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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Pats sign former CFL, XFL and UFL G Liam Fornadel

Tue Jun 18 4:39pm ET
Field Level Media

The New England Patriots signed free agent guard Liam Fornadel on Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed.

Fornadel spent the last two seasons with the DC Defenders in the XFL (2023) and UFL (2024), starting every game.

He originally signed with the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers after going undrafted out of James Madison in 2022.

Fornadel, 25, adds size and depth to the Patriots' offensive line competition at 6-foot-4 and 312 pounds.

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Fantasy Receiver Preview

Player Notes
Amari Cooper Jun 26 10:40pm CT
Amari Cooper

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper told a representative from Betr that he's "trying to get paid this year." The 30-year-old continues to skip mandatory minicamp and pay the corresponding fines in order to build leverage as he seeks an extension from the Browns. He's due to hit free agency next year, and while he can presumably cash in on such an opportunity, he remains interested in expediting the process and signing a new deal with Cleveland. Just months removed from a 72-catch, 1,250-yard campaign, Cooper finds himself ranking as a very reliable WR2 option in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Jun 26 10:30pm CT
Brandon Aiyuk

The San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk had a "good meeting" on Monday and will continue to work toward a resolution amidst the 26-year-old's latest frustration, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. At this time, Aiyuk, who seeks a contract extension, has not made a formal trade request and the 49ers want him to be part of their team in 2024. The wide receiver is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and is due to hit free agency next offseason, barring an extension. He had a career year in 2023, catching 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. Even in an offense that also includes Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey, fantasy managers should treat Aiyuk as a strong WR2 option.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Jun 26 10:20pm CT
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant "appears primed to be in line for a bigger share of the pass-catching role at the position" in 2024, according to Zac Hereth of Seattle Sports. The expectation is that Fant will have more opportunities to catch passes, allowing the Seahawks to push the ball down the field while maximizing production at the tight end position. However, this may not lead to a massive bump in snaps for Fant as he'll likely lose some of his blocking duties to Pharaoh Brown. While fantasy managers would like to see Fant get on the field as much as possible, he's still trending up with the expectation that he's headed for a featured role in the passing attack. Expect him to rank as a mid-range TE2 during 2024 fantasy football drafts.

From RotoBaller

Pharaoh Brown Jun 26 10:20pm CT
Pharaoh Brown

Seattle Seahawks tight end Pharaoh Brown is expected to have a significant role as a blocker in 2024, former NFL quarterback Brock Huard told Mike Salk of Seattle Sports. This news follows some whispers out of Seattle (also from Huard) that Noah Fant will receive increased attention in the passing game but could lose some blocking opportunities to Brown. When explaining how he'd approach the tight end position in Seattle, Huard noted, "I'm going to use that other guy, Pharaoh [Brown], that guy can block, and we believe he's one of the best run-blocking tight ends, so we're going to put that guy in many of those burden situations in the run game." This adds some important context to the Seahawks' depth chart ahead of 2024 fantasy drafts. Brown was never a legitimate fantasy option, but this latest update suggests that Fant could be trending up. Managers preparing for 2024 fantasy drafts should view Fant as a mid-range TE2 and Brown as a mid-to-low TE3.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Jun 26 10:10pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins want to extend quarterback Tua Tagovailoa but are still evaluating a fair market value, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. As Schefter notes, the quarterback market shifted drastically this offseason when the Jacksonville Jaguars handed Trevor Lawrence a deal worth $55 million per year. Prior to that deal, the Dolphins likely couldn't have justified paying Tagovailoa $55 million per year, but now the former first-round pick can argue that he's worth even more than Lawrence. In the meantime, Tagovailoa is preparing to play out the final year of his rookie deal. He's coming off a strong season in which he earned his first Pro Bowl nod, threw for a career-high 29 touchdowns, and led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards. With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle at his disposal, the 26-year-old signal-caller enters 2024 as a mid-to-low QB1 option in most fantasy football leagues.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Jun 26 4:13pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Dynasty | Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is fully recovered and ready for training camp. Dynasty Analysis: Music to the ears of dynasty owners but they all need to see some major progress on the performance and durability side before being "all in." Richardson is a tantalizing prospect who has overall QB1 potential but nagging injuries his rookie season have raised a serious red flag. He remains a top option in dynasty leagues but his value is bound to either rise or fall significantly based on his performance this season. Dynasty managers need to determine just how lucky they feel.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Kelee Ringo Jun 26 3:50pm CT
Kelee Ringo

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. missed the entire 2023 season after being suspended for violating the NFL's gambling policy. However, ESPN reporter Tim McManus said Rodgers has been impressive this offseason, and he's been splitting first-team reps with second-year cornerback Kelee Ringo. He's been making plays against the Eagles' strong first-team offense and is viewed as a surprise standout for the organization. "For a guy that has not played football for a year, coming back, he looks like he has been playing nonstop," All-Pro wide receiver A.J. Brown said. "He's flying around, and he's going to do special stuff for us this year." Rodgers spent the first three seasons of his career with the Indianapolis Colts and racked up 90 tackles, three interceptions, and 10 pass deflections in his first 45 games. Philadelphia allowed the third-most passing yards per game last season (255.7), so any boost they can get from Rodgers would be significant.

