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QB RB WR TE PK | All Non-IDP | DT DE DL ILB OLB LB CB S DB | Footballguys View | All the news | FBG News Blogger Archive
Dolphins | Darren Waller may pick up offense quickly Tue Jul 8, 12:17 AM
Miami Dolphins TE Darren Waller has played in an offensive system similar to head coach Mike McDaniel's system and should be able to pick up the offense relatively quickly, in the opinion of The Miami Herald's Kaitlyn Pohly.
| Footballguys view: Waller is also familiar with Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith, who coached the Raiders' tight ends from 2018 to 2020 -- Waller's best NFL seasons. All that said, while Waller might well end up the Dolphins' starting tight end, his presence on an NFL roster doesn't necessarily mean he merits a spot on yours. He opens up as TE31 on the Footballguys Projections. |
Darren Waller player page
Giants | Thomas Fidone receives nice compliment Mon Jul 7, 02:08 PM
New York Giants TE Thomas Fidone II recently attended 'Tight End University' and recently told KETV that Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce - one of the hosts of the event - was impressed by what he saw.'I got some pretty cool compliments from Kelce, just out of the blue. He told me I was extremely athletic and moved extremely well. He told me that the top of my routes were really good. He didn't say it like that, but he said it. So, just being able to hear that from him was cool,' Fidone told KETV.
Link to story Giants | Theo Johnson pronounces himself healthy Mon Jul 7, 01:11 PM
New York Giants TE Theo Johnson recently told the 'Giants Huddle' podcast that he is now healthy after undergoing foot surgery last season.
| Footballguys view: It's easy to forget that Johnson heads into 2025 with a clear path to workload and that he was showing signs of life before he was hurt last year. In fact, he drew four or more targets and caught three or more passes in all of his final five games. Johnson finished with 29 of 43 targets for 331 yards and one touchdown. He's currently being drafted as TE30, available in Round 18. |
Cowboys | Unfortunate distinction for Jake Ferguson Mon Jul 7, 01:10 AM
Dallas Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson's 88 targets in 2024 were the most among any player who failed to catch a touchdown.
| Footballguys view: After a breakout 2023 season that saw him finish as TE9, Ferguson was slowed by a knee injury and a concussion last year. Those injuries and Dak Prescott's absence held Ferguson to fewer than 500 receiving yards. That said, Ferguson drew the fifth-most targets among all tight ends and the second-most on the Cowboys during his six-game stretch with Prescott. He's projected to finish as TE13 this season, but he's being drafted two spots later, as TE15 in the 12th round. |
Patriots | Hunter Henry allergic to end zone Mon Jul 7, 12:59 AM
New England Patriots TE Hunter Henry ranked eight or better in catches, yards and targets among tight ends in 2024, but his two touchdowns ranked 26th at the position.
| Footballguys view: Even though the touchdowns were limited, Henry had career highs in catches and yards (66 catches on 97 targets for 674 yards), and there's an obvious connection brewing between him and Drake Maye. It's reasonable to expect that connection to grow in Year 2. Of course, Austin Hooper was also a factor last season. But with Josh McDaniels back as offensive coordinator, both tight ends could be in line for even more production. Henry is TE20, available in Round 14, making him a solid value as a TE2. |
Hunter Henry player page
Giants | Theo Johnson excited about 2025 Sat Jul 5, 11:25 AM
New York Giants TE Theo Johnson said he was feeling more comfortable each game before his injury last season and is looking forward to this season because he believes he is more prepared to play.
| Footballguys view: A fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Johnson was an intriguing prospect out of Penn State. Last year as a rookie, Johnson had 29 catches for 331 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. He was placed on Injured Reserve with a foot injury, but now he's healthy and in line to be the top tight end for the Giants. Let's watch to see if he builds strong chemistry with QB Russell Wilson during training camp and the preseason. Fantasy GMs in dynasty leagues might have interest, but in re-draft leagues he's a TE3. |
Steelers | Jonnu Smith excited about joining team Fri Jul 4, 10:08 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jonnu Smith said he is excited about his move to the Steelers because he believes the team values him as a player.
| Footballguys view: Raheem Mostert took to social media to roast the Dolphins for their treatment of him and Smith in a sign that some players don't feel valued by the franchise. Miami also let Calais Campbell walk in free agency to Arizona over a few million dollars. The writing is on the wall that the Dolphins could be on the verge of a rebuild. |
Jonnu Smith player page
Dolphins | Darren Waller compensation update Wed Jul 2, 01:22 AM
Updating an earlier report, the Miami Dolphins acquired TE Darren Waller and a conditional 2027 seventh-round pick from the New York Giants in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick. Waller will come out of retirement to join the Dolphins.
