Who Should I Start? Terry McLaurin or Bucky Irving

Monday, June 30, 9:29 PM

ESPN's Adam Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday that there is no update on contract talks between the Washington Commanders and wide receiver Terry McLaurin, "and that's the problem." "There is quite a gap between what both sides want right now and they have not made any progress," Schefter said. Schefter goes on to say that he'd be surprised if the Commanders look to move on from McLaurin via a trade, regardless of how disgruntled the wideout might be. McLaurin is entering the final season of a three-year extension he signed in 2022 and is looking for a hefty extension after posting his fifth straight 1,000-yard season with a career-high 13 touchdowns in 2024. He's reportedly seeking a deal that would pay him around $30 million a year, but the Commanders seem hesitant to give that to a receiver that will turn 30 this September. In fantasy, McLaurin is a solid WR2 target going into 2025.

Thursday, June 26, 6:10 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving, who is expected to see more opportunities in 2025, has improved his footwork and pass protection, according to head coach Todd Bowles. "He got to where he needed to be, but his footwork wasn't always the cleanest last season," Bowles says. "He's cleaned that up." Despite only "starting" three games in 2024, Irving finished as the RB13 in point-per-reception scoring in fantasy in his rookie season by racking up 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 207 rushing attempts. He added 47 receptions on 52 targets for 392 yards through the air. The 22-year-old makes up for his lack of size and athleticism with excellent vision and a knack for breaking tackles in open space. The primary concern with Irving as it pertains to being a true RB1 is the question of whether he can be a true workhorse back and withstand all the physical punishment between the tackles.