The offensive tackle class in the 2026 NFL Draft is not considered a strong one. There are several players who could step in and start right away, however there’s generally considered to be a drop-off after the initial group of tackles. Utah left tackle Caleb Lomu is on the periphery of the offensive tackle conversation. Depending on the board, he could be a sleeper who should be a part of the upper tier of tackles, or he could be the best of the lower tier. The New York Giants have their tackle bookends locked in for the immediate future, and probably aren’t considering one right now. But could they consider Lomu as a developmental tackle? At the very least, we should be aware of him in case he lands with a division rival. Prospect: Caleb Lomu (71)Games Watched: vs. UCLA (2025), vs. Texas Tech (2025), vs. West Virginia (2025)Red Flags: None Measurables Strengths Best traits Versatility Play strength Mobility Run blocking Caleb Lomu is a good-sized, athletic, and versatile offensive tackle prospect. He has good size for the position at 6-foot 5 ¾ inches, 313 pounds, with 33 ⅜ inch arms and 9 ½ inch hands. He’s also a good all-around athlete with solid quickness and agility, balance when engaged, and play strength. He also has experience at both tackle positions, as he was primarily Utah’s left tackle, but also moved to right tackle in jumbo packages in short yardage situations. Lomu is able to execute both zone and man-gap blocking schemes, though he seems a bit better fit as a down-hill blocker on man-gap runs. He does a good job of engaging defenders with leverage, extending his arms and seeking their chest plate, then uncoiling to drive them back. He blocks with good toughness and has enough strength to drive edge defenders off the ball. He also has good-enough feet to mirror most of the pass rushers he saw at the collegiate level. He plays with a wide base, allowing him to absorb bull rushes with the minimum ground lost, and doesn’t over-stride his kick-slide so he can redirect to account for inside rushes. Weaknesses Worst traits Consistency Experience Technique vs. speed Lomu is a well-rounded tackle prospect, however he also isn’t a finished product just yet. He still needs to play with greater consistency in pass protection, particularly against speed rushers. Lomu can be a bit prone to lunging or dipping his head against athletic defenders, making it relatively easy for them to slip his blocks. He can also stop his feet against them, which in turn stops his hands, allowing them to take control of the rep. Lomu is a good athlete, but not quite an elite one. That narrows his margins for error, and increases the importance of playing with excellent technique against NFL caliber pass rushers. In particular, he doesn’t quite have the quick, light feet possessed by the best tackle prospects and can appear to lumber a bit on occasion. He’s also a relatively inexperienced tackle as a red-shirt sophomore and has just two years of starting experience. Game Tape (Lomu is the Utah left tackle wearing number 71. This is a condensed game and you will need to skip past Texas Tech’s possessions.) Projection Caleb Lomu projects as a developmental tackle at the NFL level. Lomu’s experience on both sides suggests that he can be developed to be either a left or right tackle at the NFL level. He may only top out as a swing tackle, but even so quality and versatile depth is a valuable thing at the NFL level. Some teams may view Lomu as a potential guard convert thanks to his frame and play strength, however he should be given the opportunity to win a starting job at tackle first. Lomu’s potential starting upside should get him selected by the end of the third round, and he has the potential to be a good value pick for a team with the environment to develop him. Does he fit the Giants? Probably not Final Word: A later Day 2 pick. See More: New York Giants Draft
NY Giants 2026 NFL Draft scouting report: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
2026 NFL Free Agency: Examining the surplus of one-year contracts
Bradley Locker breaks down the trend of young, top free agents receiving one-year contracts in the 2026 free agency cycle. 2026 NFL Free Agency: Examining the surplus of one-year contracts Several young standouts weren’t given lucrative contracts: Rasheed Walker, Rachaad White, Riq Woolen and others didn’t land multi-year commitments in free agency. A drying market based on recent history: NFL teams are growing skeptical of handing out extensive deals over multiple seasons, especially with longer pacts not aging well. 2026 NFL Draft season is here: Try the best-in-class PFF Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2026’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team. Estimated Reading Time: 18 minutes As NFL teams navigate the waters of free agency, they typically search for lodestars that will direct their franchises for years to come. While improving rosters for the upcoming season is important, so too is establishing pieces for multiple campaigns down the line. In the cases of players like Alec Pierce, Tyler Linderbaum, Trey Hendrickson and Jaelan Phillips, organizations did just that. Not only did front offices pay them each upward of $27 million per season, but