Guest of the League
Game of Inches Est. 2020
Dynasty $125 - FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

49ers' Christian McCaffrey on cover of Madden NFL 25

Tue Jun 11 12:55pm ET
Field Level Media

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is the cover athlete on the Madden NFL 25 video game, EA Sports announced Tuesday.

The video game will be released Aug. 16.

McCaffrey is the first member of the 49ers to don the cover of the series.

He also becomes the first running back to receive the honor since Adrian Peterson and Barry Sanders graced separate covers of Madden NFL 25 in 2013. That video game was named as such to honor the series' 25th anniversary.

"It's really humbling," McCaffrey told ESPN. "I feel really grateful because obviously stuff like this is a testament to my teammates, my coaches, people who have helped me be in the position to have success, and so I feel really grateful for that.

"This is such a cool milestone for me, and to be on the cover, I think of those people who have helped me along the way, and obviously being the first 49ers player is really humbling when you think about how many greats have played for this organization. Definitely feel very fortunate."

McCaffrey, 28, signed a two-year, $38 million contract extension last Tuesday. The deal included $24 million in guarantees for the 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, who led the league with 1,459 rushing yards last season.

With an average annual value of $19 million per season, McCaffrey raised his own bar for NFL running backs. His previous deal averaged $16 million per year.

McCaffrey also led the NFL with 2,023 yards from scrimmage, and in 16 starts he shared the league lead with 21 rushing/receiving touchdowns, along with Miami's Raheem Mostert.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time first-team All-Pro, McCaffrey has rushed for 6,185 yards and 52 touchdowns. He also has 509 receptions for 4,320 yards and 29 scores in 91 games (84 starts) with the Carolina Panthers (2017-22) and 49ers (2022-23).

McCaffrey was the eighth overall pick in 2017 by Carolina, who traded him to San Francisco on Oct. 20, 2022, for a package of draft picks.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Fantasy Quarterback Preview

Player Notes
Robbie Chosen Jun 11 10:50am CT
Robbie Chosen

Veteran free-agent wide receiver Robbie Chosen is participating in the Seattle Seahawks minicamp this week on a tryout basis, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The 31-year-old spent last season with the Miami Dolphins and caught four passes for 126 yards and one touchdown in nine games. Overall, Chosen has hauled in 379 receptions for 5,082 yards and 30 touchdowns in 120 games with the Dolphins, Cardinals, Panthers, and Jets. While Chosen still seems to have game-breaking speed, he hasn't been able to stick on a roster as a key contributor since his 53-catch season in 2021. With DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the Seattle wide receiver room, it would be a surprise if he entered the fantasy football radar, even if he does make the Week 1 active roster. For now, he can be safely ignored in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Jakeem Grant Jun 11 10:50am CT
Jakeem Grant

Two-time All-Pro return man and wide receiver Jakeem Grant Sr. will take part in the New York Jets' minicamp this week on a tryout basis, according to a source. Grant is attempting to make a comeback of sorts after missing each of the last two years due to injury. He suffered a torn Achilles in training camp in 2022 and a season-ending knee injury in the preseason last year while with the Cleveland Browns. Grant was an All-Pro return man in 2021, though, with the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins, and he could give the Jets some veteran experience on special teams in 2024 if they sign him. The former sixth-round pick of the Dolphins in 2016 out of Texas Tech has never made much of an impact on offense in his seven NFL campaigns, posting a career-high 36 receptions in 2020 for 373 yards and only one touchdown in 14 games (four starts).

From RotoBaller

Daniel Bellinger Jun 11 10:50am CT
Daniel Bellinger

Now that tight end Darren Waller officially announced his retirement over the weekend, New York Giants tight ends Daniel Bellinger and rookie Theo Johnson are set to compete for primary pass-catching duties at the position in 2024. Johnson was a fourth-rounder this year, while Bellinger was a fourth-round selection in 2022. But tight ends are physical, but Bellinger has the clear experience edge, having caught 55 of 63 targets for 523 yards and two touchdowns in 29 games in his first two NFL seasons. However, Bellinger's production has left a lot to be desired in fantasy in terms of upside, leaving the door open for Johnson to impress and earn more work as his rookie campaign rolls on this fall. In a suspect Giants offense with a quarterback coming off a torn ACL last year, neither Bellinger nor Johnson represent anything more than a low-end TE2 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Bo Melton Jun 11 10:50am CT
Bo Melton

