12 Early Fantasy Football Sleepers (2026)

While 2026 fantasy football redraft leagues won’t start until July, what’s the fun waiting until then to think about next season?

Therefore, let’s examine 12 non-rookie early fantasy football sleeper picks for next year.

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Early 2026 Fantasy Football Sleepers

Tyler Shough (QB – NO)

The Saints won four of the final five games, putting them out of the quarterback mix come draft time. Therefore, Shough will be their starter again in 2026. He finished his rookie season playing well, averaging 20 fantasy points per game over the final five weeks, scoring 21.3 or more in 60% of the contests, including back-to-back to end the year. More importantly, the Saints should keep Chris Olave this offseason and add to Shough’s supporting cast. Don’t be surprised if he has a Caleb Williams-lite second-year breakout next season.

Cam Ward (QB – TEN)

No one wanted Ward on their team, even in superflex leagues, earlier this year. The former Miami star scored fewer than 12.8 fantasy points in every game over the first 11 weeks of the season. Yet, he ended his rookie year playing well. Ward averaged 216 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 16.7 fantasy points per game during the fantasy playoffs, totaling 17 or more in Week 16 and Week 17 against solid defenses. More importantly, he should be even better next season if the Titans improve his supporting cast.

Malik Willis (QB – GB)

Unfortunately, the upcoming draft class lacks first-round quarterback prospects, meaning some veteran backups will become starters next season. Willis should be one of those veterans after playing well as Jordan Love’s backup the past two years. He averaged 0.88 fantasy points per opportunity over his last two games this season. Furthermore, the backup had 31.5 fantasy points in his lone start against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17, totaling 60 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His rushing upside will make him one of the better fantasy values in 2026 drafts.

Tyler Allgeier (RB – ATL)

Bijan Robinson was the RB2 in PPR scoring this past season despite splitting the workload with Allgeier. The veteran has been a role player since the Falcons drafted the former Texas star. However, Allgeier was productive as the lead guy his rookie year, averaging 4.9 yards per rushing attempt and 10 fantasy points per game. Thankfully, he should get a starting role as a free agent this offseason. Allgeier could be an excellent RB2 for fantasy players in 2026, especially if he lands with the Dallas Cowboys in free agency.

Rachaad White (RB – TB)

Tampa Bay’s rushing offense struggled in 2025 because of injuries along the offensive line. However, Bucky Irving is one of the better young running backs in the NFL, while White is an excellent No. 2 guy in the backfield. The former Arizona State star is a free agent this offseason and will likely find a new home as a co-starter. He has played well in the past, averaging 90.5 scrimmage yards and 15.8 PPR fantasy points per game in 2023, his last year as a full-time starting running back.

Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN)

There will be several changes in Tennessee this offseason, starting with a new head coach. Another likely change will come in the backfield, as the Titans would save $7.3 million in salary cap space by releasing Tony Pollard. That means Spears would have the inside track to be the team’s starting running back in 2026. The former Tulane star hasn’t had a significant fantasy impact behind Pollard. However, he has flashed upside in limited work, averaging 19.4 PPR fantasy points per game when seeing nine or more rushing attempts this year.

Parker Washington (WR – JAC)

Reportedly, Brian Thomas Jr. could get traded after a disappointing sophomore year. Travis Hunter could primarily play cornerback in 2026 after struggling to have a consistent impact on offense as a rookie. Meanwhile, Washington was Jacksonville’s best wide receiver, averaging a team-high 11.5 PPR fantasy points per game this season. Trevor Lawrence loves throwing to the former Penn State star. More importantly, Liam Coen’s offense is fantasy-friendly for slot receivers. Chris Godwin was the WR2 on a points-per-game basis in 2024 with Coen as his offensive coordinator (19.7).

Adonai Mitchell (WR – NYJ)

Dynasty fantasy players should explore trade options for Mitchell this offseason. He has mostly been a fantasy afterthought for most of his career. However, Mitchell was a popular waiver wire add after getting traded to the Jets before Brady Cook took over under center. He was productive with Tyrod Taylor’s two healthy starts, averaging 9.5 targets and 15.2 PPR fantasy points per game, totaling 24.2 against the Atlanta Falcons. While Garrett Wilson remains New York’s No. 1 wide receiver, Mitchell should have fantasy value with a capable quarterback under center.

Tory Horton (WR – SEA)

While Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a breakout year, the rest of Seattle’s wide receiver corps failed to make a fantasy impact. Rashid Shaheed is a free agent this offseason and could leave, especially if Klint Kubiak gets a head coaching job. Meanwhile, Cooper Kupp will likely get cut, saving the Seahawks up to $13.5 million in salary cap space. Therefore, Horton could be the team’s No. 2 wide receiver in 2026 after flashing as a rookie. He averaged 15.8 PPR fantasy points per game when seeing four or more targets.

Gunnar Helm (TE – TEN)

Fantasy players should have high hopes for the Titans’ offense in 2026. They ended this season playing well and have multiple rookies who should take a step forward next year, including Helm. He should take over as Tennessee’s starting tight end with Chig Okonkwo being an upcoming free agent. Despite the Titans’ passing attack struggling for most of the season, the former Texas star played well when given the opportunity. Helm averaged 9.4 PPR fantasy points per game in the six contests with four or more targets as a rookie.

Terrance Ferguson (TE – LAR)

Let’s go from one rookie tight end to another in Ferguson. The former Oregon star had a quiet year as the Rams’ No. 3 tight end. However, he might be the team’s starter in 2026. Tyler Higbee is an upcoming free agent, while Los Angeles could cut Colby Parkinson and save $7 million in salary cap space. Ferguson had some solid moments as a rookie, averaging 9.5 PPR fantasy points per game when earning three or more targets, including 12.3 or more in back-to-back contests to end the fantasy season.

Michael Mayer (TE – LV)

Hopefully, the Raiders trade Mayer this offseason as the former Notre Dame star is heading into the final year of his rookie contract. He has never gotten the chance to shine as a starting tight end because of Brock Bowers. Yet, Mayer played well this season when Bowers missed time with injuries. He averaged six targets and 10.9 PPR fantasy points per game in his four contests without the superstar, totaling 16 or more in half the outings. Mayer could have top-eight tight end fantasy value in the right situation.

Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.