their new teams also tethered themselves to those players for at least three years (based purely on contractual terms). It’s true that both market-topping names and a slew of other standouts have been rewarded with multi-year commitments in free agency. But a predominant — and interest-piquing — trend has been the plethora of one-year contracts doled out. With the first wave of free agency complete, at least 56 players have inked a pact for just the 2026 season, excluding the three players who were given the franchise tag. That number is inflated by a combination of aging veterans who may only play for one more season (e.g., Khalil Mack, Tony Jefferson), quarterbacks on veteran minimum deals (e.g., Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa) and players who were released prior to the start of the new league year (e.g., Dalvin Tomlinson, Darnell Mooney). All of that feels relatively standard in the context of the last few years of free agency. However, a more stunning development pervading the 2026 market has been the number of both young and touted free agents who have signed one-year contracts. Of those aforementioned 56 players on one-year arrangements, 34 are currently 28 years old or younger. That’s a rather staggering figure, considering that age group tends to be prime territory for receiving more lucrative and/or longer contracts. In some situations, these younger players have witnessed declines in production or usage, which explains why they received a one-year “prove it” contract. But in many others, it’s difficult to entirely understand why their markets were so dry. Consider Rasheed Walker, the top tackle in PFF’s Free-Agent Rankings. While Walker’s 2025 season wasn’t as terrific as his prior work, he still sports a 76.8 career PFF pass-blocking grade. The projected market for a 26-year-old tackle who stays on the field and is strong in pass protection far surpasses the one-year, $4 million contract he signed with the Panthers. Another prime example comes via running back Rachaad White. While not an every-down back for the Buccaneers, White still shined by earning an 87.2 PFF rushing grade in 2025 while contributing in pass protection. Even then, the 27-year-old signed with the Commanders for only one year and $2 million. Along similar lines, it’s understandable why some older yet productive players garnered a contract for just 2026. Even then, the likes of Kevin Byard, Al-Quadin Muhammad and Chidobe Awuzie were worthy of longer contracts based on the effectiveness they showed throughout the bulk of last season. In 2026, perhaps more than ever, the majority of players who didn’t sign on the first day of the legal tampering period proceeded to ink a one-year contract offer. Further, the veterans still available — like Stefon Diggs, Kevin Zeitler and Taylor Decker — will almost assuredly follow suit in the coming weeks and months, with their past pedigrees likely not equating to agreements beyond next season. Subscribe For Full Access Subscribe For Full Access How can this spate of short-term deals be explained? A few theories come to mind. First, the market for non-premium players clearly was not as promising as anticipated. That’s especially true at positions like safety, running back and tackle, where large contracts are either rare or can age poorly. The struggles of high-priced 2025 free agents like Dan Moore Jr., Jevon Holland and Trevon Moehrig likely caused teams to be leery of overpaying at those spots. Moreover, many of these sub-28-year-old players seem content to bet on themselves, parlaying one-year pacts into more money down the line. For someone like Riq Woolen, whose PFF coverage grade sat below 66.0 in 2024 and 2025 after finishing above 74.0 in his first two years, taking a flier with the Eagles makes sense. The same can be said about names looking to stay healthy and play at a more consistently elevated level, such as Jaquan Brisker, Isiah Pacheco and Darnell Mooney. Another school of thought is that front offices are less likely to overcommit resources via free agency, especially considering how badly big paydays can develop. Of the 25 players who inked a deal worth at least $15 million last offseason, just nine garnered at least a 70.0 PFF overall grade while playing at least 500 snaps. A multitude of those names — like Javon Hargrave, Jonathan Allen and Diggs — have already been cut, and it’s fair to assume that teams are waving some caution flags. Of course, both trades and the NFL draft affect the perception of the current free-agent pool. NFL teams have continued to pursue big fish via trade, seeming more willing to part with high capital to acquire game-changing stars rather than adding a more average veteran for a high sum. Likewise, in 2025, 18 rookies were picked outside of the first round but produced at least a 65.0 PFF overall grade while playing 500 or more snaps. From a financial perspective, it’s more sound to
Bengals News (3/19): A.J. Green’s plea to NFL for better mental health support
