NFL Player News

Gaffney earned some sleeper buzz after he tested incredibly well at the 2014 Combine, but both of his first two seasons ended with training-camp injuries. Now healthy, he is pushing for a role behind LeGarrette Blount. With Blount proven and Dion Lewis (knee, active/PUP) still on the sidelines, Gaffney should get plenty of work in the first preseason game.

This report comes a day after Smith’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said his client would “definitely like to stay in Miami” in 2025 following his breakout 2024 season. Recent reports linked the Steelers to Smith, a move that would reunite Pittsburgh OC Arthur Smith with Smith after their time together in Atlanta. Smith remaining in Miami would be the best case scenario for his fantasy prospects; he would barely be on the fantasy radar in the Steelers’ stale, unproductive, run-heavy offense. Smith in 2024 ranked fourth among all tight ends in both targets and receptions. He was ninth in yards after the catch per reception. Smith should be a top-10 tight end in the Dolphins offense if he stays put.

In Denver OTAs, Harvey — a second round selection in the 2025 draft — “has been given ample work in the passing game as he prepares for the kind of multifaceted responsibilities required of running backs in [Sean] Payton’s offense,” Kosmider said. “The early returns have been promising, with the obvious caveat that he hasn’t yet put on pads and been asked to stonewall a blitzing linebacker.” Bo Nix, who checked down frequently during his time at Oregon and in his rookie season with Denver, said Harvey has impressed as a pass catcher out of the backfield. “You know he can run the ball,” Nix said, “but I think it’s the other things that he’s (already) showing. Just the routes, (his) suddenness and quickness in his hands.” Broncos running backs combined for a 22 percent target share in 2024, the fifth highest rate in the NFL. Harvey is shaping up as a potential stud in PPR formats.

Daniels has once again impressed Washington coaches and teammates with unmatched work ethic this offseason, following his outstanding 2024 rookie campaign, which included 25 passing scores and six rushing touchdowns. Only five quarterbacks had a higher EPA per play than Daniels. “Just watching him move around, he’s not thinking as much, he’s playing fast and letting his natural gifts kind of take over, and that’s what we want to see,” Kingsbury said during Washington OTAs. Daniels has delivered the ball accurately and on time in offseason practices, just as he did through much of his rookie season. “He can make every throw, he’s comfortable, he knows where the ball should go,” said Deebo Samuel, who was traded from the 49ers to the Commanders this spring. “He’s very smart.” The mobile Daniels has every chance to be the QB1 overall in fantasy football this season.

Tanner, entering his first year as an NFL play caller, worked under Ben Johnson in Detroit before landing the Jets job this offseason. Tanner and pass game coordinator Scott Turner said the Jets would use elements of the hyper-efficient Lions offense in 2025 and beyond with Justin Fields under center. “It’s going to be a physical system,” Turner said. “We’re going to run the football, we’re going to be aggressive up front and try to chase explosive plays [in the passing game]. ... That’s what we’re going to be hunting.” Tanner’s main challenge will come in the form of transitioning from Jared Goff, a pocket passer, to Fields, a dynamic mobile quarterback. “In theory,” Cimini said, “run-pass options should become a staple in the offense.” The Lions under Johnson (and Tanner) led the NFL in middle-of-the-field pass attempts and profiled as a run-first offense. Detroit was 6 percent below their expected pass rate since the start of the 2023 season. If all goes well, the Jets will be among the two or three run-heaviest offenses in the NFL this season.

Kingsbury complimented Robinson as a solid lead back when healthy. “I thought early in the year when he was really healthy, he was what we expect him to be and the focus this offseason has been great,” Kingsbury said Monday. “He knows what this year means to him and can mean to us when he plays at that level.” Robinson, 26, has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. Robinson last season ranked ninth among all running backs in both carries and rushing yards from Week 1-5 before struggling through various injuries and watching his efficiency plunge. If he remains in Washington this offseason, Robinson should have every chance to remain the team’s lead back in 2025.

Fiske, who finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting last season, injured his knee in the team’s Divisional Round loss to the Eagles and underwent a minor procedure to correct the issue this offseason. His availability for the start of the 2025 season was never considered to be in doubt, but his full participation in OTAs relieve any doubt for the standout youngster. “I’m ready to roll,” Fiske told reporters. Wheels up, baby!

Rumors of a potential release swirled last week after former Patriots quarterback and current announcer Scott Zolak told reporters that a release of Diggs was on the table for the Patriots, reports that now appear to be unfounded. Diggs’ new three-year, $69 million contract now seems to carry more certainty after the veteran showed up to OTAs Monday. Diggs will look to get back to his 1,000-yard ways in New England after appearing in only eight games in 2024 while with the Texans.

CBS’ Jonathan Jones reports the pick can upgrade to a fourth-rounder if Huff meets certain criteria this season. A potential deal was first reported by Adam Schefter on Friday, with the Eagles waiting until after June 1 to reap some extra salary cap space in the trade. Once one of the top units in the league, the 49ers have undergone significant change along the defensive live, including drafting two expected starters in this year’s draft in addition to the deal for Huff. The current expectation for Huff is that of a pass rush specialist after 64 percent of his snaps last season came in such situations.

An abrupt retirement, to be sure, Darby hangs it up after signing a one-year contract with the Texans in March. Darby started his career as a second-round pick of the Bills, but was dealt to the Eagles ahead of his third season and won a Super Bowl with Philadelphia. From there, the oft-injured cornerback became a journeyman, playing one year each with the Commanders, Ravens, and Jaguars. He also played two years with the Broncos. When healthy, Darby was a steady outside cornerback in a league that always needed them.