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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

New Giants QB Russell Wilson: 'I expect to be the starter'

Wed Mar 26 5:55pm ET
Field Level Media

The New York Giants introduced newly signed quarterback Russell Wilson on Wednesday, who reportedly agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $21 million with incentives.

Wilson is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks of his era. He is a 10-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion (XLVIII).

The veteran quarterback will look to reenergize the Giants, who are coming off a 3-14 campaign, a record that doesn't seem to concern Wilson.

"I love adversity. I love challenges. I love the underdog mentality," Wilson told reporters Wednesday. "Maybe it's being 5-foot-11 and people telling you you can't do something... Being in New York, it's an exciting place to play. It's a place that wants to win, it's a place that knows how to win and has won before."

He will join fellow free-agent addition Jameis Winston on the roster. The franchise still has at least one major move to make, holding the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which could be a quarterback.

When asked about competition for the starting QB role, Wilson said, "I expect to be the starter, and come in here ready to rock and roll every day, to be able to lead. I think this team is really looking for someone to lead them every day, in terms of the process in the offseason, during the season, our habits and our thought processes and how we create a great winning culture."

ESPN reported Wednesday that Wilson's deal for $10.5 million has a complicated incentive package that would bring him another $7.5 million in playing-time, performance and playoff incentives plus up to $3 million related to wins and percentage of plays made.

After spending nine years with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos in a blockbuster deal in 2022. After an underwhelming two-year tenure, he was released in 2024 and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Last season, Wilson got back on track, throwing for 2,382 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 11 games, guiding the Steelers to a 6-5 record in those contests. He also rushed 155 yards and two touchdowns. The signal caller earned his first Pro Bowl nod since 2021.

Wilson started for the Steelers' AFC wild-card loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but he put up strong numbers, completing 20 out of 29 passes for 270 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The Steelers mustered only 29 total rushing yards in the game.

The Giants reportedly had interest in four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, who remains unsigned.

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Player Notes
Emeka Egbuka Mar 26 2:50pm ET
Emeka Egbuka

Former Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka was clocked running a 4.47 and 4.49 40-yard dash by two separate NFL teams at the University's pro day on Wednesday, according to NFL insider Albert Breer. The 22-year-old is viewed as one of the top wideout prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class, but his straight-line speed as a physical slot receiver has been in question. A sub-4.5 40-time could be what pushes him into the first round of next month's draft, though he is projected to go in Round 2 by many. Egbuka enjoyed a fantastic collegiate career, racking up 2,868 yards and 24 touchdowns on 205 receptions in 49 career games. Potential team fits in the back of the first round or early second round include the Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Michael Burton Mar 26 2:40pm ET
Michael Burton

The Denver Broncos are re-signing fullback Michael Burton for the 2025 campaign, according to team reporter Zac Stevens. Burton was originally a fifth-round pick by the Detroit Lions in 2015 out of Rutgers and has spent time with the Lions, Bears, Saints, Redskins, Chiefs, and Broncos. He reunited with Sean Payton in Denver in 2023 and is back for his third season with the organization. The 33-year-old is primarily utilized as a pure blocker, but he has compiled 42 carries for 79 yards and two touchdowns in 147 career games. He's hauled in 31 receptions for 196 yards and two scores as a receiver. In 2025, he could be blocking for a highly-drafted rookie running back like North Carolina's Omarion Hampton or Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson.

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Aaron Rodgers Mar 26 2:30pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly not actively targeting free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, when asked to rule out the possibility of signing Rodgers, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah declined to do so. "For me to sit here and say anything is 100% forever," Adofo-Mensah said. "That's just not the job." The team has had talks with veteran free-agent Ryan Tannehill, but no deal is imminent. There is uncertainty surrounding the Vikings' quarterback spot as J.J.McCarthy (knee) works his way back from a torn ACL that cost him his entire rookie season, and the general belief is the Vikings would like to add a solid veteran option to compete with McCarthy after Sam Darnold departed for the Seattle Seahawks. Rodgers, who posted a 5-12 record in 2024 with the New York Jets behind 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions is running out of potential landing spots after Russell Wilson signed with the New York Giants on Tuesday. Rodgers' most likely option is the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the situation in Minnesota is better suited for an aging quarterback on the last leg of his career.

