The two sides worked diligently to get a deal done before the start of the regular season but will now pause discussions until after the year. Stroud was reportedly offered a substantial deal earlier in the offseason but turned it down, now forced to “bet on himself” as he plays out the final year of his rookie deal, minus the fifth-year option. Stroud has been unable to rekindle his rookie year magic while playing under two different offensive coordinators, something he’s looking to remedy in his second season under Nick Caley.
Both players could see situational roles in the team’s opening game. They should not be counted on in IDP leagues.
This wouldn’t be news under normal circumstances but takes on additional meaning with Rome Odunze listed questionable for Week 1. It is of particular note that the Bears already have five wide receivers on the active roster and still chose to elevate another. While recent reports seemed to indicate a sense of optimism regarding Odunze’s potential availability, he could be on the wrong side of questionable given the recent transaction. Fantasy managers will want to confirm his status when the team released its inactives 90-minutes prior to first kick. Luther Burden and Colston Loveland would be in line to benefit greatly should Odunze be unable to go.
The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Kraft’s deal, which runs through the 2030 season, has a maximum value of $92 million and includes a $26.5 million signing bonus. He’s now the NFL’s highest-paid tight end. Kraft had 32 receptions, 489 yards and six touchdowns before tearing his ACL in Week 9 last year. Not on the injury report for Week 1, Kraft is a surefire TE1 even in a tough matchup against the Vikings defense.
According to Over the Cap, the Lions created $35.68 million in cap space. Detroit is now second in the NFL in cap space with around $38 million, which can either be used this year or carry over to 2027. While a big in-season move could come closer to the trade deadline, Lions GM Brad Holmes recently reiterated the organization’s interest in giving contract extensions, which would begin in 2027, to TE Sam LaPorta and S Brian Branch.
It is unclear whether this is a season-ending injury or if Davis has a chance to return later in the year. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported earlier that the Cowboys were “bracing for an extended absence” and that a source told him, “it’s bad.” It sounds like Davis’ 2026 season may be over. Cowboys RB Emari Demercado now sits behind starting RB Javonte Williams, and RB Israel Abanikanda is on the practice squad.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the restructure converts playtime incentives, up to $1.5 million, into a signing bonus “as a nod to his status as a proven starter.” Prior to the new deal, the Vikings also had only $6.39 million in salary cap space, the eighth-lowest amount in the NFL.
This one is for the practice squad transactions grinders. Nabers is questionable to play in Week 1 against the Cowboys and has made it clear that he is weighing his long-term health heavily as he decides whether to play. Per Duggan, if the Giants elevate a second wide receiver, that “would be a very discouraging sign.” Stay tuned.
Young has two years remaining on his contract, but is currently eligible for an extension. According to Wolfe, Young needs to improve in three areas. First, Young must check down when it’s the responsible thing to do, in turn elevating his completion rate to the “high 60s, low 70s” range. Second, Young must be comfortable playing with tempo and diverse personnel formations, including WR Tetairoa McMillan lining up in the slot more often. Third, Young must play quickly and decisively. Whether he can accomplish these feats is up in the air. He’s a mid-to-low QB2 for fantasy purposes.
Mafi entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft with the Patriots. He made his way to Las Vegas last year, but was unable to secure a long-term role. He could end up on the practice squad in Tennessee.
Onwuzurike, 28, tore an ACL in July 2025, ending his season before it began. His 2026 salary would have been fully guaranteed if he remained on the roster when Week 1 kicked off, so it is possible that this is just a salary cap maneuver, and we will see the Lions re-sign him to a team-friendly deal soon.
Overall, these comments are positive, but this is the first time in a while that Kubiak has added a qualifier when complimenting his rookie running back. The Raiders head coach said Washington is “a talented man that we’re going to keep giving opportunities to,” yet notes that the team is now about to go against live defenses “for 17 weeks in a row here before the playoffs, so he’s got to keep maturing.” This serves as a helpful reminder that despite Washington’s strong preseason showing, RB Ashton Jeanty is still the clear-cut starter. Washington can return FLEX value against the Dolphins’ defense, but perhaps Kubiak is considering easing Washington into a rotational role a little more so than he previously indicated. Regardless, Washington remains one of the highest-valued backups in fantasy football and should be rostered in all formats.
