Heading into the 2025 season, San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges had not recorded a single catch across 20 career NFL games. However, the 26-year-old took advantage of his opportunity in San Francisco, recording 34 receptions for 293 yards and five touchdowns across 17 games played. The majority of Tonges' production came in a five-week stretch from Weeks 2 through 6 when star 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) was sidelined by a hamstring injury. In that span, Tonges hauled in 22 catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns on 31 targets. However, Tonges may see a similar opportunity in 2026, as Kittle suffered a torn Achilles tendon in San Francisco's NFC Wild Card round win over the Philadelphia Eagles and is expected to miss time next season. Tonges is set to hit restricted free agency this spring, but it seems likely that the 49ers prioritize bringing him back, given Kittle's injury situation. In dynasty formats, Tonges may be a tight end to target for his chance at 2026 production and the possibility that he could be the long-term successor to Kittle in San Francisco.

From RotoBaller

A first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was expected to take over as the team's unquestioned QB1 in 2025. However, the 23-year-old struggled mightily in his first chance to be an NFL starter this past season. Across 10 starts, McCarthy completed 57.6% of his pass attempts for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He was able to add some value with his legs, rushing for 181 yards and four touchdowns on 37 attempts. However, injuries and availability have also been a major issue for McCarthy. After missing his entire rookie year with a torn meniscus, McCarthy missed time in 2025 with a high-ankle sprain, a concussion, and a fractured hand. Heading into 2026, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has stated that the team aims to have a "competitive" quarterback situation in training camp. While McCarthy is still young and could still be the long-term answer in Minnesota, his fantasy stock in dynasty formats is trending in the wrong direction.

From RotoBaller

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cameron Ward (shoulder) sprained his right shoulder in the Week 18 regular-season finale, but the injury has not impacted his offseason training since he has been working mostly on footwork. However, ESPN's Turron Davenport writes that Ward's rehab, paired with learning offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's new offense, will likely be a challenge. The Titans are hoping that Daboll can help Ward make a Year 2 jump after he helped Bills QB Josh Allen go from a raw rookie to an All-Pro. Ward showed flashes in his first year in the NFL and finished on a high note, but overall, he was too inconsistent and struggled with accuracy. The first overall pick in 2025 completed 59.8% of his passes for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while adding 159 rushing yards and two TDs in 17 starts. The good news is that Ward's throwing shoulder should be 100% for training camp this summer.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers impending free-agent wide receiver Mike Evans has not discussed his future with the team yet as an unrestricted free agent, but ESPN's Jenna Laine writes that Evans, 32, is "less likely to retire," based on conversations with those closest to him. The future Hall of Famer had the worst year of his career in 2025, thanks to a broken collarbone that limited him to just eight games. Evans finished his 12th year in the league with 30 receptions on 62 targets for 368 yards and three touchdowns. With limited time remaining in his NFL career, will he choose to go elsewhere for a better shot at a Super Bowl ring? It remains to be seen, but at the moment, he appears to be leaning toward returning for the 2026 season. The six-time Pro Bowler began his career with 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons before last year's injury-plagued campaign. If he stays in Tampa in 2026, he should be the No. 1 wideout again, albeit in a crowded receiving room that also includes Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan.

From RotoBaller

It's a foregone conclusion that the Dallas Cowboys will place the franchise tag on impending free-agent wide receiver George Pickens this offseason after his breakout 2025 season. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport wonders if the Cowboys would be willing to slap the franchise tag on Pickens and then turn around and trade him. Dallas acquired the 24-year-old from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a third-rounder, so in theory, the Cowboys could entertain the idea of flipping Pickens for a potential second-rounder. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has shown in the past that he's not afraid of trading star players (see Micah Parsons just last year) for high-end draft capital. Alongside CeeDee Lamb, though, Pickens took Dallas' offense to another level in 2025, and he finished with a career-high 1,429 yards, 93 receptions, and nine touchdowns in 17 games. If Pickens stays in Dallas in 2026, he'll be a strong WR1 target in fantasy football drafts.

