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WR Brandon Aiyuk requests trade from 49ers

Tue Jul 16 1:40pm ET
Field Level Media

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk officially requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers after failing to come to terms on a contract extension, NFL Network reported Tuesday.

The report comes one week before the 49ers open training camp. Aiyuk did not participate in the team's offseason program and skipped mandatory minicamp.

Aiyuk, 26, is set to make $14.1 million in 2024 to complete his rookie deal. He reportedly is seeking a hefty extension in the neighborhood of at least $30 million annually.

Aiyuk is coming off a season in which he caught 75 passes for a career-high 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.

In 62 NFL games (60 starts), he has 269 receptions for 3,931 yards and 25 TDs since being selected by the 49ers with the 25th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.

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Player Notes
Brandon Aiyuk Jul 16 12:18pm CT
Brandon Aiyuk

49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk has officially requested a trade after failing to sign an extension this offseason.

Jordan Addison Jul 16 1:13am CT
Jordan Addison

Dynasty | Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison has been arrested on suspicion of DUI. Dynasty Analysis: This is Addison's second driving related incident following last year's episode where he was clocked at more than 140 mph. They're all serious but Addison was reportedly found asleep behind the wheel of a Rolls Royce. Even more concerning, this comes on the heels of the death of one his new teammates in an auto accident not more than a week ago. While Addison may avoid suspension, this is a pattern of behavior dynasty managers simply cannot like. He remains a hold at this point while the legal process plays out.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Curtis Samuel Jul 15 7:13pm CT
Curtis Samuel

Buffalo Bills WR Curtis Samuel likely will be used in multiple ways in the offensive scheme this season, according to offensive coordinator Joe Brady. 'He can play on the outside and on the inside. We can move him around as fast as it can be, just get him the ball in his hands and good things could happen. Whether he is playing receiver or running back, it really doesn't matter. It's just his versatility will be an asset to our offense,' Brady said.

Fantasy Spin: It appears like Samuel will be a big part of the offense this season and could be a valuable option in fantasy leagues. He may not be a weekly starting option in most leagues but can be at least a flex option when the Bills have favorable matchups.

From TheHuddle

James Conner Jul 15 6:10pm CT
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner may have recorded a career-high 1,040 rushing yards in 2023, but he hopes that was his floor and he can build on that total in 2024. "That's the floor," Conner told Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com. "I want that to be the lowest I rush for in my career going forward. Definitely got a lot of work to put in but that's the floor, not the ceiling." Now 29 years old, Conner still has a solid grasp on the Cardinals' No. 1 running back role even after Arizona added Trey Benson in the draft. He has continued to show that he can make an impact on the ground and through the air, entering 2024 as a solid RB2 option in most fantasy football leagues.

From RotoBaller

AJ Dillon Jul 15 5:50pm CT
AJ Dillon

Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon "knows he isn't assured a roster spot" heading into the 2024 season, according to Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal. While the Packers parted with Aaron Jones this offseason, they replaced him with Josh Jacobs and also drafted MarShawn Lloyd in the third round. Thus, with a crowded backfield, the Packers may need Dillon to go above and beyond this summer in order to keep him on their roster ahead of Week 1. As Wilde notes, though, Dillon is aware of his job insecurity and has put in tremendous work this offseason. "This is as hard as I've seen him work in the offseason," running backs coach Ben Sirmans noted. If Dillon does make the roster, he'll be nothing more than a low-end RB3/FLEX option in fantasy football as he operates behind Jacobs and competes with Lloyd for touches. On the other hand, Green Bay does have some incentive to move on from the Boston College product. Dillon is currently on a one-year prove-it deal, and releasing him would create $1,125,000 in cap space for the Packers while carrying just $167,500 in dead money. This will be a roster battle that all fantasy managers should monitor over the next month-plus.

From RotoBaller

Dustin Hopkins Jul 15 5:43pm CT
Dustin Hopkins

Cleveland Browns PK Dustin Hopkins agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension with the Browns Monday, July 15, worth $15.9 million, according to sources.

