NFL Player News

Patrick was spotted running routes and participating in team drills at Thursday’s OTAs. The veteran receiver is hoping to overcome a recent string of bad luck that saw him miss back-to-back seasons due to a torn ACL (2022) and a torn Achilles (2023) suffered in training camp. The Broncos kept Patrick around on a one-year deal earlier this offseason, but it remains to be seen how he could factor into the offense if healthy. Courtland Sutton remains on the team, and Marvin Mims and rookie Troy Franklin are both expected to factor into the offense to some degree. They also signed veteran Josh Reynolds in free agency. Assuming he makes the roster, Patrick probably doesn’t have much fantasy upside as long as the guys in front of him are healthy. Given his size and efficiency in the end zone in the past, it’s possible Patrick’s primary role will come in the red zone.

As far as Day 3 wide receiver prospects go, Lambert-Smith intrigues. The former Auburn and Penn State receiver brings field-stretching 4.37-second Forty speed and averaged 2.70 yards per route run in his final college season. The Chargers retooled their wide receiver personnel this offseason, giving newcomers a chance to prove themselves in a shifting landscape. Lambert-Smith has a long way to go before he becomes relevant in re-draft formats, but he makes for a smart late-round dynasty add.

As Easterling notes, Gabriel was drafted 50 picks ahead of Sanders, so this should be the expectation. Given Sanders’ star power, though, it would have been unsurprising to see the Browns let the two rookies take turns entering drills as the QB1. Ultimately, both Gabriel and Sanders were given “equal reps” and drew praise from fellow rookie, TE Harold Fannin, who thinks both players are “going to be great.” Regardless, Gabriel appears to at least be nominally ahead of Sanders on the depth chart, for the time being.

Smith’s star burned brightly for a few seasons with the Cowboys after battling back from a knee injury suffered in his final college season (2015) that included an ACL tear, an MCL tear and nerve damage. He spent the 2022 season with the Giants before bouncing between the Saints, Steelers and Raiders’ rosters in 2023. He logged just 25 snaps that year. Now 29 years old, Smith will once again attempt an uphill climb toward a comeback.

James was a productive rusher and receiver while serving as Oregon’s 2024 starter. He’ll attempt to challenge veteran RB Patrick Taylor Jr. for the No. 3 role in the 49ers’ July training camp. With just Day 3 draft capital, James has a long way to go before finding re-draft relevance but he is worthy of a bench spot in dynasty leagues.

The report affirms Kirk’s position in the target pecking order, placing him ahead of Higgins and Noel, who were drafted in the second and third rounds, respectively, just two weeks ago. Kirk is scheduled to hit free agency in 2026, and while Higgins and Noel currently profile as the potential long-term Nos. 2 and 3 wide receivers, Texans coaches will not simply gift those roles to the intriguing Iowa State alums. Kirk’s status as a 2025 PPR scam option remains intact at this time. Higgins likely has the easier path to year one fantasy relevance than Noel, with Higgins profiling as a perimeter option for when Kirk kicks inside to the slot in three-wide receiver sets.

The front office also waived DT Pheldarius Payne and officially signed undrafted free agent RB Ulysses Bentley IV. Mafi and Payne could find their way back to the Colts’ practice squad at some point.

The Broncos also released LS Zach Triner, per the transaction wire. With 20 incoming rookies needing roster spots, the Broncos did what was expected and released a few veterans. Both Haack and Triner could be re-signed later on.

The team’s official website estimates the deal will be worth $20.56 million, based on numbers provided by Over The Cap. The Falcons have also officially listed Walker, who lined up as a hybrid linebacker/EDGE at Georgia, as an EDGE on their roster. Walker is expected to serve as a defensive cornerstone for the foreseeable future and is expected to add hybrid linebacker duties to his job scope soon enough.

This is the second Jets beat report in as many weeks, suggesting Taylor will be the Jets’ 2025 starter, ahead of backup Jeremy Ruckert and free agent signee Stone Smartt. Taylor’s target competition outside of Garrett Wilson is awfully thin. The 21-year-old tight end could work his way into the TE1 ranks in year one.

Neal is an accomplished dual-threat prospect who joins the Saints with 759 rushing attempts and 101 targets on his college resume. He possesses the requisite size (5'11/213) for an NFL running back and could feasibly handle a high-volume workload, if need be. Neal’s sixth-round draft capital works against him but Kendre Miller’s grasp on the No. 2 running back role is very tenuous after two wasted seasons in the pros. Neal is a name to know for the late-round bench stash tier this summer.