From RotoBaller

Adam Thielen Jun 26 2:00pm CT
Adam Thielen

The Charlotte Observer's Mike Kaye projects Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen to remain as the team's slot receiver in 2024 despite the addition of Diontae Johnson and rookie Xavier Legette. The 33-year-old Thielen managed to stay fantasy relevant in his first year in Carolina in 2023 despite rookie quarterback Bryce Young and the offense being one of the worst in the league. Thielen caught 103 of his 137 targets for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns in 17 starts. He should continue to be a safety blanket for Young this year, but the additions of both Johnson and Legette will inevitably take valuable targets away. Fantasy managers certainly shouldn't expect another 1,000-yard campaign for Thielen in 2024. You should be targeting Thielen as merely a late-round flier for receiver depth in deeper fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Deane Leonard Jun 26 1:30pm CT
Deane Leonard

Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Tarheeb Still might have been the most surprising player in the team's secondary during offseason workouts after the team's pass defense was their Achilles heel last year. Still was the team's fifth-round pick this year at 137th overall out of Maryland. He had an interception and had multiple pass deflections throughout minicamp. Safety Derwin James Jr. pointed to Still as a player who impressed him, while defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said he has appreciated how much Still has improved since the start of the offseason program. "He made a bunch of really nice plays out there," Minter said. The 22-year-old defensive back thrives in man-to-man coverage due to his aggressive and physical style of play. Still could immediately compete for a starting job with Deane Leonard this summer.

From RotoBaller

Josey Jewell Jun 26 1:20pm CT
Josey Jewell

The Denver Broncos signed linebacker Cody Barton in free agency this offseason thinking that he would be a prime contributor on special teams and could carve out a niche on defense if things went well. However, Barton has put himself squarely in the battle for the starting middle linebacker job to replace the departed Josey Jewell. He will be competing with Jonas Griffith, who missed last year due to a torn ACL he suffered in training camp. Barton got plenty of work with the defensive starters this offseason in organized team activities and minicamp, so he will arrive to training camp this summer to compete for a starting job. The former third-round selection by the Seattle Seahawks in 2019 out of Utah has had 100-plus combined tackles in each of the last two years with the Seahawks and Washington Commanders, so there's a chance Barton jumps onto the IDP radar if he seizes a starting job and runs with it.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Jun 26 1:10pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said on The GM Shuffle podcast that second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) will be "full-go" for the start of training camp at the end of July despite dealing with some shoulder fatigue during offseason activities. The shoulder soreness was something expected after Richardson had season-ending surgery on his right shoulder during his rookie season in 2023. Despite the fact that the 22-year-old former fourth overall pick played in just four games last year, his elite rushing abilities make him an attractive midrange QB1 going into his sophomore season. The 6-foot-4, 244-pounder also has above-average arm strength and has an incredibly high ceiling for fantasy managers if he can remain healthy. Once the elite names at the QB position come off the board in fantasy drafts, Richardson will be hard to pass up.

From RotoBaller

Chidobe Awuzie Jun 26 1:10pm CT
Chidobe Awuzie

Tennessee Titans undrafted free-agent cornerback Gabe Jeudy-Lally took full advantage of available repetitions during organized team activities and minicamp this offseason due to veterans Chidobe Awuzie and L'Jarius Sneed having limited participation. Jeudy-Lally said his length and comfort in press coverage gave him confidence to play in defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson's aggressive scheme. "If I get up there and give myself the opportunity to win by getting my hands on guys and being in good position, it allows me to use my length to my ability, and everything falls into play from there," Jeudy-Lally said. He held his own in coverage against both receivers Treylon Burks and DeAndre Hopkins, so he could be a defensive back to watch in training camp this summer for the Titans.

From RotoBaller

Tre'Davious White Jun 26 10:13am CT
Tre'Davious White

Los Angeles Rams new cornerback Tre'Davious White (Achilles) signed a one-year deal with the Rams on April 9 after being released by the Buffalo Bills. White continues to rehab this offseason after tearing his Achilles in Week 4 of last year. He was working off to the side with trainers for the majority of organized team activities before participating in the walkthrough in the final week. It remains to be seen how much White will be able to do in training camp this summer. "He's making good progress. He was able to partake in the walkthrough. It's obviously a significant injury that he's overcome. He's gotten a lot of good stuff done on the side. You could see he's really locked in and engaged in the meeting setting," head coach Sean McVay said. White's 18 career interceptions are tied for 11th-most among active cornerbacks, per Pro Football Reference.

