NFL Player News

Watson has played sparingly this season so his deactivation in a must-win game is unsurprising. The Broncos have a shot to secure a playoff spot against a Chiefs team that will rest all of its core players. The Broncos also declared LB Levelle Bailey, OT Frank Crum, DL Matt Henningsen, DL Eyioma Uwazurike and QB Zach Wilson (emergency third QB) inactive.

The 34-year-old veteran visited the Cowboys pre-draft but left without a contract. Gilmore is no longer an above-average starter, but he did force eight incompletions and record one interception last year. A playoff contender could benefit from signing him as a No. 3 perimeter option, although Gilmore would likely ask to at least compete for the No. 2 role.

Ward is learning through trial and error, as many rookies do. The young quarterback is now aware that an open receiver in the NFL looks far different than it did in college, even when targeting a linebacker’s coverage. The NFL’s condensed field spacing has also reportedly required Ward to improve his awareness against the blitz. Per Davenport, Ward successfully showcased a lightbulb moment in this regard, which occurred “during team period when Ward recognized where the pressure was coming from and checked to a different protection to block it up.” Ward also notably signaled an audible to Calvin Ridley and connected with the veteran receiver for a touchdown. These are positive steps for a quarterback who currently profiles as a QB2 in re-draft formats.

Pelissero recently reported that the Steelers do not plan to trade Watt, and Watt’s record-setting goals are well known, so the most recent report makes sense. The team will do its best to ensure team-friendly outs exist later in the deal, but for now, Watt appears to be on track for a hefty payday sometime before September 7th. Pelissero states succinctly, Watt’s expected extension “is going to be north of Myles Garrett—it is going to be upwards of $40 million per year.”

Pelissero made the comments on the Rich Eisen Show today. Pelissero’s comments suggest an organizational reset of sorts could be in order if the worst case scenario plays out and Tagovailoa once again misses significant time. Head coach Mike McDaniel has been unable to keep his team competitive during Tagovailoa’s repeated injury-related absences, and ownership may be looking for an all-around fresh start. Pelissero notes that the Dolphins’ front office created financial flexibility for 2026 via its two recent trades with the Steelers.

Khan was promoted to his current post in 2022. His successful draft picks include WR George Pickens, CB Joey Porter Jr., DT Keeanu Benton, LB Nick Herbig and C Zach Frazier. Khan acquired veterans WR DK Metcalf, TE Jonnu Smith and CB Jalen Ramsey via trade this offseason.

Lewis notes that Felton could see some snaps on offense if Jordan Addison is suspended in relation to his pending DUI trial. Otherwise, it sounds like Jalen Nailor will be back as the team’s third receiver. Nailor didn’t earn many targets in the WR3 role last year but did cash in with six touchdowns and 414 yards on 28 grabs. Nailor is on the menu as a dart throw in deep best ball formats while the third-round rookie is only intriguing as a dynasty stash.

Newell, of course, gives the caveat that health has been Mitchell’s main issue for years, so it’s far from a lock that he makes it to the season without a scratch. The Chiefs jumped on the opportunity to sign Mitchell this offseason, inking him to a one-year deal worth “up to” $3.5 million at the start of free agency. It’s a high-upside move given Mitchell’s past success in San Francisco. He ran for 963 yards and five scores on 207 carries as a rookie but has been plagued by injuries ever since. Mitchell appeared in 16 games over the following two seasons and missed all of 2024 with a hamstring issue. While a healthy Isiah Pacheco should be penciled in for the bulk of the carries to start the year, Mitchell could work himself into a committee role if he continues to look back to form in practice.

Locke is one of the first NFL players to undergo spinal fusion surgery, sharing his journey in a personal documentary YouTube video. He dealt with the pain from the surgery early on, but says he does not feel pain now. Locke started 15 games and the playoff loss for the Broncos and is a key member of a daunting secondary. The 28-year-old missed offseason workouts due to rehab and is preparing to be ready for the regular season.

Rodgers did not sign with the Steelers until late in the offseason, leaving him little time to build chemistry with the team’s receivers through offseason workouts. However, Rodgers posted a photo on social media with WRs DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, and Ben Skowronek and TE Pat Freiermuth. He had invited offensive skill players to work out with him and these six have taken up the offer thus far. Metcalf and Freiermuth are likely to be two of the top options in the Steelers offense, with Austin and Wilson mixing in behind. Newly acquired Jonnu Smith is not there, though he just joined the team this week. Rodgers is headed for a final season in Pittsburgh and is looking to build further rapport with his pass-catchers for one last hurrah.

A UDFA from Eastern Washington, Chism has been singled out by Drake Maye and coach Mike Vrabel for his impressive showing during the early offseason sessions. Chism put up videogame numbers in the Eagles’ high-flying passing attack last year, totaling 120 catches for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2024. Despite the gaudy counting stats, Chism’s 5'10/195 build combined with a dreadful 4.71 Forty led to all 32 teams passing on him during the draft. He will likely be parked behind Demario Douglas as a rookie, but Chism could be worth a look in deep dynasty leagues if he makes noise during training camp.