Bengals legend A.J. Green proposes brilliant idea in his heartwarming tribute to former teammate Rondale MooreHaving known Moore throughout his three-year stint in the league, Green was intimately aware of what the former second-round pick was going through mentally. He had suffered two major knee injuries almost exactly one year apart in 2024 and 2025. […] Bengals legend A.J. Green proposes brilliant idea in his heartwarming tribute to former teammate Rondale Moore Having known Moore throughout his three-year stint in the league, Green was intimately aware of what the former second-round pick was going through mentally. He had suffered two major knee injuries almost exactly one year apart in 2024 and 2025. He entered the 2026 calendar year not having played a game since Jan. 7 of 2024. Quick Hits: Bengals Believe Ryan Rehkow’s Long Bombs Can Turn Into Pro Bowl If … “That’s definitely an area of emphasis so far during this offseason,” said Rehkow Wednesday after a rare offseason gathering of The Operation in a session at the I.E.L Indoor Facility. “That’s going to continue to be it.” Ex-Bengals, Cowboys LB Logan Wilson retires at 29 “After a lot of thought and prayer, I’ve decided to officially retire from the NFL,” Wilson, 29, wrote on Instagram. “From being a Wyoming kid with big dreams to hearing my name called in the 3rd round of the 2020 Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals… football gave me more than I ever could have imagined.” Height, who has an NFL-ready frame at 6-3, had a productive senior season at Texas Tech as he recorded 21 solo tackles and 10 sacks while tacking on two forced fumbles. Height had an unusual collegiate career, as he played meaningful snaps for four different programs in four seasons, starting with Auburn in 2021, USC in 2023, Georgia Tech in 2024, and Texas Tech in 2025. Besides Mafe, they also signed defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and safety Bryan Cook. All three additions look to be impact starters for the Bengals defense, but they still need more. They were the worst defense in the league against the run last year while being one of the worst overall units in football, too. See More: Cincinnati Bengals News
Vikings Re-Signing QB Carson Wentz
In a significant departure from how they handled things last season, it appears that the Minnesota Vikings will have their quarterback room settled well in advance of the 2026 season. According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Vikings are re-signing quarterback Carson Wentz, presumably to fill out their quarterback room alongside J.J. McCarthy […] In a significant departure from how they handled things last season, it appears that the Minnesota Vikings will have their quarterback room settled well in advance of the 2026 season. According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Vikings are re-signing quarterback Carson Wentz, presumably to fill out their quarterback room alongside J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray. The Vikings signed Wentz just before the start of the 2025 season and wound up putting him into the starting lineup in Week 3 following McCarthy suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2. Wentz then started the next five games for the Vikings, leading the team to a 2-3 record in those games. He ended up suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in the team’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8, a game in which he took as much of a beating as any Vikings’ quarterback has taken in recent memory. In his five starts in 2025, Wentz completed 65% of his passes for 1,216 yards and threw six touchdown passes to five interceptions. As Pelissero mentions, with Wentz back in the fold, the Vikings quarterback room now has three players who were top ten overall draft picks. Murray was the #1 overall pick in 2019, Wentz was the #2 overall selection in 2016, and the Vikings took McCarthy at #10 overall in 2024. What do you think of the Vikings bringing back Carson Wentz, folks? Let us know what you think in the comments! See More:
Lions LB Damone Clark praises Kelvin Sheppard, knows he won’t play favorites
New Lions linebacker Damone Clark’s arrival in Detroit is anything but a surprise. Detroit needed depth after several linebackers left for free agency, and Clark’s connection to Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard was obvious. Back when Clark played for the purple and gold at LSU, Sheppard was the program’s director of player personnel. That LSU […] New Lions linebacker Damone Clark’s arrival in Detroit is anything but a surprise. Detroit needed depth after several linebackers left for free agency, and Clark’s connection to Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard was obvious. Back when Clark played for the purple and gold at LSU, Sheppard was the program’s director of player personnel. That LSU bond never breaks, and when it comes to Clark and Sheppard, it’s only expanded since they both found their way to the NFL in their respective roles. “I keep in touch with him, obviously just to sharpen my game,” Clark said of Sheppard during his introductory press conference on Wednesday. “My biggest thing with me, I always want to get better. I don’t want to stay the same. And he tells me when I’m doing good things, he tells me when I need to work on things, and that’s all part of it. I’m a sponge, I want to learn as much as I can, because I know the player that I can be and I know the player that I want to be.” Clark is looking for his career to take the next step after he’s hit a bit of a plateau. