The Steelers on Monday signed Rico Dowdle, formerly of the Panthers, to a two-year deal worth $12.25 million, as Gainwell left Pittsburgh in favor of Tampa. DeFabo said the new-look Pittsburgh offense could see Warren occupy last year’s Gainwell role (Gainwell was among the league leaders in running back targets and receptions). Warren, DeFabo said, “has been at his best in a third-down role and out of the shotgun; Warren is now likely to assume the pass-catching role that Gainwell occupied last year. Given the increased opportunities in this area, Warren may produce results similar to those of Gainwell, though he’s not as refined as a route runner.” Such a scenario would make Warren far more valuable than Dowdle in PPR formats this season, though Dowdle could be a flex option if he gets first crack at goal line carries and functions as the team’s primary ball carrier.

This of course assumes Rodgers, 42, will return for another season under center for the Steelers, now coached by Rodgers’ former Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy. The Steelers acquired Pittman from the Colts on Monday. Rodgers, DeFabo said, “seems to prefer veterans who understand the nuances of route running, how to read coverages and what it takes to prepare for an opponent. Pittman, a solid possession receiver who slots in as a No. 2 behind [DK] Metcalf, checks a lot of those boxes.” Pittman, entering his age-29 season, last season had a career low yards after the catch per reception, reeling in 80 balls on 110 targets as Alec Pierce emerged as Indy’s No. 1 wideout. If the Steelers offense is pass heavy enough Pittman could hold some value in deeper PPR formats in 2026.

Several teams are pursuing Woolen, a free agent who likely won’t return to Seattle after the team gave Rashid Shaheed a massive contract on Monday. Woolen, who has 53 passes defended and 12 interceptions over four seasons in Seattle, will be an important addition to whichever secondary he joins in 2026. The Giants allowed the 12th highest drop back EPA in 2025.

Dowdle will presumably form a one-two punch with incumbent starter Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh after notching consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for the Cowboys and Panthers. It also signals a level of discomfort with former third-round pick Kaleb Johnson, who played sparingly during his rookie season following multiple special teams miscues. The financials of the contract were not immediately made available. Although unlikely to match the 235 carries he averaged the previous two seasons, Dowdle’s size and frame keep his touchdown equity high on the run-first Steelers.

The Jets took a chance on Williams following an injury-riddled first two seasons with the Jaguars, paying off handsomely before an injury-shortened 2025 season. Williams had the worst statistical season since his rookie year in 2019 last year but will now get a change of scenery with the new, team-friendly contract as he looks to rekindle his previous form with a new franchise.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the deal includes $34.7 million guaranteed. It’s vaguely surprising after the Seahawks struggled to unlock Shaheed on offense following his mid-season trade acquisition, but he remained a lethal weapon on special teams and there is frankly almost no way he struggles as much as a pass catcher again. Shaheed’s field-stretching perfectly complements Jaxon Smith-Njigiba’s all-around game, and JSN’s dominance means there will be ways to free up Shaheed 1-on-1. We suppose he is on the outside looking in of WR3 status for the time being, but Shaheed’s second year in Seattle could go much better than the first in fantasy.

Dean gets $20 million in guaranteed money. The oft-injured linebacker has performed well when on the field for the Eagles after being selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft but has missed 21 games over the previous three seasons. He’ll get a fresh start with the Raiders, a team that has gone out of their way to revitalize their defense in the first six hours of legal tampering ahead of the 2026 season. Dean is borderline elite against the run but has largely struggled in coverage throughout his career.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the deal has a max value of $15 million. 36-year-old Kelce has been declining for several years now, but he was still fourth in tight end yardage (851) last season. He was a more distant 21st in TE yards per route run at 1.47. Kelce appeared particularly dead-legged at the end of the Chiefs’ trying season. He is best utilized as a third down/red zone package player at this point, something coach Andy Reid undoubtedly already knows. Kelce will keep hanging around the TE1 ranks in fantasy, but probably more in the TE8-12 range than TE5-8.

Uncle Rico lands on his feet in Arizona with a chance to compete for the starting quarterback job with incumbent Jacoby Brissett during camp and preseason. The $8.25 million contract is far from “starter money,” but is still more than the average annual value of Brissett, making it likely the franchise is headed for a positional battle this offseason in the wake of Kyler Murray’s departure. At bare minimum, Minshew has proven to be a capable backup at the NFL level, having notched 47 starts across 63 appearances during his seven-year NFL career.

The deal includes $32 million in guaranteed money and helps the franchise fill the gaping void left in the wake of the Maxx Crosby trade to Baltimore. The five-year veteran played the entirety of his career to this point in Indianapolis, starting 74 games while registering 209 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, and 50 quarterback hits. The Raiders remain busy in free agency through the first five hours.