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DT Sheldon Rankins reuniting with Texans

Mon Mar 10 12:06pm ET
Field Level Media

Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is reuniting with the Houston Texans on a one-year, $7 million deal, ESPN reported Monday.

Rankins, who turns 31 next month, previously played for the Texans in 2023 and contributed six sacks, 37 tackles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in 15 starts.

The Cincinnati Bengals released Rankins last month in a salary cap move.

He joined the Bengals in free agency last March on a two-year, $24.5 million contract and played in seven games (all starts). He missed 10 games in 2024 due to illness and injury. His release saved the Bengals $9.6 million against the salary cap in 2025.

Rankins has 30.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and one interception in 116 games (73 starts) with the New Orleans Saints (2016-20), New York Jets (2021-22), Texans and Bengals.

The Saints drafted Rankins with the No. 12 overall pick in 2016.

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Player Notes
Joey Bosa Mar 10 11:20am CT
Joey Bosa

Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack reached an agreement on Monday on a one-year, fully guaranteed $18 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. After the Chargers released pass-rusher Joey Bosa last week, it was imperative that the Chargers retain linebacker Mack after he decided in the offseason that he would be returning for another season. The 34-year-old veteran, three-time first-team All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowler wasn't quite as good as he was in 2024 as he was in 2023 when he had a career-best 17 sacks, but he was still productive. Mack finished with 39 tackles (20 solo), six sacks, six tackles for loss, 15 QB hits, nine pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 16 regular-season starts. Mack will still be relevant in IDP fantasy leagues in what will likely be his final season, but the absence of Bosa will probably mean more double-teams.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Mar 10 11:13am CT
Najee Harris

Dynasty | The Steelers have re-signed running back Jaylen Warren. Dynasty Analysis: The move will pay him a little over $5 million. He can still negotiate with other teams, but they'd have to send Pittsburgh a second round pick if they sign him, something that seems to be highly unlikely. Warren has always been productive, but never a true RB1 with the Steelers. Najee Harris is expected to leave in free agency, but it's hard to believe Pittsburgh will just hand the reigns over to Warren. As such, his dynasty value and ADP should remain pretty static.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jaylen Warren Mar 10 11:10am CT
Jaylen Warren

The Pittsburgh Steelers placed the second-round restricted tender on restricted free-agent running back Jaylen Warren on Monday, according to his agents. The tender is worth $5.346 million. Although technically not official yet, placing the second-round tender pretty much guarantees that the 26-year-old will be back in Pittsburgh in 2025. Fellow backfield mate Najee Harris is an unrestricted free agent this week and has a good chance of not returning, which would make Warren much more attractive in fantasy next season, depending on what other moves the Steelers make at the position in free agency or the draft. Any team that wants to sign Warren now would have to offer up second-round draft compensation. Although Harris had another 1,000-yard season in 2024, Warren has looked better than him at times the last two years and has averaged a healthy 4.8 yards per carry in his three NFL seasons.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Mar 10 9:40am CT
Evan Engram

Free-agent tight end Evan Engram is visiting with the Denver Broncos on Monday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 30-year-old was recently released by the Jacksonville Jaguars after two seasons with the organization and is free to sign with a new team before the new league year begins on March 12. Engram had the best season of his career in 2023, catching 114 passes for 963 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games. The former first-round pick by the New York Giants in 2017 was limited to just nine games in 2024 and caught 47 passes for 365 yards and one score. Head coach Sean Payton has lacked a game-changing tight end since he arrived in Denver, so this could be a perfect match as the team looks to upgrade its pass-catching weapons for rising quarterback Bo Nix.

From RotoBaller

Mac Jones Mar 10 9:30am CT
Mac Jones

The Tennessee Titans are interested in free-agent quarterbacks Zach Wilson and Mac Jones, according to Titans beat reporter Buck Reising. Tennessee is likely in search of a new starting quarterback after former second-round pick Will Levis posted a 2-10 record in 2024 behind 2,091 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Wilson and Jones were both first-round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft and lasted just three seasons with the New York Jets and New England Patriots, respectively. The Titans could be looking to add competition to its quarterback room to pair with Levis, but there's also a chance the team will pick Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Mar 10 8:03am CT
D.K. Metcalf

Dynasty | The Seahawks have traded wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dynasty Analysis: The Seahawks get a second round pick in exchange (there's also a late pick swap involved). Metcalf gets a five-year, $150 million contract as part of the deal and will now make Pittsburgh his new home. The contract makes him the third highest paid receiver in the league in terms of annual contract average. It's fair to wonder just what kind of dynasty value he's going to have as we honestly have no idea who is going to be throwing him the ball. It could be Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, or a whole host of other players. The money alone is going to make Metcalf Pittsburgh's top option over George Pickens, however.

