Who Should I Start? Tyler Johnson or Jacob Cowing

Saturday, March 15, 12:15 PM

Former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tyler Johnson has signed an undisclosed contract with the New York Jets. The 25-year-old is entering his sixth season in the league after spending two years with the Rams and the first three seasons of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A former fifth-round pick, Johnson got a good amount of playing time early in 2024 while LA dealt with injuries to Puka Nacua and former wideout Cooper Kupp. However, he's climbed the depth chart with his new squad and figures to slot in as the Jets' second or third option in their WR corps. New York may continue to bolster their core of pass-catchers. Still, Johnson presents as a low-risk, high-reward option as the Jets continue to retool their roster.

Friday, June 13, 12:14 PM

The Athletic's Matt Barrows writes that one of the themes among coaches and players this spring was that nobody took better advantage of the offseason than San Francisco 49ers second-year wide receiver Jacob Cowing. The 24-year-old was selected 135th overall (fourth round) last year but had a minimal role, catching just four passes for 80 yards in 15 games (zero starts). However, he trained with quarterback Brock Purdy and receiver Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) early in the offseason and had a prominent role during spring practices. It helped that Pearsall, Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Jauan Jennings (calf) were sidelined, but it's notable nonetheless. Cowing has great speed and is doing a better job of maintaining it throughout his cuts and breaks. He's good with the ball in his hands and could be a nice little gadget player in 2025, although it's unlikely to amount to much fantasy value.