Betting

Sanders underwent season-ending ankle surgery late last season and was placed on injured reserve before the Week 18 finale. Sanders, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, caught just 29 passes for 190 yards and one touchdown last season while starting five of the 13 games he appeared in. The third-year tight end will likely battle with Tommy Tremble for playing time this season, but the Panthers could also look to add to their tight end room through the draft with a talented rookie class incoming.

Fanatics’ social media account broke the news, saying James suffered the injury “earlier in the week prior to reporting to the Fanatics Flag Football Classic.” He will be replaced in the lineup by free agent S Harrison Smith, the longtime Viking. We sure would like to know if the injury occurred while training for the flag football tournament, but that part remains unclear. James was set to play for Team Wildcat alongside former and current NFL players, including Eagles RB Saquon Barkley, 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk and Rams WR Davante Adams. We wish all involved good health. Hopefully, we get clarification on James’ injury before long.

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk obviously comes to mind, and multiple team sources tell Keim that the Commanders are “well aware” of Aiyuk’s “desire” to be reunited with his former college quarterback, Jayden Daniels, but Keim believes the Commanders are unlikely to trade for him. If Aiyuk were to be released, Keim thinks only a one-year, prove-it deal would be offered. Keim follows the Aiyuk section by saying the Commanders could also draft a receiver. Perhaps the team is negotiating through the media. Perhaps not. Hopefully, things will become clearer in the coming weeks and months. Keim adds that the front office would have pursued Colts WR Alec Pierce had he not re-signed with Indianapolis and, per Keim, Pierce “absolutely” would have signed with Washington in that scenario. The Commanders also pursued former Packers WR Romeo Doubs but lost out to the Patriots.

Pierce most recently played for the Chiefs, appearing in four games for them last year after the Texans cut him midseason. The former fourth-round pick broke out as a rookie, running for 939 yards and four scores on 220 attempts in 2022. His role then declined drastically in back-to-back seasons before the team pulled the plug entirely. Pierce will be competing with Tank Bigsby for the RB3 and kick returner roles this offseason.

The Chargers have used free agency to stockpile players custom made for McDaniel’s Shanahan-style offense, including fullback Alex Ingold and tight end Charlie Kolar. Popper describes Kolar as “an elite run blocker who is an ideal fit in McDaniel’s movement offense” who “will allow Oronde Gadsden to play in a role that maximizes the 2025 fifth-round pick’s receiving skill set.” Gadsden was a welcome surprise in fantasy circles last season, totaling 664 yards and three touchdowns on 49 receptions. He ranked 14th among 50 qualifying tight ends in yards per route run, in line with Tyler Warren and Harold Fannin. If he runs 60 or 70 percent of the Chargers’ routes in 2026, Gadsden could be a tight end to target late in drafts.

Popper, like other observers and analysts, says Mitchell is a great fit for offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s rushing offense. Mitchell last week signed a two-year contract with LA worth $9.3 million. The explosive Mitchell, who last season ran for 341 yards at a 5.8 yards per carry clip in Baltimore, compares favorably to De’Von Achane, who was one of the NFL’s most efficient backs in McDaniel’s system in Miami. Though Omarion Hampton is likely to remain the Chargers’ lead back in 2026, Mitchell could see a handful of designed touches that might make hum flex viable in what should be a run-first Bolts offense. Mitchell would have a shot at RB1 duties in 2026 if Hampton once again struggles with injuries.

Wentz explored free agency for a few weeks and the Jets seemingly showed some interest before going in a different direction. He’s now back in Minnesota after throwing for 1,216 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions in 2025. Wentz went 2-3 as the team’s starter and before a shoulder injury knocked him out for the year. His return casts some doubt on the idea of J.J. McCarthy as the team’s QB2 behind Kyler Murray. At best, Wentz will push McCarthy for that role during the offseason.

Seifert notes that if the league cannot agree on a new collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Referees Association, replacement officials will be considered for the 2026 season. The league is looking for a list of “about 150 mostly small college officials” in its approach to prepare for not reaching an agreement. This approach is similar to what occurred during the 2012 lockout of officials, which ended after Week 3 of the regular season. The current CBA expires at the end of May, putting a timeline on the NFL’s decision to consider replacement officials.

Dortch is following new Lions OC Drew Petzing from Arizona to Detroit. He turned 29 catches into 206 yards and three scores last year. Dortch is primarily a slot receiver and Amon-Ra St. Brown has the role locked down. At best, the former Cardinal will give ARSB the occasional breather. He could be an interesting PPR option if anything happens to St. Brown, but that isn’t something early fantasy drafters should plan for.

Speaking on his eponymous “The Adam Schefter Podcast”, Schefty said Love watch begins at pick No. 5 with the Giants. He closed out Love’s range at pick No. 9 with the Chiefs. Kansas City just inked Kenneth Walker to a massive deal, though Schefter doesn’t believe that rules them out entirely. The Giants hit on Cam Skattebo in last year’s draft, but the rookie suffered a catastrophic ankle injury that ended his debut campaign early. Love could be in play if they are worried about his ability to come back from the injury.