New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III is flashing during offseason practices, and Chad Graff of The Athletic identified him as one of the top risers and standouts for the organization so far. "It's not hyperbole to say that no player did more to improve his standing on the depth chart than Efton Chism," Graff said. The undrafted rookie out of Eastern Washington had a dominant final collegiate season, snagging 120 passes for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns. Given the lack of wide receiver talent for New England, he has a realistic shot to make the team's 53-man roster, though he'd likely be the No. 2 slot receiver behind DeMario Douglas. Either way, head coach Mike Vrabel calling him a "talented player" and noticing that he has "studied extremely hard" could go a long way toward his chances to earn a roster spot. He is already mixing in with Drake Maye and the first-team offense.

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The Los Angeles Rams signed cornerback Derion Kendrick on Tuesday, according to Wyatt Miller of TheRams.com. The team released Kendrick last week, but he's now back with the organization after clearing waivers. The 2022 sixth-round pick out of Georgia has spent all of his young NFL career with the Rams, collecting 92 tackles (77 solo), one interception, 14 pass deflections, and one run stuff in 32 games. He missed all of last season due to a torn ACL in training camp. Assuming he's healthy, he'll have the chance to compete for a depth spot with Cobie Durant, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., and Josh Wallace.

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New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (leg) exited Tuesday's minicamp practice early with an apparent leg injury, according to the Athletic's Dan Duggan. While premature practice exits are not usually significant this early in the offseason, the third-year pass-catcher out of Tennessee cannot afford to miss reps and opportunities to earn playing time. The former Biletnikoff Award winner has been disappointing since being selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, posting just 31 receptions for 435 yards and no touchdowns in 33 career games. The Giants' wide receiver group behind Malik Nabers remains underwhelming, but Hyatt figures to be firmly behind Nabers, Darius Slayton, and Wan'Dale Robinson entering 2025. His injury situation is worth monitoring, but either way, he's unlikely to be a fantasy football contributor this season.

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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who skipped voluntary organized team activities, is expected to return for mandatory minicamp this week, a source told Chiefs Digest's Matt Derrick. Kelce briefly considered retirement this offseason after the Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but he ultimately will return for a 13th season. The 35-year-old 10-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro has slimmed down this offseason and is fully bought in, per quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The 2024 campaign was one of his weakest as a pro, catching 97 of his 133 targets for 823 yards and only three touchdowns in 16 regular-season starts. Kelce's three TDs were his fewest since his rookie year in 2013. He's still a top-10 fantasy tight end going into the 2025 season, but Kelce is no longer the elite, high-end option at the position that we've become accustomed to.

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Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone said on Sirius XM NFL Radio that the team believes that rookie first-round wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter has the ability to play on both sides of the ball for entire games in the NFL. "He does not tire," Gladstone said. "He's got a spark, he's got the energy, the capacity from a physical standpoint to be able to be able to do it is certainly there." Jacksonville hasn't exactly determined the exact number of offensive or defensive snaps per game that they are expecting Hunter to play in his rookie season, but they are confident he can handle whatever they ask of him. Early on, the second overall pick out of Colorado has spent more time on offense learning the system, but when the time comes, he's expected to have a bigger role on defense. Hunter has elite athleticism and should quickly become the WR2 behind Brian Thomas Jr.

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Howell was usually the second QB to rotate into team drills during offseason workouts behind J.J. McCarthy, which suggests that Howell is the front-runner for the No. 2 job. However, nothing he did this spring indicated that he will push McCarthy to start in 2025, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. "He's kind of like J.J.," head coach Kevin O'Connell said, "where he's made some throws where you're like, 'Man, probably shouldn't have made that throw. But I now know on this play, I've got to be careful of this.' And it's all growth." Behind Howell is Brett Rypien and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. The Vikings acquired Howell in a trade this offseason with Seattle. The former fifth-rounder by the Commanders has completed 62.6% of his passes for 4,139 yards, 22 touchdowns and 23 picks in 20 games (18 starts) in his three NFL seasons.