| Footballguys view: Waller will fill the vacancy created when Jonnu Smith was traded to Pittsburgh. The 32-year-old Waller was one of the league's best tight ends in 2019 and 2020. In addition to missing 21 games over his past three seasons (2021, '22, and '23), Waller sat out last season altogether. He opens as TE31 on the Footballguys Projections. |
Darren Waller player page
Dolphins | Darren Waller acquired by Miami Tue Jul 1, 11:34 AM
New York Giants TE Darren Waller was acquired by the Miami Dolphins Tuesday, July 1, in exchange for a conditional 2026 seventh-round draft pick
| Footballguys view: Waller was one of the league's best tight ends in 2019 and 2020, recording a combined 197 receptions for 2,341 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns for the Raiders, who rewarded him with a three-year, $51 million extension in 2022. However, they traded him to the Giants the following year, and Waller, who missed 21 games over his past three seasons, retired after just one season in New York. The 32-year-old is familiar with Dolphins' offensive coordinator Frank Smith, who coached the Raiders' tight ends from 2018 to 2020 -- Waller's prime, but fantasy investors shouldn't overreact here; he's not a front-line asset. |
Darren Waller player page
Raiders | Michael Mayer not being dealt Tue Jul 1, 09:45 AM
Las Vegas Raiders TE Michael Mayer isn't a player the team is interested in trading.
| Footballguys view: While reports suggested the Dolphins might be interested in acquiring Mayer after shipping Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh, Miami instead went with a former Raider, Darren Waller, who will come out of retirement to play for the Dolphins. For now, we'll assume Mayer remains the No. 2 TE in Las Vegas -- behind Brock Bowers -- until further notice. |
Michael Mayer player page
Steelers | Jonnu Smith lands one-year extension Mon Jun 30, 02:33 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jonnu Smith reportedly agreed to terms on a one-year contract extension worth $12 million following his trade from the Miami Dolphins on June 30.
| Footballguys view: It's no surprise to see the Steelers extend Smith. Last year, he set new career highs with 88 receptions and 884 yards while tying a career-high with eight touchdowns. Now, Smith is set to be another strong target for newly signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers. |
Jonnu Smith player page
Dolphins | Miami about to discuss trade for Michael Mayer? Mon Jun 30, 02:23 PM
Las Vegas Raiders TE Michael Mayer is a player that the Miami Dolphins have had their eye on for a while, according to Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald.
| Footballguys view: As USA Today noted, Mayer has long been rumored to be a trade possibility for the Raiders. A recent former high second-round pick who is sitting behind arguably the best tight end in football in Brock Bowers, Mayer makes sense here. Other possibilities being discussed at Footballguys headquarters? Baltimore's Mark Andrews, Chicago's Cole Kmet, Cleveland's David Njoku, and Atlanta's Kyle Pitts are among the higher-profile candidates. Rams TE Tyler Higbee, Buffalo's Dawson Knox, and New Englan's Austin Hooper also fit the mold. We'll continue to monitor and report back as developments warrant. |
Michael Mayer player page
Steelers | Jonnu Smith likely to utilized at multiple positions Mon Jun 30, 01:10 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jonnu Smith is expected to log snaps at tight end, slot receiver and as a fullback following his trade from the Miami Dolphins on Monday, June 30, according to sources.
| Footballguys view: The Steelers' interest in Smith is rooted in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's longstanding relationship with the tight end. Arthur Smith was Jonnu Smith's tight ends coach and offensive coordinator in Tennessee, and Arthur Smith later traded for his former player during his stint as the Falcons' head coach. Should we be excited by this? Footballguy Jason Wood notes that Jonnu Smith was TE22 in 2023 with the Falcons playing under Arthur Smith, and before last year, was only relevant once in his Patriots career (2020) because of a massive outlier 8 TD season on 65 targets. |
Jonnu Smith player page
Steelers | Jalen Ramsey trade update Mon Jun 30, 01:01 PM
Updating a previous report, Miami Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey, TE Jonnu Smith and a 2027 seventh-round pick were traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for S Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick on S Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
| Footballguys view: Ramsey, who has 24 interceptions in his career, joins a loaded cornerback group with the Steelers, who signed Darius Slay Jr. in free agency earlier this offseason and also have incumbent starter Joey Porter Jr. Ramsey was credited with 11 pass breakups last season but recorded only two interceptions -- his lowest total since 2020. |
Jalen Ramsey player page
Jonnu Smith player page
Minkah Fitzpatrick player page
Dolphins | Julian Hill with an opening Mon Jun 30, 11:15 AM
Miami Dolphins TE Julian Hill receives an opening to start after the team traded TE Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers Monday, June 30.
