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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Chargers WR Mike Williams to retire after 8 seasons

Thu Jul 17 2:42pm ET
Field Level Media

Wide receiver Mike Williams has informed the Los Angeles Chargers that he is retiring from the NFL after eight seasons, the team announced on Thursday.

Williams, 30, was placed on the physically unable to perform list earlier this week.

Injuries have been a common occurrence for Williams since he was selected by the Chargers with the seventh overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Clemson. He injured his back in both 2017 and 2022 and sustained a torn ACL in 2023, an injury that likely limited him in 2024 when he split 18 games with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Williams totaled just 21 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown last season. He had 12 receptions for 166 yards in nine games (three starts) with the Jets before being traded to the Steelers for a fifth-round pick of the 2025 draft.

Williams, who returned to the Chargers in free agency, also was expected to face competition from unsigned wide receiver Tre Harris out of Ole Miss. The latter was selected by the Chargers in the second round of the 2025 draft.

Williams caught 330 passes for 5,104 yards and 32 touchdowns in 106 career games (67 starts) with the Chargers, Jets and Steelers.

Also on Thursday, the Chargers signed offensive tackle Ryan Nelson, who appeared in 28 games (22 starts) over the last three seasons with the UFL's Michigan Panthers

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Player Notes
Rashee Rice Jul 17 1:50pm CT
Rashee Rice

According to Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com and his sources close to the team, the Kansas City Chiefs believe wide receiver Rashee Rice will receive anywhere between a two and four-game suspension following his court ruling on Thursday. A Dallas judge sentenced Rice to a five-year probation period and 30 days of jail time that can be served within the five years for his involvement in a multi-vehicle crash during the 2024 NFL offseason. This situation has been in the headlines since the incident happened, and the NFL traditionally waits for the legal process to play out before issuing its disciplinary action. Rice, who has a clear path to be Patrick Mahomes' No. 1 target in the passing game, should be viewed as a risky fantasy football pick, though he could provide WR1 upside upon his return from a possible suspension. Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown, and Travis Kelce should be more productive in games where Rice is forced to sit out.

From RotoBaller

Jack Kiser Jul 17 1:40pm CT
Jack Kiser

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Jack Kiser has signed his rookie deal, and the organization has now finalized contracts with all nine of its selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. Kiser, a fourth-round pick, played six seasons for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 2019 to 2024. The 24-year-old played in 69 career games, tallying 275 tackles (166 solo), 17 tackles for loss, six sacks, four interceptions, seven pass deflections, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns. While his ceiling as an NFL player is likely limited, his experience and special-teams chops could help him get on the field early. To begin his career, he's likely to be the backup middle linebacker behind Devin Lloyd in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Mike Green Jul 17 1:30pm CT
Mike Green

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Baltimore Ravens pass-rusher Mike Green is expected to sign his four-year rookie deal on Thursday. There has been a delay in second-round picks reaching contract agreements throughout the NFL after the Texans signed wide receiver Jayden Higgins to a fully guaranteed contract, but this deal is set to get done. Green was one of college football's premier pass-rushers during his final season at Marshall last season, collecting 17 sacks and 23 tackles for loss. Prior to the 2025 NFL Draft, news surrounding sexual assault allegations led Green to fall to the end of the second round, but he was viewed by many as a first-round talent beforehand. Now, he joins a talented outside linebacker room alongside Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh, and Tavius Robinson in Baltimore. He could have a limited role in Year 1 as part of a group with plenty of depth.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Jul 17 1:20pm CT
Mike Williams

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams, who was recently placed on the training-camp PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, is retiring from the NFL after eight seasons. The 30-year-old entered the NFL as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Chargers following a stellar career at Clemson. He spent the first seven seasons of his pro career with L.A. before playing for the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. Overall, Williams tallied 330 receptions for 5,104 yards and 32 touchdowns. He hangs up his cleats with two 1,000-yard seasons on his resume. Known as a big-play threat, his impact diminished later in his career as he aged and dealt with injury. While he was unlikely to be a significant factor for the Chargers this year, his departure gives Quentin Johnston more breathing room after a slow start to his NFL career.

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Jordan Addison Jul 17 1:00pm CT
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison will plead guilty to a lesser vehicular offense commonly referred to as a "wet reckless" a year after his initial DUI citation, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. As a result, Addison will pay a standard fine and complete two online courses, although we must still wait to see how the NFL reacts. The 23-year-old's probation is expected to be terminated early in six months. A 2025 suspension for Addison is still possible, although if he is suspended by commissioner Roger Goodell, we wouldn't expect it to be for more than two or three games at the most. The former first-rounder took a slight step back in Year 2 in 2024 with a 63-875-9 line in 15 starts, but he was still plenty productive behind All-Pro Justin Jefferson. With a suspension still looming, Addison's fantasy value is still a bit shaky as a WR3/flex.

