The Indianapolis Colts and impending free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) have been in talks on a multi-year contract extension and are expected to meet face-to-face in Indy during this week's NFL scouting combine, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The two sides have mutual interest in a reunion, and the Colts could resort to using the franchise tag on the veteran signal-caller if they cannot reach an extension by March 3. Jones was playing the best football of his career in 2025 in his first year with the Colts before suffering a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 14. The 28-year-old former sixth overall pick by the New York Giants in 2019 out of Duke threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 13 starts. All signs are pointing to Jones returning to Indy in 2026, although it's unclear if he'll be ready to start in the Week 1 regular-season opener.

From RotoBaller

After a Pro Bowl season as a rookie in 2024, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was a big disappointment in his sophomore season, catching 48 of 91 targets for 707 yards and two touchdowns in 14 regular-season games. Thomas had an impressive 87-1,282-10 line on 133 targets in 17 games as a rookie. ESPN's Michael DiRocco writes that Thomas' stats "may not reach what they were in 2024," but he should still be a key piece of head coach Liam Coen's offense in 2026. Beginning in Week 13 after he missed three games with an ankle injury, the Jags used Thomas more on the outside, and he was more productive the rest of the way. Travis Hunter will spend more time on defense next season, but the addition of Jakobi Meyers and the emergence of Parker Washington will ultimately cap Thomas' fantasy ceiling going into Year 3. The former first-rounder could improve on his 2025 numbers, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect a repeat of his rookie season.

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The Arizona Cardinals, who are now coached by former New York Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, could be a "potential suitor" for Jets impending free-agent running back Breece Hall, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. If Hall makes it to the open market in March, he'll be one of the best available offensive players in free agency, and the Jets would like to prevent that from happening. It means there's a good chance the Jets will slap the franchise tag on the 24-year-old. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, "there's a current belief in league circles that the Jets eventually will apply the transition tag." The transition tag is projected at $11.5 million and would give the Jets the right of first refusal if another team offers Hall a deal. The franchise tag would cost roughly $14.5 million for 2026. A tag-and-trade scenario could also be in play. Hall's explosive-run percentage dropped in 2025, as did his average speed, but he was still one of the Jets' top offensive playmakers as he ran for a career-high 1,065 yards.

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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle's (Achilles) optimism for a speedy return in 2026 following a torn Achilles that he suffered in the Wild-Card round win over the Philadelphia Eagles is realistic, according to Dr. Daniel Kaplan, an orthopedic surgeon. Kittle suffered a clean tear that happened high up by his soleus. "They didn't have to drill into my heel," Kittle said. "And where the repair was is where there's more blood flow. And so, it takes some time off the recovery time." Barring a setback during his rehab, it's possible that Kittle could return to the field sometime around September. "It's reasonable to think Week 5 or so would be on the long end of a return," according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. Kittle and the Niners are hopeful that when he's back, he'll be able to "return to somewhere close to his usual level of production." The 32-year-old will obviously be pretty risky in fantasy in 2026, but he'll be worth stashing everywhere. If Jake Tongues returns as a restricted free agent, he'll be a low-end TE1 sleeper in the first part of the year until Kittle returns.

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The Dallas Cowboys will finalize the franchise tag for wide receiver George Pickens in the next week, according to executive vice president Stephen Jones. The Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins writes that if Pickens gets franchise-tagged, "there's a strong possibility he will not report to the offseason programs as the team engages in contract talks with his agents." Edge rusher Micah Parsons didn't show up for the offseason program last year while in contract talks with the club before eventually being traded to the Green Bay Packers. Pickens, 24, will be back with Dallas in 2026 after earning his first Pro Bowl berth with career-highs in catches (93), receiving yards (1,429), and touchdowns (nine). The franchise tag for receivers is projected at $28 million. A tag-and-trade scenario is possible, but both sides have an interest in a reunion in 2026 and beyond. With Pickens expected to be in Dallas again this year, he'll be firmly in the WR1 range in fantasy football drafts this fall after his big 2025 campaign.

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The Atlanta Falcons are planning to use the franchise tag on standout tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Pitts will receive a one-year, fully guaranteed deal worth more than $15 million in 2026 if the two sides don't come to a long-term contract extension before the deadline in July. The 25-year-old former fourth overall pick in 2021 out of the University of Florida finally came through for fantasy managers in 2025 in his fifth year in the league, finishing as the TE2 in half-PPR scoring with career-highs in catches (88), targets (118), and touchdowns (five) while recording 928 receiving yards in 17 games played. He will certainly be a TE1 in fantasy this fall, but there is still some volatility with Pitts, especially with quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s (knee) health in question. Pitts came on strong in the final six games in 2025, going for 39 receptions for 469 yards and four TDs during that stretch.