| Footballguys view: Trading away Jonnu Smith, who skipped Miami's offseason practices in pursuit of a new contract, leaves the Dolphins without a primary pass-catching tight end. Remaining in their tight ends room are blocking tight ends Julian Hill and Pharaoh Brown, as well as former undrafted free agents Tanner Conner, Hayden Rucci, and Jalin Conyers. We'll see if the Dolphins don't go shopping at the position in coming days. |
Steelers | Jonnu Smith coming to Steelers Mon Jun 30, 10:44 AM
Updating an earlier report, Miami Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey, TE Jonnu Smith and 2027 seventh-round pick were acquired by the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for S Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
| Footballguys view: Smith, 29, led all Dolphins players in receptions (88) in his first year with the team and finished behind only Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, and George Kittle leaguewide in receiving yards by a tight end (with 884). Smith will be paired with current Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth. We'll watch for more here, but as Footballguy Jason Wood suggests, it's hard to envision a scenario where you're comfortable starting either this year unless one of them gets hurt, freeing up the other for a featured role. |
Jonnu Smith player page
Steelers | Connor Heyward may move to fullback Sun Jun 29, 10:47 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Connor Heyward said that he has bulked up to 240 pounds this offseason, in preparation for a possible move to fullback this year.
Link to story Dolphins | Jonnu Smith excelled in second half of 2024 Sat Jun 28, 09:31 AM
Miami Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith posted 582 yards during the second half of the 2024 NFL season and caught seven of his eight touchdowns during those games.
| Footballguys view: Smith's second-half surge helped him snare 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns (all career highs). The Dolphins plan on getting the ball out quickly again with QB Tua Tagovailoa, and Smith is clearly a favorite target. However, the situation between the Dolphins and Smith remains fluid according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus. Smith missed minicamp as he seeks a long-term extension from the team. Deals get done at deadlines, and the start of training camp seems like a time something could happen (new contract? trade?). Stay tuned. |
Jonnu Smith player page
Seahawks | Elijah Arroyo may have early role Fri Jun 27, 01:12 PM
Seattle Seahawks TE Elijah Arroyo has a good chance to see a solid amount of playing time even if he is not the starter because the team likely will use multiple tight end sets a good amount of time, in the opinion of Seahawks.com's John Boyle.
| Footballguys view: Arroyo is an athletic wonder, but inexperienced, so his impact could be limited this year. He is a promising player to stash in dynasty leagues after the possibility was raised by new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and head coach Mike MacDonald that Arroyo could even be part of the plan to replace DK Metcalf at the "X" outside wide receiver position as one of the few big-bodied passcatchers on the roster. |
Jets | Mason Taylor making an impression as a blocker Thu Jun 26, 02:50 PM
New York Jets TE Mason Taylor flashed his potential as a pass-catcher during organized team activities, but head coach Aaron Glenn was more impressed with his blocking.'I think he's been doing an outstanding job in that aspect. And it's not just the pass catching, because that's what you guys see, that's what you guys really think is an a-ha moment, but the blocking is what really gets me going,' Glenn recently told the team's website.
| Footballguys view: It's not sexy, but being a great blocker is what can get Taylor on the field more often as a rookie. His skill as a pass-catcher is already known from his college tape, and Taylor should be used effectively in that role catching passes from QB Justin Fields. He's a TE2 as a rookie, but those who stream tight ends can look to Taylor for depth. |
49ers | George Kittle ready to play more seasons Wed Jun 25, 01:05 PM
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle said he believes he will continue his career until it feels no longer fun to play. 'I don't know, I think if I get to 35 and it hurts to put pants on in the morning, I think I'll be like, 'Ah, this isn't that much fun anymore,' and I'll have a conversation with myself. But I'm feeling great right now,' Kittle said.
| Footballguys view: Tight ends maintaining elite production into their 30s isn't that unusual. Kittle will be 32 this year, but he's coming off a TE1 finish just last year. With Deebo Samuel traded and Brandon Aiyuk on the mend, the early-season passing attack should revolve around Kittle. While many drafters are turning to Brock Bowers and Trey McBride as the shiny new toys, Kittle, going rounds after both, is a great value in drafts. |
George Kittle player page
Eagles | Dallas Goedert to be used in different ways Wed Jun 25, 11:48 AM
Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert is excited for new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo's system and believes he'll be featured more in it. 'I've really loved what he's doing with the offense,' Goedert said. 'Little changes here and there and I'm really excited for the opportunity just to -- with the connection I grew with him the last four years. What he sees in me in different ways that he's going to get me the ball I'm really excited for.'