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Jordan Mims Jul 17 12:40pm CT
Jordan Mims

The Tennessee Titans agreed on an undisclosed two-year deal with free-agent running back Jordan Mims on Thursday, a source told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. The former Fresno State standout spent his first two seasons in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints and had 20 rushing attempts last season for 70 rushing yards while also catching 12 of 18 targets for 71 yards through the air in 11 games (zero starts). The 26-year-old went undrafted out of Fresno State before latching on with the Saints in 2023. Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are the unquestioned top two backs for the Titans going into the 2025 campaign, so Mims will be competing for a depth role in training camp this summer with Julius Chestnut, rookie Kalel Mullings and Tyrion Davis-Price.

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Najee Harris Jul 17 12:20pm CT
Najee Harris

The Los Angeles Chargers officially announced on Thursday that they placed running back Najee Harris (eye) on the Non-Football Injury list after he suffered a superficial eye injury during a fireworks mishap back on the Fourth of July. While Harris is expected to be a full-go for the start of the 2025 regular season in early September, he isn't going to be on the field for the start of training camp on Thursday. It's not a great start for the 27-year-old's first year in L.A., especially after they drafted big-play RB Omarion Hampton in the first round in April, but Harris is not expected to be out for long in camp and can be activated from the NFI list at any time. Despite his injury being minor, it will make Hampton more attractive as an RB2 in fantasy with upside going into his first NFL campaign. Harris has four straight 1,000-yard seasons, but his big-play ability has been lacking.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Jul 17 12:20pm CT
Anthony Richardson

ESPN's Stephen Holder reports that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (shoulder) is believed to have recovered from his recent right-shoulder setback as the team gets ready to kick off training camp next week, per a source. Richardson had season-ending surgery to fix an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder in his rookie season in 2023 and was forced to miss the last two weeks of the team's offseason practices this year due to soreness in the same shoulder. The former first-rounder has been working with personal coaches for weeks in Florida throwing the football with velocity, and it appears rest has alleviated the issue. The Colts haven't personally evaluated Richardson, though, and it's possible Richardson will be on a pitch count early in camp to help him avoid fatigue or another setback. It's great news for the 23-year-old, but he still must beat out Daniel Jones for the starting gig.

From RotoBaller

Shemar Turner Jul 17 12:10pm CT
Shemar Turner

The Chicago Bears and second-round defensive tackle Shemar Turner agreed to terms on his four-year rookie deal on Thursday, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Bears took Turner with the 62nd overall pick in April's NFL draft after he had an impressive career at Texas A&M. The 22-year-old interior defensive lineman had 22.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in 43 games with the Aggies while playing through a leg fracture in his final season. Turner's explosiveness makes up for the fact that he weighs just under 300 pounds. He's also versatile on the defensive line and could be moved around by the Bears in his first season in the NFL. Turner will most likely be a rotational player in his first NFL season, which means he won't be on the IDP fantasy radar at all.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Jul 17 11:40am CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has been sentenced to five years of probation and 30 days of jail time by a Dallas County judge for his involvement in a multi-car crash in Dallas during the 2024 offseason, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. The jail time can be served at any point during the five-year window. The 25-year-old received a deferred adjudication, meaning his case can be dismissed if he successfully completes his probation. With the ruling now official, the NFL is likely to hand him a multi-game suspension. This situation has been hanging over Rice's head for the last year, and fantasy managers have been waiting to see if he will face disciplinary action. Rice played in just three full games last season before suffering a major knee injury that kept him out of the remainder of the year. He looked to be working toward the clear WR1 role in Kansas City as tight end Travis Kelce takes a step back, but needless to say, his off-the-field behavior is not going to help his cause. For fantasy football purposes, he is now a riskier draft pick than before, but his price in drafts will likely see at least a minor decline based on the most recent developments.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Jul 17 11:11am CT
Rashee Rice

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting a judge sentenced Chiefs WR Rashee Rice to five years probation and 30 days of jail time that can be served during those five years. With the judge now ruling on the case, the NFL is expected to expedite the disciplinary process and Rice is likely to receive a multi-game suspension.

J.J. McCarthy Jul 17 7:50am CT
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson had praise for second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy this week. McCarthy, who missed all of his 2024 rookie season with a knee injury, is still unproven as an NFL quarterback, but Jefferson is not worried. "I want him to be just as confident as I am of him to make the plays out there," the star receiver told reporters. The duo reportedly spent time together on and off the field this offseason as they look to build chemistry after barely getting any reps together last year. Many expect McCarthy to live up to the hype that made him the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft this season, and he has a good shot to do so with a talented collection of skill players around him and QB-whisperer Kevin O'Connell calling the plays. McCarthy should be viewed as a mid-range QB2 heading into fantasy drafts later this summer. Fantasy managers can continue to confidently snag Jefferson as the overall WR2 after Ja'Marr Chase in the first round.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Jul 17 7:40am CT
Sam LaPorta

