As of June 22, 2026, the NFL is firmly in its offseason, meaning no games are on the horizon — but that does not mean fantasy managers should be sleeping. Between the NFL free agency carousel and a blockbuster draft class, several depth charts are already in serious flux heading toward training camp. Nowhere is that more dramatic than in Arizona, where a combination of draft capital and NFL free agency signings has turned a once-stable backfield into one of the most volatile situations in the league for redraft and dynasty managers alike.
Trey Benson (ARI) — Role Reduction
Benson's path to meaningful carries in Arizona has been all but blocked. The Cardinals used the 3rd overall pick on Jeremiyah Love and added Tyler Allgeier via NFL free agency, leaving Benson as a redundant piece with questionable long-term fit in the offense. Reports indicate he could be dealt before Week 1, which would either restore or further diminish his fantasy value depending on the landing spot.
For dynasty managers, hold on Benson loosely — a trade to a run-needy team could revive his stock, but sitting on him as a Cardinals asset right now is difficult to justify given the investment Arizona has made above him on the depth chart.
Confidence: 34%
Jeremiyah Love (ARI) — Role Expansion
The former Notre Dame standout arrives in Arizona with the kind of draft capital that commands immediate opportunity. Selected 3rd overall, Love is expected to sit atop the Cardinals' running back depth chart from day one. His profile as both a between-the-tackles runner and a legitimate pass-catching back out of the backfield makes him a high-upside asset in all fantasy formats, but especially PPR leagues.
This is one of the cleanest offseason buying opportunities in the 2026 cycle. The Cardinals clearly built their ground game around Love, and the NFL free agency addition of Allgeier reads more as depth insurance than a threat to Love's featured role. Target him aggressively in upcoming rookie drafts and redraft leagues alike.
Early signal (high severity)
James Conner (ARI) — Role Reduction
Conner's situation is arguably the most cautionary tale of this NFL offseason news cycle. Coming off a season-ending foot and ankle injury suffered in Week 3 of the prior campaign, he accepted a pay cut to remain in Arizona — only to watch the front office invest massively in the position via both the draft and NFL free agency. With Love and Allgeier ahead of him on the depth chart, Conner is now projecting as a No. 3 running back at best.
His injury history and reduced role make him essentially undraftable in most redraft formats. Dynasty managers should consider cutting ties unless the roster spot cost is negligible. Do not expect a Conner renaissance in Arizona barring significant injuries to those above him.
Confidence: 23%
Jacoby Brissett (ARI) — Training Camp Battle
The quarterback situation in Arizona is generating its own brand of NFL offseason news uncertainty. Brissett held out of voluntary workouts over contract dissatisfaction, and the Cardinals are reportedly weighing a legitimate QB competition involving Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck. Even with a nominal starter designation, Brissett's grip on the job looks tenuous heading into training camp.
For fantasy managers considering Arizona pass-catchers, this is a significant red flag. A quarterback battle heading into the preseason suppresses confidence in target trees and offensive efficiency projections. Monitor NFL training camp battles reports closely — if Beck earns the nod, his mobility and arm talent could reshape the Cardinals' aerial attack entirely.
Confidence: 39%
Michael Penix Jr. (MIA) — Return from Injury
Shifting to Miami, Penix is making encouraging progress in his recovery from an ACL injury and has been participating in limited drills during minicamp. The timeline puts him squarely in contention for the Week 1 starting role alongside Tua Tagovailoa, setting up what could be the most watched NFL training camp battles of the 2026 preseason at the QB position.
Fantasy managers in dynasty leagues who stashed Penix during his rehab should feel cautiously optimistic. His limited minicamp participation is a positive sign, but the ACL recovery process means his true readiness will not be known until full training camp opens. Keep this one on the radar — a Penix win in the depth chart battle would have major implications for the entire Miami passing game.
Early signal (medium severity)
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