Might as well start with the Panthers running backs, be...

Jul 23, 2010

Might as well start with the Panthers running backs, because trust me, as the series goes on, the news won't stay this good.

In DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers have arguably two of the NFL's top 10 backs. In fact, there's a legitimate argument as to which is better here. Remember, it was Stewart who led the Panthers in rushing last year (1,133 yards), when Williams (1,117) finished the season hurt. And while Stewart gets dinged for rarely practicing, he hasn't missed an NFL game yet.

That they were the first duo in league history to each top the 1,100-yard mark was impressive, but perhaps not as much so as their relationship.

The fact they get along so well with each other is a boon to the Panthers, because lesser duos have disintegrated over jealousy, both coveting the ball, thinking they could do more with it.

To their credit, Williams and Stewart have figured out the big secret, that each is good for the other's longevity. Between them, they could continue to top 2,000 yards per season as long as they're together, even though either could be a 1,500-yard back (or more) alone.

Fantasy Impact:

One other thing worth mentioning, RB DeAngelo Williams is playing to get paid. He's in the final year of his contract.

Apr 02

49ers GM John Lynch expects WR Brandon Aiyuk to remain with team in 2025

Mike Garafolo

Apr 02 · 11:18 AM EDT

At the league meeting this week, 49ers GM John Lynch said he expected WR Brandon Aiyuk to stick in 2025. His 2026 option-bonus guarantee triggered yesterday. He’s owed $24.875m this year, $27m in ’26. The $76m that was effectively guaranteed at signing is now fully guaranteed.

Fantasy Impact:

This is likely the best case sceanrio for the 49ers and Brock Purdy's fantasy aspirations, but it's hard to say if it's a positive for Aiyuk. That would have all depended on his eventual landing spot, but it seems like we'll have to wait at least one more year for that shoe to drop. Consider the vet somewhere in the back-end WR3 range for now, with Jennings a tier or two above that.

Mar 31

Eagles TE Dallas Goedert will be a "player to watch" for a Draft Day trade

Mike Garafolo

Mar 31 · 3:37 PM EDT

Dallas Goedert entering the last year of his deal with the Eagles. This has felt like it could go either way. Not a player they’re looking to dump but a possible tough decision on financials and what a trade might net. One of the players to watch as we get closer to the draft.

Related Players: Grant Calcaterra, Harrison Bryant, Kylen Granson

Fantasy Impact:

The Eagles went out to grab Bryant and Granson to add to what is now a pretty crowded tight end room, presumably in preparation for a possible Goedert trade. Though Goedert's fantasy value could possibly take a hit, it's worth pointing out that he hasn't caught more than four touchdowns since the 2019 season, and he could very easily go to a team with a higher pass rate than Philadelphia. It could end up being a net-neutral spot for the 30-year-old vet.

Patriots WR Ja'Lynn Polk recovering from offseason shoulder surgery

Mike Reiss

Mar 31 · 3:32 PM EDT

Wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk, a 2024 second-round pick out of Washington who had a rocky rookie season (12 catches, 87 yards, 2 TDs), is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Vrabel said he has been excited about how Polk has approached his rehabilitation, working on his lower-body strength.

Related Players: Kayshon Boutte, Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Javon Baker, Kendrick Bourne, Mack Hollins

Fantasy Impact:

There's no timetable for recovery here, but Polk certainly didn't need any setbacks after catching only 38.7% of his 31 targets as a 2024 rookie. He should be considered more of a Dynasty hold than a redraft option, particularly with the Patriots tied to a number of options in the '25 Draft class.