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 draft, Clark managed to beat the odds and quickly find his way on the field. He started five games in his rookie season and was the full-time, 17-game starter with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023. He was reduced to a reserve role the following year, and when regime change hit Dallas in 2025, he was waived and picked up by the Houston Texans, where he played almost entirely as a four-core special teamer. “My role last year decreased on the defensive side, but it increased on the special teams side, and that’s okay,” Clark said. “Like I say, every morning I wake up, and I just thank god for the opportunity, because I got homeboys and people back at the crib that would do anything just to be on practice squad, something like that. So, you have to make the most of every opportunity and put that in the forefront of your mind, that guys wish to be in this position.” Looking to Detroit, he sees an opportunity to compete and an opportunity to grow. And that starts with working alongside Sheppard, who Clark has seen develop Detroit’s linebacker room into a point of strength. “You’re seeing guys that Shep has coached and developed, like, who wouldn’t want that to be them?” Clark said. “Who wouldn’t want that to be them, just to get that opportunity to get that coaching. And you go out on Sundays, you’re out there flying around, making plays. That makes yourself proud, it makes your family proud, but it also makes your coaches proud, too.” But Clark knows everything still needs to be earned. One thing he’s always loved about Sheppard is his ability to talk straight with you. He knows that just because he and Sheppard go way back, the Lions’ defensive coordinator won’t be playing favorites. “There’s no homeboys in this business,” Clark said. “Like, you need to come in here, put your head down, and go to work, and the best man will win.” See More:
Discussion: What are your thoughts on Lions GM Brad Holmes’ free agency strategy?
We’re now well over a week into 2026 NFL free agency, and the Detroit Lions’ approach to this stage of roster building has been relatively clear. As usual, Lions general manager Brad Holmes has not been getting into any bidding wars for players, he’s tried to find some additions on good deals, and he hasn’t […] We’re now well over a week into 2026 NFL free agency, and the Detroit Lions’ approach to this stage of roster building has been relatively clear. As usual, Lions general manager Brad Holmes has not been getting into any bidding wars for players, he’s tried to find some additions on good deals, and he hasn’t been very aggressive in finding trade partners to fill needs. He’s been much more tortoise than hare, taking the slow and steady approach. None of that has been particularly surprising, given that’s how Holmes has operated most free agency periods he’s been here. He’ll potentially go big in one signing—as you could argue he did with center Cade Mays’ three-year, $25 million deal—but he won’t go much beyond that. If there’s one relatively drastic change Holmes made this offseason, it came with his actions on internal free agents. During his time with Detroit—the first overhaul offseason excluded—Holmes has re-signed nearly a dozen free agents each offseason. This year, that counter is at just four, excluding the lay-up decision to re-sign players on ERFA tenders. Instead, Holmes has focused his efforts on external free agents. The Lions are up to 10 new additions via free agency (not including Juice Scruggs, who was acquired in a trade). By this time last year, they were only at seven external free agents, eight in 2024, and nine in 2023. And there are likely a few more signings to come, even as early as this week. So today’s Question of the Day is: What are your thoughts on the Lions’ free agency strategy so far? My answer: First of all, I would certainly prefer my team’s general manager to be more selective than aggressive in free agency, and I think Holmes has a good enough track record to believe that some of Detroit’s 10 additions will significantly outplay their contract. Just last year, he did that with Rock Ya-Sin, Grant Stuard, Roy Lopez, and Avonte Maddox. In 2024, it was Amik Robertson, Kevin Zeitler, and Jake Bates who were all big free agency steals—and the Carlton Davis trade was certainly a positive for his year in Detroit. Additionally, the Lions’ clear focus on getting younger is something I believe was not only smart but necessary. At some point, there had to be a churning of the old guard, and while it was initially a shock to the system to see the team move on from Graham Glasgow, Taylor Decker, Alex Anzalone, David Montgomery, and Kalif Raymond all in one season, it’s easy to see why Detroit did all of those moves individually. Getting younger means not only getting cheaper and maneuvering in a tightening salary cap, but also injecting the roster with some youthful spirit and serious chips on their shoulder. Still, it felt like this team needed some sort of show-stopping move. Not because they need to create buzz or because headlines are worth anything this time of year. It