NFL

The Browns needed some experienced linebacker depth and have found it in the form of 28-year-old Baker. A 2018 third-round pick of the Dolphins, 2024 was Baker’s first season outside Miami. He ended up making five appearances for each of the Seahawks and Titans, arriving in Nashville via an October trade. He’s essentially a warm body, but signing in March as opposed to April or May boosts his 53-man roster odds.

Although the Giants are undoubtedly tired of waiting on fellow free agent Aaron Rodgers, this hardly precludes his signing. Winston’s deal is modest even for a backup, especially one with his box scores and experience. He’s a seat warmer/emergency option for a team that had only Tommy DeVito under contract at the most important position. The question now becomes if he will be a clipboard holder or bridge option. It will be the former if Rodgers comes board. The latter if the G-Men take a Day 1 rookie QB. Our money is on the latter, as it’s unlikely the Giants would want a quarterback room with a pair of players on the wrong side of 30. Now 31, Winston proved last season he’s an old dog who won’t be learning any tricks. He slings it all over the yard, interceptions and all. He’s an “any given Sunday” No. 2 option, but a poor bet as a multi-month starter.

Cooks re-joins the franchise that made him the No. 20 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. Now 31, Cooks isn’t the explosive player he once was, and he’s coming off a season in which he posted career lows in catches (26), receiving yards (259), and YPR (10.0). Granted, he was limited to just 10 games last season, but it’s no secret that Cooks is on the back nine of his career. With Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed presumably locked in as the Saints’ top two receivers, Cooks’ role should be that of a WR3/WR4 in Kellen Moore’s offense next season. Outside of a dart throw in deeper leagues, it’s hard to imagine Cooks having much fantasy utility at this stage of his career.

Maddox was a fourth-round pick of the Eagles back in 2018 and has spent his entire seven-year career with the team. Playing primarily as a backup, Maddox has started 41 of the 81 games he’s appeared in during his career and has played on 345-plus defensive snaps in every season outside of an injury-shortened 2023. Maddox has played primarily as a slot corner when asked to play in coverage and will likely play a similar role with the Lions.

Unless he’s personally inviting Arthur Smith on a darkness retreat, an impending deal is the next most logical guess. If Rodgers wants to play for a contender next season, it doesn’t take much to realize the Steelers are the best option as things stand right now. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported after Dulac’s initial report that “no deal at this time is close,” while noting that Rodgers did meet with the coaching staff. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero also reports Rodgers is “seriously considering playing his 21st season in Pittsburgh.” With several reports flying around and nothing appearing guaranteed at this point, it goes without saying that this is a wait-and-see situation. As usual.

Humphrey is a six-year pro who has spent all but one of his professional seasons with Sean Payton. Now, the former UDFA will leave the comfort of Payton for Big Blue in hopes of securing a meaningful role in an offense that is short on receiver talent behind Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson. Humphrey posted career highs in receptions (31) and receiving yards (293) last season while also running the most routes (290) of his career. He’ll likely settle in as depth at wideout if he makes the roster. This signing doesn’t move the fantasy needle in any way.

Omenihu had an abbreviated season in 2024, returning from a late 2023 ACL tear. He still notched 12 quarterback pressures and one sack in six games, though. This is a smart deal for the Chiefs. Bolstering the pass rush via a low-cost, one-year deal allows them to continue searching for valuable free agents.

Shortly after Nwosu agreed to restructure his contract, Schneider revealed that the 28-year-old pass rusher underwent surgery for an undisclosed issue. Perhaps the Seahawks’ willingness to keep Nwosu on the roster is a net positive regarding his expected recovery. Nwosu missed the first four 2024 games due to an August MCL sprain. He returned for Week 5 but was forced from play after suffering a thigh injury. He was then sidelined again until Week 14, and was later listed with a wrist injury in Week 17. Hopefully, Nwosu will be healthy in time for Week 1.

Sheppard operated as the Buffaloes’ No. 3 wide receiver last season, catching 47-of-65 targets for 616 yards and six touchdowns. He forced 13 missed tackles while averaging 5.0 yards after the catch. Per Wilson, Sheppard registered a 38.5-inch vertical jump at the Big 12 pro day.