Za'Darius Smith Mar 10 8:02am CT
Za'Darius Smith

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Detroit Lions are releasing veteran pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith after one season with the team. The 32-year-old kicked off the 2024 season with Cleveland and was traded to the Lions in mid-November in an effort to boost their pass rush after star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (leg) went down with a season-ending injury. Smith recorded nine sacks and 35 tackles across 17 games played. While he may not be the disruptive force he once was in years past, many teams in the league could use veteran help on the defensive edge. The ten-year veteran will now join a long, impressive list of edge rushers in free agency. Smith is no stranger to changing teams and could very well find himself on another squad come the start of the free agency period on Monday.

Trey Hendrickson Mar 10 8:02am CT
Trey Hendrickson

The Washington Commanders are one of many NFL teams exploring a potential trade for Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson, sources tell The Athletic's Dianna Russini. The Bengals granted Hendrickson permission to seek a trade last Thursday as he seeks a long-term contract extension as he heads into the final year of his deal in 2025. An NFL executive said the Bengals are looking for "significant trade compensation in return." The 30-year-old veteran led the league with 17.5 sacks last year and also recorded 17.5 sacks in 2023, so it's certainly going to take a lot to pry him away from the Bengals. Cincy would love to sign Hendrickson to a long-term extension, but they are also trying to do the same with both star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Washington has plenty of salary cap space this year and is expected to make a splash on the defensive side of the ball.

Sam Darnold Mar 10 8:02am CT
Sam Darnold

Dynasty | The Seahawks are reportedly targeting Sam Darnold to replace Geno Smith. Dynasty Analysis: The Seahawks got a third round pick from Las Vegas in exchange for Smith and are now apparently looking ahead to the future. Darnold could be a relatively cheap option on a three-year deal as he clearly proved he's capable of running an NFL offense last season. Still, this could be a pretty big risk as he's only really had one good season in his NFL career. Regardless, Darnold is going to be an NFL starter next season in Seattle or elsewhere and has the ceiling of a QB1. Stay tuned as his future is in clear flux.

Marcus Davenport Mar 10 8:01am CT
Marcus Davenport

The Detroit Lions are re-signing defensive end Marcus Davenport to a one-year deal worth up to $4.75 million. Davenport signed a one-year contract with the team last offseason but only appeared in two games due to a tricep injury he sustained in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals. The 28-year-old is reportedly precisely what Detroit is looking for across from superstar pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson. However, his most recent injury is the latest in a long list, as he's played in just six games over the prior two seasons. The former first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft is fast, physical, and violent as an edge-setter. Still, his propensity to miss time has hindered his ability to make an impact on the field.

Gardner Minshew II Mar 10 8:01am CT
Gardner Minshew II

Dynasty | The Raiders have released quarterback Gardner Minshew. Dynasty Analysis: Kudos to the Raiders for trying to make it work with the likes of Minshew and Aidan O'Connell last season, but it predictably fell apart pretty quickly. Minshew threw for just over 2,000 yards with nine touchdowns and ten interceptions in ten games last season, proving yet again his ability to give an offense a spark in a pinch, but not really be a player to build around. At this point, his dynasty value is next to nothing and he belongs on waiver wires.

Evan Engram Mar 10 8:01am CT
Evan Engram

Dynasty | The Jaguars are releasing tight end Evan Engram. Dynasty Analysis: Jacksonville needs to set up Trevor Lawrence for success, but losing both Christian Kirk and Engram over the last couple of days doesn't seem to do much to achieve that. Engram's release comes as a surprise as the team will only save close to $6 million as a result. They may not believe he can stay healthy after he appeared in only nine games last season. However, he's still a two-time Pro Bowl player and had a monster season with 114 catches just two years ago. His landing spot will be very interesting as he could re-emerge as a dynasty TE1.

Aaron Rodgers Mar 10 7:20am CT
Aaron Rodgers

Free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers has emerged as the top quarterback option for the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Rodgers and the Steelers are expected to talk and explore a union. The idea of playing for Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is also a factor, per Schefter. Pittsburgh also continues to speak to Justin Fields about returning to the Steelers. The Jets have officially moved on from Rodgers as their starting quarterback as he works to find a new team. Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over 17 games for the Jets in 2024. The Giants also remain in play as an option for Rodgers. The 41-year-old looked inconsistent and his age last season but would be paired up with a dynamic duo at wide receiver with George Pickens and newly acquired DK Metcalf. A move to the Steelers would only hinder Rodgers' fantasy value even more, making him mainly an option in superflex leagues for upcoming fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Adam Butler Mar 9 11:10pm CT
Adam Butler