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton has impressed head coach Matt LaFleur during offseason workouts, with LaFleur praising Melton's speed, run-blocking abilities, consistency and work ethic. Melton's speed was referred to as an "elite trait" that helped him go from the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad in 2023, to the Packers' practice squad, to going over 100 yards rushing in a Week 17 win. The 25-year-old also received 39 offensive snaps, including a 19-yard touchdown reception, in two postseason games. Melton had 16 catches on 24 targets for 218 yards and one touchdown in five regular-season games for Green Bay, but for now he's a bit buried on the receiver depth chart behind Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Jayden Reed. He'll be left to the waiver wire in most fantasy drafts, but he's a name to watch if the Packers suffer an injury or two at the position in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Jun 11 10:50am CT
Russell Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed head coach Mike Tomlin to an undisclosed three-year contract extension on Monday that takes him through the 2027 season, according to the team. The 52-year-old said in January that he expected to get an extension this offseason after some people were starting to question his future with the organization. Under Tomlin for the last 17 years, the Steelers have never had a losing season, which is already an NFL record. Tomlin has a 173-100-2 regular-season record and is 8-10 in the playoffs as the Steelers' head coach. This year, he'll have an interest situation to navigate at quarterback with veteran Russell Wilson and former first-rounder Justin Fields potentially creating some QB controversy.

From RotoBaller

Steven Nelson Jun 11 10:50am CT
Steven Nelson

Veteran cornerback Steven Nelson officially announced his retirement from professional football over the weekend after helping the Houston Texans made the playoffs last year, when he was second in interceptions (four) and pass deflections (12) on the team. Nelson had an interception returned for a touchdown in the wild-card win over the Cleveland Browns. The 31-year-old was originally a third-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015 and he spent four seasons with the Chiefs before inking a three-year, $25 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played two seasons in Pittsburgh and then signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022. The former Oregon State defensive back finishes his NFL career with 13 interceptions, 78 passes defended and 456 tackles.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Jun 11 10:50am CT
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson told reporters on Monday he thinks he's "pretty close" to signing a contract extension with the organization. This could be good news for dynasty fantasy managers with the 26-year-old on their rosters, especially after a down year in 2023. The former fourth-round pick entered last year's campaign as the clear starting running back for the first time in his career, but he was limited to just 12 games due to injury. Overall, he tallied 156 rushes for 619 yards and four touchdowns to go along with 38 receptions (51 targets) for 238 yards. If New England re-signs him before Week 1, it'll likely mean he's further ahead of Antonio Gibson on the depth chart than many realize. Gibson, who has shown promise in his career but has failed to produce over the last few seasons, could eat into his receiving workload, but Stevenson remains the RB1 as things stand. The New England offense will likely be one of the worst units in the NFL, so his upside is likely capped in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Javon Baker Jun 11 10:50am CT
Javon Baker

New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker (undisclosed) was a limited participant in Monday's offseason practice, according to Patriots reporter Mike Kadlick. It's unclear why the rookie isn't practicing in full, but he is not wearing gloves or getting the ball thrown to him in drills. For now, this shouldn't be much of a concern, but it's a situation worth monitoring. The 2024 fourth-round pick enters his rookie season with a chance to compete for snaps and targets right away. The New England wideout room consisting of Kendrick Bourne, Ja'Lynn Polk, Demario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, K.J. Osborn, and Tyquan Thornton is one of the worst units in the NFL, so the 2023 First-Team All-Big-12 selection and 1,100-yard receiver could make a fantasy impact in 2024. That said, the ceiling of the entire offense will likely be limited under veteran Jacoby Brissett or rookie Drake Maye.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wilson Jun 11 10:50am CT
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson finished his rookie campaign with 38 receptions (58 targets) for 565 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games last year. It wasn't a great showing, but the Stanford product posted three games of at least 75 receiving yards and netted a respectable 14.9 yards per reception. Franchise quarterback Kyler Murray is expected big things from Wilson in his sophomore season. "He's one of those guys -- if I call him at 3:00 a.m., he's there," Murray said. "I fully expect Mike to go off this year for sure." Head coach Jonathan Gannon echoed Murray's statements, saying Wilson is "fast and explosive." Although it's a great sign that his quarterback and head coach believe in him, expectations should be tempered. In all likelihood, he'll operate as the No. 3 option in the passing game behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride. Either way, he figures to be an intriguing late-round flier and best ball option.

