Who Should I Start? Zach Pascal or Jacob Cowing

Saturday, March 22, 1:33 PM

Veteran free-agent wide receiver Zach Pascal is signing an undisclosed one-year deal with the New York Giants on Saturday. Pascal will reunite with receivers coach Mike Groh from their days with the Indianapolis Colts. The 30-year-old veteran will head to the NFC East after catching just four of 15 targets for 19 yards and no touchdowns in 31 games (one start) with the Arizona Cardinals the last two years. He played in 17 games a year ago but wasn't targeted at all on offense and was primarily a special-teamer. In the Big Apple, Pascal will have an opportunity to compete for a depth role on offense, but he will most likely continue to fill in on special teams in 2025. He faces an uphill battle for fantasy value behind the likes of Malik Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton and the recently signed Lil'Jordan Humphrey.

Tuesday, July 15, 3:38 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing had a quiet rookie season after being selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Arizona. The 24-year-old produced just four receptions for 80 yards and rushed once for seven yards. Otherwise, he did the majority of his work as a punt returner. Entering 2025, Deebo Samuel Sr. is now with the Washington Commanders, and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is likely to miss the start of the new campaign. According to Vic Tafur of The Athletic, Cowing has a chance to earn touches in Kyle Shanahan's offense. "[Cowing] could take a lot of the departed Deebo Samuel's gadget plays. The 49ers like his toughness, speed, and nose for yards after the catch," Tafur wrote. "Cowing added more weight in the offseason to his once 168-pound frame to handle sweeps and other running plays. He looked sharp at offseason workouts and, with Brandon Aiyuk still sidelined, could carve out an important role at training camp." Add in the fact that Jauan Jennings has requested a new deal or to be traded, and Cowing is now slightly on the fantasy football radar. That said, he's more of a deep-league flier or best ball dart throw. For now, he should be left on the waiver wire in traditional 12-team setups.