Clinton Portis and Ryan Kerrigan, two iconic former players from the now Washington Commanders, have been appointed as grand marshals for the July 4th parade in Middletown, Virginia, celebrating Independence Day in style. Portis, who had a storied career with the franchise, rushed for nearly 10,000 yards and scored 75 touchdowns over his NFL tenure. Kerrigan, the all-time sack leader for the team, achieved an impressive 95.5 sacks and was a four-time Pro Bowler. Their presence adds a nostalgic charm to the celebrations. The parade, which is set to feature 76 entries, will be the highlight of the day, concluding with a spectacular fireworks display.

The San Francisco 49ers have made significant adjustments to their wide receiver corps ahead of the upcoming NFL season. The team notably traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders, securing a fifth-round pick in return. Additionally, they inked Demarcus Robinson to a two-year, $8 million contract and saw Chris Conley retire from professional football. The draft saw the 49ers bring in Jordan Watkins and Junior Bergen as fourth and seventh-round picks, respectively, along with the signing of undrafted free agent Isaiah Neyor.

With Brandon Aiyuk's absence due to substantial injuries sustained last season, the 49ers' receiving group is being reshaped into a unit that could have a different dynamic in 2025. The blend of experienced players and recent draftees could be pivotal for the team's offensive strategy moving forward. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on the evolving depth chart as the 49ers adjust to these changes.

Deebo Samuel's performance in the 2024 season has raised significant concerns among dynasty fantasy football managers. With only 51 receptions for 670 yards, he recorded the lowest average yards per game of his career, compounded by internal team conflicts and a health scare involving pneumonia. His dissatisfaction with the 49ers ultimately led to a trade to the Washington Commanders, where the organization must figure out how to utilize his unique skill set effectively.

Samuel's lack of traditional receiver skills—specifically in route running and separation—might hinder his ability to thrive in a new system. Given the current team dynamics, fantasy players should view him as a trade candidate for 2025, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding his deployment in Washington.

The Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Commanders are gearing up for their upcoming clashes, with each team facing significant matchups this week. The Eagles are looking to maintain their position at the top of their division, leveraging their potent offense and solid defense. Meanwhile, the Steelers are aiming to improve their game after a rocky start, focusing on bolstering their offensive line to protect their quarterback. As for Washington, they're hoping to harness their young talent and turn their season around with strategic plays and a strong showing against rival teams.

July is shaping up to be an exciting month for NFL fans, with nearly half the league set to debut new alternate helmets or uniforms. At least eight teams are confirmed to unveil fresh looks, with the potential for up to 15 teams to join in the fun. The Washington Commanders have already announced their release date, along with the Los Angeles Chargers. The anticipation around these new designs adds an extra layer of excitement to the offseason, which can often feel slow. This unique focus on aesthetics introduces a new dynamic to team branding and fan engagement, making July anything but dull.