NFL Teams Face Target Vacuums Ahead of 2026 Season
This offseason, multiple NFL teams have encountered major target vacuums due to the departure of key pass-catchers, with five teams losing at least 128 targets. This situation presents uncertainty in their passing games but also opportunities for fantasy football managers.
The Philadelphia Eagles lost A.J. Brown, who accounted for 120 targets last season, to the New England Patriots. The Eagles are not replacing him with a single player but are instead integrating newcomers Makai Lemon, Eli Stowers, and Dontayvion Wicks to fill the gap.
In Chicago, the Bears traded DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, creating a significant opportunity for internal players like Luther Burden III, Colston Loveland, and Rome Odunze to step up. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers lost Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne, leading to 139 vacated targets, with rookie De’Zhaun Stribling expected to contribute. The New York Giants face uncertainty after Wan’Dale Robinson's departure, while the Miami Dolphins are adjusting to the loss of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, leaving them with a reshaped passing game led by Jalen Tolbert and others.