just felt like this team needed one big piece—particularly on defense—to really elevate the team and believe they could see some forward momentum in 2026. There are still so many questions with this roster, mostly on defense. I know cap space was limited and Holmes prefers those blue-chip players to be added through the draft, but this tweet from Wednesday just cut me to my core a little bit. Sometimes it feels like Holmes is a bit scared when it comes to the pro personnel additions. Sure, that aggression turns up during draft season, but I wouldn’t mind seeing him make one bold move or two during free agency. This isn’t a call for Maxx Crosby or a record-breaking contract to Tyler Linderbaum. There’s a middle ground between aggressive and reckless that I believe Holmes has shown he’s mostly unwilling to try. Also, come on. Let’s get at least a little serious at edge. Add a starting-level one, and I’ll shut up. What are your thoughts on the Lions’ overall free agent strategy? Share your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of this page. See More:
Giants news, 3/19: Darnell Mooney impact, latest NFL power rankings
Good morning, New York Giants fans! From Big Blue View Other Giant observations The Giants reshaped their roster under new coach John Harbaugh. They’re now bigger and more physical, and they should be significantly improved on special teams. There weren’t a lot of big splashes (no deal at or over $15 million per season), but there were a lot of moves. The Giants have already added 11 new players. Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor really wanted to remain in New York. In fact, a source told ESPN he turned more money down elsewhere. “I wanted to be back here. I didn’t really want to go anywhere else,” Eluemunor said. The Giants spent the first few hours of free agency desperately trying to get it done. A look at Andrew Thomas’ 2025 season Win-now? Rebuild? What NFL teams’ initial free agency moves revealed | The Athletic Rebuild: The John Harbaugh-led Giants are probably a 12 personnel team, forecast by the signing of his former tight end in Baltimore, Isaiah Likely — who joins forces with an already talented offensive line and another tight end, Theo Johnson. They are in building mode around quarterback Jaxson Dart, whose run-pass ability combines well with a 12 personnel passing game. Most interesting move: Signing fullback Patrick Ricard to a two-year deal also gives the Giants 21 personnel flexibility. Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, Deebo Samuel’s Top NFL Landing Spots as Jaylen Waddle Traded to Broncos | Bleacher Report A player like Setfon Diggs, in particular, could really help the Giants out. He did a terrific job as the No. 1 target for Drake Maye, who blossomed in his second season with a new head coach. Dart’s sophomore campaign probably won’t go as well as Maye’s did, but new head coach John Harbaugh and a deeper group of pass-catchers would help him become the quarterback New York bet on by trading up in the 2025 draft to select him at No. 25 overall. 2026 NFL Free Agency: 8 boom-or-bust signings | PFF TE Isaiah Likely, New York Giants His performance peaked in 2024, when he earned a solid 77.1 PFF receiving grade playing alongside Mark Andrews under Harbaugh in Baltimore. His 30 career missed tackles forced are the 12th most among tight ends since 2022, despite his ranking 28th in targets. Likely’s future production, though, requires plenty of projection. He’s yet to finish a regular season with at least 60 targets or 500 receiving yards. 2024 was the only season in which he notched at least a 70.0 PFF receiving grade. He missed the first three games of this past season with a broken foot, which clearly hindered him throughout the year. Likely’s role will also be in question, as he’s played just 835 snaps as an inline tight end in his career. That pales in comparison to his 1,393 snaps as a wide receiver. His skill set likely means that Theo Johnson will still play a big role in Matt Nagy’s offense. Likely will also have to justify those alignments by putting up near-elite receiving production at the position. The most fun, useful and curious Giants free-agent moves | New York Post The whirlwind of the first few days of NFL free agency came and went last week, and the Giants played their part in adding to the player movement frenzy. Giants legend: Drafting a RB in Top 5 can save team faster than any QB Pick — and he has a name | NJ.com When Jeremiah Love’s name surfaced as a potential target, Simms didn’t flinch: “I think that when you draft a running back that high, they can turn your team around probably faster than the quarterback can,” said Simms. “You want to change your team quickly, a running back can do it just about as fast as any player in the team,” he said. “(That and a) big-time pass rusher are the two guys that I kind of say that about.” Vega Ioane heard the roar from the home crowd and immediately thought they were celebrating a Penn State touchdown run by his teammate, running back Kaytron Allen. What he did not realize: Allen’s run had only gone for eight yards and that raucous cheer in the second quarter of an October 2024 game inside Beaver Stadium was actually for him. Around the league Eagles acquire QB Andy Dalton from Panthers in exchange for 2027 seventh-round pick | Bleeding Green Nation Raiders’ Crosby on nixed trade: ‘I am where I’m supposed to be’ | ESPN.com Tony Jefferson remains with Chargers | Pro Football Talk George Kittle details fractured relationship between Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers as breakup remains imminent | CBSSports.com NFLPA elects JC Tretter as executive director 8 months after he resigned from union | The Athletic BBV mailbag Have a Giants-related question? E-mail it to [email protected] and it might be featured in our weekly mailbag. BBV on X: Follow @BigBlueView | Ed Valentine: @Valentine_Ed | Threads: @ed.valentine Bluesky: @edvalentine BBV on Facebook: Click here to like the Big Blue View Facebook page BBV on YouTube: Subscribe to the Big Blue View YouTube channel BBV on Instagram: Click here to follow our Instagram page See More: New York Giants News
Fantasy Football Rookie Landing Spots: Best fits for each position after NFL free agency
Nathan Jahnke details the best fantasy football team fits for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends after NFL free agency. Fantasy Football Rookie Landing Spots: Best fits for each position after NFL free agency The Tennessee Titans need an offensive weapon: The Titans have the fourth overall pick in the draft, and will ideally select a running back or wide receiver to help Cam Ward. The Cleveland Browns need at least one wide receiver: The Browns had the lowest graded wide receiver room last season and haven’t made any changes to the room yet. 2026 NFL Draft season is here: Try the best-in-class PFF Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2026’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team. Get 25% off your PFF+ annual subscription with code PFFFANTASYPODCAST25. Estimated Reading Time: 18 minutes The bulk of free agency that impacts fantasy football has come and gone, and most of the obvious team needs have been filled. The majority of teams that needed a quarterback or running back either made a trade or added a free agent to fill that need. There was minimal movement at tight end, leaving every team with either their same receiving tight end from last season or a new one from free agency. A few teams that needed a wide receiver found a free agent, but with a deep draft class, most teams have opted to wait for the draft. Regardless of the position, here are the teams that are most likely to draft a quarterback, running back, wide receiver or tight end and how good that landing spot would be for fantasy purposes. Opportunity for playing time and touches was weighed more heavily than potential new teammates. Running Back The Titans have spent the last two seasons using a two-man backfield of Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. The duo finished in the bottom half of the league in terms of team offensive grade at running back each of those seasons. Both players are in the final year of their contract. If the Titans invest heavily enough in a running back in the draft, then either Pollard or Spears could be released for some cap savings with minimal dead money. The Titans also changed coaching staffs this offseason, further suggesting the team might want to go in another direction at running back. The Titans have the fourth pick in the draft, putting them in a prime position to select Jeremiyah Love. Other teams that had a top-10 pick and needed a running back already addressed the position in free agency. 2. Cincinnati Bengals Most teams had a running back with at least a 77.0 PFF offensive grade, at least an 81.0 PFF run grade, recently invested a first or second round draft pick on a running back, or added a new running back in free agency or through a trade. The only exceptions are the Titans and the Bengals. Chase Brown has been the Bengals’ lead running back and has been very successful from a fantasy perspective. He’s finished among the top five running backs in receptions and receiving touchdowns each of the last two seasons, but his receiving grade has been on the decline each year. While the Bengals like him, a good young running back would be capable of winning the job and seeing similar, or even better, fantasy production. Cincinnati made no changes to its backups. Samaje Perine has been the third-down back and will turn 31 years old before the season. His playing time rose as the season progressed. Tahj Brooks was the third-string running back, but Cincinnati only ever trusted him on offense when one of the other running backs was injured. A rookie should be able to earn the primary backup job on early downs. If he’s playing well enough or if Brown suffers an injury, then they will have a chance to start. 