Ronnie Stanley's return to form anchors Baltimore's line as 2024 proved his health can redefine a season. A wave of non-QB veterans — Bosa, Kupp, Chubb, Diggs, Lattimore, Andrews, Reddick, Sneed, Samuel, Goedert, Ward, Pitts, Huff, Taylor, Phillips — enter 2025 with contract leverage, injury risk, or age that could swing fantasy values and betting angles.

Across the league, contract restructures and page-turning moves create must-watch scenarios: could a healthy Stanley trigger Ravens’ ground game; will the Bosa revival or Kupp’s market shift unlock new targets; or might Pitts and Goedert face trade or role changes that reshape tight end tiers?

Injuries, age, and cap realities collide with on-field opportunity, making 2025 a year for shrewd, position-specific bets and late-round landings for fantasy rosters and daily fantasy play.

Taylor Moton’s two-year, 44 million extension locks in Carolina’s starting five on the offensive line through 2026, signaling a commitment to continuity as the Panthers rebuild their attack. At an average of about 19.4 million per year, Moton sits among the top-paid right tackles, underscoring the league’s premium on stable blocking. The move comes after Moton posted durability for eight seasons in Carolina, and a 2024 elbow injury limited him to 14 games with just one sack allowed.

With Moton anchor­ing the line, Carolina gains a rare edge in fantasy terms: fewer lineup changes up front reduce OL risk and can lift the entire offense. The extension also places Moton in a cohort of top-tier RTs—Wirfs, Sewell, Johnson, Tom, and Jawaan Taylor—marking a broader trend toward premium protection. Fantasy managers should view this as a sign that Carolina’s passing and running game could gain traction in 2025 thanks to improved protection and cohesion up front.

Durability and consistency have long defined Moton’s Carolina tenure, and the new deal reinforces that philosophy. The organization’s objective of keeping all five starters under contract through 2026 bodes well for fantasy ceilings across the offense, making Moton a reliable anchor and potentially lifting the value of weapons around him as Carolina builds momentum into the 2025 season.

The Kansas City Chiefs are taking decisive steps to secure the future of their offensive line by planning to franchise tag right guard Trey Smith, a move that signals their commitment to both immediate stability and long-term negotiations. Smith, who earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2024, showcased outstanding performance by leading the league in pass-blocking snaps without allowing a sack.

This franchise tag will lock Smith into a one-year deal worth $23.4 million, fully guaranteed, allowing the Chiefs to focus on fortifying their offensive line. General manager Brett Veach has already invested significantly in the line, making All-Pro center Creed Humphrey the highest-paid player at his position and signing right tackle Jawaan Taylor to a lucrative contract. As such, ensuring Smith’s continued presence is pivotal for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who faced a career-high in sacks last season.

While the interior line now has Smith, Humphrey, and Joe Thuney secured, the Chiefs still need to address the tackle positions to improve Mahomes' protection. The decision to tag Smith could also influence other roster decisions, particularly regarding Jawaan Taylor, who has been the most penalized player in the league. The Chiefs face a tough offseason ahead, but these strategic moves look to provide a solid foundation for continued success.

The Kansas City Chiefs are poised to solidify their offensive line, a crucial element in their bid for sustained success following last season's Super Bowl. With Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, and Jawaan Taylor all among the highest-paid at their positions, the Chiefs are aiming to keep Trey Smith as well, whose rookie deal is expiring. General Manager Brett Veach expressed optimism about retaining Smith, projecting his annual salary could reach upwards of $19.7 million, making him one of the highest-paid guards in the NFL.

Smith's improving performance, highlighted by his recent Pro Bowl selection, means he could eclipse Landon Dickerson's $21 million average, depending on market conditions. However, retaining Smith might necessitate parting ways with either Thuney or Taylor, raising questions about the Chiefs' strategy given their recent Super Bowl defeat. The team is weighing its options carefully as it navigates the financial landscape to keep its core intact, especially with Smith entering his prime.