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta had high praise for first-year offensive coordinator John Morton with the team set to open training camp this weekend. There have been some concerns that the Detroit offense will take a step back now that star play-caller Ben Johnson is the head coach in Chicago, but LaPorta does not share those worries. LaPorta told Jim Rome on Wednesday that Morton is a "brilliant mind" and went on to say, "I think he's gonna call the offense great." It remains to be seen whether Morton changes player roles, usage, and formations in his first year calling the plays, but the Detroit offense is loaded with talented players. Detroit should continue to be a fantasy goldmine for the 2025 season.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Jul 17 7:30am CT
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase told CBS Sports this week that he expects the NFL to see its first 2,000-yard receiving season in the next three years. He continued to say that he thinks it will be either him or Justin Jefferson who accomplishes the feat. That being said, a reverse of fortune in Cincinnati is likely more important to the young receiver as the Bengals have missed the playoffs for two straight seasons. While the team's offense has been elite, the defensive side of the ball has been an issue of late. Chase stated, "The defense is going to have to step up...and make some stops." He went on to say, "That's all we ask them to do." The team added a new defensive coordinator, hiring Al Golden after letting long-time DC Lou Anarumo go following the 2024 season. From a fantasy perspective, Chase remains a locked-in WR1 in any format regardless of the state of the Cincy defense.

From RotoBaller

John Harbaugh Jul 16 9:20pm CT
John Harbaugh

Baltimore Ravens rookie third-round offensive tackle Emery Jones (shoulder) will start training camp this summer on the Non-Football Injury list as he rehabs from shoulder surgery, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. It shouldn't come as a surprise after head coach John Harbaugh said last month that Jones wouldn't be ready for the start of camp. Now the question becomes whether he'll be ready for the start of the regular season in early September. It's unclear when the 21-year-old from LSU will be able to get back on the field for Baltimore, but it now puts into question whether he will be able to compete for the starting right guard job early in 2025. The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder was a quality starter for the Tigers in college and should eventually push for a starting job in his rookie season, it's just a matter of when that will happen.

From RotoBaller

Alfred Collins Jul 16 9:10pm CT
Alfred Collins

The San Francisco 49ers and second-round rookie defensive tackle Alfred Collins (calf) agreed to a four-year, $10.3 million deal that includes over $9 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The No. 43 overall selection in April signing his rookie deal is now expected to trigger multiple second-round signings. Until now, 30 of the 32 second-round picks were unsigned. The 23-year-old will have 88 percent of his deal guaranteed, which is a big jump over last year's No. 43 overall pick. Collins missed valuable practice time during minicamp with a calf injury, but he's expected to be back on the field for training camp this month. If he's healthy and up to speed for the start of the 2025 regular season this fall, Collins is expected to have a prominent role on the interior of San Fran's defensive line, a spot that really struggled to generate pressure in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Von Miller Jul 16 9:10pm CT
Von Miller

Eight-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Von Miller is signing an undisclosed deal with the Washington Commanders on Wednesday, sources tell NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Miller has already won two Super Bowl rings with the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams and will now try for his third ring with an up-and-coming team that was one win away from getting to the Super Bowl last season. The 36-year-old former second overall pick in 2011 by the Broncos out of Texas A&M is no longer in his prime, though, and will be a rotational pass-rusher in D.C. in 2025. He didn't have a single sack in 12 games with the Buffalo Bills in 2023 before bouncing back with six QB takedowns in 13 regular-season games in 2024, adding 17 tackles (13 solo), seven tackles for loss and eight QB hits. Fantasy managers in IDP formats can avoid Miller at this stage of his career.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Jul 16 7:30pm CT
Stefon Diggs

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Stefon Diggs (knee) is trending towards being cleared to play in Week 1 of the regular season. That would be pretty incredible considering Diggs tore his ACL in Week 8 of last season. This offseason, Diggs signed a three-year, $69 million deal with the New England Patriots. When healthy, Diggs is expected to be the primary passing option for Drake Maye. Despite Breer's belief in Diggs, it's hard to imagine Diggs being 100 percent ready by Week 1. The assumption is that the Pats are going to bring Diggs along slowly. Right now, fantasy managers should view Diggs as a high-end WR3 in most fantasy formats. The first year coming off an ACL injury is usually tough for players.

From RotoBaller

Justyn Ross Jul 16 4:40pm CT
Justyn Ross

The Kansas City Chiefs waived former Clemson standout wide receiver Justyn Ross on Wednesday, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. After not making the 53-man roster out of training camp last summer, Ross returned to KC's practice squad but only ended up playing in two regular-season games while failing to catch his only target on just 14 offensive snaps. The 25-year-old saw much more action in his rookie season in 2023, catching six of his 11 targets for 53 yards in 10 regular-season games (one start). Ross could still return to the Chiefs practice squad this fall, but he'd be a long shot for a considerable role on offense. Wherever he winds up, he won't suddenly enter the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Jul 16 4:20pm CT
Najee Harris

Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said that running back Najee Harris (eye) will likely begin training camp this week on the Non-Football Injury list, according to The Athletic's Daniel Popper. Harris suffered a superficial eye injury during a fireworks mishap on the Fourth of July but he will report to the team's facilities on Wednesday. The 27-year-old Harris has been receiving treatment from doctors at Stanford for an injury that isn't believed to be very serious. The Chargers can activate Harris at any time from the NFI list, and he's not expected to miss much time at the beginning of camp. Additionally, he's fully expected to be full-go for Week 1 of the regular season on Sept. 7. Still, this is a bad start for Harris in his first year in L.A., especially after the Chargers took Omarion Hampton in the first round in April.

From RotoBaller