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Cam Ward Mar 26 2:20pm ET
Cam Ward

There has been momentum building for the Tennessee Titans to select Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft in April. Ward is the overwhelming favorite to be the top selection, but Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said the team has not come to a final decision. "I would say everything is still on the table," Borgonzi said. "Now we're going through the process here with the college quarterbacks. But I'd say everything is still on the table right now." Tennessee added left tackle Dan Moore and right guard Kevin Zeitler this offseason to shore up its offensive line but has not added a significant quarterback. Will Levis and Brandon Allen are the only two quarterbacks under contract, which further suggests Ward will be their top pick next month. Ultimately, the Titans could seriously be considering trading out of the No. 1 pick, but the more likely case is that Borgonzi is simply willing to hear offers for the No. 1 overall selection. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, it would take a significant haul for Tennessee to move down.

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Trey Lance Mar 26 1:20pm ET
Trey Lance

TSN's Dave Naylor reports that the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League have added free-agent quarterback Trey Lance to their negotiation list this week. Lance's father, Carlton, was a former cornerback for the Roughriders. The former third overall pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2021 out of North Dakota State hasn't generated any interest in the NFL on the free-agent market and could be on the verge of heading to Canada. The 24-year-old signal-caller saw some action with the Dallas Cowboys last year with Dak Prescott (hamstring) going down with a season-ending injury, and he went 25-for-41 for 266 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in four games (one start). He spent the last two years in Dallas as the No. 3 QB behind Prescott and Cooper Rush. Since debuting in 2021 with the Niners, Lance has only five TD passes and four picks in 12 games (five starts).

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Aaron Rodgers Mar 26 1:10pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that with quarterback Russell Wilson landing with the New York Giants on Tuesday, it would seem to indicate that free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers will likely join the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2025 season if he decides to keep playing. This is the way things have been trending ever since the Minnesota Vikings said last week that they didn't plan on adding Rodgers to their QB room. Per Josina Anderson, the Steelers walked away from their visit with Rodgers feeling really good about the vibe of the meeting, according to a league source. It would be a surprise at this point if Rodgers isn't the Steelers' starting QB in 2025, but that won't stop them from also drafting a QB this year. Rodgers would be working with a strong receiver duo of DK Metcalf and George Pickens, but he also had Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson in 2024 with the Jets and finished as the QB15 in fantasy scoring.

From RotoBaller

Trey Lance Mar 26 12:13pm ET
Trey Lance

Dynasty | Former 49ers and Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance has been added to the Saskatchewan Roughriders negotiation list. Dynasty Analysis: He hasn't signed with the CFL as of yet, but this is the latest sign Lance is receiving little to no interest at all by NFL teams. The latest example of team drafting potential over production only to see it go horribly wrong, Lance is seemingly looking outside the league in an attempt to rejuvenate his career. At this point, he's nowhere close to being worthy of an NFL roster spot after flaming out in San Francisco and showing next to nothing in Dallas as well.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Ian Thomas Mar 26 9:37am ET
Ian Thomas

Dynasty | The Raiders have signed tight end Ian Thomas. Dynasty Analysis: Thomas was once a pretty hot sleeper prospect during his time in Carolina. However, calf injuries have limited him to just eight catches over the past two years and he's now 29 years old. He could carve out a role with the Raiders if Michael Mayer gets moved, but it's hard to find a reason to actually keep him on a dynasty roster at this point.