From RotoBaller

Van Jefferson Jun 11 10:50am CT
Van Jefferson

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson signed a one-year, $1.29 million contract to join the organization this offseason, and Mark Kaboly of the Athletic said he looks like the team's No. 2 wide receiver after OTAs. After moving on from Diontae Johnson, third-year wideout George Pickens is the unquestioned No. 1 wide receiver, but the depth chart behind him is weak on paper. Rookie Roman Wilson and veterans Calvin Austin III, Quez Watkins, and Scotty Miller are also likely to compete for targets behind Pickens, but Jefferson could have more fantasy football value than expected. The former second-round pick out of Florida has tallied 113 receptions for 1,600 yards and 10 touchdowns in 61 games with the Rams and Atlanta Falcons. The Pittsburgh offense is tough to navigate for fantasy football in 2024, especially since many expect Russell Wilson to eventually be benched for Justin Fields. Ultimately, fantasy managers in shallow setups should likely opt to focus on acquiring Pickens or tight end Pat Freiermuth and the Steelers' running back tandem of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the offense will likely remain a run-heavy attack.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Jun 11 10:50am CT
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth enjoyed immediate success when he entered the NFL as a second-round pick out of Penn State in 2021. As a rookie, he caught 60 of his 79 targets for 467 yards and seven touchdowns. In Year 2, he hauled in 63 passes for 732 yards and two scores and looked the part of an emerging high-floor fantasy tight end. Unfortunately, he was limited to just 12 games in 2023 and tallied just 308 yards and two touchdowns. However, with Russell Wilson at quarterback and Arthur Smith running the Pittsburgh offense, he could be headed toward a bounce-back campaign in 2024. Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly said Freiermuth was not only targeted heavily in OTAs, but he has looked like a "legitimate playmaker," and the team might extend his contract before Week 1. The Atlanta Falcons ranked among the top five teams in total tight end targets in two of Smith's three seasons as head coach, and in his final season as the Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator in 2020, they ranked seventh in total tight end targets. Given the weak group of wide receivers behind George Pickens, it would not be a surprise if Freiermuth is the No. 2 option in the revamped passing game. He could be a solid value pick at his mid-range TE2 cost in early fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Jun 11 10:50am CT
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy feels better positioned for success heading into the 2024-25 campaign. Unlike last offseason, when the signal-caller was working his way back from an elbow injury, he has been training since the 49ers were defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII. "We got all the way to the end. We're right there and weren't able to finish it," Purdy said during an interview. "So for me, I had that taste in my mouth, and then get back into the gym, start slowly, working into it. And then here, in OTAs, getting with [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] and going over all the games that we played in, every play, and going over situational football and stuff, and taking that and actually going out on the field and running things and repping things, and throwing to receivers. Last year, I didn't have that, so now that I'm able to attack those things, I feel like I've gotten better." Purdy finished the regular season by throwing for 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 picks while completing nearly 70% of his throws. It remains to be seen if the 24-year-old will be better than he was in 2023-24. But he's a viable fantasy quarterback in nearly all formats, even more so if Brandon Aiyuk remains with the Niners.

From RotoBaller

Marcedes Lewis Jun 11 10:50am CT
Marcedes Lewis

Free-agent tight end Marcedes Lewis agreed to a one-year deal with the Bears. The veteran, who will be entering his 19th NFL season, played for the Jaguars and Packers before spending last season with Chicago. However, he didn't do much for fantasy managers, amassing just four catches for 29 yards and a touchdown. With Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett on the roster, Lewis should continue to have a tough time getting involved, meaning he won't see much attention from fantasy managers heading into the 2024-25 campaign.

From RotoBaller

Marcus Maye Jun 11 10:50am CT
Marcus Maye

The Miami Dolphins signed veteran free-agent safety Marcus Maye to an undisclosed deal on Monday, according to a source. Maye will return to the AFC East after being taken in the second round (39th overall) by the New York Jets in 2017 out of Florida and spending the first five years of his NFL career in New York. He spent the last two campaigns playing for the New Orleans Saints and totaling 69 solo tackles, one sack, two interceptions, four pass breakups and a forced fumble in 17 starts. The 31-year-old veteran defensive back started just seven games last year due to a shoulder injury but appears to be healthy now and will give Miami some secondary depth in 2024. In his seven years in the NFL, Maye has a total of 409 tackles (288 solo), 4.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, eight picks, 28 pass breakups, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 77 starts.