3. Seattle Seahawks The Seahawks had a two-man committee of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet last season. Walker left for the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency, while Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in January and didn’t have surgery until February. That puts his return timeline between late October and December, and he might not be at 100% even when he’s able to play. The Seahawks’ only free-agent addition was Emanuel Wilson, the former backup for the Green Bay Packers. They have plenty of other options, including Kenny McIntosh, George Holani, Cam Akers and Velus Jones Jr., but it’s possible a rookie could beat out all of them for the Week 1 starting role. If they play well enough, they could remain a large part of the offense, similar to Walker, even when Charbonnet is back. 4. Indianapolis Colts The Colts have struggled to find a backup for Jonathan Taylor in recent seasons. Zack Moss, Trey Sermon, Tyler Goodson and Ameer Abdullah are the top four running backs in snaps outside of Taylor in the last three seasons, and all four are free agents. Last season, they took swings at D.J. Giddens and Khalil Herbert, but ended up with 32-year-old Abdullah as the backup. Currently, Giddens and Ulysses Bentley IV are the only other running backs on the roster. Any rookie drafted in the first four rounds would immediately land second on the depth chart. Taylor has missed time in three of the last four seasons and has run over 300 times each of the last two years. There is a solid chance Taylor will miss at least some time next season due to an injury, in which case the backup will be playing behind one of the better run-blocking offensive lines. Several teams signed free agent running backs who could arguably still need a running back, but they would be part of three or four-man committees. There are also a few other teams with a clear need for a backup, including the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders. The Falcons are the best landing spot among the
Colts reportedly add WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, LB Akeem Davis-Gaither in free agency
According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, the Indianapolis Colts have made two more free agent signings, inking former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither to new deals: Regarding Westbrook-Ikhine, the former undrafted free agent out of IU initially began his career as a member of the Tennessee Titans (2020-24), but […] According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, the Indianapolis Colts have made two more free agent signings, inking former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither to new deals: Regarding Westbrook-Ikhine, the former undrafted free agent out of IU initially began his career as a member of the Tennessee Titans (2020-24), but spent last season with the Miami Dolphins. Now 28-years-old, Westbrook-Ikhine has 137 receptions for 1,862 total receiving yards and 19 touchdown receptions during 93 career games (42 starts). For the Dolphins last season, he had 11 receptions for 89 total receiving yards in 15 games (3 starts). Per PFF, he earned a +51.5 overall grade this past season. He was released this early offseason by Miami, entering the 2nd-year of a $6.5 million deal he originally signed in March of 2025. Of course, Westbrook-Ikhine’s best career season came during that prior contract year, when in 2024, he had 32 receptions for 497 total receiving yards and 9 touchdown receptions for the Titans during 17 games (9 starts). While Westbrook-Ikhine could ultimately be a positional depth signing for Indianapolis, the 6,’2”, 210 pound wideout also gives the Colts a potential starting WR2 along the outside to help replace departed veteran Michael Pittman Jr., who was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He offers some size and the ability to separate vertically. Meanwhile, Davis-Gaither is a former 2020 4th round pick of Cincinnati Bengals, where he previously played for Colts veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo in the ‘Land of Skyline Chili’ from 2020-24. He spent last season as a member of the Arizona Cardinals. Similar to Westbrook-Ikhine, he was released by the Cardinals entering the 2nd-year year of an $11 million contract signed with the Cardinals in March of 2025. The 28-year-old veteran linebacker has 321 tackles (173 solo), 9 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 16 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries during 88 career games (24 starts). He’s coming off a 2025 season for the Cardinals in which he had 117 tackles (51 solo), 2 tackles for loss, an interception, 5 passes defensed, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 17 games (13 starts). Per PFF, he earned a +49.9 overall grade this past season, with his best grade being a +66.9 run defense grade. With the Colts having two starting linebacker holes defensively, with veteran captain Zaire Franklin being traded to Green Bay and fellow veteran Germaine Pratt still a free agent—and no viable internal replacements, Davis-Gaither provides the Colts at least a potential starting linebacker option, and at the very least, experienced positional depth for next season. See More: Indianapolis Colts Free Agency
Post Free Agency Las Vegas Raiders Mock Draft
