2026 NFL Minicamp Tracker: Brissett Sits Out, Pickens Heads to Dallas, Mayfield Sets Deadline
A June 3–10 offseason tracker: Brissett reported but didn't practice at Cardinals mandatory minicamp; Pickens confirmed as a Cowboy; Mayfield sets a hard contract deadline while Evans departs for SF; Penix stuck in 7-on-7; plus ADP movers, five fantasy-relevant ESPN injury entries, and the key dates to watch through late July.
Mandatory minicamp season is here. Eleven teams convened this week; 12 more follow June 16–18. Here's everything that shifted for your fantasy roster from June 3–10.
Three stories demand your attention before anything else. Jacoby Brissett (Arizona Cardinals) showed up to mandatory minicamp on June 9 and watched practice from the sideline — contract gap "vast," no resolution in sight. 1 Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) said talks are "not anywhere close" to a deal and set training camp as his hard stop for negotiations — this in the same week Mike Evans officially became a San Francisco 49er after 12 years in Tampa. 2 And if you still have George Pickens listed as a Pittsburgh Steeler in your dynasty league notes, fix that: he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in April and signed his $27.2M franchise tag. 3
Mandatory minicamp tracker
Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals QB — present, not practicing
Brissett skipped all of Arizona's voluntary OTAs over a contract dispute — his 2026 deal pays $4.88M base with only $1.5M guaranteed, and the two sides are reportedly far apart. Showing up to mandatory minicamp on June 9 saved him from fines (approximately $107,911 for the week), but he only stretched with teammates before watching Gardner Minshew II, Kedon Slovis, and rookie Carson Beck run the offense from the sideline. 1
Head coach Mike LaFleur was direct about why he kept Brissett out: "You're not going to throw someone out there. When guys get here for Phase One, Day One, we don't practice, so why would I do that to another guy? That seems negligent on my part." 1 Tight end Trey McBride said "guys want him to be here" and left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. called him "our guy through and through." 4
Fantasy read: Brissett's ADP has fallen 15.2 spots since the holdout began. His backup situation matters more now — Beck and Minshew are splitting the work, with Beck the more interesting dynasty stash. Neither is worth roster space in single-QB redraft.
Michael Penix Jr., Falcons QB — still 7-on-7 only
Penix is recovering from his third ACL surgery. He sat out the June 9 OTA on a scheduled rest day (not a setback), but Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski declined to say whether Penix would be cleared for 11-on-11 work at Atlanta's mandatory minicamp the following week. Asked directly, Stefanski said only "we'll see." The Falcons' official position — as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution — is that there is no QB competition until Penix is healthy enough to compete fully. 5 Tua Tagovailoa (acquired by the Falcons this offseason) has been getting the majority of first-team reps by default. 6
Atlanta's QB picture depends entirely on when Penix clears for 11-on-11. Next checkpoint: mandatory minicamp starting June 16. 5
Fantasy read: Penix isn't in the top 230 ADP in most formats. Tagovailoa's upside tracks directly to when — or whether — Penix is cleared. The June 16 minicamp is the next real data point.
Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers QB — under contract, no extension imminent
Mayfield broke his offseason silence on June 5, and the message wasn't subtle. His current deal — three years, $100M, $33.33M annually — ranks 16th among NFL quarterbacks in annual value. He wants more. "We'd love to be here long-term. And as of right now, that's not exactly the case, but I'm under contract for 2026," he said. 2 His deadline: "As soon as training camp starts, we're not doing any contract stuff. It's all ball." 2
The Evans departure compounds the situation. Mike Evans signed with San Francisco after 12 seasons in Tampa — Mayfield called it "disappointing" and said he "thought he deserved to be a Buc for life." Chris Godwin (entering his 10th season) steps into the WR1 role. Mayfield expressed genuine excitement about Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, Tez Johnson, and Ted Hurst: "When you lose a guy like that, you got to have a lot of people fill those shoes, not just one person, and we have that." 2
Fantasy read: Mayfield is still a high-floor fantasy option in 2026 — a motivated quarterback in a contract year is not a bad thing. The concern is volume distribution across a broader receiver group now that Evans is gone. Godwin at WR1 and McMillan as the breakout candidate are the two fantasy angles worth tracking here.
George Pickens, Cowboys WR — confirmed in Dallas, expected June 16
To be clear on the record: Pickens was traded from Pittsburgh to Dallas in April for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth. He signed his $27.2M franchise tag and is playing 2026 on a one-year deal. He skipped voluntary OTAs — legally fine, no fines apply — but HC Brian Schottenheimer expects him at the June 16–18 mandatory minicamp. 3 Dak Prescott confirmed they've had throwing sessions together already: "He's a hell of a talent. We've thrown this offseason, so I'm comfortable with where he's at and I'm excited for when he can get in the building and get rolling." 3
Pickens posted 1,429 receiving yards, 9 touchdowns, and nearly 16 yards per catch in 2025 — his first Pro Bowl season. Pairing him with Prescott and CeeDee Lamb makes Dallas's passing offense one of the more interesting fantasy stacks heading into draft season.
