. If he can stay healthy, he seems poised to be a consistent playmaker in 2025." The 2023 third-round pick out of Tulane struggled to stay healthy last season, missing five games due to multiple injuries. Overall, he tallied 84 rushing attempts for 312 yards and four scores to go with 30 receptions for 224 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in 12 games. Titans head coach Brian Callahan has hinted at more of a split backfield in 2025, and the team could opt to use the "hot hand" approach. Fantasy managers should not rely on Spears as an RB2, RB3, or flex option to begin next year's campaign, but he's an intriguing handcuff stash and late-round draft dart throw in most formats. If No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward exceeds expectations in Year 1, the Tennessee offense could have more upside than suggested by the cost of the Titans' players in fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has agreed to terms on his rookie deal and is set to officially sign on Wednesday, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo. The fourth-round pick out of Arizona State carries plenty of fantasy football intrigue after a monster collegiate career of production. He began his career at Sacramento State before joining the Sun Devils' program in 2023. As a senior in 2024, Skattebo rushed 293 times for 1,711 yards and caught 45 passes for 605 yards. Overall, he tallied 2,316 yards from scrimmage and 24 touchdowns. Although 2024 rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. impressed in his first year of action, the two could be in a committee backfield in 2025, though Devin Singletary is still on the roster. All that said, Skattebo has workhorse size and could carve out a significant role with volume in 2025 or 2026.

From RotoBaller