From TheHuddle

Dustin Hopkins Jul 15 5:40pm CT
Dustin Hopkins

The Cleveland Browns and kicker Dustin Hopkins have agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. It's a well-deserved payday for the veteran kicker as he cashes in following the best season of his career. Over 15 games in 2023, he made 33 of 36 field-goal attempts (91.7%) while going 24-for-26 on extra points (92.3%). He ultimately finished as the No. 9 kicker in terms of fantasy points despite missing two games. Hopkins represents a solid draft pick in the later rounds of 2024 fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Keaton Mitchell Jul 15 4:50pm CT
Keaton Mitchell

Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (knee), whose rookie season ended in 2023 due to an ACL tear in his left knee in December, was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Monday to start training camp. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise after the 22-year-old suffered the season-ending injury late last year. The bigger question will be whether Mitchell can make enough progress this summer to avoid staying on the PUP list for the start of the regular season, which would mean he'd have to miss at least the first four games of 2024. When healthy, he'll be a speedy complement to new RB Derrick Henry in Baltimore. Mitchell still has plenty of intrigue in dynasty/keeper leagues, but he'll most likely be left to the waiver wire in 12-team leagues this fall, especially if he stays on the PUP list to begin the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Jul 15 2:43pm CT
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals TE Mike Gesicki is expected to be used in a 'big slot' role, according to sources Monday, July 15.

Fantasy Spin: Gesicki upgraded his offense this offseason, but the competition for targets is immense. Gesicki probably won't be a consistent option, but he may have some streaming capabilities if he earns a decent target share.

From TheHuddle

KJ Hamler Jul 15 1:20pm CT
KJ Hamler

Wide receiver KJ Hamler (heart), the former second-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2020, signed a Reserve/Futures deal with the Buffalo Bills earlier this year and is looking to make a comeback in 2024 after already facing plenty of adversity in the NFL. Hamler struggled with a hamstring injury in his rookie year and tore his ACL in 2021 before dealing with another hamstring issue in 2022 and a partially torn pectoral muscle last year. In addition to all those injuries, he felt severe heart pain last summer and was diagnosed with pericarditis, an inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the heart. The 25-year-old signed with the Colts' practice squad in late September but was never elevated to the active roster. The speedy downfield threat is facing an uphill battle to make Buffalo's roster out of training camp this summer, even with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis no longer around.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Jul 15 1:10pm CT
Nick Chubb

An Instagram post on Monday morning showed Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) doing two squat reps with what appears to be a total of 12 45-pound plates on a Tsunami Max bar. It's especially impressive, considering Chubb suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Week 2 game against the Steelers on Sept. 18 of last year that required two surgeries -- one to fix damage to his MCL, the medial capsule and meniscus, and the second to fix his ACL. The four-time pro Bowler suffered a similar injury, except for the torn ACL, in the same knee at Georgia in 205. Chubb isn't putting a timetable on his return but also didn't dismiss the possibility of being ready for Week 1 against Dallas this fall. He started running in April but didn't do any on-field work during OTAs or minicamp. The 28-year-old is likely to be eased in this year, which makes him more of a risky RB3 in fantasy than a surefire RB1.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Jul 15 9:43am CT
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill said he's content with his contract situation, and he's focused on winning a championship.

Fantasy Spin: Cheetah was the WR1 for much of the season before he was hampered with a leg injury. Now 30, that is something to keep an eye on. He's still worthy of a top-three selection at the position, but he could slide with the younger options at the position.