Ian Thomas Mar 26 9:36am ET
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The Las Vegas Raiders announced on Tuesday that they signed free-agent tight end Ian Thomas (calf) to an undisclosed deal on Tuesday. Thomas will head to the AFC West after spending the first seven years of his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers after they selected him in the fourth round (101st overall) in the 2018 NFL draft out of Indiana. The 28-year-old never really established himself as a fantasy asset in Carolina, with his best season coming in his rookie campaign with a 36-333-2 line on 49 targets in 16 games (six starts). Thomas landed on Injured Reserve in 2024 with a calf injury and only caught three of six targets for seven yards in five games (two starts). He scored four touchdowns in his first three seasons but hasn't found the end zone since. In Vegas, he'll provide TE depth behind Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer and will remain off the fantasy radar.

Aaron Rodgers Mar 26 9:03am ET
Aaron Rodgers

Free-agent QB Aaron Rodgers (Jets) will likely play with the Pittsburgh Steelers if he decides to play in 2025, in the opinion of NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.

Fantasy Spin: Rodgers is a QB2 in fantasy and will really have to find a way to rekindle some mobility in the pocket two years from a torn Achilles in order to be worthwhile in drafts.

From TheHuddle

Stefon Diggs Mar 25 9:50pm ET
Stefon Diggs

Free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) reached an agreement with the New England Patriots on Tuesday on a three-year, $69 million contract that includes $26 million guaranteed, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. Diggs, who tore his ACL with the Houston Texans in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts last year, is on track to return for Week 1 of the upcoming 2025 season. It's a big reason why the Patriots were comfortable giving the 31-year-old veteran a three-year, $69 million contract. Before his injury last year, Diggs put up 47 receptions on 64 targets for 496 yards and three touchdowns for Houston. In New England (if healthy), he'll be second-year quarterback Drake Maye's unquestioned top wideout, giving him a chance to bounce back in fantasy as a risk/reward WR2. Diggs' fantasy stock will be in flux this summer until he proves he's indeed ready to go without restrictions heading into Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Steven Sims Mar 25 9:50pm ET
Steven Sims

The Seattle Seahawks signed free-agent wide receiver/kick returner Steven Sims to an undisclosed one-year deal on Tuesday, according to Corbin K. Smith. Sims will reunite with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak after playing for him in college at Kansas. The 27-year-old returned a punt for a touchdown earlier in his career and could compete for the kick-returner role on special teams in training camp this summer in Seattle. The former undrafted wideout began his NFL career with the Washington Commanders in 2019 and had his best season in his rookie year, catching 34 of his 56 targets for 310 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games (two starts). He appeared in only nine games with the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens in 2024 and washing targeted all on offense on nine total snaps. Fantasy managers can continue to avoid Sims with the Seahawks in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Mar 25 9:13pm ET
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Dynasty | The Giants have signed free agent quarterback Russell Wilson. Dynasty Analysis: One of the last big quarterback dominoes has now fallen as Wilson has a new home. While he hasn't been able to produce near the magic he did in Seattle with Denver or Pittsburgh, he was more than competent last season with the Steelers, posting 2,482 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He'll give the Giants another veteran presence as he joins Jameis Winston on the depth chart. This move clearly won't step the Giants from drafting a rookie quarterback but also won't force their hand. Should Wilson enter the season as a starter, he'll be a decent QB2 for as long as he holds the job. He just isn't going to be a long-term answer anywhere at this point in his career, however.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Stefon Diggs Mar 25 9:13pm ET
Stefon Diggs

Dynasty | The Patriots have signed wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Dynasty Analysis: Diggs did just fine in free agency, inking a three-year deal worth up to $69 million with $26 million guaranteed. The $26 million in guaranteed money matches that of Davante Adams for the most this off-season for a receiver. The total value is $24 million more than Cooper Kupp received and $25 million more than Adams. In other words, Diggs got his money. There were few places better to land for a receiver than New England, so dynasty managers should breathe easy. Still, Diggs is coming off a torn ACL and should be treated more as a WR2 than WR1 at this point in his career. His ADP should stabilize with the move, however.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Stefon Diggs Mar 25 7:23pm ET
Stefon Diggs

Free-agent WR Stefon Diggs (Texans) agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the New England Patriots Tuesday, March 25, worth $69 million, according to sources. The deal includes $26 million in guaranteed money.

