ESPN FantasyFeb 20, 2026, 01:06 PM ET
Everything that happens in the NFL has additional context when viewed from a fantasy football perspective. From position battles to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values in fantasy football.
Our Fantasy Football Buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around the league.
Feb. 20: News or Noise?
By Eric Karabell
Now that the Super Bowl is behind us, perhaps you're hearing about the latest football news only in passing, if at all. That's perfectly fine. We're paying attention to what's going on and are here to let you know about the top stories that might have gone under your radar. Are they something you need to file away for draft day or are they likely to have little impact when all is said and done? Read on and find out whether these breaking developments are truly news or if they're just noise.
Tyreek Hill cut by Miami Dolphins: Hill, one of the league's dominant wide receivers during the 2022 and 2023 seasons when he averaged 119 receptions, 1,754 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, suffered a major knee injury (dislocation, ligament tears) in Week 4 of the 2025 season, and he remains on the mend. The retooling Dolphins predictably decided to move on, but Hill maintains he wishes to continue his career.
Rumors of a return to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he spent his formative seasons, run rampant. There is no guarantee that Hill (who turns 32 prior to Week 1 of the 2026 season) will be ready to play in time for the start of the season. Note: Stephania Bell addresses just that in this Tyreek Hill FAQ.
Fantasy impact: For now, in February, mostly noise. It is not unusual for NFL stars to become early salary cap casualties. Let us assume Hill finds fantasy-relevant work, though there is a big difference between playing with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs and ... well, most other offenses.
Kansas City WR Rashee Rice accused of assault: Rice, who has played in 28 games over three NFL seasons, derailed both by a serious knee injury (in 2024) and off-the-field circumstances (a six-game suspension in 2025), is back in the news. Reports state the controversial Rice has been named in a civil lawsuit for multiple alleged assaults by an ex-girlfriend, and the NFL could certainly suspend Rice again.
On the field, Rice is the top target for Mahomes when healthy and a potential WR1 option who caught 79 passes for 938 yards as a rookie in 2023. Fantasy managers must wonder, however, if these recent reports will keep Rice from active duty in parts of 2026 and/or beyond.
Fantasy impact: News, because Rice has been suspended before.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans to play in 2026: Evans, whose record-breaking streak of 11 seasons of 1,000 or more receiving yards ended in an injury-plagued (concussion, hamstring, collarbone) 2025 campaign, announced he will return for 2026. He turns 33 in August. Evans saw a decrease in production this past season, catching only 30 passes for 368 yards over eight games, but he was fantasy's No. 7 WR in 2024. He certainly isn't too old to produce big numbers again. Note: One fit Matt Bowen likes is with Buffalo. See more here.
Fantasy impact: Expected news. Evans has been doubted before and, prior to 2025, he has always been reliable and productive. Welcome back!
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Travis Hunter expected to play a larger defensive role: Hunter, who caught 28 passes and scored one touchdown over seven games as a rookie before tearing a ligament in his right knee, won the 2024 Heisman Trophy, in part due to his impressive work as a two-way option at Colorado. However, most of his snaps during his rookie season came as a wide receiver.
In January, Jaguars GM James Gladstone told reporters that Hunter will see more time in the future as a cornerback, perhaps due to this being more of a positional need for the team. Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington are prominent and productive Jaguars wide receivers. Hunter, who did not tear his ACL, is expected to be a full participant in training camp and available for Week 1 of the regular season.
Fantasy impact: News. Fantasy managers coveted the hyped-up Hunter too generously last season. Any decrease in offensive snaps might make him worth fading this season.
Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins expected to be released: Cousins, 37, might be on the move again after two disappointing seasons with the Falcons. Once a productive player who fantasy managers relied on for his days with Washington and Minnesota, Cousins averaged only 10.4 fantasy points per game last season. He was among the league's interception leaders during the 2024 season, ultimately replaced by first-round pick Michael Penix Jr.
Penix is currently recovering from another ACL tear and his availability for the start of the 2026 season is problematic, but the Falcons appear ready to find another option to pair with him rather than Cousins.
Fantasy impact: Perhaps noise at this point, as Cousins is older than most passers and has struggled for the past two seasons, but he has surprised us before. See where he lands.