Underhill notes that Kamara practiced fully on Friday, “so he’s cleared, but the team is deep at running back.” This is good news for starting RB Travis Etienne, who should lead the team in carries easily and potentially hog snaps in scoring position since Kamara will be less than 100 percent healthy, if active. Saints RB3 Kendre Miller is the next man up.
Sweat upgraded to full participation today, which is good news. The Cardinals’ pass rusher was reportedly unhappy with the team this offseason and was ultimately placed on the physically unable to perform list. Today, GM Monti Ossenfort revealed that Sweat had an “offseason procedure,” presumably on his knee. The two sides appear to have resolved their issues, and Sweat is seemingly good to go after a successful rehab.
Van Lanen should at least be active, although he is not guaranteed to start. The veteran blocker broke out last year, playing all across the line before settling in at left tackle. He suffered a knee injury in Week 18, which forced the coaching staff to get OT Anton Harrison for left tackle duties while penciling Van Lanen in at right tackle. The team also has capable OT Walker Little at the ready. Unfortunately, Harrison appeared on the injury report with a foot injury and was unable to practice on Friday. Hopefully, his sidelining was a precaution and he is not seriously injured. Stay tuned.
Meyers remained limited all week and was seen wearing a non-contact jersey on Wednesday. It is fair to wonder if both WR Parker Washington and WR Brian Thomas will get more plays dialed up for them this week, but Meyers notably led the Jaguars in targets after last year’s in-season trade, so he should not be written off. Treat him as a FLEX against the Browns, potentially operating in the team’s WR3 role.
Melton rejoins the Packers via the taxi squad after roughly two hours away. He is not on the fantasy radar at this time.
Allen was expected to take on an expanded receiving role, in addition to his pass-protection duties, but a hip injury has stalled that plan. If active, he is unlikely to do more than help keep QB Trevor Lawrence upright. If he is inactive, the team could employ a committee approach in addressing his vacated duties.
Stowers is listed as the Eagles’ co-TE3, so even if he is absent, that will not be a huge deal. The team is undoubtedly hoping he develops over the course of the season, so tracking his recovery is worthwhile. For now, though, TE Dallas Goedert is the clear-cut tight end to roster in Philadelphia.
Greenard remained limited all week, so he seemingly has a chance to debut with his new team in Week 2. The offseason trade acquisition is listed as a co-starter at both EDGE spots. Getting him back in time to face the Titans next week would be helpful.
Nabers made clear yesterday that the decision to play, and how much, is up to him. The team appears to be respecting that. Nabers is, smartly, keeping his long-term health in mind. If active, he should probably be treated as a volatile WR2. Hopefully, we learn more later today or tomorrow.
Flowers kicked off the week with a limited session before upgrading to full participation on Thursday and Friday. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has expressed excitement about new OC Declan Doyle’s offensive scheme, which is set to feature Flowers as the top target earner. Treat him as a WR2 this week.
It’s been more than three weeks since Mitchell strained his hamstring in the Chargers’ preseason game against the 49ers. Mitchell upgraded to full participation on Friday after two limited sessions to begin the week. He should be fully recovered and ready for rotational duties against a beatable Cardinals defense. Consider him a volatile RB4/FLEX, potentially aided by increased passing game usage.
The speedy rookie injured his hip on August 20th in the Chargers’ preseason game against the 49ers. Although he is stuck in the No. 4 spot on the depth chart, it was an encouraging preseason showing prior to the injury. Thompson was in for all three first-team reps and continued playing with the second team for a while before exiting. He does not need to be rostered in 12-team leagues, but can be stashed in 14-team leagues.