Fantasy Spin: Diggs is recovering from a serious knee injury but seems to have a good chance to be ready for the start of the 2025 season. He will be the main option in the passing game for the Patriots and probably will be at least a No. 3 receiver in most fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Russell Wilson Mar 25 7:03pm ET
Russell Wilson

Free-agent QB Russell Wilson (Steelers) agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the New York Giants Tuesday, March 25, worth as much as $21 million, according to sources. The deal includes $10.5 million in guaranteed money.

Fantasy Spin: Wilson appears to be on track to start for the Giants based on the money he will be receiving. He had some success with the Steelers last season but did struggle at the end of the season. He can be a No. 2 quarterback in fantasy leagues next season if he starts for the Giants.

From TheHuddle

Russell Wilson Mar 25 7:00pm ET
Russell Wilson

The New York Giants and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $21 million on Tuesday, including $10.5 million guaranteed, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 10-time Pro Bowler had been in talks with the Giants, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers but has chosen the G-Men, where he will be their projected starter heading into the 2025 season. The 36-year-old veteran had two underwhelming seasons for the Denver Broncos in 2022-23 before throwing for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions in 11 regular-season starts for Pittsburgh in 2024. Wilson got a late start last year due to a nagging calf injury. He initially gave the Steelers offense a spark but overall was mostly underwhelming. Russ will have one of the best young wideouts in the game to throw deep balls to in Malik Nabers, but he's unlikely to suddenly become an every-week QB1 in fantasy at this stage of his career. The Giants also added veteran Jameis Winston last week and could still take a QB with the third overall pick of April's NFL draft.

From RotoBaller

Cam Ward Mar 25 5:30pm ET
Cam Ward

The Tennessee Titans will hold an additional private workout with potential No. 1 overall pick in Miami quarterback Cam Ward, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. At this workout, Ward will go through a throwing session after the Titans also had a full contingency on hand to watch his Pro Day workout on Monday. Tennessee has become increasingly impressed with Ward, and Schefter writes that while the Titans will still listen to trade offers for the No. 1 pick in this year's draft, it will now take an even stronger package to convince them to trade out of the first pick. The 22-year-old will almost certainly start on Day 1 for the Titans if they take him, especially after former second-rounder Will Levis was benched in favor of Mason Rudolph in 2024. Ward is the most pro-ready QB in a weak draft class and should be in play in superflex leagues in 2025 given his dual-threat abilities at the position.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Mar 25 3:10pm ET
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The Dallas Cowboys ranked 27th in rushing yards per game last season (100.3) despite an unexpected breakout campaign from Rico Dowdle, who rushed for over 1,000 yards. The team lost Dowdle to the Carolina Panthers this offseason and brought Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in on one-year deals. However, Dallas is still likely interested in finding a true No. 1 running back, and the 2025 draft class is loaded with talent at the position. While many have linked Dallas to Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, he could be off the board by pick No. 12. That said, North Carolina's Omarion Hampton, Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State's Quinshon Judkins, or Iowa's Kaleb Johnson could make sense in Round 1 or 2 in next month's draft. If the team picks a running back before Round 4, Williams and Sanders will be big fantasy football fallers, and that rookie will have immediate RB2 value with potential RB1 upside.

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Jaxson Dart Mar 25 2:50pm ET
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Former Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart is one of the top signal-caller prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class. It has been assumed for much of the pre-draft process that Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders will be first-round picks, but momentum is building for Dart to be the third quarterback selected inside Round 1. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. projects Dart to be selected by the New Orleans Saints with the No. 9 overall pick, and DraftKings Sportsbook's current line for over 2.5 quarterbacks in Round 1 is set at -330. Dart began his college career at USC before transferring to Ole Miss ahead of the 2022 campaign. The three-year SEC starter compiled a 28-10 record behind 72 passing touchdowns and 22 interceptions. Potential QB-needy teams set to pick outside the top five include the Saints, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller