NEW YORK — Major League Baseball proposed limiting free-agent signings to several weeks in December and then from early February on each offseason along with a trade ban during the gap in-between, a plan aimed at creating more of an offseason transaction flurry similar to those in the NFL and NBA.
The plan offered to the players’ association is contingent on adoption of the salary cap system MLB proposed in May, which the union has vowed never to accept.
“A cap-and-floor system would unlock additional opportunities to improve the game for players and fans, creating more stability in rosters, getting the best players to the major leagues more quickly, and accelerating the pace of the offseason,” MLB spokesman Glen Caplin said in a statement. “In our current economic system, these changes would be too harmful to competitive balance and would not be practical.”
Union head Bruce Meyer immediately criticized the plan.
“Their latest proposals regarding free agency would eliminate player rights by establishing an artificial free agency window, subject to a salary cap, which would reduce player leverage and create a game of musical chairs pitting player vs. player,” he said in a statement. “The suggestion that the only way to limit roster churn, or incentivize earlier free agent signings is with a salary cap is entirely unserious.”
Management’s prior cap proposal led to a 7 1/2-month strike in 1994-95 and the first cancellation of the World Series in 90 years.
Under the current rules, players can become free agents starting the day after the World Series but may not negotiate money terms with new teams until the end of the “quiet period” at 5 p.m. Eastern time on the fifth day after the World Series ends.
MLB proposed extending the quiet period until noon Eastern on the Monday of the winter meetings, usually held in early December. Management said the additional time would be needed for revenue and salary cap figures to be finalized ahead of the business season.
MLB would allow negotiations during the quiet period but would not permit any contracts to be finalized.
Free agents could sign through 5 p.m. Eastern on Dec. 21 and then wouldn’t be allowed to until noon Eastern on the first Monday in February, just ahead of spring training.
“In the draft, we used to have no signing limitation. We’ve all seen what that’s done to player values in the draft, which has dramatically cut in at least half the value of drafted players,” agent Scott Boras said. “It’s just another attempt to apply something like that to free-agent major league players. It doesn’t help the game, doesn’t help the competitiveness of the game. The only thing it does, it reduces the value of players in the market. It doesn’t allow evaluation, reflection, adjustment for the teams that don’t sign a particular player.”
During the December-to-February period in which players would not be allowed to sign, there would be a prohibition on trades, similar to the current ban from early August through the end of the postseason.
MLB proposed to cap spending in 2027 at $245.3 million, using figures for luxury tax payrolls that include $20.1 million for benefits and the pre-arbitration bonus pool. It also would establish a payroll floor of $171.2 million, forcing some teams to spend more.
Free-agent eligible players would be limited to deals of $265 million and six years. Under the current rules, outfielder Juan Soto negotiated a record 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets after the 2024 season.
“MLB expressly conditioned these proposals on the players’ agreement to a salary cap system, which would drastically reduce overall player compensation, eliminate fully guaranteed contracts through escrow, and turn back the clock on fundamental player rights,” Meyer said of the plan.
MLB also proposed lowering the maximum in-season options to the minor leagues from five to four and adopting a system of weekly rosters. Teams would be allowed 14 pitchers, up from the current limit of 13 when the 26-man roster limit is in effect from the season’s start through Aug. 31.
Players have proposed optional assignments be cut to three.
“The league is not interested in any changes that don’t directly reduce the rights of all players and shift leverage to the owners,” Meyer said.
Teams would be limited to making callups from the minors and demotions to the period after Sunday’s games and before Monday’s contests, with exceptions for injured list decisions and moves to replace those who got hurt.
Option and injured list periods would be changed from 10 days to one week for position players and from 15 days to two weeks for pitchers, but those periods would start with the first full week after a player goes on the IL. For instance, a pitcher going on the IL or optioned on a Wednesday would have to spend at least 19 days on the IL: the five remaining days that week plus an additional 14 days.
MLB proposed what currently is the 60-day IL, which doesn’t count against the 40-man roster, increase to 12 weeks.
MLB would drop the period by one year for having to protect a player from the Rule 5 draft, to the fourth draft for players who signed their initial contract under age 20 and to three for those 20 and over at the time of their first deal.
Management would allow players selected in the draft to be optioned. Under the current rule, a selected player must be offered back to his former team before he can be assigned to the minors.
After a long rehab from a torn Achilles tendon, Giants running back Najee Harris may finally return to game action tonight.
Harris is expected to play tonight against the Jets, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
Harris was playing for the Chargers last season when he tore his Achilles tendon in Week Three, ending his season.
Before signing with the Chargers last season, Harris played four seasons for the Steelers, and ran for at least 1,000 yards in all four of them, while never missing a game. The Giants would love to see that version of Harris back on the field this season.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 27: Wide receiver Luke Floriea #81 of the Cleveland Browns scores a touchdown against cornerback Kindle Vildor #28 of the New England Patriots in the first quarter of a preseason game at Huntington Bank Field on August 27, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The worst position group for the Cleveland Browns last year was arguably the wide receiver group. GM Andrew Berry took on the assignment to improve this group and get them out of the hole of being ranked #32 last year. In case you are scoring at home, that is dead last.
Each NFL club usually retains five or six receivers. For the Browns, Jerry Jeudy and the two rookies are a lock. The coaching staff really likes the development of Isaiah Bond. That leaves two spots.
Floriea was signed to a reserve/futures deal in January. Jamari Thrash and Corley were tendered in March. Wallace came to Cleveland during the free agency period. Undrafted rookies Aaron Anderson and Kole Wilson were inked right after the draft.
Anderson and Thrash ended up injured and were waived with an injury designation. Undrafted rookie Ben Patterson was then signed to fill the void.
The Ohio kid
Back to Floriea, which is pronounced as “Flo-REE-uh.” He is an Ohio player. He grew up in Mentor, Ohio, and attended Mentor High School, where he played basketball and football despite only being 5’-8” tall and weighing 179 pounds. Floriea was an exceptional basketball player, playing 101 contests and averaging 11.5 points a game, 2.7 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 4.4 assists. 22 times in his final three seasons, he was named the “Player of the Game.”
In football, he played receiver and ran a 4.48 in the 40 with a vertical leap of 32”. As a senior, he had 52 receptions for 939 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was named Second Team All-Ohio, First Team All-District, and First Team All-County. He was listed as a three-star recruit. Athletics run in the family, as his sister Paige was a track star.
He had plenty of offers, but chose Kent State.
His career totals are 48 games played, 100 receptions for 1,321 yards, 12 TDs, a 13.2 yards-per-reception average, and four rushes for 23 yards with a single score. Floriea was also a return man with seven kickoffs for a 17.8 yards-per-return average, plus 21 punt returns with an average of 7.6 yards per return.
After his junior and senior seasons, Floriea was named First Team All-MAC and received a Hula Bowl invite. As a senior, he caught 44 receptions for 699 yards with seven touchdowns. He ranked fifth in the conference in yards per catch (15.9).
The sixth and final receiver spot on the Browns’ roster is up for grabs. Last year, Floriea was a bubble guy as well, was waived, and then spent the year on Cleveland’s practice squad.
Versus the Patriots
Going into the final preseason game with the New England Patriots, it was made known that the starters weren’t going to play, and this contest was for the bottom third of the roster to prove that they deserved a roster spot.
Like Floriea.
Against New England, Floriea was lined up with the second team. The final catch of the first drive impressed.
Cleveland had driven down to New England’s seven-yard line with a first-and-goal. Rocket Sanders had gotten most of the yardage to finally get the offense down close. With Dillon Gabriel at quarterback, he found Floriea who had come from the left slot to the right flats, alone at the 9-yard line.
He then headed to the right pylon despite three defenders bearing down on him. Staying in-bounds by inches, he fought his way to the pylon for the game’s first touchdown with CB Kindle Vildor and S John Saunders all over him.
It wasn’t the crossing route, or getting wide open, or his decision to turn upfield, or his speed. It was the fight to get into the end zone for points that was the most impressive.
Make that two touchdowns in two weeks.
On the next possession, the pass was to WR Greg Larvadain with 7:31 left in the first quarter. Larvadain caught the ball while Floriea then walled off his man, which gave the receiver an extra six yards on the completed pass. It’s plays like this that don’t show up on the stat sheet.
Let’s discuss his second touchdown of the game.
The Browns drove down to New England’s fourteen-yard line. Dillon in shotgun, with Floriea now as the right slot receiver. He did a right juke, then immediately cut to the inside and headed towards the left center of the end zone. He pretty much shrugged off his man, CB Marcellas Dial, but still had a safety man deep. The pass hit him perfectly at the seven-yard line with two steps now on Dial.
His speed got him to the three as S Dell Pettus approached, Floriea gave him a right-turn head bob. This caused Pettus to pause, which gave Floriea a millisecond. Then the two met at the one with a fight to cross the goal line.
Yes, both scores were against the Patriots’ second-team defense. We get that. However, receivers have the job of catching passes and trying to score. Floriea is doing both. He doesn’t drop balls. He doesn’t throw his arms up when he doesn’t make a contested catch. He accepts incompletions. He runs crisp routes. He sells his fakes. He does his job.
This year, it just seems different for Floriea. His routes have more meaning. He is giving extra deception and is selling it more.
I’ll be completely honest: What you saw from Luke Floriea tonight is what we see every day in practice. He consistently gets open, makes plays, works hard and is a great teammate.
This isn’t a feel-good story anymore. I talked about him last year, and he continues to produce.… https://t.co/yL72FhBOJm
— Lance Reisland (Coach Riz) (@LanceReisland) August 28, 2026
Take Floriea’s touchdown-not-touchdown in the second quarter. The throw was bad and died heading towards the ground. Yet Floriea made the effort with both hands and was one inch away from his third touchdown of the game. In fact, the initial call was touchdown, but the replay showed a small skip off the turf.
Is it enough?
Patterson did some good things in the Patriots game, including the 52-yard gain and leading all receivers. He seems destined for the practice squad. Larvadain has had a roller coaster in training camp as well as in preseason games. That might become two down.
Sources: Former #Jets WR Malachi Corley is signing with the #Browns.
I’m told Corley had multiple opportunities on the open market, and ultimately chose Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/bHXDWo8MGn
Corley is a guy who failed to wow anybody in preseason, but the coaching staff loves him. He offered more as a complete player last year, even though that was with another staff. But he has a lot of potential, has genuine juice, and came from a college program that was on full throttle every game on offense. He is a weapon once he catches the ball and is an above-average kickoff returner, adding to his versatility. The last receivers on the depth chart usually have to also play on punt and kick coverage units as well, something Corley has experience with.
What do you think about Floriea’s chances of making the roster? Should the Browns choose WR talent over special teams contributions to keep the Mentor native?
The moment came during Amazon Prime Video’s broadcast of the Cleveland Browns’ preseason game against the New England Patriots. As the broadcast returned from a commercial break, the camera showed an aerial view of Cleveland, Ohio, with Lake Erie in the background.
Michaels, 81, used the shot to reference Trump’s executive order, which he signed earlier Thursday directing the federal government to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America” for federal purposes. The move came as tensions with Canada over a trade deal continue to escalate.
“That is Lake Erie. We think it is still called Lake Erie. We’re not quite sure at this point,” Michaels said. “But we’ll be by Lake something like Ontario or whatever it’s going to be called by the time we get to Buffalo [for Week 1].”
Michaels added, “Anyway, you know what I’m talking about. Some of you do. Read the news.”
Al Michaels took a not-so-subtle jab at President Donald Trump during Thursday night’s NFL preseason broadcast, joking about the president’s decision to rename Lake Ontario 'Lake America' (Getty)
His broadcast partner, Kirk Herbstreit, 57, appeared to stay out of the joke, responding only with a brief “Some of us do [know about the name change].”
The joke came just hours after Trump signed the executive order renaming Lake Ontario. The change applies to U.S. federal usage and does not change what the lake is called in Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected the name change, saying the lake’s name is more than 400 years old and predates both the founding of Canada and the U.S.
Carney said on X that Canadians would continue to call it Lake Ontario “then, now and always.” Other Canadian officials, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, also dismissed Trump’s move.
Trump’s executive order directs the Interior Department to update the federal Geographic Names Information System, and requires US agencies to use ‘Lake America’ (Reuters)
Ford wrote on X, ‘It’s Lake Ontario to Canadians and the rest of the world. Now and forever,” while Houston said, “It’s Lake Ontario, buddy.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul, whose state borders the lake, likewise rejected the new name, saying, “New York won’t be calling it that.”
Trump’s executive order directs the U.S. Interior Department to update the federal Geographic Names Information System and requires federal agencies to use “Lake America,” but it does not have authority over Canada or other countries, international organizations or private entities.
Trump's order is the latest in a series of geographic name changes pursued by his administration. In 2025, Trump directed the federal government to use “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico,” while his administration also restored the name Mount McKinley for Alaska’s Denali.
Michaels has been Amazon Prime Video’s lead Thursday Night Football play-by-play announcer since 2022, working alongside Herbstreit. He is a legendary broadcaster best known for his famous “Miracle on Ice” call at the 1980 Winter Olympics.
The Independent has contacted the White House and Amazon Prime Video for comment.
Sunday, August 30 features an exciting MLB tripleheader on NBC and Peacock. First, at 12:00 PM ET, the Miami Marlins face the Washington Nationals in the MLB Sunday Leadoff game. Then, at 3:00 PM, the Houston Astros take on the New York Mets at Citi Field. Later, at 7:00 PM, Sunday Night Baseball heads to Wrigley Field as the Cincinnati Reds go head-to-head with the Chicago Cubs. See below for additional information on how to watch each game.
2016 Cubs World Series champion Anthony Rizzo and 1990 NL All-Star pitcher Jeff Brantley join play-by-play voice Jason Benetti on the call for Sunday's Reds vs Cubs game.
Ahmed Fareed will host the pregame show alongside Joey Votto, who will also provide “Inside the Pitch” commentary from the batter’s perspective during the game.
MLB Sunday Leadoff is a weekly Major League Baseball showcase featuring live Sunday daytime games. It highlights marquee matchups throughout the regular season and streams primarily on Peacock, with some games also airing across NBC Sports and NBC.
MLB Sunday Night Baseball is a weekly primetime Major League Baseball showcase, featuring marquee matchups each Sunday night during the regular season. The games air on NBC and Peacock and anchor NBC Sports’ Sunday night programming lineup.
NBC Sports will also stream one out-of-market game each day of the 2026 MLB season nationally on Peacock. Telemundo Deportes will present all NBCUniversal-produced MLB games in Spanish, with Universo televising all games broadcast on NBC.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You’ll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC and Bravo hits for whatever suits your mood.
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Due to territorial blackout restrictions, select regular season, special event, and Postseason games may be unavailable on Peacock. Television territory blackout restrictions apply regardless of whether a Club is home or away and regardless of whether a game is televised in that Club's home television territory. For more information, visit Peacock’s Help Center.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 11: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball during an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hello all! Fantasy football is back for yet another year! Can you believe it? The NFL has been given the go-ahead for another season! This plucky upstart of a league may just make it after all. And as long as the NFL is still churning out football games, I’ll have my drafting tiers for all of you fake footballers. There is plenty of drafting software out there now that can help when you sit down to pick your team, but will they be FREE like my tiers? Will they! No. They probably won’t.
My tiers are like other tiers you’ll find out there in the wild, but these are in PDF form and are printable! This new fangled technology has disrupted the whole fantasy football market! I always draft from printed tiers because it’s easier to see the whole picture of the draft with all the positions and players on one page grouped into tiers of similar value. Give it a go!
2026 Fantasy Draft Strategy
First off, I really want to grab two running backs from Tier 2. If I get the first or second pick, I’ll grab Jahmyr Gibbs or Bijan Robinson. That gives me tremendous fantasy floor and upside and lets me go with the best pick between a wide receiver and running back.
Secondly, I love the first three tiers of wide receivers. After I get my two running backs, I want to go hard in grabbing wide receivers from Tier 3 or Tier 2 if any have fallen.
Thirdly, tight end is deep this year and I don’t feel the need to use a top pick on one of the true studs. I will most-likely grab someone from Tier 3. If I happen to miss all the TEs through Tier 3, I’ll probably grab two tight ends to stream, unless I have really short benches and then I’ll stream from the waiver wire.
Fourthly, I see quarterback as deep as well. Sure, I’d love Josh Allen, but I think the strategic move is to wait, especially in home leagues that often grab QBs early. Which QB I get will probably depend a lot on how the draft goes. If we get into the 6th or 7th round, and someone from Tier 2 has fallen, I’ll grab him. If not, I’ll feel pretty good about getting someone from Tier 4. Jaxson Dart, who is in Tier 4, has a caveat in that I want to make sure I have a usable backup for him, as he spends way too much time in the medical tent.
Fifthly, I almost always wait until the final two rounds for kicker and defense. This is tried and true and I stick by it, but, if somehow Brandon Aubrey falls far enough, and I’m in a league that only starts QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, FLEX, K, D/ST, then kicker takes up a decent portion of your total score each week. Aubrey is going to have some 20 point weeks and average in the double-digits. That can be an edge. Also, be sure to check kicker scoring. If they give you a big boost for 50 and 60 yard field goals, try to get Aubrey.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26: Moses Itauma during the Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic: Natural Born Thriller workouts at Spitalfields on August 26, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ahead of this weekend’s heavyweight title fight between Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic, both fighters showed face for the final press conference before their fists start to fly. Itauma, who has the opportunity to become a world champion at just 21 years old, makes it clear that he’s focused on the belt more than any record.
“I’m not trying to become the second youngest heavyweight champion of the world, I’m trying to beat Filip Hrgovic and become a heavyweight champion,” Itauma said. “Second of all, listen, this fight is what I’ve wanted. I’ve asked Queensberry for so long. I think it’s a style matchup that I reckon I can thrive on, the pressure I can thrive on. Now, it’s just waiting until fight night.”
Hrgovic, 34, hasn’t shied away from the moment himself, having expressed a lot of confidence and being somewhat dismissive of Itauma during their promotional run up to this fight.
“I just telling you facts,” Hrgovic said. “I’m not playing games. I just tell you what I think in the moment. Like I said, I’m not so smart to play these mind games…I think he’s a kid, he’s not mature enough. I think I’m the man, I’m in much better age, much more experienced, and that’s it. No mind games…God willing, I’ll beat him. I’ll smash the kid on Saturday, I’ll send him back to high school.”
Hrgovic would continue to goad Itauma over the course of the event, and you can check out full highlights from the press conference in the link below!
Missouri and Learfield have partnered together for a “historic” sponsorship, the school announced on Friday. With it bring a jersey patch for the Tigers, coming to an agreement with Ambetter Health. This is just the latest college football program to add a patch ahead of the 2026 season.
“In less than three years, we have more than doubled our sponsorship revenue with over 130% growth, establishing significant NIL resources to help our teams secure the talent to compete for championships,” Mizzou athletic director Laird Veatch said in a statement. “That investment reflects the momentum and strength of the Mizzou brand and demonstrates the value we’re creating for our partners. We have asked the major corporate brands in our great state to seize this opportunity to partner with us to continue elevating our university brand and state economy – and many of those brands are responding in record fashion. We are incredibly grateful to these partners, and to our Learfield colleagues at Mizzou Sports Properties, and proud of the momentum we’re building together.
“As we continue to build these powerful partnerships across Missouri, we’re grateful for the incredible alignment we have with state leadership, particularly Gov. Kehoe and Sen. Schmitt, who have clearly demonstrated their support and recognition of the economic impact and brand development power of Mizzou Athletics for the State of Missouri.”
Football is not the only program to work alongside Ambetter Health. Missouri says Olympic sports will also have a patch on their jerseys moving forward. This includes men’s and women’s basketball, along with the baseball program.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Kenyon Sadiq of the Oregon Ducks poses for a portrait during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Remember the days when rookie tight ends took a year or two to get up to speed with the offense and contribute in fantasy football? Those days are over. Last season three rookie tight ends cracked the the fantasy tight end top 12. If the player is good and the situation is right, coaches are going to get them on the field.
This year the rookie tight end class isn’t as deep as previous years, but there is talent there. And if things break the right way, we could again see a rookie tight end have fantasy value.
Kenyon Sadiq, Jets
Sadiq went in the first round to the Jets and is easily the best tight end prospect in the draft. Unfortunately, Sadiq had to deal with a hernia which slowed down his progress. He will be available Week 1, but he’ll likely be eased back in. But this is dynasty, and Sadiq is the clear first tight end off the board in rookie drafts.
Eli Stowers, Eagles
Stowers went in the second round of the draft and is the heir apparent to Dallas Goedert in Philly. But Stowers has true receiving chops and is quicker and more versatile as a route runner than Goedert. It will be hard to keep him off the field. Sadiq and Stowers are in their own tier for rookie tight ends.