From RotoBaller

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that the Seattle Seahawks could use the franchise or transition tag on impending free-agent running back Kenneth Walker III this offseason, even though the franchise tag would pay Walker around $14 million in 2026. The 25-year-old went Beast Mode in Seattle's three postseason games this year, carrying the ball 65 times for 313 yards and four touchdowns while adding nine catches for an additional 104 yards. The former second-rounder had 27 carries for 135 yards in the Super Bowl LX win over the New England Patriots and was named MVP. Walker made himself a lot of money for the 2026 season with his playoff exploits. It sounds like the Seahawks want to keep him around. He has been solid in his four years with Seattle, but lower-body injuries have been an issue. With Zach Charbonnet (knee) returning in 2026, there will be bust potential for Walker coming off the high of his postseason performance.

From RotoBaller

Veteran wide receiver Miles Boykin has announced his retirement from playing football. Boykin was the Ravens' third-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2019. His first two pro seasons were the best of his career as he totaled 32 catches, 464 yards, and seven touchdowns. However, he peaked as the overall WR99 in PPR leagues in 2020, and he never returned to the top 185 receivers after that. After three seasons in Baltimore, he spent two in Pittsburgh. He also spent part of 2024 with the Seahawks and part of 2025 with the Bears, but he never appeared in a game for either organization. The 29-year-old is now hanging up his cleats and said (via Instagram) that he's "excited for this new chapter in my life."

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren had the best fantasy finish of his career in 2025, and he could take another step forward with less competition next season. Warren entered the 2025 campaign as the Steelers' preferred running back after Najee Harris departed in free agency. The expectation was that Warren would gradually lose touches to Kaleb Johnson, but instead, he found himself in a split backfield with Kenneth Gainwell. While sharing touches with Gainwell, Warren tallied 958 rushing yards, 333 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. He finished as the overall RB17 in full-PPR leagues, while Gainwell was the RB16. Gainwell is expected to hit free agency this offseason, and early rumors indicate that the Steelers don't plan to re-sign him. Presumably, they'll bring in another running back or give more touches to Johnson. However, as the incumbent starter, Warren should maintain a heavy workload and fantasy relevance. He has shown an ability to produce as a ball-carrier and pass-catcher, and he flashed a nose for the end zone by doubling his previous career-high touchdown total. Warren is a solid hold in dynasty leagues, and he projects as a mid-range RB2 option in redraft leagues for 2026.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) is no longer a top-tier fantasy option, primarily due to injury uncertainty. Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL in Week 15, and it's currently unclear whether he'll be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season. He's still one of the most talented players in NFL history, but without a clear timeline, fantasy managers shouldn't expect to rely on him as their starting quarterback in Week 1. We also can't ignore the fact that his fantasy production has gone backward. He went from the overall QB1 in 2022 to QB8 in 2023, QB11 in 2024, and QB11 in his shortened 2025 campaign. He has thrown at least 11 interceptions in each of his last five seasons, and he's been held to 27 or fewer touchdowns every year since 2022, when he threw for 41. Josh Allen has taken over as the consensus QB1 in fantasy football, but players like Lamar Jackson, Drake Maye, and Joe Burrow have also become more appealing to managers than Mahomes. Of course, that could change if the Chiefs add a superstar receiver this offseason, and it also wouldn't hurt if tight end Travis Kelce bounces back following a down year.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson finally broke out during the 2025 season, largely due to his rapport with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. Last year was Johnson's sixth in the NFL, and it seems like there had been buzz about a Johnson breakout nearly every season. It didn't come to fruition through his first five campaigns in the NFL, mostly because of a crowded tight end room and poor quarterback play. He turned the corner early last season with Spencer Rattler at quarterback, but he really took his productivity to the next level with Shough under center. Johnson finished the 2025 season with 77 catches, 889 yards, and three touchdowns, ranking as the overall TE8 in full-PPR leagues. Signed through 2027, Johnson has a steady future in New Orleans and could take another big step forward next year, especially now that the Saints seem to have some consistency at the quarterback position. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound tight end should enter 2026 fantasy drafts as a mid-to-low TE1.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had one of the best seasons of his career in 2025, and he should remain a top fantasy option for 2026. Prescott finished the year with a 67.3% completion rate, 4,552 passing yards, 32 total touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 177 yards. He finished the year as the overall QB6 in fantasy football and has now ranked as a top-six quarterback in his last two healthy seasons (excluding 2024, when he missed nine games). Prescott was able to perform at an elite level largely due to the supporting cast around him. Dallas had one of the top receiver rooms in the NFL with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, while tight end Jake Ferguson also played at a very high level. Pickens and running back Javonte Williams are both slated for free agency, but it sounds like Dallas plans to bring back Pickens, even if that means using the franchise tag on him. If Prescott can get all three of his top targets back in 2026, he'll compete to be a top-five quarterback in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) has been in the team's building every day as he works out and rehabs the surgically repaired meniscus in his knee, and he recently had a positive discussion with new head coach Klint Kubiak. However, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero said on the Rich Eisen Show that there are "a lot of other fences that would need to be mended" for Crosby to stay in Vegas. The 28-year-old five-time Pro Bowler has already been through six different head coaches with the Raiders and has only been to the playoffs once. Crosby still has an affinity for the franchise and owner Mark Davis, but he's in the process of determining whether he wants to be traded. Pelissero adds that meanwhile, the Raiders figuring out if it makes sense to keep Crosby, especially if they can get two first-round picks for him to aid their rebuild. With the drama between Crosby and Vegas aside, he should be a high-end defensive lineman target in IDP fantasy leagues in 2026, regardless of where he's playing, if he's healthy for the start of the 2026 season.