From TheHuddle

Jordan Addison Jul 14 7:30pm CT
Jordan Addison

According to a report from the Los Angeles Daily News, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison was arrested on Friday night for suspicion of DUI. Police were notified and responded to an area near LAX, where Addison was reportedly found asleep at the wheel and blocking several lanes. He was taken into custody and released a few hours later. The 2023 No. 23 overall pick finished his first year in the NFL by amassing 70 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. While it's unknown if Addison will face any discipline from the NFL or team, his fantasy stock could take a hit from managers unwilling to draft him in fear of a possible suspension.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Jul 14 7:20pm CT
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams remains without a contract. Yet, the rookie is apparently not concerned about it, considering he reported he hasn't been involved in negotiations. "I'm not handling that," said Williams when asked about a potential deal. "My lawyers and attorney and everybody, the head of the Bears, everybody up there up top is handling that. That's not my position that I'm handling." There are several issues holding things up. However, Williams doesn't have an NFLPA-certified agent, so it's unknown who is orchestrating things behind the scenes on his behalf. The 2024 No. 1 overall pick has plenty of pressure on him heading into his inaugural year, especially since he is replacing Justin Fields, a move that didn't sit well with some. With that said, Williams is expected to have more than a few impressive rookie showings, although fantasy managers should expect growing pains.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Jul 14 7:00pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill recently endorsed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for a new contract. However, the wideout is adamant he's not concerned about his deal, believing the organization will do right by him. "I know when it's time for me to get a deal, the Miami Dolphins will do what's right," said Hill during an interview with Omar Kelly of The Miami Herald. "The contract, it'll come. Whenever it comes, I'll be happy." Several wideouts around the National Football League have already received market-altering deals. But it appears Hill isn't concerned, meaning it shouldn't be a distraction heading into the 2024-25 campaign. With that in mind, the multi-time Pro-Bowler should remain one of the first receivers taken in every fantasy draft ahead of Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Jul 14 6:50pm CT
Kyle Pitts

According to Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, tight end Kyle Pitts is "learning basically two positions." "There's some tight end, and there's some wide receiver," said Robinson in an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "So, he's got a lot on his plate. I'm just excited to see him continue to get more comfortable in the system...We'll move him around the formation. We'll use him as a blocker. We'll use him as a receiver. We'll use him all across the board." The 23-year-old has appeared in 44 games for the Falcons over the last three seasons, amassing 2,049 yards and six touchdowns off 149 catches. But with a new coaching staff in Atlanta, it's safe to say that Pitts could be in line for the best year of his career, assuming he remains involved in the offense as advertised during the offseason.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Jul 14 4:53pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers says his Achilles' tendon 'feels good' ahead of training camp, he told reporters on Saturday, July 13. 'My Achilles feels good, you know. I felt really good at the end of last year,' Rodgers said. 'Then, you know, there's always that kind of plateau part. It's just about getting back into it. I felt good all spring.'

From TheHuddle

Kyle Juszczyk Jul 14 12:40pm CT
Kyle Juszczyk

San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk admits that he was "hurt" when the team came to him this offseason and asked him to take a pay cut after just completing his seventh Pro Bowl campaign with the organization. With so many other highly paid players on the team and several others in line for big pay days, the 49ers' front office made some cost-cutting moves in the offseason, including releasing defensive tackle Arik Armstead after he declined to take a pay cut. Juszczyk accepted his pay cut and remains the highest-paid fullback in the league at more than $4.5 million per season. "No knocks on other fullbacks in the league, but I'm the best fullback in the league," Juszczyk said. The 33-year-old will once again have a key blocking role for the best running back in the league in 2024 in Christian McCaffrey.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Jul 14 12:30pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa have yet to work out a long-term contract extension, but Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill believes his QB should be one of the highest-paid signal-callers in the league. "For people to like sit here and try to discredit Tua and say he's not deserving of a contract is wild to me," Hill said. "A lot of guys on the team understand his value and understand that we need him. We need his leadership, we need the mindset that he brings into each and every week. It's there. It's like Terminator almost, man. I feel like he should be one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league." Tagovailoa is heading into his fifth year in the NFL and is coming off a career year in which he led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards and added 29 touchdowns while completing 69.3% of his passes in 17 regular-season games.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Jul 14 12:10pm CT
Tee Higgins

The Cincinnati Bengals and star wide receiver Tee Higgins won't come to terms on a long-term contract extension by Monday's deadline. Higgins has signed his franchise tag and will play on the one-year pact in 2024 before becoming one of the top free agents next offseason. This outcome had appeared evident for some time, but now it's official. The 25-year-old will be highly motivated to produce a bounce-back season in 2024 after playing in just 12 games last year due to injuries while finishing with a career-low 42 catches for 656 yards and five touchdowns. It's possible the Bengals could franchise tag Higgins again next year or work out a tag-and-trade deal. Higgins should bounce back if he and quarterback Joe Burrow stay healthy, but his fantasy ceiling is probably capped as a WR2 with Ja'Marr Chase being the team's WR1.

From RotoBaller