NFL Player News

Mitchell became an unrestricted free agent after the Ravens chose not to tender him. It’s hard to imagine much of a better landing spot for the speedster. Chargers OC Mike McDaniel turned De’Von Achane into a home run machine in Miami, and Mitchell is one of the few players who can match Achane’s top-end speed. Mitchell will be parked behind Omarion Hampton in LA, but he should hold some fantasy value if he can secure the RB2 gig. Mitchell ran for 341 yards at 5.8 yards per carry last year. His career average is over six YPC. Even as strictly a backup, Mitchell will be an intriguing fantasy bet in 2026.

Arizona chose not to tender Thomas, who was a restricted free agent, but still brought him back on a cheaper deal. Thomas missed all of the 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL in training camp. He started 15 games at corner for the Cardinals in 2024 and will at least function as a depth piece for their defense this year.

Izien started 10 games for the Bucs in 2024. He was credited with just one start in 2025 and his tackle total fell from 75 to 25. He did, however, pick up more work on special teams. Izien will likely continue to play a mix of defense and special teams in Detroit.

Beal appeared in seven games for the 49ers last year and totaled 14 tackles. The majority of his snaps came on special teams, which will likely be the case in Miami as well.

Russell began his career as a tight end in Seattle in 2023. He converted to fullback last year and set a career-high in offensive snaps at 58. He also appeared in all 17 games for the first time. Russell sees most of his work on special teams. He led the NFL with 396 special teams snaps, which he turned into 14 combined tackles. He is now under contract through the 2027 season.

London spent the first five years of his career bouncing between the practice squads and active rosters of the Bears and Falcons. He finally found a more permanent role in 2025 and appeared in 13 games for the Falcons, five of which were starts. London turned that into five sacks and one forced fumble.

Njoku was designated as a post-June 1st release, spreading out his dead cap hit over two years. The news doesn’t come as a surprise. Njoku posted a heartfelt goodbye just after the season ended, so it was only a matter of paperwork for the Browns. The age-29 tight end is now looking for a new home for the first time in his NFL career. Njoku caught three passes for 293 yards and four scores in 2025. He was passed on the depth chart by Harold Fannin Jr. and missed time late in the year with a knee issue. Plenty of teams will be interested in signing him, though likely as a rotational player at this point in his career. Njoku is unlikely to put up TE1 numbers in 2026, no matter where he lands.

Martin inked a one-year deal with the Commanders last offseason. The journeyman defender had been a backup for most of his career but was called into the starting lineup in Washington. He made 14 starts out of 17 total appearances and set a career-high in defensive snaps. In turn, he also set a new high-water mark for sacks at 5.5. He was credited with 18 QB hits and 45 pressures. Coming off a breakout year, Martin will get to compete for a starting job in Tennessee.

Newman went on IR with a neck injury early in the 2025 season. He appeared in five games, all as a backup. He will return as a depth option, having filled in for at least a few reps at all three interior line spots over his four-year career.

Zane Gonzalez is also on the roster, meaning there will be a kicking competition this summer. Gonzalez went 19-of-22 on his field goal tries with the Falcons last year. Patterson connected on 27-of-29 with Miami. We don’t expect the winner of this competition to have much fantasy relevance in 2026.

Gay joined the Dolphins last year and appeared in all 17 games, two of which were starts. He totaled two pass breakups and two sacks while also playing on special teams. He’ll be back for a similar role in 2026.