From RotoBaller

New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams flew under the radar for most of his rookie season, catching just 10 passes for 209 yards and three touchdowns. Williams' underproduction wasn't necessarily due to a lack of talent, as the third-round pick has made big plays throughout his college career and early in his NFL career. Rather, he was buried on the depth chart behind players like Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and even DeMario Douglas. New England doesn't have any impending free agent wide receivers, but Williams still has the potential to climb up the depth chart entering his second season. Year 2 is a common time for young receivers to make a major leap, so we wouldn't be surprised if Williams contributes at a much higher rate in 2026. It's a bit too early to invest in the Washington State product in redraft leagues, but he's a solid, affordable dynasty buy heading into the offseason.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers running back Brian Robinson Jr. spent all of 2025 as the handcuff behind Christian McCaffrey. Now, he'll hit free agency with an opportunity to find a larger role elsewhere. We can't rule out a return to San Francisco, but given that Robinson is a three-time 700-yard rusher, he'll presumably get offers from teams looking to make him their 1B running back, rather than a true backup. Robinson's lone season on the West Coast resulted in a modest 400 rushing yards, 25 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. From a fantasy perspective, his 2026 outlook will heavily depend on where he ends up. He was a top-30 fantasy running back with the Commanders in both 2023 and 2024, so he could get back onto the weekly flex radar if he splits touches with another running back in an average or above-average offense.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt has enjoyed a career resurgence over his last two years with the team. In 2025, he appeared in all 17 games, rushing for 611 yards and eight touchdowns while sharing the backfield with Isiah Pacheco. The veteran running back also added 143 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown, and he finished the year as the overall RB31 in full-PPR leagues. Hunt now has 1,658 scrimmage yards over his last two seasons, as well as a whopping 25 touchdowns over his last three seasons. Hunt, an impending free agent, will be 31 years old when the 2026 season gets underway. His efficiency has tailed off, and he's no longer a workhorse back. However, he has shown that he can continue to be a scoring threat while contributing as both a ball-carrier and a pass-catcher. We wouldn't be surprised to see Hunt re-sign with the Chiefs, but no matter where he ends up, he could sneak into the top 36 running backs for fantasy football drafts. His dynasty outlook isn't quite as favorable, though, as he's definitely in the final stages of his career.

