NFL OTA News: Rodgers Signs, Injuries, Trades & Fantasy Buzz, 6/6

Sure, Organized Team Activities (OTAs) are technically voluntary. But they certainly aren’t “voluntary” for the guys on the fringe of the roster trying to make the team. Not only do the coaches know who is there or not, but the media can figure it out pretty quickly through open practices and press conferences.

That can give us some insight into what is going on with some of the stars as well. Who is on pace in their injury recovery, and who is behind? Maybe guys aren’t showing up due to contract disputes. From this point forward, there will be a lot of NFL news and rumors floating around, with everything from trades to injuries to suspensions. 

And, since it’s easy for some of that to slip through the cracks, we’ll round up the important stuff for you every Friday all summer long! We’ll even include a section at the bottom dedicated strictly to the fantasy football-relevant rumblings out there, so we can all speculate wildly. Isn’t football fun?

Aaron Rodgers Signs With The Pittsburgh Steelers

• At long last, the weight is over. Aaron Rodgers informed the Steelers that he would be flying out today to sign with the team and that he’d be ready to go for mini-camp next week. We did a full breakdown here of what it means for Rodgers, for the Steelers, and for fantasy football.

Detroit Lions Center Frank Ragnow Has Retired

• Per a post on his own social media accounts, Lions Center Frank Ragnow has decided to retire. He had battled multiple injuries, including a toe issue dating back to college. The star lineman is likely headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame at some point, while it’s undoubtedly a hit to this Lions offensive line. 

Saquon Barkley Will Be On The 2026 Madden Cover

• After having an incredible statistical season, capped off with a Super Bowl win, Barkley was a perfect choice to grace the cover of the legendary game. And, naturally, the rumblings about the “Madden Curse” began. Obviously, it’s just a superstition, but there are some questions about injury potential following heavy volume seasons like his. 

Running Back JK Dobbins Is Meeting With The Denver Broncos

• There are still a couple of solid fantasy-relevant free agents floating around, like Nick Chubb, Amari Cooper, and Keenan Allen. One of them, JK Dobbins, is reportedly in Denver to meet with the Broncos. If he does sign there, it could pour a bit of cold water on the recent hype for rookie running back RJ Harvey. And perhaps Dobbins could battle for that starting job.

Ravens WR Rashod Bateman Inks Three-Year, $36.75 Million Extension

Rashod Bateman may not have been a superstar for the Baltimore Ravens, but he’s a reliable guy that they like. And this will keep him around on a decent deal for a few more years. The contract is in line with the ones signed this year by guys like Darius Slayton and Joshua Palmer, and last year by Gabe Davis and Darnell Mooney. 

Philadelphia Eagles Trade Defensive End Bryce Huff To The San Francisco 49ers

As teams often due in cap-related moves, they wait until after the June 1 deadline to finalize their trade of Bryce Huff to the 49ers. The Eagles will then be able to spread the dead cap hit over the next two years rather than absorbing it all in 2025. The compensation is a conditional fifth-round pick in 2026 that could become a fourth-round pick if Huff performs at a high level. 

Fantasy Football News, Rumors, Trades, and Injuries

This section is dedicated to fantasy-relevant rumblings from around the various off-season practices and meetings. We’ll look at who is practicing or not, as well as some trade talk. 

• Here are your most recent trade ideas floating around
  • The trade rumors surrounding Kyle Pitts continue to swirl, even after the NFL Draft is over. He’s not necessarily a great scheme fit for what Zac Robinson wants to do and would likely benefit from a change of scenery. 
  • Former Falcon and current Dolphin Jonnu Smith also had some trade discussions pop up. After outperforming his contract in a big way last year, Smith is looking for a new contract.
• Here are some players who are reportedly looking healthy at OTAs
  • Christian McCaffrey is “as healthy as can be,” per Kyle Shanahan.
  • Rashee Rice was seen without a knee brace. In fact, we did a full write-up on both his health and his suspension updates for you right here at Fantasy Alarm.
  • Stefon Diggs was also seen without a knee brace and working with the WR group rather than the rehab group.
• And here are the guys who have popped up with some injury (or other) concerns at OTAs
  • Some had speculated on a possible health issue after Amon-Ra St. Brown skipped the Pro Bowl. He now confirmed that he had minor knee surgery. He’ll miss OTAs but expects to be back for training camp.
  • Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is not throwing at OTAs due to “general soreness”. The Texans say they are not worried, but it’s certainly not ideal.
  • Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is also dealing with a shoulder issue and will not participate in minicamp next week. 
  • 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said WR Ricky Pearsall is absent with a hamstring injury.
  • Kyle Pitts may have trade rumors floating, but he also has not been practicing with a strained muscle in his foot.
  • There are no reports of injury, but after his tumultuous season last year, it’s worth noting that Diontae Johnson has not shown up at Browns OTAs. He has no guaranteed money on his deal. 
  • Terry McLaurin originally showed up to OTAs but left abruptly due to a lack of progress on a long-term deal. 

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