Team news: Tennessee Titans | Page 9

Rico Dowdle, an undrafted, 26-year-old running back, functioned as the Cowboys No. 2 running back behind Tony Pollard in 2023 at the age of 25, but in 2024, there's the chance he may end up leading Dallas in carries in the regular season.

"Definitely, he's had a good off season, looks great," HC Mike McCarthy said at Cowboys OTAs on May 30. "You know, I think just like anytime these guys have a chance to really hone in their training. So, Rico's done an excellent job there. Very comfortable [with him]. He's very, very bright, very instinctive football player. So, he's definitely one of the the lead lead guys in the room as far as his experience here, but also his understanding of the offense."

Related players: Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn

Dowdle was listed among five potential Cowboys breakout candidates for this coming season. Dowdle compared his running style to Elliott's, just smaller in size, and he believes he is more of an all-around RB. In the story, Elliott said he views himself as a starter but also wants to keep himself fresh for a stretch run and potential playoff run, meaning Dowdle could get significant work in the offense. The Cowboys RB situation is just one of many things to keep an eye on this offseason.

Jelani Woods missed all of the 2023 season due to hamstring injuries, but he offers something none of the other tight ends have shown, an impressive size-speed combination that could make him a devastating downfield target.

Indianapolis will likely use at least three tight ends heavily on offense this season.

Related players: Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Adonai Mitchell, Alec Pierce, Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory, Anthony Richardson, Jonathan Taylor

Pittman and Downs are the team's top-two WRs with rookie Mitchell and Pierce also battling it out for time. Granson led the way at TE last year but as the story said Woods has the potential to bust out. The use of three TEs certainly indicates the Colts are going to be run-heavy this season. However, any of the team's TEs could be passing options as well in that formation, so the situation is worth monitoring this summer.

It is too early to know which direction it will head, but as the Patriots are currently on break before their first training camp practice July 24, one thing can be decisively stated about Polk's initial work: His toughness and relentless mentality reflected well on the culture Wolf and Mayo hope to create.

Related Players: DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, Kendrick Bourne, Javon Baker

Reiss would later remark that Osborn, Douglas, and Polk could be the team's "top three targets if everyone is healthy." It's an interesting group to target, considering we have no way of knowing exactly how things will shape out. Douglas and Polk make for great late-round dart throws.

Daniel Bellinger will slide back into his pre- DarrenWaller role, and it appears more will be expected from Theo Johnson and former wide receiver Lawrence Cager in the pass-catching tight end role. Johnson and Cager are among the players who have received first-team offense opportunities this spring.

Bellinger was having a decent rookie season in 2022 before a freak injury forced him to miss some time. He then played second-fiddle to Waller last year but looks to be in the lead for pass-catching duties ahead of '24.

This will come at the expense of rookie Theo Johnson, who is nothing more than a deep flier in Giants stacks.

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller is likely to make a decision by next week's mandatory minicamp about his playing future, and people in and around the team expect that he's going to retire, multiple sources told ESPN. Those close to him believe he's leaning in that direction.

Related Players: Daniel Bellinger, Theo Johnson

It seems more likely by the day that Waller is going to retire. This would make Bellinger a streaming option throughout the season, while Johnson would get quite the boost in Dynasty leagues.

Daboll said WR Darius Slayton (wants new contract) and TE Darren Waller (mulling retirement) haven’t been attending the voluntary program. No word on when he expects either to join the team.

Related Players: Daniel Bellinger, Theo Johnson

It seems more likely by the day that Waller is going to retire. This would make Bellinger a streaming option throughout the season, while Johnson would get quite the boost in Dynasty leagues.

The Giants have signed veteran WR Allen Robinson.

Related Players: Jalin Hyatt, Malik Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson, Isaiah Hodgins

Allen Robinson has been one of the least efficient full-time receivers in the league over the last few seasons, notching 1.13, 0.93, and 0.70 yards per route run with the Bears, Rams, and Steelers. His role is most likely to put a dent in Wan'Dale Robinson's usage, rendering both Robinsons obsolete in fantasy.

Tyler Boyd is signing with the Titans, on a one-year deal worth up to $4.5M

A reunion with Brian Callahan.

Related Players: DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, Treylon Burks

This signing makes all the sense in the world with Brian Callahan at the helm. Boyd should have a decent fantasy floor, but he is the third option—at best—with Will Levis at the helm. Slotting him into a lineup in typical redraft leagues will be difficult.

The Titans are signing Jaguars star WR Calvin Ridley, completing their FA with a splash. The 29-year-old Ridley gets a 4-year, $92M deal with $50M fully guaranteed.

Related Players: DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks

Calvin Ridley finished the 2023 season WR24 after being drafted WR14, so his first (and only) year with the Jaguars was a bit of a disappointment. Now he joins the Titans to play alongside DeAndre Hopkins with Will Levis at quarterback. The Titans have traditionally been pretty run-heavy, but new head coach Brian Callahan served as the offensive coordinator for the Bengals for the last five seasons. He didn't call the plays, but the Bengals were pretty pass-heavy in that span. (Cincinnati was second in pass rate over expectation in each of the last two seasons.) If Callahan brings those pass-heavy tendencies to the Titans, and Levis is up to the task, then Ridley and Hopkins could have productive fantasy seasons.

The Titans are giving former Cowboys RB Tony Pollard a 3-year deal worth $24M.

Related Players: Tyjae Spears

Pollard had moderate success when taking over the Cowboys backfield last season, but that was heavily influenced by volume. Pollard should be considered a top-30 option heading into 2024, while Tyjae Spears should be in very heavy consideration as a late-round option as his ADP dips following the signing.