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Several coaches who watched quarterback Aaron Rodgers closely last year believe that the Pittsburgh Steelers got a steal with the 41-year-old on a team-friendly contract that pays $13.65 million and pushes toward $20 million with incentives. "He's still throwing the s--- out of the ball, honestly," a veteran NFL offensive coach said. "He's the best quarterback they've had since [Ben Roethlisberger]. We will see how the body holds up, but I think he's going to help them immensely." Despite a disappointing season with the New York Jets in 2024, Rodgers still threw for almost 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns. Mobility and health are issues, but Rodgers still has the arm strength and field vision to get it done in the Steel City. The problem is that Pittsburgh's offense is likely to be run-heavy, giving Rodgers limited fantasy upside as a low-end QB2.

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There are plenty of question marks surrounding Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick last year, after he missed his rookie season in 2024 with a torn right meniscus in his knee. However, ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that McCarthy's arm strength has been fine after it was a topic of discussion going into the 2024 draft. "He definitely has an arm," receiver Justin Jefferson said. "That's for sure. He can definitely zip it whenever he needs to." His arm has looked especially lively on throws down the middle of the field, and McCarthy is starting to learn to vary his throws after Jefferson noted last summer that the rookie tended to throw every ball the same way -- hard and straight. With no threats to the starting job under center, the 22-year-old is Minnesota's clear starting QB going into 2025 and has some of the best weapons in the league. He's a QB2 with upside in fantasy.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers and safety DeShon Elliott agreed to a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension on Monday that includes $9.21 million in guarantees, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Elliott cashes in with Pittsburgh after posting a career-high 108 tackles (72 solo), an interception, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 15 regular-season games (14 starts) in his first year with the team. The 28-year-old defensive back finished as the No. 15 defensive back in IDP fantasy leagues in 2024 while working next to Mikah Fitzpatrick in the defensive backfield. Elliott will continue to have an every-down role in his second year in the Steel City in 2025. He'll be in play as a DB streamer in IDP leagues, but last year's production is most likely Elliott's ceiling.

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New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka has been the team's offensive play-caller for every offseason practice open to the media, according to The Athletic's Dan Duggan. Head coach Brian Daboll has stuck with the same play-caller throughout the offseason in each of his first three years as the head coach, so all signs are pointing toward Kafka reclaiming the play-calling duties after Daboll took over in 2024. Kafka called the plays in Daboll's first two years as the head coach but was stripped of those duties when he was promoted to assistant head coach last year. The Giants offense finished worse in 2024 in most major statistical categories, so it looks like they will go back to Kafka with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson set to open the year as the starter. New York had its best offense under Daboll with Kafka calling the plays in 2022, when they finished 19th overall in offense and fourth in rushing.

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The Carolina Panthers have talked with free-agent safety Justin Simmons' representation, but no deal is imminent as of now, a league source told The Athletic's Joe Person. Simmons remains available this offseason despite recording 62 tackles (36 solo), two interceptions and seven pass breakups in 16 starts in 2024 in his first season with the Atlanta Falcons. The 31-year-old veteran was a two-time Pro Bowler in his eight seasons with the Denver Broncos after they took him in the third round in 2016 out of Boston College. Simmons is no longer in his prime, but he's had at least two interceptions in all nine of his NFL seasons and would certainly be an upgrade for Carolina's secondary going into the 2025 campaign. The Panthers had one of the worst defensive units in the league last year.

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley said he hasn't felt the effects of setting a career-high with 345 carries during the regular season last year while adding 91 more rushing attempts during the team's Super Bowl run. "I feel really good," Barkley said. "I feel like I'm entering my prime." The 28-year-old led the NFL in carries, rushing yards (2,005) and yards per game (125.3) in 16 regular-season starts in 2024 in his first year in Philly. Not much has changed with the Eagles offense, meaning Barkley could have another outstanding campaign in his second year with the team in 2025 if he can stay healthy all year. Barkley's phenomenal 2024 season makes him the consensus No. 1 overall pick in fantasy drafts going into this fall. He also added 33 receptions for 278 yards and two more touchdowns on 43 targets.

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison's trial date in connection to his 2024 DUI citation is now set for July 15 in the Superior Court of California. Addison pleaded not guilty in December. Even if Addison is found not guilty, it's possible he'll face a suspension from the league during the 2025 season. A potential suspension hanging over his head makes him more volatile of a fantasy asset heading into his third NFL season. The 23-year-old former 23rd overall pick in 2023 out of USC took a slight step back in his second year in the league in 2024, but he was still plenty effective in Minnesota's offense with 63 catches on 99 targets for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 15 regular-season games. Addison missed two games with an ankle sprain. He's not a heavy target guy with Justin Jefferson around, and it's uncertain how his chemistry will be with QB J.J. McCarthy. Target Addison as a WR3 in fantasy.