Jalen Brooks Jun 25 10:50pm CT
Jalen Brooks

Dallas Cowboys wide receivers Jalen Tolbert and Jalen Brooks are both candidates to open 2024 in the third slot on the depth chart behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks, according to Todd Archer of ESPN.com. Both players have showcased their talent during OTAs and are pushing to make the WR3 competition interesting this summer. In terms of the players' specific skill sets, Archer wrote, "Brooks was able to work through traffic well, especially on tight throws on slants. Tolbert worked all three receiver spots and was able to make plays at all different levels." There's clearly a path for both receivers to get involved this season, and Dallas has shown that its WR3 can have bursts of fantasy relevance in the past. Perhaps Tolbert or Brooks could be a late-round sleeper in redraft leagues this year.

From RotoBaller

Nikko Remigio Jun 25 10:50pm CT
Nikko Remigio

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Nikko Remigio impressed while running with the first-team offense and is pushing to earn a spot on the 53-man roster, according to Adam Teicher of ESPN.com. An undrafted free agent back in 2023, Remigio earned more reps this summer with Xavier Worthy (hamstring) sidelined. Remigio may struggle to pass the likes of Worthy, Marquise Brown, Rashee Rice, Justin Watson, Skyy Moore, and Kadarius Toney in the pecking order, but his strong summer and talent as a kickoff returner could be enough to secure a roster spot and earn a few extra looks on offense. He's off the fantasy radar but is a rising name to watch as the 2024 campaign draws closer.

From RotoBaller

Kemoko Turay Jun 25 7:53pm CT
Kemoko Turay

Free-agent DE Kemoko Turay (Falcons) is expected to receive interest from multiple teams, according to sources.

From TheHuddle

Dante Pettis Jun 25 6:33pm CT
Dante Pettis

Chicago Bears WR Dante Pettis (undisclosed) missed a majority of the offseason workouts because of soft tissue injuries.

From TheHuddle

Dallin Holker Jun 25 3:40pm CT
Dallin Holker

New Orleans Saints tight end Dallin Holker was a priority undrafted free-agent signing by the team following the 2024 NFL Draft, and with Juwan Johnson (foot) potentially missing the rest of the offseason due to foot surgery, he has a chance to crack the Week 1 roster. "It was apparent the Saints liked Holker when they guaranteed him $235,000 to sign as an undrafted rookie free agent this spring," ESPN's Katherine Terrell wrote. "Holker has a real opportunity to make the team now that Juwan Johnson is sidelined indefinitely by a foot injury. Foster Moreau is the only veteran tight end on the roster with experience, which means Holker, who has had an impressive showing so far, could find playing time quickly." Holker had a quiet three-year career at BYU before posting 64 receptions for 767 yards and six touchdowns in 2023 at Colorado State. While he wasn't an overly impressive athlete during the pre-draft process, he could have a path to opportunity. He should enter the fantasy radar in deep tight-end-premium setups, but he's likely not worth a draft choice yet.

From RotoBaller

Lawrence Cager Jun 25 3:30pm CT
Lawrence Cager

New York Giants tight end Lawrence Cager has hauled in just 19 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns through the first 20 games of his NFL career, but after the retirement of Darren Waller, he could earn legitimate playing time in 2024. According to Giants reporter Jordan Raanan, Cager has capitalized on his opportunities this offseason. "It looked this spring like Cager and fourth-round pick Theo Johnson will be asked to fill that pass-catching role," Raanan wrote. "Both received some first-team reps and made plays in what primarily serves as a passing camp. Coach Brian Daboll even mentioned that Cager was 'probably one of the most improved players throughout the offseason,' which could open the door for him to make a significant contribution this season." Expectations should be tempered for the 26-year-old, but there are unexpected tight-end breakouts every year, so his performance at training camp later this summer should be monitored.

From RotoBaller

John Metchie III Jun 25 3:20pm CT
John Metchie III

Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III has had a slow start to his NFL career, but there have been plenty of factors to cause the quiet start. The Alabama product missed his entire 2022 rookie season coming off an ACL tear and being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. He appeared in 16 games in 2023 but caught just 16 passes for 158 yards. However, ESPN Texans reporter DJ Bien-Aime suggests Metchie could be back to form in 2024. "Metchie is flashing signs of what made him a second-round pick in the 2022 draft." Bien-Aime wrote. His explosiveness appears back. He has also been in the rotation with the first-team offense." While Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell are locked into the starting lineup, Metchie has plenty of fantasy football intrigue if he secures the WR4 role. He'd be one injury away from entering the starting lineup in C.J. Stroud's offense, meaning he should be on the fantasy radar in deep leagues.

From RotoBaller