The Bengals claimed Jordan Jefferson off waivers from the 49ers to bolster interior depth, reshaping a DT room that already features Slaton, Hill, Jenkins Jr. and Pennel. Cross III was waived to make room. Jefferson showed burst and upside as a rookie but must refine technique to maximize run disruption. With McKinnley Jackson pushing for snaps, Cincinnati is betting on a deeper, more flexible frontline for late-season battles.

Fantasy managers should watch how Jefferson earns his role: early down run defense and quick, disruptive bursts could unlock extra snaps in rotation. If he translates college upside to NFL consistency, Jefferson might push for meaningful group reps in a unit built to lean on youth and upside down the stretch.

The Bengals' final-cut decisions hinge on upside versus depth. Isaiah Williams stands as a waiver-wire success story with special-teams value, but Mitchell Tinsley has the edge on roster spot, preseason production, and return ability. Tanner McLachlan's size and upside are appealing, yet Noah Fant's arrival tightens the TE group and complicates his path. Isaiah Thomas and Howard Cross III illustrate the numbers game up front, with interior depth likely forcing tough calls.

These moves reshape early fantasy angles: Williams or Tinsley could seize a Week 1 role if the WR mix shakes out, Fant could siphon targets from the rest of the TE group, and the DL churn could alter snap shares for key pass rushers while keeping the Bengals' interior rotation unsettled into the first weeks of the season.

Isaiah Thomas burst onto Cincinnati’s roster conversation with a preseason finale flourish, flashing pressures and racking up two sacks that raise doubt about his final 53-man fate. The Bengals rolled him out alongside Raymond Johnson III, McKinnley Jackson and Howard Cross III, underscoring a fierce depth battle at edge and the risk of a waiver claim if he’s cut. Dynasty and redraft managers should watch how the roster decisions unfold, since a spot could unlock a late-season rush upside or a potential practice-squad stash that teams would chase.

Thomas’s path—from a 2022 seventh-rounder with Cleveland to practice squad detours and a December return to Cincinnati—adds intrigue to the final cuts. If he doesn’t land on the 53, another organization will likely bid, shifting how fantasy rosters value Bengals pass rush depth and special-teams contributors. The next moves in Cincinnati’s depth chart will be a tell for speculative bets and late-round adds in best-ball and dynasty formats.

The New York Giants have welcomed a number of former stars to their training facility this spring, with Howard Cross being the latest addition. Cross, who played for the Giants for 13 seasons and won a Super Bowl XXV ring, emphasized the importance of defending one's turf during his address. His experience of playing under legendary coaches like Bear Bryant and Bill Parcells adds significant weight to his words. This trend of inviting former players helps instill legacy and traditions among the current roster.

Cross's presence and message resonate deeply within the organization, reinforcing the Giants' identity and commitment to excellence as they prepare for the 2025 season. With his long-standing affiliation with the team as part of their broadcast team since 2007, Cross serves as a bridge between past and present, ensuring the values of the Giants' storied history remain alive.