Eli Raridon, Patriots
Raridon has gotten praise in camp this year and he appears to be next in line for the starting job after Hunter Henry. Raridon can block, but his hands and ability out of the slot are what we are banking on in fantasy. The rookie should get on the field in 2TE formations and be a possible fantasy asset this season if Henry misses any time.
Marlin Klein, Texans
The Texans have Dalton Schultz, but Klein has the upside to develop into a starting tight end. It won’t be this year most-likely, but his elite athleticism and Day 2 draft capital give him a real shot to for a starting job after Shultz is gone.
Captain Lawrence Shankland insists the Rangers players must take responsibility for the "sickening" and "embarrassing" European exit - but denied the club are in crisis.
Rangers are out of Europe before the league phase after defeat in the Europa League qualifiers to Jagiellonia Bialystok was followed by a shootout loss to Jablonec in the Conference League play-offs.
Since leaving Hearts to take charge at Ibrox in June, Derek McInnes has won just two of his first seven games in all competitions and his side already trail Premiership leaders Celtic by five points.
Speaking after Thursday's night's defeat in the Czech Republic, Shankland said: "There's not been too many times in my career where I've had to apologise to our travelling support, but tonight it's certainly one for the team to give them that apology.
"It's obviously been a difficult start to the season and ultimately going out of Europe, it doesn't get much lower than this.
"It's sickening, to be honest, and we need to take responsibility for that as players.
"Obviously we're trying to learn as we go. When results aren't coming, sometimes you can get away with it, and you get results along the way, but that's not happened for us.
"We're getting punished on all fronts, so it is difficult, but we need to keep working hard at it.
"I wouldn't say crisis, but it is obviously a concern. We know that as a team, and for this club to not be in European football, it's an embarrassing moment for us as a team and in that changing room.
"You can't hide behind it, there's nothing to hide behind. The proof is there, it's just not good enough."
Shankland started on the bench in both games against Jablonec and the striker's dream move to the club he supports has not gone as planned.
He admits the European exit is one of the lowest points of his career, while there is no escape from the scrutiny as a Rangers player.
"Everybody's trying to do well, but right now it's not happening, myself included," he added.
"It's just not been at the level required for the start of the season and we're trying to find that form individually and collectively.
"It's difficult, you're judged on everything you do and of course I would have loved to have come here and had a better start, but it's not been the case so far.
"I don't lose belief in what we're doing. Right now it's a horrific feeling, it's a bad moment, but we're going to need to move on at some point. We've got a league campaign to go into."
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 23: Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate poses for a studio portrait during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 wide receiver draft class wasn’t filled with transcendent players, but that’s not going to stop us from grabbing some high upside rookies this year. In dynasty, I want my rookie running backs to get on the field quickly and show that they can be fantasy relevant sooner than later. With receivers, I’m willing to take a longer look but I still don’t want them to be buried on the depth chart going into their rookie season.
I like this group of receivers. It’s been fun watching them throughout training camp and preseason. And during that time, we’ve seen a few shine and raise their profile. Below, I’ll go through some of the receivers making a move toward playing time this season and hopefully secure a spot on your fake teams for years to come.
Ja’Kobi Lane, Ravens
The Ravens need help at receiver behind Zay Flowers, which pushed them to draft Lane in the third round and Elijah Sarrat in the fourth. So far, Lane has showed well in camp. He gets compared to Michael Thomas, with his sure hands and big frame. Rashod Bateman is the current WR2, but off field issues and just an inability to consistently put up numbers has that No. 2 job up for grabs.
Cyrus Allen, Chiefs
Kansas City needs help at wide receiver. Rashee Rice is good, but he’s not a strong WR1. Add in his off-field issues and injury concerns, and there is room for another receiver to rise in the depth chart. Allen could be that guy or an approximation of that guy. He’s played well in preseason and has gotten plenty of praise from beat writers. I’m willing to take him ahead of his ADP due to his opportunity and offensive environment in KC.
Chris Bell/Caleb Douglas, Dolphins
The Dolphins are in full tank mode, but they’ll still play football games and the players want to win. They lack any veteran wide receivers worth a darn, so their rookies, Bell and Douglas have plenty of room to win playing time. Douglas has been consistent this summer, already winning a starting job come Week 1. Bell is coming off a knee injury, but has finally returned to practice and shed his no-contact jersey. Both receivers could win starting jobs with Jalen Tolbert and Malik Washington as their main competition.
Antonio Williams, Commanders
The Commanders offensive line is in shambles at the moment. The loss of Laremy Tunsil couldn’t have been bigger. Of course, one way to combat the pass rush are quick hitters and the rookie Williams specializes in just that. His ability after the catch should give him chances early on to be useful to the offense.
Germie Bernard, Steelers
Bernard hasn’t done enough this preseason to give us much hope he’ll be a useful fantasy player quickly, but I like his ability and think he can succeed in this offense. Aaron Rodgers doesn’t have the hutzpah to go deep like he used too, which means he needs his receivers to catch passes close to mid-range and then make something happen.
RENTON, WASHINGTON - JUNE 11: Jadarian Price #8 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during practice at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on June 11, 2026 in Renton, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2025 draft was not brimming at the seams with offensive talent that will quickly transition into big time fantasy football, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t quality running backs to be had from this group. Unfortunately, none of the top backs landed somewhere they’ll quickly be asked to be a bell-cow back. Last year Ashton Jeanie landed with the Raiders to be the no-doubt starter his rookie year, but that didn’t work out quite as well as many, including myself, hoped.
