NFL Player News

Ahead of training camp, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site relays that Okonkwo (who signed a three-year deal with the team in March) and QB Jayden Daniels have already developed a strong connection through their work during OTAs and minicamp.

With Zach Ertz (knee), who drew 72 targets in 13 regular-season contests in 2025, no longer in the mix, Okonkwo tops a Washington TE depth chart that also includes returnees John Bates and Ben Sinnott, a duo that combined for 29 targets last season. During his fourth and final campaign with the Titans, Okonkwo put up a 56/560/6 receiving line on 79 targets across 17 regular-season outings. Given that the 2022 fourth-rounder has already developed chemistry with a signal-caller who Selby notes often likes to get tight ends involved in the offense, Okonkwo is a candidate to see an uptick in production in his new locale in 2026, while operating as one of Daniels' key pass-catching options along with top WR Terry McLaurin.

Deablo is set for expanded responsibilities on defense in the 2026 season, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Deablo has inherited the green dot from departed linebacker Kaden Elliss. Those communication duties not only keep him central to Atlanta's defense, but also create a path to steadier snaps and tackle opportunities. The 27-year-old impressed while healthy in his inaugural campaign with the Falcons last year, totaling 73 tackles (38 solo), including 1.0 sacks, plus seven passes defensed and one fumble recovery across 13 regular-season games. With his expanded role, Deablo's value in IDP formats figures to grow in 2026.

Arnold (shoulder) visited with Houston on Thursday and took a physical, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Arnold has cleared waivers after being cut by Detroit in late June, and Schefter reports the third-year pro has two upcoming visits scheduled with NFL teams. The 2024 first-rounder appears healthy enough to sign with a new squad after having undergone shoulder surgery last December. Arnold is awaiting trial on felony kidnapping and robbery charges.

Pinter will enter training camp with a chance to compete alongside Jovaughn Gwyn, Corey Bullock and Nick Dawkins for the Ravens' starting center gig, Ryan Mink & Clifton Brown of the team's official site report.

Pinter and Gwyn split first-team reps during spring practices, so those two currently look like the favorites to replace Tyler Linderbaum (now with the Raiders) in the starting lineup. Mink and Brown also note that Baltimore could still pursue a more experienced starter via trade or the free-agent market. Across five seasons with the Colts, Pinter started in 10 of his 77 regular-season appearances.

The Titans plan to reduce Simmons' (elbow) workload in 2026 to keep him fresh for high-leverage situations, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports.

Coach Robert Saleh said during minicamp in June that Tennessee wants Simmons rested for crucial third downs and two-minute situations. Fewer snaps could slightly lower Simmons' tackle volume, but Saleh's aggressive scheme should also create more opportunities for disruption. Simmons totaled a career-high 11.0 sacks last season while earning All-Pro honors, and he's fresh off signing a three-year, $105.8 million contract extension. Considering his talent level, a planned rotation shouldn't significantly damage Simmons' IDP ceiling.

Titans head coach Robert Saleh has praised Helm's physical development this offseason and named the tight end as a player who "hopefully" will "take a big jump" during the 2026 season, Jim Wyatt of the team's official site reports.

Helm set a franchise rookie tight end record with 44 catches for 357 yards and two touchdowns while suiting up for 16 regular-season games in 2025. Added competition may limit his fantasy ceiling, but a strong offseason would give Helm a chance to earn a larger role in Tennessee's offense, and the departure of Chig Okonkwo for the Commanders opens up notable receiving opportunities. Helm appears the favorite to win the No. 1 tight end job during training camp, with Daniel Bellinger and Kylen Granson fitting into complementary roles.

Gray is expected to reprise his complementary No. 2 tight end role behind Travis Kelce during the 2026 season, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Gray caught 21 of 37 targets for 178 yards without a touchdown while suiting up for 16 regular-season games in 2025, a notable step back from the 40-437-5 line he totaled in 2024. He remains a versatile contributor on offense and special teams, but Gray's limited receiving production will likely keep him of the fantasy radar. There's a chance Gray will carry greater relevance if Kelce is forced to miss time.

McPherson will again work as Cincinnati's primary kicker during the upcoming season following a bounce-back performance last year, John Sheeran of A to Z Sports reports.

McPherson struggled mightily in 2024, making just 16 of 22 FG attempts over 12 regular-season contests. However, he was much better last season, converting a career-high 89 percent of his field-goal tries (25-for-28), though he did miss three PATs. McPherson went 5-for-8 from 50-plus yards and 10-for-10 from 40 to 49 yards last year, giving the Bengals a reliable leg when they opted to kick from distance. Cincinnati has much higher aspirations after winning just six games last year, and McPherson figures to play a key role if the team is to rebound from a rough campaign.

Santos currently doesn't have any viable competition for the role of Chicago's primary placekicker, Alyssa Barbieri and Brendan Sugrue of Bears Wire report.

Santos had an uneven 2025 season, making just 25 of 30 field-goal attempts, including going 4-for-6 from 50-plus yards. However, he made all 39 of point-after tries and hit several clutch FGs, including a game-winning 48-yard kick as time expired against Minnesota in Week 11. With that said, the 12-year veteran doesn't have anywhere near the strongest leg in the league, and he missed a pair of contests last year due to a thigh injury. The Bears don't currently have another kicker on the roster, so Santos looks set to open 2026 as the team's primary option at that position. However, Barbieri and Sugrue suggest Chicago could move on at some point given Santos' lack of a big leg, which puts him behind most top kickers in the league.

Little is set to reprise his role as Jacksonville's primary kicker during the upcoming season and will look to further cement his place as one of the NFL's top players at his position, Casandra Chesser of Jaguars Wire reports.

Little made history last year when he kicked the longest field goal in league history -- a 68-yarder in Week 9. For good measure, he booted a 67-yarder in Week 18 and outdid both of those kicks in the preseason with a 70-yarder. Overall, Little made 30 of 34 FG attempts and 50 of 51 extra-point tries, leaving little margin for him to improve. Still, he had a rough patch between Weeks 3 and 7 when he went just 4-for-8 on field-goal tries, so a reasonable goal could be to avoid any similar uneven stretches in 2026. Regardless, Little will enter the campaign as one of fantasy's most desirable kickers, especially in formats that award more points for long-distance makes.