From RotoBaller

Kool-Aid McKinstry Jun 11 10:50am CT
Kool-Aid McKinstry

New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (ankle) is at the team's facilities and is expected to be in attendance for mandatory minicamp this week. Lattimore missed the final seven games last year due to an ankle injury but is back with the team and will stick around in 2024 despite trade rumors this offseason. The former 11th overall pick in 2017 out of Ohio State has been hampered by injuries in recent seasons, starting a combined 17 games since 2022. Before that, though, he was a Pro Bowler in four of his first five years in the NFL. If healthy, Lattimore remains a starter in New Orleans and will start across from rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry in what should be a pretty strong Saints defense. The 28-year-old has a total of 375 tackles (304 solo), 15 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 86 pass breakups, five forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in his seven years in the league.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Jun 11 10:50am CT
Justin Herbert

The Los Angeles Chargers officially signed rookie first-round offensive tackle Joe Alt to a four-year, $33.2 million deal on Monday after he was selected fifth overall in April's NFL draft. Alt was predictably the first offensive tackle off the board in 2024. Although he should eventually be a starting left tackle in the NFL, he'll initially start at right tackle in Los Angeles under new head coach Jim Harbaugh in LA with Rashawn Slater at left tackle. The Bolts are hoping Alt will be part of a much-improved offensive line this year with an added emphasis on the ground game to take pressure off of young quarterback Justin Herbert. The 21-year-old Alt hails out of Notre Dame and stands at 6-foot-8 and 321 pounds. Alt showed in his college career that he can excel in both run-blocking and in pass protection.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Jun 10 10:40am CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) was held out completely from Thursday's organized team activities due to what he described as "a little soreness" in his surgically repaired right shoulder. "It's nothing to worry about," Richardson said. "I've dealt with this before. Normally, I just ice up and just go back at it again." The Colts aren't going to push the second-year signal-caller after he had season-ending AC joint surgery back in October, and Richardson dismissed any notion that he suffered a setback in his rehab. He said the Colts were actually "surprised" that Thursday was the first day he sat out due to soreness because it's been "smooth sailing" otherwise. Despite having played in only four games in the NFL, Richardson has enticing high-end QB1 upside in fantasy. Richardson should be a full-go in training camp this summer.

From RotoBaller

Evan Hull Jun 10 10:40am CT
Evan Hull

Indianapolis Colts running back Evan Hull (knee) played in just one game and eight offensive snaps in his rookie season in 2023 before suffering a season-ending knee injury in which he tore his left MCL. "It was a root tear, so it was a little different than your typical tear in the body, which would be more of a six- to eight-week type of thing that we see typically," Hull said. The former third-rounder was cleared to resume all football activities a few weeks after offseason organized team activities begin, and he's been competing alongside Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson as the Colts evaluate who will serve as the primary back to Jonathan Taylor in 2024. Sermon is probably the favorite for the No. 2 backfield job, but Hull could see some third-down work in his second season in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Jun 10 10:40am CT
Rashee Rice

Speaking to reporters on Saturday for the first time since his tumultuous offseason, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice said his focus is to "mature and continue to grow." The 24-year-old second-year wideout was arrested in April following a multiple-vehicle crash in Dallas, and he's also a suspect in a separate incident in an alleged assault at a Dallas nightclub in May. "I've learned so much from that," Rice said. "All I can do is mature and continue to grow from that. This is a step in a better direction for me." He has taken part in all offseason practices with the Chiefs but is likely to face a suspension from the league to begin the 2024 season, which is obviously a hit to his fantasy value. In his rookie campaign, Rice became one of quarterback Patrick Mahomes' favorite targets, finishing with 79 receptions on 102 targets for 938 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 regular-season games.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Jun 10 10:40am CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku said that he's looking to "just be better than last year" as an encore to his Pro Bowl season in 2023, and he's also excited about new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey's scheme. "It is juicy," Njoku said of Cleveland's offense. "I am not going to say anything else. Leave it at that. But I'm really excited for this year." The 27-year-old former 29th overall pick in 2017 out of Miami, Njoku set career-highs across the board last year and finished with a team-high 81 catches on 123 targets for 882 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 16 regular-season games, while playing with five different quarterbacks. Dorsey will be Njoku's fifth offensive coordinator in eight seasons in Cleveland. Most of Njoku's production last year came late with veteran Joe Flacco, but still, he's firmly on the TE1 map in 2024 and has been extremely durable in his career.

From RotoBaller