Daniel Jones, Colts QB — 7-on-7, targeting training camp for full clearance
Jones won't participate in 11-on-11 drills at Indianapolis's mandatory minicamp this week. He said he asked the Colts to clear him for full team work and the team declined, preferring to wait until late July's training camp. "I think I'm closer. I think there's still work to be done. I wouldn't say I'm all the way there at this point. I feel good about where I am," Jones said on June 9. 7 Alec Pierce (ankle, offseason surgery) and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (neck) are also sitting this week out, both targeting training camp participation.
Jonathon Cooper, Broncos EDGE — on the field; legal calendar now overlaps training camp
Cooper was arrested June 5 in Parker, Colorado on misdemeanor domestic violence charges and criminal mischief. Both he and his girlfriend gave conflicting accounts to police; Parker police noted the physical evidence was inconsistent with the girlfriend's description of events and found "no probable cause for harassment or assault charges given conflicting statements and lack of specific evidence." 8 Cooper pleaded not guilty on June 8. His attorney Harvey Steinberg is pushing for the earliest possible trial date to avoid an employment conflict; a motions hearing is set for July 6 and the jury trial for July 22 — just before Broncos training camp opens in late July. 9 Cooper posted on Instagram: "I apologize to my family to my friends and my community... I realize posting a bible quote after something very serious happens does not just mean everything is okay." 8
The Broncos said they're "gathering more information." The NFL has been in contact with the team. Any league discipline under the personal conduct policy typically comes after legal proceedings conclude — which, if the trial holds July 22, could overlap directly with training camp. Cooper signed a four-year, $60M extension in November 2024 and recorded 8.0 sacks in 2025. His availability for the season opener is not currently in question, but the July 22 trial date is one to monitor.
Fantasy ADP watch: who moved and why
The table below reflects Underdog Best Ball half-PPR ADP changes from the June 3–10 window. 10
| Player | Team | Pos | ADP | Change | Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenneth Gainwell | TB | RB | 109.8 (RB36) | +7.8 | Irving's "summer or fall" return; first-team reps secured |
| Xavier Worthy | KC | WR | 102.1 (WR47) | +7.9 | Rice knee surgery + jail; Worthy absorbs target share |
| Rashee Rice | KC | WR | 29.5 (WR12) | −10.5 | Knee cleanup surgery; ~2-month timeline |
| Malik Nabers | NYG | WR | 25.3 (WR10) | −2.4 | Second ACL cleanup; Week 1 availability in doubt |
| Zach Charbonnet | SEA | RB | 163.5 (RB50) | −5.7 | ACL surgery Feb; light work only, est. return Sep 9 |
| Harold Fannin Jr. | CLE | TE | 94.5 (TE6) | −2.6 | Hasn't practiced all spring; reason undisclosed |
| George Kittle | SF | TE | 118.8 (TE9) | −2.1 | Achilles recovery; says he's "ahead of schedule" |
| Sam LaPorta | DET | TE | 97.1 (TE7) | positive | Returned to full Lions OTA after back issue ✅ |
| Jadarian Price | SEA | RB | 57.8 (RB25) | rising | Direct beneficiary of Charbonnet's delayed return |
Gainwell is the clearest fantasy buy of this window. Bucky Irving (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) had shoulder surgery and will miss the June 16–18 Bucs mandatory minicamp. HC Todd Bowles's "summer or fall" recovery framing leaves Gainwell as the de facto RB1 through at least training camp. 11 Fantasy analyst Justin Boone (Yahoo Sports) called Gainwell "far more interesting" after the Irving update and said if Irving misses regular-season time, Gainwell enters top-15 RB conversation. He had 73 catches for 486 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2025 with Pittsburgh, logging 120+ all-purpose yards in four games with 15+ touches. RB36 in best-ball formats represents decent value for an immediate starter role.
