Sure, here's a rewritten version of the phrase: "Nine fantasy late-round sleepers and the usual Jets drama"

 

I finally ordered my fantasy draft board and stickers for our August 25th draft. If the kit doesn’t arrive on time, we'll switch to an online draft, and we’ll miss out on the in-person heckling. Wish me luck! And if you haven’t already, go get yours—it’s definitely worth it. Now, onto this newsletter:

🚫 Haason Reddick Update

👀 Preseason Players to Watch

🏃 Matthew Judon Trade Rumors

Let’s start in New York, where Dianna has the latest on the ongoing Jets drama.

**What Dianna’s Hearing: Trust Eroded Between Reddick and the Jets**

Here’s the latest twist in the Haason Reddick saga: Four months after the Eagles traded him to the Jets following his trade request, the two-time Pro Bowler is now publicly demanding another trade from New York.

GM Joe Douglas has stated that the team has no plans to trade the 29-year-old, who remains absent from training camp. Based on several conversations yesterday, it’s clear that the trust between Reddick’s camp and the Jets has completely broken down. Here’s what I’ve learned:

- The Jets, like the Eagles and other teams who inquired about Reddick last March, knew he was seeking a contract adjustment.

- Before the trade, the Jets made an offer that included a raise from the non-guaranteed $14.25 million he's scheduled to make this season. However, the offer was still below market value compared to the NFL's top pass rushers. Reddick’s camp informed the Jets that this offer wouldn’t be sufficient.

- Despite this, the Jets proceeded with the trade. They claim they did not offer a long-term extension because Reddick’s representative assured them he would attend workouts under his current contract while negotiations were ongoing. Reddick’s camp, however, says no such promise was made.

- As it stands, the Jets won’t discuss a new deal until Reddick reports to training camp, but he won’t report until a new deal is negotiated.

Over to you, Jacob.

**Fantasy Flyers: Preseason Standouts to Watch**

While we're all tracking Caleb Williams and the other top rookie quarterbacks, don’t overlook some lesser-known players who could make an impact on your fantasy team:

**Post-Injury Breakout: J.K. Dobbins, Chargers**  

Yes, Dobbins has only appeared in nine games over the past two seasons and is coming off an Achilles injury—an ailment that often spells the end for many players. Plus, Gus Edwards remains the primary back. However, the 25-year-old Dobbins is making significant progress in his rehab, has a career average of 5.8 yards per carry, and is confident he’s ready to “take off.”

**Scroll down for: RB Jaret Patterson, Chargers**  

The race for the Chargers' RB3 spot is still "wide open," according to beat reporter Daniel Popper. However, Patterson—a 5-8, 195-pound former UDFA—has impressed the coaching staff enough to be considered a leading candidate for the role behind Dobbins and Edwards.

**Sleeper Backup RB: Braelon Allen, Jets**  

Allen, a 6-1, 235-pound rookie, made an impact in his first preseason game, rushing six times for 54 yards, with nearly every carry gaining at least five yards. Beat reporter Zack Rosenblatt expects Allen to secure the No. 2 spot behind Breece Hall. With performances like this, it’s easy to see why:

**Don’t Overlook: QB Spencer Rattler, Saints**  

Saints fans won’t be forgetting the fifth-round rookie anytime soon. Rattler led a game-winning drive in his preseason debut, completing 9 of 17 passes for 70 yards and adding a short rushing touchdown. However, his 63.4 QB rating from that game is a concern, keeping him in a battle with Jake Haener (94.1 QB rating) for the backup role behind Derek Carr (42.4 QB rating). 

**Expected Risers: WR Jermaine Burton, Bengals**  

Burton, a third-round rookie, might have been drafted two rounds earlier, but his college performance and character concerns dropped him down the board. In his first preseason game, he flashed his potential with three catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. Despite playing with the third team, he stood out as one of five Bengals who made a strong impression.

**Deep League Target: WR Brenden Rice, Chargers**  

According to beat reporter Daniel Popper, Rice has the potential to be a productive NFL receiver. The 6-3 rookie, and son of Jerry Rice, combines athleticism, route-running skills, and yards-after-catch ability, making him a strong contender in a Chargers receiver room that has 250 available targets.

- **Potential Lead RB:** Rico Dowdle, Cowboys. Jon Machota’s pick for leading Dallas in rushing yards, the 26-year-old started the Cowboys’ first preseason game and made a solid impression with a nine-yard run on his first touch. He also performed well in pass protection, a crucial area with Ezekiel Elliott’s return setting a high bar.

**Sam LaPorta 2.0? TE Theo Johnson, Giants**  

Could Theo Johnson be the next Sam LaPorta? The Canadian-born fourth-round pick has the speed (4.57-second 40-yard dash) and size (6-6, 260 pounds) to make a smooth transition to the NFL, much like LaPorta did last season. With Darren Waller’s retirement, Johnson has a prime opportunity to make an impact.

**“New” Situation: TE Noah Fant, Seahawks**  

Noah Fant has averaged just 26.5 yards per game while competing with Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson in Seattle. With both Dissly and Parkinson gone, Fant—an athletic talent who has shown flashes—now becomes the main beneficiary of new OC Ryan Grubb’s vertical passing attack. He’s a sleeper pick for a breakout season in 2024.

**Trade Block Talk: Is Judon on the Move?**  

The Athletic reported yesterday that several teams have reached out to the Patriots about pass rusher Matthew Judon.

**Why Judon?**  

In his two healthy seasons with New England, Judon recorded 12.5 and 15.5 sacks, along with 28 tackles for loss and two Pro Bowl selections. He’s been one of their top performers over the past three years.

**Why the Interest?**  

Judon is disgruntled, having missed several days of camp and only returning after a brief hold-in. At nearly 32, he’s looking for a raise (he’s set to earn $7.5 million this season) and a new contract as he enters the final year of his deal with the Patriots.

**What’s the Price?**  

Judon might be more accessible than ever. As noted by Dianna and Chad Graff, it’s challenging for the Patriots to demand much for an aging pass rusher coming off a season-ending bicep injury. Patriots fans seem open to trading him for a third- or fourth-round pick. Bears GM Ryan Poles might be interested, as Judon could be a perfect fit in Chicago. (Or perhaps New England trades him to a rival for Reddick?!)

**Around the NFL**

- **Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs** suffered a strained hamstring in practice yesterday. The severity is unknown, making it unclear if he’ll miss any time.

- **Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy** missed practice yesterday due to knee soreness. HC Kevin O’Connell indicated this is routine and plans to give McCarthy more snaps with the No. 1 offense this week.

- **Dolphins LB Jaelan Phillips** has been activated from the PUP list as he continues recovering from a torn Achilles sustained last November. At just 25, Phillips has accumulated 22 sacks over three seasons.