Rosters shrink to 53, opening a veteran-led free-agent wave. Diontae Johnson, Kendrick Bourne, Desmond Ridder, Isaiah Simmons and Cam Akers headline the class, each with clear NFL-fit paths. Johnson’s burst and route-running keep him in play for a reunion with the Steelers or a swing to Jets/Commanders; Bourne’s steady target share makes Jets/Bills/Browns plausible; Ridder could land as a practice-squad QB with Chargers/Cardinals/Titans; Simmons’ versatility draws Raiders/Buccaneers/Rams; Akers as a healthy depth option could land with Bengals/Colts/Dolphins.

Fantasy managers should monitor landing spots that maximize target volume, red-zone opportunities and early-down workload. Each player carries upside in the right system, but risk remains until a clear role emerges.