To the Moon?! | Dynasty Players Whose Value could EXPLODE after Week 1
Players whose dynasty value could increase after Week 1
WR · FA · 26 yrs · exp 4 · Notre Dame
Stories linked to this player — newest first.
Players whose dynasty value could increase after Week 1
Olave leaves practice early after injury; other wideouts mentioned
The Colts brought in a familiar name for a tryout, but it doesn't appear as if it was successful
The Colts brought in a familiar name for a tryout, but it doesn’t appear as if it was successful. Via the league’s daily transaction wire, Chase Claypool was among a group of four players who tried out for Indianapolis on Thursday. But the Colts ended up signing the other receiver who was a part of it — undrafted rookie Liam Clifford. Claypool has not appeared in a regular-season game since 2023 when he played for the Dolphins. He spent time with the Bills in 2024. Running backs Jermar Jefferson and Roydell Williams also tried out for the Colts on Thursday
Since the 2000s began, the Cowboys have had several trades for big-name wide receivers. It’s still too early to make an official proclamation, but so far, the trade for George Pickens is looking like it may be the most successful. Our rundown series now comes to one of Dallas ’ brightest stars, and perhaps their most talked-about player this offseason. Years in NFL: 4 Acquired by: Trade (2025) 2022 was a year of sweeping change for the Pittsburgh Steelers . Ben Roethlisberger retired, there was a new general manager, and the receiver position was also in flux. George Pickens was part of this new offensive era, a second-round pick to go with first-round quarterback Kenny Pickett . Unlike the rookie QB, Pickens was an immediate contributor in a trio with Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool . Pittsburgh traded Claypool away in November, leaving Johnson and Pickens as the clear starting duo. For three years, Pickens’ talent was clear but so were issues with his maturity and relationship with the Steelers. The team struggled to find its next QB, going through the poo-poo platter of Pickett, Mitch Trubisky , and Mason Rudolph before bringing in Russell Wilson in 2023. While Wilson helped bring some respectability back at QB, Pickens’ status with the team was already breaking down. Criticism of his effort became public, and he went into his fourth year without a clear path forward in Pittsburgh. As it turned out, the path led to Dallas. Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick were sent to the Cowboys for a 2026 third-rounder and Dallas’ fifth-round pick in 2027. For the Steelers, it was a decent return on a former second-rounder who they clearly had no intention of re-signing after his rookie deal. For the Cowboys, it was an immediate upgrade at WR2 and a much-needed wingman for CeeDee Lamb , who’d been carrying too much of the receiving load since the departure of Amari Cooper and the decline of Michael Gallup . For Pickens, the fresh start was clearly needed. Whether it was a new set of coaches, the pressure from his expiring contract, finally having the right QB in Dak Prescott , or all of the above, Pickens exploded in 2025 with new career highs of 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. He went to his first Pro Bowl and was a Second-Team All-Pro. In one year, Pickens went from the Steelers’ chopping block to the Cowboys’ franchise tag. A long-term deal was not reached this offseason, but Pickens reported to all mandatory activities and has said he’s ready to be at camp and play 2026 on the franchise tag. Even with the contract issue, Pickens’ relationship with Dallas seems undamaged and there’s plenty of excitement for his second season. Years Left: 1 2026 Cap Hit: $27.3 million Honestly, we’ve been waiting to do this one until we saw how the contract negotiations played out. But as of July 15th, the window for franchised players to sign a long-term deal closed and Pickens is now locked in to the franchise deal for 2026. We’ll circle back to this circus next February/March. Role: Starting WR Roster Chance: 100% We have one of those “great problems to have” with the rising debate over who the Cowboys’ true franchise receiver is between Pickens and Lamb. How you feel about it depends on what you value in a receiver, and much credit you give one guy’s presence to helping the other thrive. In the end, does it even matter? Dallas has two receivers that would be the clear number one for most NFL teams, so let’s just enjoy it. One of the fascinating things to watch in 2026 will be how defenses adjust to Pickens’ breakout. Does he get increased attention, making life easier for Lamb? Do teams commit so much to stopping the superstar receivers that guys like Ryan Flournoy and Jake Ferguson have huge years? Will Dallas’ running backs be the biggest beneficiaries from high concern over the passing attack? Without a doubt, Pickens’ presence makes all of this possible. As good as Lamb was from 2022-2024, Pickens’ arrival opene [... truncated ...]
Diontae Johnson, a former Steelers wide receiver, is attempting an NFL comeback, posting a video of his training. Johnson has had a tumultuous career since leaving Pittsburgh, playing for multiple teams including the Panthers, Ravens, Texans, and Browns, and was most recently released by the Browns in the preseason of 2025
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