Who Should I Start? Brandon Powell or Hakeem Butler

Wednesday, August 7, 9:20 AM

Minnesota Vikings wide receivers Jalen Nailor and Brandon Powell were listed as co-starters in the No. 3 role on the team's first unofficial depth chart. The wideout spot behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison is open following the departure of K.J. Osborn, and the pair of pass-catchers are the prime candidates to fill that gap. Nailor, a sixth-round pick out of Michigan State in 2022, has tallied 12 receptions for 208 yards and one touchdown through his first 21 NFL games. Powell, an undrafted free agent in 2018, has hauled in 76 receptions for 678 yards and three touchdowns in 55 games with the Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, and Vikings. It will be interesting to see who comes out of the camp battle victorious, but neither is likely to have much fantasy value in an offense led by Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy. However, one of the two wideouts could have deep-league value early in the season if Addison is suspended following his misdemeanor DUI charge, especially since tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is likely to miss the start of the regular season.

Monday, August 21, 2:31 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released wide receiver Hakeem Butler (undisclosed) with an injury designation. The big-bodied pass-catcher racked up 51 receptions for 599 yards and a league-leading eight touchdown scores in the XFL in 2023 but didn't last very long during his second chance to make it in the NFL. Butler was a fourth-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019 but did not log a reception for the team, and has zero receptions on one target in two games played with the Philadelphia Eagles in his career. After failing to make the Steelers roster, his NFL career might be over.