Who Should I Start? James Conner or Dalton Schultz

Monday, February 16, 7:27 AM

The Athletic's Doug Haller believes that Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) could be a salary cap casualty this offseason. Conner has been a major asset to Arizona's offense during his five years with the team and is among the most respected players in the locker room, but he's also coming off a severe foot injury that limited him to just three games in 2025. He'll turn 31 years old in May and is under contract through the 2026 season, and cutting him would save the Cardinals around $8 million. Cutting Conner would allow the team to use the extra money to find a younger replacement in the backfield. The Cardinals would face a $2.25 million dead-cap hit by releasing Conner if he's a pre-June 1 cut. Even though Conner had two 1,000-yard seasons before his injury last year, he will most likely struggle to find a prominent role as a lead back in either Arizona or somewhere else next season while coming off a serious injury.

Tuesday, February 17, 4:52 AM

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz quietly had one of the best seasons of his NFL career in 2025. Schultz's headlines were muffled by C.J. Stroud's struggles and the breakouts of Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, but the veteran tight end had a very strong year en route to posting his second TE10 finish in the last three years. The 29-year-old ultimately caught 82 passes on 106 targets, both of which represent career highs. He tallied 777 yards and three touchdowns, finishing as a top-12 tight end for the fifth time in six years. Schultz isn't the flashiest name at the tight end position, but he has quietly offered year-over-year stability. The veteran pass-catcher remains under contract with Houston for 2026, and he should continue to produce next season despite Stroud's inconsistent play. Schultz ranks as a fringe top-12 fantasy tight end, and he should be held in most dynasty leagues.