NFL

New Chargers OC Mike McDaniel reduced Herbert’s throwing frequency in spring practices in an effort to keep Herbert’s arm fresh later in the season. Herbert is instead focused on adjusting his shotgun footwork according to McDaniel’s unorthodox, yet often successful preferences. According to Rhim, this led to Herbert and his receivers frequently being “just out of sync on timing” in team drills. That said, Rhim believes that this is " an expected part of implementing a new offense but something that will need to improve during training camp.” We agree. This is not overly concerning, but it will be worthwhile to follow up on Herbert’s connection with his pass catchers.

The Steelers notably signed TE Darnell Washington to a four-year, $42 million contract extension this offseason, but DeFabo believes Freiermuth is still the team’s TE1. He expects Washington to continue operating as a receiving threat, “especially in the red zone,” but he is apparently stuck in the TE2 role. Washington’s profile is certainly more intriguing, but he may be best viewed as a boom-bust backup option in best ball for now.

DeFabo wonders whether Steelers coach Mike McCarthy will be “willing to open up the playbook for Heidenreich and how does the rookie fare in pass protection?” If McCarthy is willing to design plays for Heidenreich, and the youngster can be trusted to keep QB Aaron Rodgers safe from oncoming pass rushers, it is possible he earns a spot on the game-day roster. If not, he may need to spend 2026 refining his skill set while RB Jaylen Warren works on becoming Rodgers’ “new check-down favorite.” That said, DeFabo adds that “an injury or a surprising training camp performance could change things positively for Heidenreich. Keep an eye on him, but temper expectations.

This is admittedly speculation, not breaking news, but the idea certainly makes sense. Palmer also believes that the 49ers could “probably” get the other team to “overpay a little bit.” Again, this tracks, especially if a playoff contender wants to keep their season alive. Palmer thinks Jones is also already aware of this being a potential scenario. That said, the 49ers added $300,000 in incentives to the final year of Jones’ contract, which happens to be this upcoming season. They wanted to keep him happy after how well he handled spot starts for QB Brock Purdy in 2025, and they could always choose to keep him in-house, given his reliability.

The Rams field a deep tight end room, and Atkins expects the personnel to undergo turnover in the next year or so. Second-year TE Terrance Ferguson could function as the de facto No. 3 wide receiver while TE Colby Parkinson continues “to be a focal point on third downs and in the red zone in this three-tight end offense” this season. He adds that Klare could get involved on “some yards-after-catch designs and wrinkles this season,” but it does not sound like Klare is due for a fantasy-friendly role in 2026.

Mumpfield enters his second NFL season after posting a 10/92/1 receiving line in the regular season last year. He chipped in three catches for 22 yards in the playoffs. Were he to get a spot start, he is not guaranteed to be fantasy-relevant. Atkins lists sixth-round rookie WR CJ Daniels as the most likely player to assume No. 3 wide receiver duties, primarily due to his blocking. He also has some contested-catch ability. Mumpfield is a name to know for 2026, but he is unlikely to meaningfully contribute in the box score if Nacua and Adams are healthy.

Underhill compared Tyson’s best routes with Shough’s highest-targeted areas of the field and declared, “it’s the same diagram.” Coincidentally, Tyson’s route tree closely overlaps with that of No. 1 WR Chris Olave. Underhill believes that this dynamic will allow coach Kellen Moore to use Tyson and Olave interchangeably. They will both line up in the perimeter and in the slot. Underhill believes Olave will remain the team’s top pass catcher “for the near future,” but eventually both he and Tyson will work as two “top receivers.” Tyson missed most of spring practices with a hamstring injury, but Underhill said he will not worry about the issue unless Tyson misses training camp. Underhill closed the segment by saying a 55/700/5 receiving line on 90 targets is a “safe projection” for Tyson’s rookie season, though he believes Tyson is capable of doing more. The “safe” stat line equates to 155.0 PPR points and would have made him the WR40 last season.

Branch was highly effective on manufactured touches at Georgia and the Falcons could use a wideout who specializes in YAC. He stayed after practices to get extra reps on the jugs machine and got reps as both a kick and punt returner. Those may not have direct impacts on his fantasy value, but it can’t hurt to see him doing the little things every day. He will likely top out as the team’s third receiver to start the year. That role could quickly grow if he outshines Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus.

Steinberg claimed this in his written opposition to the prosecution’s motion to require Arnold to wear an ankle monitor while on home confinement ahead of his trial. That, of course, would prevent him from being with another team. Arnold is facing multiple felony charges after being arrested in connection with a February robbery and kidnapping in Tampa Bay. It’s hard to believe multiple teams are willing to sign Arnold given the charges levied against him, and it’s possible the court doesn’t even allow him to travel to those teams. The NFL can also step in and place him on the commissioner’s exempt list, so we would be shocked if he plays football anytime soon.

According to the official NFL transaction wire, Thomas and CB Ajani Carter were waived from injured reserve by the Texans Wednesday. Thomas is a former fifth-round pick of the Cardinals and appeared in 18 games for Arizona between 2024-2025. Carter was an undrafted free agent out of Houston in the class of 2025. He appeared in two games for the Texans last season. Neither players saw significant snaps and will now be released with injury settlements.