Who Should I Start? Diontae Johnson or Chase Claypool

Tuesday, June 24, 2:10 PM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Diontae Johnson believes veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett will be the team's starting quarterback following the competition against Joe Flacco and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Pickett spent last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, winning his first Super Bowl ring as Jalen Hurts' backup. The 2022 first-round pick out of Pitt struggled to make a positive impact with the Pittsburgh Steelers, throwing for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 25 career games. He looked competent in limited action with the Eagles, throwing for 291 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. However, that was behind the league's best offensive line and with A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Saquon Barkley to throw the ball to. If Pickett wins the starting job in Cleveland, he likely won't offer much fantasy upside and can be ignored in single-QB formats to start the new campaign. If he struggles early, the team could opt to move to Joe Flacco or one of the first-year signal callers.

Saturday, July 5, 10:37 PM

Free-agent wide receiver Chase Claypool (toe) is hoping to sign with an NFL team. The 2020 No. 49 overall pick was spectacular as a rookie, amassing 62 catches for 873 yards and 11 touchdowns. Since then, he hasn't been as productive. finding the end zone only six times. After stops in Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Miami, Claypool was in line to suit up for the Buffalo Bills heading into the 2024 campaign. Unfortunately, he tore a ligament and tendon in his toe before eventually being released by the team. With the injury behind Claypool, he is eager to get back on the field while claiming to be stronger and faster than ever. "I am back to being the strongest and fastest I've ever been and couldn't be more excited to step back out on the field and let my actions speak for themselves," said the 26-year-old. "I deeply and truly believe that the pieces will align, and I will work my way into the position to show off what's been suppressed these last two years." It appears he is more motivated than ever. Although Claypool should see attention from fantasy managers if he signs with a club, he could have a tough time getting close to the level of production he had in his inaugural year. Still, the wideout is worth monitoring in case he ends up inking a deal with a team where he'll have the opportunity to get involved.