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Cincinnati Bengals impending free-agent DE Trey Hendrickson could be a tag-and-trade option. A franchise tag would cost an estimated $30.2 million, but a tag-and-trade situation would at least net the team a return of a third-round pick, which is considered better than letting him walk in free agency. The team is expected to make a decision on Hendrickson after talking with other teams at the NFL Scouting Combine this week.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Sterling Shepard was paid $500,000 in bonus money despite the fact he didn't fully reach his numbers in 2025. He was to receiver $125,000 each if he reached 40 catches, 50 catches, 400 receiving yards and 500 receiving yards. He ended up with 39 receptions for 371 yards, but he was inactive for the final four games. He received bonuses for all of the incentives.

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Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce has yet to decide upon retirement or his future plans, but he is excited about the return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to the organization. 'It's great,' he said recently on his podcast. 'I can't wait to see him back in the building. He's one of my favorite coaches of all time. I've had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player.'

Fantasy Spin: Kelce led the team with 76 receptions, 851 receiving yards, 108 targets, five receiving touchdowns and 45 receiving first downs, so he has plenty left in the tank. Could the return of Bieniemy make it easier for Kelce to decide to run it back for one more season? The organization certainly hopes he can play at least one more season, and that could have been part of the reason to bring back Bieniemy. If Kelce plays again in 2026, he would certainly be a low-end TE1 in most fantasy leagues.

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Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (knee) has been working with an athletic trainer for the past two months, as he recovers from surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. He is already showing progress. 'He's around here all the time,' head coach Andy Reid said Friday, Feb. 20. 'He spends a ton of time here, seven hours a day. He's in there cranking away and making progress every day. It's great to see.'

Fantasy Spin: Mahomes suffered his injuries late in the regular season, so it's reasonable to believe he'll miss time going into 2026. However, all indications are there he is pushing for a Week 1 return. He could be a low-end QB1 on draft day in most fantasy leagues, but you'll want to have plenty of depth on hand just in case he is forced to the PUP to being 2026.

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San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (Achilles) could reasonably return by Week 5 from his torn Achilles tendon, barring any setbacks. 'George will attack it in a great way,' general manager John Lynch said last week. 'We're very hopeful to have him back. I remember when I first started playing, you had an Achilles, and everybody's like, 'Oh man, that's tough. You're never the same.' That's not the case anymore.'

Fantasy Spin: Kittle's replacement, Jake Tonges, is a restricted free agent, so it will be interesting to see how the 49ers handle the tight ends' room heading into the offseason and training camp. Kittle will be a risky fantasy option on draft day, likely sinking to the middle rounds. If he can return to his usual self, he'll obviously be a TE1 in all fantasy leagues, but make sure to have plenty of depth on hand.

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Across 17 games in 2025, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White recorded 790 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on 172 touches. White seemingly had a golden opportunity to reclaim a workhorse role in Tampa Bay after fellow Bucs running back Bucky Irving went down early in the year with injuries that ultimately cost him seven games. However, White struggled with rushing efficiency and ultimately lost out on snap share to Tampa Bay back Sean Tucker. White is now set to hit free agency, which could help him find a new home that can offer a less crowded running back room. Still, White is averaging fewer than four yards per carry on 677 career attempts and may not be suited for a lead rushing role. The 27-year-old should still be a fantasy-relevant player due to his pass-catching ability, as he's hauled in 205 receptions for 1,450 yards and 11 touchdowns across 67 career games. At the same time, his dynasty value is fading as he slides back into a more complementary phase of his career.

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson emerged as a breakout pass-catcher in 2025, recording 78 receptions for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns on 126 targets across 17 games played. The 25-year-old's rise coincided with the Cardinals' mid-season quarterback change from Kyler Murray to Jacoby Brissett, as well as injury issues in the team's backfield that led Arizona to become one of the NFL's most pass-heavy offenses. Entering 2026, the Cardinals will have an entirely new coaching staff led by former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. Arizona could also have a new quarterback under center, as Brissett is a career journeyman and the team is reportedly looking to move on from Murray. The turnover in Arizona creates some uncertainty that Wilson will be able to repeat his 2025 success in 2026 and beyond. However, his breakout season cannot be ignored, and Wilson's value in dynasty formats should be on the rise.

