NFL

This wouldn’t be news under normal circumstances but takes on additional meaning with Rome Odunze listed questionable for Week 1. It is of particular note that the Bears already have five wide receivers on the active roster and still chose to elevate another. While recent reports seemed to indicate a sense of optimism regarding Odunze’s potential availability, he could be on the wrong side of questionable given the recent transaction. Fantasy managers will want to confirm his status when the team released its inactives 90-minutes prior to first kick. Luther Burden and Colston Loveland would be in line to benefit greatly should Odunze be unable to go.

Both players could see situational roles in the team’s opening game. They should not be counted on in IDP leagues.

The deal was first reported by NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. Mayer’s deal includes $30 million guaranteed and his $15 million average annual value is third among tight ends. The Raiders selected Mayer in the second-round (35th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. He had 300 yards as a rookie and the Raiders drafted Brock Bowers 13th overall the following year. Mayer is firmly on the fantasy radar for Week 1 against the Dolphins with Bowers (knee) sidelined, but his value is unstable as the Raiders’ second tight end.

The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Kraft’s deal, which runs through the 2030 season, has a maximum value of $92 million and includes a $26.5 million signing bonus. He’s now the NFL’s highest-paid tight end. Kraft had 32 receptions, 489 yards and six touchdowns before tearing his ACL in Week 9 last year. Not on the injury report for Week 1, Kraft is a surefire TE1 even in a tough matchup against the Vikings defense.

According to Over the Cap, the Lions created $35.68 million in cap space. Detroit is now second in the NFL in cap space with around $38 million, which can either be used this year or carry over to 2027. While a big in-season move could come closer to the trade deadline, Lions GM Brad Holmes recently reiterated the organization’s interest in giving contract extensions, which would begin in 2027, to TE Sam LaPorta and S Brian Branch.

It is unclear whether this is a season-ending injury or if Davis has a chance to return later in the year. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported earlier that the Cowboys were “bracing for an extended absence” and that a source told him, “it’s bad.” It sounds like Davis’ 2026 season may be over. Cowboys RB Emari Demercado now sits behind starting RB Javonte Williams, and RB Israel Abanikanda is on the practice squad.

Young has two years remaining on his contract, but is currently eligible for an extension. According to Wolfe, Young needs to improve in three areas. First, Young must check down when it’s the responsible thing to do, in turn elevating his completion rate to the “high 60s, low 70s” range. Second, Young must be comfortable playing with tempo and diverse personnel formations, including WR Tetairoa McMillan lining up in the slot more often. Third, Young must play quickly and decisively. Whether he can accomplish these feats is up in the air. He’s a mid-to-low QB2 for fantasy purposes.

This one is for the practice squad transactions grinders. Nabers is questionable to play in Week 1 against the Cowboys and has made it clear that he is weighing his long-term health heavily as he decides whether to play. Per Duggan, if the Giants elevate a second wide receiver, that “would be a very discouraging sign.” Stay tuned.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the restructure converts playtime incentives, up to $1.5 million, into a signing bonus “as a nod to his status as a proven starter.” Prior to the new deal, the Vikings also had only $6.39 million in salary cap space, the eighth-lowest amount in the NFL.

Underhill notes that Kamara practiced fully on Friday, “so he’s cleared, but the team is deep at running back.” This is good news for starting RB Travis Etienne, who should lead the team in carries easily and potentially hog snaps in scoring position since Kamara will be less than 100 percent healthy, if active. Saints RB3 Kendre Miller is the next man up.