This re-draft year we won’t want to draft a rookie running back in the first round, and with Jeremiah Love’s high-ankle sprain, we’ll need to be a little wary how early we get him. Yes, these are dynasty rankings, but what happens in their rookie years is extremely important in projecting their career. We want that least be able to imagine a pathway to a starting job sooner than later. Running backs don’t have long careers and we want them to get their fantasy stats early and often.
Jeremiyah Love, Cardinals
Love is the no-doubt No. 1 rookie pick in dynasty and the first rookie to go off the board in re-draft. His ability coming out of college is on par with the top backs around the league and if healthy, should have a productive career. He’s very much ahead of the pack as far as draft capital and skill. I’m fine with trading rookie picks, as unproven is still unproven, but if you can’t get a good deal, Love looks like the real deal.
Jonah Coleman, Broncos
The Broncos backfield looks crowded, but JK Dobbins is injury prone and closing in on the end of his career, while RJ Harvey isn’t as effective between the tackles as Coleman. If Dobbins were to go down, Coleman would most likely be the lead back and he has three-down ability. I like his upside and he could get there quicker than you’d think.
Mike Washington, Raiders
Washington has all the attributes to be a starter in this league. He fell in the draft, but his physical make up is right up there with the best in the business and he’s shown well in preseason. If Ashton Jeanty can’t play in Week 1 due to his ankle, Washington would be the next man up and I’d be more than happy to start him in fantasy right from the start.
Emmett Johnson, Chiefs
Johnson lasted until the fourth round, but he’s quickly become the RB2 behind Kennth Walker in Kansas City. That’s a situation I like, as Walker has some trouble staying on the field. This is a situation where I’d be super happy to have both backs on my team.
Kaelon Black, 49ers
The 49ers make some odd picks at times, but they also sometimes work out. Kyle Shanahan is a master at scheming his offense, and rookie backs, if called upon, can take advantage of that. Black hasn’t secured the RB2 job behind Christian McCaffrey, but he’s shown the coaching staff enough to be right in the thick of it.
Feb 3, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur with wife Lauren LaFleur and their children, parents Denny and Kristi LaFleur and brother Matt LaFleur and wife BreAnne LaFleur and son pose for photos at the introductory press conference at the Cardinals training facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
You may have heard that there’s a family reunion happening in Green Bay this week. Have you heard about this? Apparently Matt LaFleur and his younger brother Mike are both NFL head coaches, and their teams are playing each other for the first time.
I’m sure this is news to everyone reading this.
The LaFleur family storyline is fun, but both of these organizations need to focus on finalizing their rosters after Friday night’s game. For Packers fans, that should be the biggest priority here — identifying what the team’s last roster moves will be and getting a bit more clarity on how the lower levels of the depth chart stack up.
Of course, the family angle plays much better for big media sources, so that will surely be a main area of focus during the game broadcast and preview coverage leading up to the preseason finale. So, are you ready for a bunch more fawning coverage about the LaFleur family? We sure hope so, because here it is (along with some other newsy bits).
The league is making it clear that you can’t just go back and forth between college and pro football whenever you want. That’s probably for the best, but the recent legal rulings have the sport in a very strange place.
Head to NBC and Peacock for an exciting MLB tripleheader this Sunday. First, at 12:00 PM ET, the Miami Marlins face the Washington Nationals in the MLB Sunday Leadoff game. Then, at 3:00 PM, the Houston Astros take on the New York Mets at Citi Field. Later, at 7:00 PM, Sunday Night Baseball heads to Wrigley Field as the Cincinnati Reds go head-to-head with the Chicago Cubs.See below for additional information on how to watch each game.
Play-by-play voice Matt Vasgersian, 2005 World Series champion Geoff Blum, former Mets infielder Todd Zeile, and reporter Ashley ShahAhmadi ,will call Sunday's Astros vs Mets game.
Hall of Famer CC Sabathia will provide “Inside the Pitch” commentary, giving viewers insight into the pitcher’s throw-by-throw approach against a hitter.
MLB Sunday Leadoff is a weekly Major League Baseball showcase featuring live Sunday daytime games. It highlights marquee matchups throughout the regular season and streams primarily on Peacock, with some games also airing across NBC Sports and NBC.
MLB Sunday Night Baseball is a weekly primetime Major League Baseball showcase, featuring marquee matchups each Sunday night during the regular season. The games air on NBC and Peacock and anchor NBC Sports’ Sunday night programming lineup.
NBC Sports will also stream one out-of-market game each day of the 2026 MLB season nationally on Peacock. Telemundo Deportes will present all NBCUniversal-produced MLB games in Spanish, with Universo televising all games broadcast on NBC.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You’ll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC and Bravo hits for whatever suits your mood.
Why are some MLB games unavailable to stream on Peacock?
Due to territorial blackout restrictions, select regular season, special event, and Postseason games may be unavailable on Peacock. Television territory blackout restrictions apply regardless of whether a Club is home or away and regardless of whether a game is televised in that Club's home television territory. For more information, visit Peacock’s Help Center.
OXNARD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 3: Sam Howell #16 of the Dallas Cowboys rolls out to pass during training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields on August 3, 2026 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With final cuts just days away, it’s time to see how the Cowboys’ projected 53-man roster has changed since training camp opened.