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Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams got off to a slow start to the 2025 season, recording just 16 catches for 289 yards and two touchdowns on 17 targets across the first seven weeks of the year. However, the 24-year-old emerged following Detroit's Week 8 bye, hauling in 49 receptions for 828 yards and five scores over his final 10 games played. Williams became a bigger focal point in the team's offense once Lions head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties from former offensive coordinator John Morton, who was fired after the season. At the same time, Williams' production surge can also be correlated to the absence of Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back), who went down for the season in Week 10 with a back injury. If LaPorta can make a healthy return in 2026, it's fair to wonder if Williams may fall back into a low-volume role in a Lions' offense that also includes star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. Still, Williams has continued to make small steps up in production in each of his four NFL seasons, and he remains an explosive playmaker with fantasy upside in dynasty formats.

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Across 13 games in 2025, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard recorded 39 receptions for 371 yards and one touchdown on 53 targets. With veteran Buccaneers wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. sidelined for a significant portion of the year by injury, Shepard saw increased opportunity for playing time, particularly early in the season. However, he was largely unable to hold off Bucs rookie wide receivers Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson, and the late-season return of second-year wideout Jalen McMillan pushed Shepard even further down the depth chart. Shepard is now set for unrestricted free agency, and a change of scenery away from the crowded wide receiver room in Tampa Bay could help his fantasy outlook. Still, Shepard is entering his age-33 season and has not recorded 40 receptions in a season since 2020. Regardless of where he ends up in 2026, Shepard's fantasy-relevant days may be behind him.

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze got off to a scorching start to the 2025 season, recording 20 catches for 296 yards and five touchdowns on 35 targets across his first four games of the year. However, the 23-year-old's production slowed down over the course of the season. Over his next eight games played, Odunze hauled in 24 receptions for 265 yards and one touchdown on 55 targets. Odunze also suffered a foot injury that caused him to miss Chicago's final five games of the regular season. The 23-year-old was able to return for the playoffs, so he should be good to go for 2026 from a health perspective. However, Odunze has not yet shown the elite fantasy production upside some projected when Chicago selected him ninth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Odunze also has significant target competition around him with the Bears in the form of wide receivers DJ Moore and Luther Burden III, as well as tight end Colston Loveland. Odunze still has time to break out as a star, but his dynasty outlook took a slight hit in 2025.

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Across 15 games in 2025, Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins recorded 71 receptions for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns on 120 targets. Collins is one of the NFL's most talented wideouts, but his fantasy production has been held down by a middling offensive situation in Houston over the past two seasons. Injuries have also been an issue for the 26-year-old, as he's never played more than 15 games in a season and has missed 19 total games across his five NFL campaigns. Still, Collins is the unquestioned number one target in the Texans' passing game and has recorded three consecutive seasons with at least 68 catches, 1,006 yards, and six touchdowns despite missed time in all three. If he can ever put together a fully healthy campaign and Houston's passing game takes a marginal step forward, Collins could put together a truly elite fantasy season. As is, he profiles as a low-end fantasy WR1 and should hold his dynasty value as he hits his late-twenties.

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New York Jets impending free-agent PK Nick Folk was the most consistent player for the team in 2025, knocking through 28-of-29 field-goal attempts. He is 41 years old, and said at the end of the season that he would meet with his family before deciding his future. At $2.9 million in 2025, he was a steal.

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Free-agent QB Tyrod Taylor (Jets), who had his contract officially voided Friday, Feb. 20, was told by the team that they were interested in a return in 2026 prior to the new system being implemented. Now, with new offensive coordinator Frank Reich, the team is expected to prioritize other quarterbacks in free agency and in potential trades. The 37-year-old journeyman is not expected to be back.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers impending free-agent WR Mike Evans is expected to play in 2026, but it is unlikely he will have a franchise tag slapped on him to prevent him from leaving via free agency. The thinking is that Evans would just elect to retire, rather than be forced to play in Tampa. There are no reports he is unwilling to return to Tampa, but he might choose to play for a team he feels is closer to winning a Super Bowl in what is likely to be his final year.

Fantasy Spin: Evans had an injury-plagued 2025, and it might not make a lot of business sense for the Buccaneers to spend a huge chunk of money on him, either. Whether he runs it back in Tampa, or is in another uniform for 2026, he remains worthy of a roster spot in fantasy football, but he is likely to be more of a WR3 or flex option at this point.

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