Terry McLaurin and the Commanders are in a hot negotiation as he nears the end of his 2022 extension. Washington is wary of paying top-market money to a 30-year-old receiver, weighing McLaurin’s past production against future value. The benchmark discussed is DK Metcalf’s recent extension at $33 million per season, though McLaurin contends he’s in the same elite tier. Evans’ two-year, $52 million deal is another yardstick Washington considers. While both sides expect a deal, the leverage dynamics—age, franchise tag risk, and the desire for a face-to-face agreement—make this a nuanced, high-stakes puzzle for fantasy managers who rely on target share and offense stability. The tension isn’t about behavior or effort; it’s about predicting future production and ensuring the contract aligns with projected value rather than past performance. A pragmatic, win-win long-term deal seems achievable, but the franchise tag remains a painful — and unattractive — fallback for both sides.

Three QBs drafted in the 11th round or later could be week-to-week fantasy anchors in 2025: J.J. McCarthy, Trevor Lawrence and Michael Penix Jr. McCarthy lands in Minnesota behind a high-octane offense and a top receiving group, giving him a path to a top-24 floor with upside to crack the top-8 in bursts. Lawrence benefits from Liam Coen’s revamped system in Jacksonville, paired with a reworked receiving corps that should smooth his short-to-intermediate game and lift his fantasy ceiling. Penix Jr. surfaces in Atlanta with a strong supporting cast and a Rams-like framework that could stabilize his efficiency and push him into weekly QB2 status with several weeks of top-12 potential.

The article notes the risk-reward balance for any first-year starter with limited rushing upside, but emphasizes coaching, surrounding talent and system fit as the great equalizers. It also highlights how surrounding pieces—the receivers and tight ends—help Vikings signal-callers outperform their real-life ranking in fantasy, and how Coen’s offensive philosophy has historically unlocked upside for quarterbacks who can process quick reads and leverage accuracy. The takeaway for fantasy managers is clear: late-round darts in McCarthy, Lawrence and Penix come with meaningful upside if the supporting casts stay healthy and the systems stay conducive to efficient, mistake-minimizing passing.

Ramsey and Slay sidelined at Steelers camp thrusts Cameron McCutchen, Kyler McMichael and Daryl Porter Jr. into extended reps, intensifying the cornerback depth battle in Pittsburgh. With the two stars out, the Steelers’ practice reps tilt toward the youngsters, creating clearer on-field tests and more favorable matchups for opposing offenses during scrimmages. Pittsburgh shifts focus to joint practices with Tampa Bay before a weekend preseason game, meaning big-picture CB development and depth chart clarity will come fast. Fantasy-minded observers should monitor how reps are divvied and which young corners seize the momentum as camp closes.

Shedeur Sanders stole the spotlight in Cleveland’s preseason tilt against Carolina, flashing poise and a clean throwing rhythm that has fantasy scouts buzzing about a late-round stash behind a capped quarterback room. His athleticism and decision-making hints suggest a potential path to real NFL reps in relief duty or mop-up scenarios, though the Browns are in no rush to elevate him before Week 1.

Meanwhile, Shilo Sanders made his NFL debut with the Buccaneers in a 29-7 win over Tennessee, delivering a highlight hit and showing a comfort with the defense that suggests a real roster shot. Todd Bowles publicly framed him as having a chance to land on the 53-man roster, while Shilo emphasized maximizing speed, power and special-teams value after saying he left big hits on the table. The weekend also reinforced the high-profile Sanders family arc—Deion’s legacy adds pressure and context to every rep—and set up a telling next act, with TB visiting the Steelers and Cleveland's QB development path continuing to unfold for fantasy rosters that monitor every snap.