From RotoBaller

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor had a solid season for a fourth-round pick. By the end of the year, he had established himself as a top Titans pass-catcher along with Chimere Dike. Ayomanor and Dike, both rookies, stepped into larger roles after Calvin Ridley (leg) broke his fibula mid-season. The former caught 41 passes for 515 yards and four touchdowns across 16 games (14 starts). He ultimately ranked as the overall WR52 in full-PPR scoring, but he finished the year on a hot streak with 10 catches, 145 yards, and one touchdown over his final three games. It was encouraging to see Ayomanor flash upside, especially given how poorly the Titans' offense performed in 2025. If the unit (and specifically quarterback Cameron Ward) can take a step forward next year, Ayomanor could become a weekly fantasy option. He'll face some competition, though. In addition to Dike, the Titans will likely welcome back Ridley, and they could also draft a receiver.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris struggled to produce in his depth role as a rookie. Typically fourth on the depth chart, he finished the year with 30 catches, 324 yards, and one touchdown. However, he should have more opportunities during the 2026 season. For starters, Keenan Allen is a free agent, and all signs point to him playing elsewhere next year (or retiring). Not only will Allen's impending departure bump Harris up to third on the depth chart, but the Ole Miss product should also take over a lot of the veteran's vacated targets. In addition to stepping into a larger role, Harris could be auditioning for an eventual jump to the No. 2 receiver role behind Ladd McConkey. Current No. 2 receiver Quentin Johnston has a fifth-year option for 2027. If the Chargers choose to decline that option, Johnston will play out his final year under contract while the coaching staff evaluates whether Harris is capable of filling his role in 2027. That's still a while down the road, but in the short term, managers should expect Harris to take a significant leap in 2026. He's a strong dynasty hold, and he'll generate some late-round appeal in redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson had an underwhelming season as the team endured poor quarterback play and inconsistency at the position. Hockenson played 15 games in 2025, starting all of them. He caught 51 passes for 438 yards and three touchdowns, posting the lowest receiving yards total and fantasy points per game mark since he was a rookie. He ultimately finished as the overall TE26 in full-PPR leagues. Although it's fair to blame the trio of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer for Hockenson's frustrating year, that doesn't mean he'll magically bounce back in 2026. McCarthy is due back as the Vikings' quarterback next season. Interestingly, Hockenson also struggled with Sam Darnold as his quarterback in 2024, so he really hasn't been a trustworthy fantasy tight end since Kirk Cousins quarterbacked the Vikings in 2023. Hockenson is under contract for two more years, but the Vikings have a potential out this offseason. If Minnesota releases Hockenson post-June 1, they would create $15.96 million in cap space while taking on $5.34 million in dead money. It certainly wouldn't hurt the Vikings to keep the veteran tight end to help support McCarthy's development, but we also wouldn't be surprised to see the team's next general manager capitalize on this opportunity to create cap space.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa got off to a slow start in 2025, but he seemed to turn a corner near the end of the regular season. Over the final three weeks of the season, he caught eight of 12 targets for 119 yards and two touchdowns, ranking as the overall WR17 in half-PPR leagues during that span. It was an encouraging end to his rookie campaign, and while anything could happen during the upcoming offseason, it seems like he's trending toward being the Lions' established No. 3 receiver in 2026. If TeSlaa remains the third receiver behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, he could have occasional WR3/flex appeal while also being an appealing injury handcuff. Managers in dynasty leagues should hold TeSlaa for now, but there could be an opportunity to buy low before free agency gets underway.

From RotoBaller

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton has shown flashes of upside plenty of times throughout his career, but he continues to struggle to emerge as a consistent fantasy threat week over week. Part of the difficulty for Slayton has been quarterback play, but that changed in 2025 when rookie Jaxson Dart took the reins of the offense. However, the other part of the problem has been Slayton's role on the depth chart, and the outlook there remains bleak. We did temporarily jump to second on the depth chart behind Wan'Dale Robinson after Malik Nabers (knee) tore his ACL -- resulting in 37 catches, 538 yards, and a touchdown --he'll drop back to third if Nabers is healthy for the start of 2026. Plus, tight end Theo Johnson will continue to command plenty of targets, and the same can be said about running back Cam Skattebo (ankle). If there's any glimmer of hope for Slayton, it's the fact that Robinson is an impending free agent. However, the Giants have been very outspoken about their plans to bring Robinson back. It seems likely that Slayton will remain the Giants' No. 3 receiver in 2026, leaving his value to hinge on a teammate's injury. He's not worth drafting in typical redraft leagues, and he can be stashed on the bench only in deeper dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller