The Athletic's Josh Kendall thinks that it wouldn't be a surprise if the Atlanta Falcons select a tight end on Day 2 of this year's NFL draft, and he projects that they'll select LSU tight end Mason Taylor in third round at pick No. 81. Kyle Pitts, the former fourth overall pick in 2021, is heading into the final year of his rookie contract, and head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot have been clear that 2025 is a critical season for Pitts. Backup Charlie Woerner has just 18 catches in five NFL seasons. Taylor, who is 6-foot-5, 246 pounds, could be the eventual replacement for Pitts if he doesn't figure it out next season. He is Dane Brugler's No. 3 TE and the No. 33 overall prospect in this year's class. In his three seasons with the Tigers, Taylor had 129 catches for 1,308 yards.

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The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac said on The Rich Eisen Show that the Pittsburgh Steelers really like both Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart and Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. "I will tell you Rich that they have a first-round grade on Jaxson Dart, and they really like Shedeur Sanders," Dulac said. "Despite whatever post was put out there that he had a terrible meeting (and) it did not go well. Nothing could be further from the truth. They like the guy. They had a great meeting with him." Pittsburgh has yet to sign future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers and have only Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson on their QB depth chart heading into the draft, so many are predicting that they will address the position with the 21st overall pick in the first round on Thursday night. However, Dulac thinks the team prefers to go with a defensive lineman with their first-round pick. There's a greater chance that Sanders is gone by pick No. 21.

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The Las Vegas Raiders have been heavily linked to Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty in the 2025 NFL draft, and new general manager John Spytek made it clear that he's a big believer in taking a RB high in the draft. "I mean we just saw Saquon Barkley just change the Eagles in one year," Spytek said. "There's certain ways to build a team, and I don't know where we got to a place where we don't feel like running backs are valued." ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has the Raiders taking Jeanty at No. 6 overall on Thursday night in his latest mock draft. The Heisman finalist had a "good formal" visit with the Raiders at the combine in February. Spytek was at the 21-year-old's Pro Day, and the Raiders held a top-30 visit with Jeanty. He ran for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns for the Broncos in 2024 and would become Vegas' immediate starting RB if the Raiders take him in the top 10.

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The Seattle Seahawks are open to trading quarterback Sam Howell and have received inquiries from teams interested in landing the backup signal-caller, according to sources. The interest comes after Seattle reunited with former backup Drew Lock last week. Sam Darnold is the starter, but the Seahawks also have Jaren Hall as their No. 4 QB. General manager John Schneider said last week that the team is prepared to have Howell and Lock compete for the backup job behind Darnold this summer. Seattle acquired Howell in a trade last March with the Washington Commanders, giving up third- and fifth-round picks in exchange for fourth- and sixth-round picks. The 24-year-old didn't look great at all in relief of Geno Smith in December after he started all 17 games for the Commanders in 2023, throwing 21 touchdowns and a league-high 21 interceptions.

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Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo, who has already had top-30 visits with the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, will have two final visits with the Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The 2025 RB draft class is a very strong one, but Skattebo has plenty of suitors after running for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns on 293 carries for the Sun Devils in 2024 while also catching 45 passes for 605 yards and another three scores through the air. The Lions hold the No. 28 overall pick in the first round, while the Titans wouldn't be considering Skattebo until pick No. 35 (third overall pick in the second round). The 23-year-old wouldn't have any real single-year fantasy value behind Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery if he were to land with the Lions. He'd have a more direct path to fantasy value in 2025 in Tennessee alongside Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears.

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Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer thinks there are a wide range of possibilities for Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the first round of this year's NFL draft on Thursday night, with him possibly going as high as No. 3 to the New York Giants or falling out of the first round entirely. The Giants have done plenty of homework on Sanders and other top QB prospects, but they won't force a pick on a quarterback with the third overall pick, and they've reportedly had ups and downs with Sanders throughout the scouting process. Breer guesses the G-Men won't take the 23-year-old at No. 3, but they could get another shot at him at No. 34 overall in the second round or if they trade back into the first round. If New York doesn't take him at No. 3, Breer would be surprised if the Saints take him at No. 9. His next potential landing spot could be the Steelers at No. 21. Some sources think if Sanders goes in the first round, it will be because an owner gets involved.

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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said he'll be "taking full ownership, running the show" in new offensive coordinator Nick Calley's system and appreciates how Calley is already putting trust in him. Stroud didn't look at all like a rookie in 2023 under previous offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, but he came back down to Earth a bit in 2024 in his sophomore campaign and finished as the QB17 in fantasy while throwing for 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 17 regular-season games. Protection was the biggest issue, as the former second overall pick took a whopping 52 sacks in 2024 after being sacked 38 times in 15 regular-season games as a rookie. Stroud could be more effective again with more control of the offense, particularly before the snap, leaving him as a fine midrange QB1 bounce-back target in fantasy.

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There is some uncertainty as to whether San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner will take part in the team's offseason program (which begins on Tuesday) as he seeks a long-term contract extension, according to The Athletic's Michael Silver. Warner and the 49ers have yet to have substantive contract talks this offseason, but Silver reports that he's likely to report for voluntary activities. The 28-year-old had another All-Pro season in 2024 and finished as a top-10 fantasy linebacker in IDP formats with 131 tackles (76 solo), one sack, five tackles for loss, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), seven pass breakups and four forced fumbles in 17 starts. He was a Pro Bowler for the fourth time in his career and for the third straight season. Regardless of his contract situation, Warner should be an every-week IDP starter as long as he's healthy. He's had 100-plus total tackles in all seven of his NFL seasons.

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Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Monday that quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) is "full" with "no limitations" during the team's voluntary offseason program. McCarthy suffered a meniscus tear in his knee in the preseason last year that required surgery and caused him to miss his entire rookie campaign after being taken in the first round (10th overall) in 2024. But now that both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones left in free agency, the 22-year-old signal-caller will be given the starting reigns in 2025. Minnesota could revisit signing Aaron Rodgers later this offseason if they aren't happy with McCarthy's progress, but that's probably unlikely. McCarthy will have one of the best receiver duos in the league with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but fantasy managers should still expect ups and downs in his first full season as the starter. Those holding McCarthy in dynasty leagues have to be pleased with how this offseason has played out.

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There is some uncertainty as to whether San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle will attend voluntary activities as he seeks a new contract, according to The Athletic's Michael Silver. Kittle is heading into the final year of a five-year, $75 million deal and is considered much more of a long shot to get something done because he and the team remain far apart in contract discussions. Even though Kittle is on the wrong side of 30 and is an injury risk, he was the TE2 in half-PPR scoring in 2024 thanks to 78 catches on 94 targets for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games played. It was even more impressive due to the fact that he played much of the season with cracked ribs. Because of his production last year, Kittle will continue to be a high-end tight end target in fantasy drafts this fall, but the risk is also high given his propensity for injuries.

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There is some uncertainty about whether San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who is seeking a new long-term contract, will show up for voluntary activities, according to The Athletic's Michael Silver. The 49ers' offseason program begins on Tuesday. Silver also reports that there has been some progress toward a multi-year extension for Purdy that will likely pay him more than $50 million per season. However, it remains to be seen just how much progress has been made. If the 25-year-old shows up on Tuesday, it will be a sign that he and his agent think they are close to reaching a deal. If the former seventh-rounder is absent, it will probably indicate that some obstacles remain. Purdy wasn't quite as good in 2024, but the Niners also dealt with some key injuries to playmakers around him on offense. He could easily bounce back in 2025, though, and will be in play as a low-end QB1 in fantasy drafts this fall.

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The New York Jets are picking up cornerback Sauce Gardner's $20.1 million fifth-year option for the 2026 season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. It's no surprise after Gardner, the former fourth overall pick in 2022 out of Cincinnati, made two Pro Bowls and was named a first-team All-Pro in two of his first three NFL seasons. The 24-year-old defensive back has quickly become one of the best lockdown cornerbacks in the league and could be in line for a long-term contract extension before he even begins his fifth year in the NFL next season. Gardner ended the 2024 season on Injured Reserve due to a hamstring injury, but he still started 15 games and recorded 49 tackles (36 solo), his first career sack, an interception and nine pass breakups. He should be ready for the start of the 2025 season and will be a tough matchup for opposing No. 1 wideouts when they face the Jets.

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The New York Jets are picking up the fifth-year option on wide receiver Garrett Wilson, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. It will cost the Jets $16.8 million for the 2026 season. The 24-year-old former first-rounder (10th overall) out of Ohio State could work out a long-term contract extension this offseason that would make his fifth-year option basically a mute point, though. Despite dealing with inconsistent quarterback play in his three years in the NFL, Wilson has been productive with three straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons and 14 touchdowns on 279 catches (469 targets) in 51 games played (46 starts). Even though there are questions about how much the Jets will throw the ball with dual-threat QB Justin Fields now in town, Wilson has excellent chemistry with Fields from their days at Ohio State and should be heavily targeted as the unquestioned WR1 in 2025.

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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels recently expressed his desire to continue improving as a player in 2025 on "Gruden Goes Long." "For me, last year was last year. That's great, but it's a whole new year now," said the 24-year-old. "I still got to go out there, I've got to prove myself to my teammates, the organization, each and every day that I'm getting better." Daniels took the league by storm in 2024, capturing Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and guiding Washington to its first NFC Championship appearance since 1991. Encouragingly, the LSU product refuses to rest on his laurels heading into his second year, and the Commanders are building around their young star. The offseason acquisitions of wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil already serve to boost Daniels' prospects. Furthermore, Washington can stock up on more talent in the draft later this week.

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Ole Miss wide receiver Tre Harris rounded off his final day of visits with the Washington Commanders last Wednesday. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported the news. The 23-year-old was far more productive during his two years as a Rebel, logging eight more receptions, 498 more yards, and one more touchdown catch in 11 fewer games than he did as a Bulldog at Louisiana Tech. Harris was typically an X-receiver in college, but he moved around the formation in 2024 and played more off the line and in the slot. While he doesn't profile as a high-volume option at present, he should still impact the game with his field-flipping ability. The Louisiana native averaged 16.1 yards per catch throughout his collegiate career. The Commanders' need for a receiver isn't as pressing since the acquisition of Deebo Samuel Sr. Still, Harris would be a good investment for the team, considering they probably wouldn't have to spend a first-round pick on him.

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The Denver Broncos have signed safety Devon Key to a one-year exclusive rights free agent tender per the league's transaction log. Key entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Western Kentucky, signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021. He'd bounce around to Atlanta before finding his way to the Broncos' practice squad in 2022. The 27-year-old competed for playing time over the next two seasons but finally broke through in 2024 -- logging 17 games with the team. On less than a quarter of Denver's snaps, Key notched 33 tackles (17 solo) with one sack and one tackle for loss. Furthermore, in each instance he was given over 50% of the snaps in a single contest, he recorded at least four takedowns. He's currently slotted second on the team's depth chart behind free agent acquisition Talanoa Hufanga.

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ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Houston Texans have re-signed former Kansas City Chiefs tight end Irv Smith Jr. to a one-year contract. The financial details have not been disclosed. Smith Jr., a former second-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, came into the league with much excitement surrounding him. However, he could never get it going as many injuries hampered his playing time early on. The last time he saw in-game action was back in 2023, and he's only played one full season in his six years in the league. Currently, he'll compete with teammates Brevin Jordan and Cade Stover for playing time behind the incumbent starter, Dalton Schultz. Besides deep dynasty formats, Smith Jr. can likely be left off fantasy rosters.

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Per the team, the Buffalo Bills have waived tight end Armani Rogers and defensive lineman Branson Deen. Buffalo is trimming down its roster ahead of the NFL Draft, perhaps to sign free agent defensive back James Bradberry, with whom the team met this past Wednesday. Rogers, 28, logged 11 appearances (three starts) with the Washington Commanders in 2022, catching five passes for 64 yards on six targets. Despite three seasons in the league, the Ohio product has garnered no further stats. On the other hand, Deen registered one appearance with the Bills in 2024, playing nine snaps in their matchup against the Houston Texans in Week 5. Both players will clear waivers on Monday and be free to sign with any organization.

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The New York Giants have terminated the contract of defensive lineman Ross Blacklock. Blacklock joined the team's practice squad last December and signed a reserve/futures contract in January. The TCU product was a second-round pick by the Houston Texans in 2020, and spent two seasons with the team before serving time with the Vikings, Titans, and Jaguars from 2022 to 2023. He hasn't appeared in a game since his time with Tennessee, and has garnered just three starts since entering the league. In 44 career outings, Blacklock has registered 40 tackles (27 solo) with three sacks and five tackles for loss. The Texas native has spent minimal time during his career in the special teams phase of the game, so if he finds a new home, it'll likely be as defensive line depth.

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The Houston Texans have re-signed tight end Irv Smith to a one-year deal on Friday. Smith spent most of the 2024 season on the practice squad in Houston. He did end up playing five games with the Texans, but didn't contribute anything on offense. The 26-year-old is a former second-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings. Smith was never really able to live up to the hype or establish himself as a starter in the NFL. He figures to serve as a backup in Houston once again which probably won't amount to much or any fantasy value.

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