The Best Mid-Round Values + The Latest News

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Happy Monday, everyone! We’ve got an awesome week ahead of us, don’t we? Two massive World Cup Games, some rookies start reporting to training camp, and we’re going to start getting actual NFL news to react to again! Let’s dive in to today’s newsletter for the latest news, along with my latest article that just dropped over on the website taking a look at the best value picks in the middle rounds. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. The Latest Fantasy Football News Daniel Jones — QB (IND) Colts QB Daniel Jones is “cleared to do everything” ahead of training camp Jones told The Athletic’s James Boyd at his youth football camp that he is fully cleared to participate. He continues to think about his Achilles injury during practice reps but appears on track for Week 1. However, fantasy managers could be waiting into the second quarter of the season for him to return to form given the lengthy rehab process. Tua Tagovailoa — QB (ATL) The Athletic’s Josh Kendall believes Tua Tagovailoa will start in Week 1 for the Falcons Kendall expects a legitimate competition between Tagovailoa and Michael Penix, but ultimately favors Tagovailoa based on accuracy (64.1% career completion vs. Penix’s 59.6%). Both QBs are expected to play this season as the Falcons evaluate Penix’s long-term potential. Derek Carr — QB (FA) Speaking on Good Morning Football, Derek Carr said it would take a “special situation” for him to come out of retirement The 35-year-old Carr noted that multiple teams reached out to him this offseason, but he declined to name them. While open to a return, Carr suggested it’s “not guaranteed” he would come back even if the right opportunity arose. He appears content enjoying time with his family. Travis Hunter — WR/CB (JAC) NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reports Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter (knee) will be a “full go” for training camp Hunter is working his way back from a 2025 knee injury and appears ready for full participation. His versatility as both a WR and defensive back will be valuable for Jacksonville’s roster flexibility. Aaron Donald — DT (LA) Rumors of potential return continue as former Rams DT worked out with team Friday Former Rams DT Aaron Donald, a 10-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, worked out with the team on Friday, marking the first concrete action beyond retirement speculation. While hurdles remain to clear for a potential return after Donald’s retirement following the 2023 season, a one-year deal could align with the Rams’ Super-Bowl-or-bust 2026 season approach. A multi-year deal remains possible given Matthew Stafford’s recent one-year extension keeping him through 2027. Trent Taylor — WR (FA) WR Trent Taylor announced his retirement from the NFL. Taylor last played with the 49ers during the 2024 season, ending his career with 88 receptions for 845 yards and three touchdowns. He initially spent three seasons in San Francisco before playing two for the Bengals and one for the Bears, finishing his career back where it started. A longtime role player, Taylor made only three starts at the professional level. Zachariah Branch — WR (ATL) The Athletic’s Josh Kendall believes Zachariah Branch will finish among the team’s top three receivers in targets. It’s not really a stretch when you consider Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus are the two other receivers behind Drake London that are competing for real time on the Falcons. Branch isn’t exact…