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Free-agent S Justin Simmons (Falcons) and his representation has been in communication with the Carolina Panthers this offseason, although no deal is imminent, according to Joe Person of The Athletic.

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Per the team, the San Francisco 49ers have agreed to terms with fourth-round rookie defensive lineman C.J. West on a four-year, $5.2 million contract. The 23-year-old was a three-year collegiate starter who culminated his time in the NCAA with the Indiana Hoosiers in 2024 after four campaigns with Kent State. West is a three-technique defensive tackle with good athleticism for his size (6-foot-1, 316 pounds), though he lacks length for the position. Currently, he's listed second (unofficially) on the team's depth chart behind teammate Kevin Givens, and figures to play a rotational role behind him if he displays confidence in camp. While his numbers in college were nothing to write home about, his blend of agility and strength could make him a sneaky standout on the team's defensive front, considering the presence of superstar pass-rusher Nick Bosa.

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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren recently noted via the team's website that he adjusted his training this offseason in anticipation of handling a larger workload in 2025. "I approached this offseason differently," said Warren. "I did a lot more things for longevity-wise...like they say, the best ability is availability." The Oklahoma State product enters his fourth season with the team and projects as the lead back for the first time in his career with former teammate Najee Harris' departure to the Los Angeles Chargers. However, he isn't the only show in town. Warren should play a substantial role in the backfield regarding touches, but rookie Kaleb Johnson projects to eventually fill the role vacated by Harris due to his similar frame. That isn't to say he'll overtake Warren, but it could mean he handles goal-line touches in time. Expect Warren to see an uptick in carries from previous seasons and play a significant role on third downs and passing situations.

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New York Jets WR Josh Reynolds is the 'clear favorite for the WR2 job,' according to ESPN.com's Rich Cimini.

Fantasy Spin: Most notably, it means Reynolds is running ahead of Allen Lazard and fourth-round speedster Arian Smith. How much it actually means for fantasy is another story, since the winner of the receiver battle figures to be the third-best option - behind Garrett Wilson and rookie Mason Taylor - in a one-read, RPO-heavy offense that caters to Justin Fields' skill set. The winner of the No. 2 receiver battle can probably be ignored in all but the deepest leagues.

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The Athletic's Stephen Holder writes that Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell had one of the most impressive performances at last week's mandatory minicamp. The 22-year-old second-round pick (52nd overall) in 2024 had an uneven and frustrating rookie campaign and finished with 23 catches on 55 targets for 312 yards and no touchdowns in 17 games (seven starts). Mitchell also looked good in training camp last summer, so now it's a matter of him taking his practice reps into the regular season. "I think last offseason, same thing. Did some really good things. He's had a hell of an offseason so far through OTAs. [I] expect that to continue through training camp. But getting to those game situations, [it's] just continuing to get those game reps and really taking that next step," head coach Shane Steichen said. Mitchell has the talent to take the next step, but target volume could be an issue again.

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Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (knee) said he is fully healed from the knee injuries that forced him to miss all of last season. He has been a disruptive force from the moment he return to the field for voluntary organized team activities, and that continued into mandatory minicamp, according to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques. If he can stay healthy in 2025 alongside pass-rushers Chop Robinson and Jaelan Phillips, Chubb could have a nice bounce-back season. Chubb tore his ACL, meniscus and patellar tendon in Week 17 of the 2023 season, but it's promising to see that he's already looking back to his pre-injury form. The 28-year-old former fifth overall pick by the Denver Broncos in 2018 out of North Carolina State had a career-high 73 tackles (45 solo), 11 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 22 QB hits and a league-high six forced fumbles in 16 starts before his injury in 2023.

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Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said that contract talks were "still fluid." "Nothing has been resolved yet. It's still an ongoing situation." After a career year in 2024 in which Smith set franchise records for the tight end position, he's angling for an extension heading into the final year of his deal in 2025 and was a no-show at mandatory minicamp as a result. Miami would like to retain the 29-year-old, but if the two sides can't get something done before the start of the regular season this fall, it's possible that he'll be traded. Smith finished last year with 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, ironically with Miami's offense taking a step back overall. If he remains in South Beach this year, Smith should remain a big part of the offense, but fantasy managers should probably expect a step back as a midrange TE1.

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