We published a roster projection summary prior to training camp featuring projections from Joseph Hoyt of the DMN, Todd Archer of ESPN, and Jon Machota of the Athletic. At the time (July 27), the three projections gave us a good idea of where public sentiment stood regarding the 2026 Cowboys roster.
Today, we turn to three more projections. One from Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas, another one from Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News,and a final one from our own Dan Rogers of BloggingTheBoys, subbing in for Jon Machota.
With only a few days left until the cutdown, it might be interesting to take a step back, and look at how the Cowboys’ 53-man projection has developed since the start of training camp. This should allow us to see which players moved up or down the depth chart over the entire training camp (and two preseason games).
As our goal today is to compare and contrast the current projections with those earlier iterations, the tables are color-coded accordingly and the tally from the July projections is shown at the end of the table for each player.
Green = current projection represents an improvement over July
Yellow = current projection is less certain/represents a decline
July column = previous consensus
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Archer ESPN
Watkins DMN
Rogers BTB
July
Quarterbacks
Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott
3/3
Joe Milton
Joe Milton
Joe Milton
2/3
Sam Howell
2/3
Winner: Joe Milton Questions: Sam Howell
What changed: Milton and Howell were both 2-for-3 in our July projection summary, but Milton is now the 3-for-3 unanimous pick as QB2. I’m with Archer though, who explains why the Cowboys may keep all three:
“Maybe in a perfect world the Cowboys would rather go with two quarterbacks, but Milton and Howell have fared well and if quarterback is the most important spot on the team, then maybe it’s wise to keep three.”
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Archer ESPN
Watkins DMN
Rogers BTB
July
Running Backs
Javonte Williams
Javonte Williams
Javonte Williams
3/3
Malik Davis
Malik Davis
Malik Davis
1/3
Jaydon Blue
Jaydon Blue
Jaydon Blue
3/3
Hunter Luepke
Hunter Luepke
Hunter Luepke
3/3
Winner: Malik Davis Loser: Phil Mafah Out: Israel Abanikanda, Jashaun Corbin
What changed: Phil Mafah entered camp on 2-of-3 projections, while Malik Davis felt like an also-ran at 1-of-3. But that changed dramatically, with Davis looking like a strong bet for the 53 and Mafah a likely PS candidate.
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Archer ESPN
Watkins DMN
Rogers BTB
July
Wide Receivers
CeeDee Lamb
CeeDee Lamb
CeeDee Lamb
3/3
George Pickens
George Pickens
George Pickens
3/3
Ryan Flournoy
Ryan Flournoy
Ryan Flournoy
3/3
KaVontae Turpin
KaVontae Turpin
KaVontae Turpin
3/3
Jonathan Mingo
Jonathan Mingo
Jonathan Mingo
1/3
Camden Brown
Camden Brown
0/3
Winners: Jonathan Mingo, Camden Brown Losers: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Anthony Smith, Traeshon Holden Out: Jordan Hudson, Tyler Johnson, Denzel Mims, Jaden Smith
What changed: Mingo got one roster vote in July, Brown got none; Mingo upped his to three, Brown to two. As such, they are both winners of camp, even if keeping six wide receivers would be an unusual luxury here. MVS, Smith, and Holden all made one pre-camp projection, so their stock clearly dropped. The remaining receivers were likely never more than camp bodies.
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Archer ESPN
Watkins DMN
Rogers BTB
July
Tight Ends
Jake Ferguson
Jake Ferguson
Jake Ferguson
3/3
Brevyn Spann-Ford
Brevyn Spann-Ford
Brevyn Spann-Ford
3/3
Luke Schoonmaker
Luke Schoonmaker
Luke Schoonmaker
3/3
Losers: Michael Trigg Out: Zack Kuntz, DJ Rogers, Mitchell Van Vooren
What changed: There was some palpable excitement for Michael Trigg heading into camp, and he did show up on one of three pre-camp projections, but injuries and a steep learning curve as a blocker likely stopped him from making the jump to the 53.
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Archer ESPN
Watkins DMN
Rogers BTB
July
Offensive Line
Tyler Guyton
Tyler Guyton
Tyler Guyton
3/3
Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith
3/3
Cooper Beebe
Cooper Beebe
Cooper Beebe
3/3
Tyler Booker
Tyler Booker
Tyler Booker
3/3
Terence Steele
Terence Steele
Terence Steele
3/3
TJ Bass
TJ Bass
TJ Bass
3/3
Nate Thomas
Nate Thomas
Nate Thomas
3/3
Drew Shelton
Drew Shelton
Drew Shelton
3/3
Nick Leverett
Nick Leverett
Nick Leverett
0/3
Ajani Cornelius
Ajani Cornelius
1/3
Winners: Nick Leverett, Ajani Cornelius Loser: Trevor Keegan Out: Marcellus Johnson, Shiyazh Pete, DJ Wingfield, Chris Glaser, Sebastian Gutierrez
What changed: The question on the offensive line may be more about whether the Cowboys keep nine or ten guys, and perhaps less about which specific players they keep. But heading into camp, Trevor Keegan was a lock on all three projections, so he clearly lost some momentum throughout camp. Ajani Cornelius was 1-of-3 in July, and is now 2-of-3, so also an improvement. But Nick Leverett may be the biggest surprise here, as he didn’t show up on any of the July projections but looks like a strong 53-man candidate here.