The Raiders put in work during free agency, adding talent to revamp their linebacker core and add more impact players to the receiver room, defensive line, and also helped to retain cornerback Eric Stokes. The Raiders will continue to address their roster with veterans this off-season in adding depth to the roster but the biggest […] The Raiders put in work during free agency, adding talent to revamp their linebacker core and add more impact players to the receiver room, defensive line, and also helped to retain cornerback Eric Stokes. The Raiders will continue to address their roster with veterans this off-season in adding depth to the roster but the biggest move forward will be the 2026 NFL Draft where Las Vegas can add a multitude of talent to the roster. The Raiders had a decent 2025 draft class where rookies Ashton Jeanty, Jack Bech, Darien Porter, Tonka Hemingway, and Caleb Rogers made an impact along with developmental projects in Charles Grant, JJ Pegues, and Dont’e Thornton showing some strides. Round 1, Pick 1: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana I don’t think I really need to explain this one, but Mendoza is the clear cut pick for the Raiders 1st overall. A year removed from his Heisman campaign where he logged a 71% completion rate, 3536 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, Mendoza will come to Las Vegas as the teams likely next franchise QB. *TRADE: Raiders receive pick 41, 72, and 221 from the Bengals, for picks 36 & 117* In a similar trade to what GM John Spytek did last season, the Raiders trade down from their second rounder to add additional selections in the second and third rounds, which for a rebuilding team is crucial to continually add quality talent Round 2, Pick 41 (via CIN): DT Gracen Halton, Oklahoma Halton is slightly undersized at 6’2, 295 but he’s extremely athletic, quick, and plays with a violent first step. Halton has risen quickly, and Las Vegas is going to look to add more on their interior. While not big enough to be a nose tackle, Halton shows elite traits as a pass rusher and is also a good run defender with his natural leverage, first step quickness, and lower body strength. He’s posted a 4.83 40, 1.7 10-split, 38 1/2 vert, and 9-06 broad while also having an 11% pass rush win rate in 2025 and 12% run stop win rate. Halton had 33 tackles, 7 TFL, and 3.5 sacks with 2 FF in 2025 along with 30 pressures, 19 stops, and 4 fumble recoveries. Halton has experience playing inside on a 3-4, but the flexibility to work outside also. Las Vegas has Thomas Booker, Tyree Wilson, Jonah Laulu, and Tonka Hemingway but Halton would provide an athletic burst that can work against the run and pass for their defense while also having the ability to line up at nose tackle (170 snaps), 2 tech, 3 tech, and 100 snaps at five tech. Round 3, Pick 67: OT Gennings Dunker, Iowa Dunker has a 6’5, 320 pound frame and his pre draft process has done a ton for his draft stock. Dunker posted a 1.84 10-split, 32 1/2 vert, and 9-0 broad along with 33 1/2 arms. The 22 year old has a natural fit at right tackle with 2000+ snaps on the right side, and he’s played well over the last two seasons with just 4 sacks and 23 pressures allowed. Dunker does need some time to develop his technique, refine footwork, and become a consistent blocker, though he’s shown an elite run blocking set that will work and translate to a zone system for the Raiders. He’ll turn 23 in May, but Dunker is a player Las Vegas can build around on their offensive line. Round 3, Pick 72 (via CIN): SAF Genesis Smith, Arizona The Raiders one key aspect that wasn’t addressed in the off-season, so far at least, has been safety where Las Vegas desperately needs to add a playmaker in their secondary. Smith, 6’2, 204-pounds has been a true ball hawk safety for Arizona with five interceptions, 15 pass breakups, and another four forced fumbles in his 37 games through the last three seasons. Smith is a fluid mover, has good size for the position, and overall does well working both back and forwards. The 22 year old has allowed just 43 receptions for 613 yards, and three touchdowns along with a 77.5 QBR over the last two seasons while playing a traditional two high safety and working at centerfield safety as well. Smith will need to clean up his tackling, with a 20% missed mark over his career, but he’s young and shows the instincts, coverage traits, and athleticism to be a productive free safety at the NFL level. Round 4, Pick 102: WR Bryce Lance, North Dakota State The brother of Chargers QB, and former top five selection, Trey Lance, Bryce has been sensational during the pre draft process and in his final season with the Bison. The 6’3, 205 pound receiver ran a 4.34 40 with a 1.53 10-split, and also posted a 41 1/2 vertical and 11-01 broad. There’s no denying the athletic abilities of Lance, and the 22 year old has been massively successful over his last two seasons with 2155 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 127 receptions on 170 targets with just 5 drops. Lance is a fluid route runner, shows strong hands and contested catch ability (62% in career), while also having the ability to be a true YAC threat. The Raiders drafted Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton in 2025, with Bech having a chance to impact the Raiders in 2026 and Thornton has struggled through his time with coming to NFL speed. Lance would add another boundary receiver with Jalen Nailor and Tre Tucker, helping Las Vegas have a true X receiver and back shoulder threat for Mendoza. Round 4, Pick 134: CB Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin Demmings has been one of my