Nabers's situation requires a closer look than the ADP drop suggests. Giants GM Joe Schoen told Yahoo Sports "I still think he'll be fine Week 1" while simultaneously acknowledging the team signed Odell Beckham Jr., Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Braxton Berrios, and rookie Xavier Fields as receiver depth. 12 Six insurance signings is not a "cautiously optimistic" posture. The ADP at WR10 prices in nearly full-season production — that's a mismatch with the actual uncertainty. The r/fantasyfootball community's skepticism ("Week 1 of 2027? Lol") reads less like trolling and more like reasonable concern. 13
Rice's situation hasn't changed since last week — still in jail until June 16, knee cleanup recovery in parallel. His ADP at WR12 (29.5 overall) is a bet that he returns to his per-game production of the past two seasons. The risk is now additive: legal status, knee surgery, and possible additional league discipline for the probation violation. ADP hasn't settled yet. 10
New ESPN entries this week: high-impact filter
The ESPN NFL injuries page added 36 new entries for the June 4–10 window across all 32 teams. 14 Most are defensive or OL players with no direct fantasy impact. The five that matter:
- Alec Pierce, IND WR (ankle): HC Shane Steichen acknowledged Pierce "isn't a lock" to be ready for the start of training camp. ADP currently 72.0 (WR34). A training camp absence would benefit Josh Downs (ADP 98.7, WR45). 14
- Harold Fannin Jr., CLE TE (undisclosed): Hasn't practiced at any point this spring — not OTAs, not minicamp. No diagnosis has been released. TE6 ADP at 94.5 is aggressive without knowing what's keeping him off the field. 14
- De'Von Achane, MIA RB (shoulder): Limited to individual drills at mandatory minicamp. ADP 14.2 (RB7). The Dolphins' passing-game uncertainty with Malik Willis at QB compounds the concern. 14
- James Conner, ARI RB (foot): Conner has been limited to side work with trainers during OTAs. Arizona used the third overall pick in the 2026 draft on running back Jeremiyah Love (ADP 21.8, RB13). The timetable pressure on Conner's usage is now real regardless of his health. 14
- Bo Nix, DEN QB (ankle, positive): HC Sean Payton confirmed Nix has been throwing at OTAs and will resume practicing with teammates at June minicamp. Positive signal for a QB14 at ADP 102.5. 14
Two positive returns from the full scan: Sam LaPorta (Detroit Lions TE) participated in the Lions' second open OTA after a back issue — his TE7 ADP at 97.1 looks reasonable with this clearance in hand. 14 George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers, TE) told reporters his Achilles recovery is going "great" and that he's "ahead of schedule." 14 The 49ers canceled their mandatory minicamp — an unusual arrangement — so his next on-field checkpoint is training camp, but the self-report is encouraging for a TE9 at ADP 118.8.
Looking ahead: key dates and players to watch
The minicamp calendar fills out over the next two weeks. Here's what to track:
- June 16–18 — wave 2 mandatory minicamps (12 teams, including Buccaneers, Cowboys, Chiefs, Falcons): Irving's first significant evaluation since surgery; Pickens's first official practice reps with Prescott; Penix's clearance decision; Rice released from jail June 16, NFL reinstatement process begins
- Patrick Mahomes (KC, pocket-only): No change this window — still restricted from running, cutting, or scrambling. Left-knee brace, next mobility checkpoint in late July training camp. Still the highest-ceiling QB in the league when healthy, but "far exceeding expectations" from the front office is not the same as cleared for contact
- Jonathon Brooks, CAR RB: Expected to participate in Panthers mandatory minicamp this week — his first significant participation after two ACL tears and only three NFL games across two seasons. HC Dave Canales is managing his load carefully. If he practices this week without setback, his ADP (currently RB38 range) has room to move up. 16 Tetairoa McMillan (Panthers WR, foot soreness) may also miss the start of camp — he drew 122 targets in 2025, 58 more than any other Carolina receiver
- Travis Hunter, JAX (dual role): No practice yet, but using Jacksonville's virtual training room two to three times daily while building upper-body strength. Targeting training camp "full tick." Not a fantasy play in standard formats; relevant for IDP and two-QB leagues only
- Nick Bosa / George Kittle, SF: The 49ers canceled mandatory minicamp entirely. Both are targeting the regular-season opener but haven't been cleared for contact or team drills. Their camp status in late July is the only meaningful update window left before Week 1
AJ Brown meanwhile wasted no time building chemistry with Drake Maye in New England: on just the third play of the Patriots' mandatory minicamp, Maye threw a back-shoulder fade to Brown for a roughly 15-yard touchdown against cornerback Kindle Vildor. 17 For fantasy managers who stashed Brown after the Eagles trade, that's the early chemistry signal you were waiting for.
Cover image: AI-generated minicamp scene illustration.
References
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10Sharp Football Analysis: Underdog Best Ball ADP 2026
sharpfootballanalysis.com
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14ESPN: NFL Injuries
espn.com
- 15
- 16Panthers Wire: Opportunity at WR among top storylines for Panthers minicamp
pantherswire.usatoday.com
- 17
This story was produced automatically by a channel. One sentence is all it takes for Neodrop to keep producing for you.