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Archer ESPN
Watkins DMN
Rogers BTB
July
Outside Linebackers
Rashan Gary
Rashan Gary
Rashan Gary
3/3
Donovan Ezeiruaku
Donovan Ezeiruaku
Donovan Ezeiruaku
3/3
Von Miller
Von Miller
Von Miller
0/3
Malachi Lawrence
Malachi Lawrence
Malachi Lawrence
3/3
James Houston
James Houston
James Houston
2/3
Marist Liufau
Marist Liufau
1/3
Sam Williams
3/3
Winner: James Houston Questions: Sam Williams, Marist Liufau Loser: Tyrus Wheat Out: Isaiah Land
What changed: Will McClay once coined the term “swarming rotation” to describe the Cowboys’ approach to their edge rushers, which may be one reason the Cowboys could keep six players here, and the Von Miller addition added even more pressure. All three projections agree on the first five. The only disagreement is over the sixth spot. Sam Williams was a 3-for-3 lock heading into camp but drops to 1-for-3 here, Marist Liufau was 1-for-3 and “improves” to 2-for-3, but both of them are likely in a battle with Tyrus Wheat (2-of-3 in July) for that last spot. James Houston was 2-for-3 in July and became a unanimous projection, so for now, he emerges as the winner here.
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Archer ESPN
Watkins DMN
Rogers BTB
July
Defensive Tackles
Quinnen Williams
Quinnen Williams
Quinnen Williams
3/3
Kenny Clark
Kenny Clark
Kenny Clark
3/3
Otito Ogbonnia
Otito Ogbonnia
Otito Ogbonnia
3/3
LT Overton
LT Overton
LT Overton
3/3
Jonathan Bullard
Jonathan Bullard
3/3
Jay Toia
0/3
Questions: Jonathan Bullard, Jay Toia Out: Adedayo Odeleye, Kevin Gilliam, Tommy Dunn
What changed: Note that teams can designate up to two players at the final cut down as “IR to return,” no longer requiring them to be on the roster for a day. For the Cowboys, Jonathan Bullard (groin and abdomen tendonitis) at DT and Julius Wood (concussion) at safety could qualify – and that may be the chance for Jay Toia to temporarily grab that fifth spot at DT.
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What changed: No real surprises here, except for Watkins including Curtis Robinson, which he explains with “special teams work helps Robinson in this area.“
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What changed: Derion Kendrick was 3-for-3 heading into camp, Caelen Carson was 2-for-3, but both are hanging on by a thread. Dan Rogers explains:
“How they stack after [Carson] is anyone’s guess, but for my guess, I’m going a little off script and predict that Derion Kendrick snags one of those last spots, but guys like Reddy Steward and Ameer Speed aren’t dead in the water just yet.”
Todd Archer adds perhaps the most intriguing wrinkle in the entire projection with his ‘veteran not on roster’ pick. This is the only position where Archer explicitly projects outside help. Our own RJ Ochoa writes:
“Archer is among the most plugged-in Cowboys insiders on the beat so when he says something like this we should listen. The four that he has on the team make sense, Devin Moore hasn’t popped but he is a draft pick, but that TBD is interesting.“
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Archer ESPN
Watkins DMN
Rogers BTB
July
Safeties
Jalen Thompson
Jalen Thompson
Jalen Thompson
3/3
Caleb Downs
Caleb Downs
Caleb Downs
3/3
Malik Hooker
Malik Hooker
Malik Hooker
3/3
PJ Locke
PJ Locke
PJ Locke
3/3
Markquese Bell
Markquese Bell
Markquese Bell
0/3
Winner: Markquese Bell Out: Julius Wood (possible “IR to return”), Alijah Clark, Zion Childress
What changed: Brian Schottenheimer’s recent comments about Bell as a special teams ace seem to solidify him as a 53-man roster lock. Bell was 0-for-3 on the projections prior to camp.
“Markquese Bell is one of our most trusted leaders on special teams. He’s a really good football player. He’s a good defender. But I think he’s a great special teams player.
And there’s guys like that, they play eight, nine, 10, 11 years sometimes, because they have a trait that is needed.“
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Archer ESPN
Watkins DMN
Rogers BTB
July
Specialists
Brandon Aubrey (K)
Brandon Aubrey (K)
Brandon Aubrey (K)
3/3
Bryan Anger (P)
Bryan Anger (P)
Bryan Anger (P)
3/3
Trent Sieg (LS)
Trent Sieg (LS)
Trent Sieg (LS)
3/3
No surprises on special teams.
So that’s where we stand with the roster a few days left until roster cuts. Summarized, the biggest individual movements and unresolved questions look something like this:
Nick Leverett: 0/3 → 3/3
Markquese Bell: 0/3 → 3/3
Jonathan Mingo: 1/3 → 3/3
Camden Brown: 0/3 → 2/3
Sam Williams: 3/3 → 1/3
Phil Mafah: 2/3 → 0/3
Tyrus Wheat: 2/3 → 0/3
The unresolved sixth OLB spot
Archer’s mystery veteran at CB
The roster isn’t changing everywhere, but where it has changed, some players have moved dramatically.
For me, the biggest surprise isn’t any of the rookies—it’s Markquese Bell, who went from 0-for-3 before camp to a unanimous projection for the 53.
Who is the most surprising name on the projected 53-man roster for you?
