NFL Player News

This was the expected outcome for Conklin, who exited Week 1’s win early in the game after having his knee collided into while trying to protect Deshaun Watson. Conklin was carted from the field and in visible pain after going down. Rookie offensive tackle Dawand Jones took over for Conklin, and could be in line for the Week 2 start against the Steelers.

Jones finished his 13-year professional career with 914 receptions, 13,703 yards, and 66 touchdowns. He spent the first 10 years of his illustrious career with the Falcons before playing one year each with the Titans, Buccaneers, and Eagles, having gone over 1,000 yards receiving seven times while setting a career high in 2015 with 1,871 yards in a 16-game season. There aren’t many sure thing first-ballot Hall of Fame wide receivers in the present game, but Jones certainly did his part on the field to warrant significant consideration once eligible.

The hype has never fully materialized for Lance at the NFL level but the Chargers now take a low-cost gamble on the once promising quarterback. If nothing else, Lance offers an intriguing developmental option behind franchise quarterback Justin Herbert, with the potential for general manager Joe Hortiz to flip the investment down the road. Taylor Heinicke remains on the roster and is likely the preferred game day backup to Herbert once games begin to matter.

Charles started 18 games with 35 total appearances for the Commanders during the first four years of his professional career before signing with the Titans on a “prove-it” contract last spring. He would not appear in a game while with the Titans after announcing his retirement during camp.

Beachum returns for his 14th season as a pro and his sixth season with the Cardinals. He started 12 of the 16 games he appeared in last season and has started just 14 of the 27 games he’s appeared in since 2023. Beachum is a former seventh-round pick with 161 career starts to his name but has been relegated to backup duty under head coach Jonathan Gannon. His ability to line up at both tackle spots bodes well for the Cardinals’ line depth. Last season, he allowed 16 pressures and four sacks on 418 pass-blocking downs, per PFF.

It’s not much, but at least it’s something. After skipping out on testing at the NFL Scouting Combine, Hunter was reportedly going to avoid all workouts at Colorado’s pro day, which is taking place on Friday. Now, one of the premiere talents in the draft class will put his route running on display for the scouts with quarterback Sheduer Sanders throwing at the event. How Hunter is deployed in the pros remains unknown, but the two-way star caught 153 passes for 1,979 yards and 20 touchdowns in his two seasons at Colorado and is viewed by some as the top receiving talent in the draft. He’s a virtual lock to go top five of this month’s draft and could go as high as No. 2 to the Browns if they prefer to pass on a quarterback.

Robinson was a fourth-round pick of the Vikings in 2021, but injuries slowed him early in his career, and he didn’t make his NFL debut until 2023. He appeared in six games for the Raiders in 2023 and played in 10 games while making one start last season. In 16 career games, Robinson has totaled 13 tackles and 1.5 sacks. It’s safe to say he’ll need to battle to make the Chiefs’ 53-man roster this offseason.

It’s a statement that feels obvious, but in case there was any doubt as to whether or not the Cowboys’ backfield situation was settled following the signings of Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, it’s safe to say there is more work to do. While Yousuf points out that Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty may be available when the Cowboys are on the clock at No. 12, he notes that “it doesn’t sound like the Cowboys are drooling over the opportunity to pick him.” With running back being among the deepest positions in this year’s draft, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Cowboys kick the position down the road until Day 2 of the draft — especially when you consider the myriad of other needs they need to address along the o-line, and at receiver, to name a few. As far as fantasy is concerned, any running back taken by the Cowboys in the first three rounds could immediately threaten Williams and Sanders for snaps, with Sanders likely being the first odd man out once training camp starts.

The veteran quarterback provides a viable backup to second-year starter Caleb Williams in addition to the experience to serve as a mentor. Keenum missed the entirety of the 2024 season after being placed on injured reserve in late August but should be near full health heading into the NFL Draft.

The $19 million average value per year makes McBride the highest paid tight end in NFL history and includes $43 million in guaranteed money. The soon-to-be fourth-year tight end set career highs in targets, receptions, and yardage in 2024 but has still managed only six receiving touchdowns during his three-year professional career. Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort said in late February that extending McBride was a priority this offseason, making good on his promise in spectacular fashion.

The max value extension includes $66.5 million in guarantees and ties him to the franchise through the 2027 season. Many had their doubts about the longevity of Smith in Las Vegas but it now appears the team will treat him as their clear starter for the coming three seasons before forced to address the position again. It’s a definite boost to the fantasy value of second-year phenom tight end Brock Bowers considering Smith’s hefty career tight end target rates.