The Las Vegas Raiders agreed to terms with standout defensive tackle Adam Butler on a three-year deal worth $16.5 million on Sunday with $11 million in guarantees, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Raiders will bring Butler back after he had a career-high 65 tackles (36 solo), five sacks, eight tackles for loss, 10 QB hits and a forced fumble in 17 games (16 starts) in 2024 in his second year in Sin City. Although the 30-year-old veteran didn't really move the needle all that much in fantasy in IDP leagues as a defensive lineman, it was his best all-around year in the NFL since debuting in 2017 with the New England Patriots. Butler went undrafted out of college at Vanderbilt but latched on with the Patriots and spent the first four seasons of his career in New England. He will now stick around in Vegas through 2027.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Mar 9 9:50pm CT
Caleb Williams

Per FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz, free-agent center Drew Dalman is expected to have a "strong market" in free agency, with the Chicago Bears specifically as a strong suitor. The 26-year-old spent his first four seasons with the Falcons after Atlanta took him in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Dalman played in just nine games last season when he sustained an ankle injury, missing a chunk of time in the middle of the year. However, when healthy, he was a key part of the Falcons' offensive front. A move to Chicago would be intriguing, as the Bears have already sunk resources into offensive linemen Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, addressing their most glaring issue of the 2024 season. If Dalman does make his way to the Windy City, it'd undoubtedly boost the prospects of second-year quarterback Caleb Williams and the entire Chicago offense.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Mar 9 9:20pm CT
Joe Burrow

The Cincinnati Bengals are re-signing offensive lineman Cody Ford to a two-year, $6 million deal. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported the news. The 28-year-old is fresh off his second season with the team and played a possible 33 of 34 games over the prior two seasons. Ford played the fourth-most snaps of any Bengals offensive lineman in 2024, registering 60.6% of the team's snaps while serving primarily as a guard for the team. However, he was not the most effective of the group. Still, Cincinnati trusts the former second-round pick, and he'll spend at least two more seasons protecting franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. Now, the Bengals have to find a way to hold onto triple-crown-winning wideout Ja'Marr Chase and reigning NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson.

From RotoBaller

Michael Penix Jr. Mar 9 9:00pm CT
Michael Penix Jr.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a two-year, $45 million extension with left tackle Jake Matthews. The 33-year-old will get $38 million fully guaranteed over the next two seasons, and he's now set up to play his 12h and 13th seasons with the team after being selected sixth overall by the Falcons in the 2014 NFL Draft. The epitome of durability, Matthews has missed just one game (back in his debut season) in his entire 11-year career. It's a smart move by Atlanta, who has secured the front side of their young quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., for at least the next two seasons. The Falcons still have some moves to make before they're a formidable opponent, but protecting their second-year signal-caller is undoubtedly a prime concern.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Mar 9 9:00pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Seattle Seahawks are expected to talk with quarterback Aaron Rodgers regarding their hole at the QB position. With free agency set to begin on Monday at noon, things are starting to heat up, and with former Seattle starter Geno Smith being shipped off to Las Vegas over the weekend, the team is exhausting all possible options to find their next field general. Additionally, the Pittsburgh Steelers recently acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf in a trade, and ex-teammate Tyler Lockett was released a few days prior. Therefore, if Rodgers does join the Seahawks, he isn't exactly arriving in the most prolific offense, as WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba and running back Kenneth Walker III represent the squad's most viable weapons. The 41-year-old was better equipped earlier in his career to be the rising tide to lift all boats, though injuries and father time have diminished his spark. It should be an interesting free-agency period.

From RotoBaller

Markquese Bell Mar 9 8:40pm CT
Markquese Bell

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that safety Markquese Bell (shoulder) and the Dallas Cowboys have agreed to terms on a three-year $12 million deal. Bell appeared in just nine games for the Cowboys in 2024, hindered by an ankle sprain early in the year and ending the season on injured reserve with a shoulder injury he picked up in mid-November. However, the 26-year-old racked up 94 tackles in 2023 (second-most on the team) while logging the seventh-most snaps of any Dallas defensive back. Despite the lack of playing time across his first three seasons in the league (31 games), the Cowboys saw fit to lock up the safety for at least three more years. He'll likely assume his backup role in Dallas' defensive backfield again in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Mar 9 8:23pm CT
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen has agreed to terms on a six-year, $330 million contract that includes $250 million guaranteed, the largest guarantee in NFL history, according to sources.

Fantasy Spin: Fresh off MVP honors, Allen was rewarded with a record-setting deal. Allen has been putting up elite numbers the last several years, and fantasy owners should expect more of the same in 2025.

From TheHuddle