| Footballguys view: Goedert's 2021 and 2022 seasons caused some excitement, but he's come up short of his per-game numbers in both years since. Now heading into his age-30 season, he projects to be third on the team in a low-volume passing offense. We've seen Goedert's involvement spike if AJ Brown or DeVonta Smith miss any time, giving him some sneaky contingent value. Being drafted as the TE15, there's almost no risk. He's worth a shot late in drafts, especially in two-TE builds. |
Dallas Goedert player page
Colts | Tyler Warren highly involved during spring Tue Jun 24, 02:06 PM
Indianapolis Colts TE Tyler Warren had a 'great spring,' one in which he erased any doubts about him having a notable role in the offense right away, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN.com.
| Footballguys view: Warren's versatility was one of the most intriguing strengths on his prospect profile, and reports out of Indianapolis are that he's being used all over the formation. While a comparison to Brock Bowers is lofty, Warren plays with a similar physical tenacity and can create consistent chunk plays after the catch. We've seen rookie tight ends find immediate success in recent years, and Warren could easily follow that path. |
Falcons | Kyle Pitts missing workouts Mon Jun 23, 09:11 PM
Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts (leg) will not work out with other NFL tight ends this week at Tight End University.
| Footballguys view: Injuries have been a constant theme of Pitts' career so far. He was reported to have missed May OTAs with a muscle strain. There's no confirmation that this is the same injury, or even related. But fantasy managers would like to see some positive reports out of camp before drafting him this year. |
Kyle Pitts player page
Bears | Cole Kmet nearing end in Chicago? Sun Jun 22, 03:24 PM
Chicago Bears TE Cole Kmet could be in the final season with the team considering the 2025 campaign is the final year of his contract that includes guaranteed money, in the opinion of Bears Wire's Brendan Sugrue.
| Footballguys view: After spending the tenth overall pick on Colston Loveland, it was expected that Kmet's end in Chicago could be near. Head coach Ben Johnson has a penchant for two-tight end sets. And if things click this year, they might look to extend Kmet. But if Kmet hits free agency as a 27-year-old, he could follow the footsteps of many other talented tight ends who found success in their second acts with new teams. He's extremely cheap in dynasty right now and makes for a great speculative stash. |
Cole Kmet player page
Chiefs | Travis Kelce wasn't close to retiring Sun Jun 22, 10:28 AM
Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce recently said that he was never seriously close to retirement during the offseason and did not rule out playing beyond the 2025 season. 'I don't really think I thought about it much,' Kelce said following minicamp Wednesday, June 18. ' ... I love coming in to work every single day. It wasn't a very tough one for me. I know I'm getting older, but at the same time I still feel like I've got a lot I can prove in this league. With that being said, it really wasn't that hard of a decision for me.'
| Footballguys view: This report conflicts with reports that swirled about Kelce mulling retirement after the Chiefs' Super Bowl loss. Either way, Kelce will play 2025 on the final year of his deal, hoping to rewind the clock as the Chiefs enter the season with a bit more offensive firepower than they had in 2024. |
Travis Kelce player page
Saints | Foster Moreau on track for camp? Sat Jun 21, 04:15 PM
New Orleans Saints TE Foster Moreau (knee) hopes to be able to return to practice at some point during training camp.
| Footballguys view: Moreau took a blow to the knee in Week 18 that required surgery and has kept him out of offseason activities since. Although the specifics of the injury are unknown now, we should get a clearer outlook on his return based on his availability at the start of training camp. |
Foster Moreau player page
Saints | PUP list an option for Taysom Hill Sat Jun 21, 04:03 PM
New Orleans Saints TE Taysom Hill (knee) will be a candidate for the Physically Unable to Perform list if he is not ready to play when the regular season starts.
| Footballguys view: After suffering structural damage to his knee late in the year, Hill, approaching his age-35 season, will have an uphill battle toward returning. If he's able to return to his former self, his hybrid role makes him a valuable fantasy tight end. But a long recovery at his age suggests that his fantasy-relevant days might be behind him. |
Taysom Hill player page
Colts | Tyler Warren picking things up Sat Jun 21, 02:42 PM
Indianapolis Colts TE Tyler Warren has been impressive with quickly he has picking things up during the offseason, according to head coach Shane Steichen.
| Footballguys view: Warren is a tough tight end who can run by or through defenders. Tight end is a tough position to acclimate to in the NFL, and sometimes it takes a couple of seasons for a player to produce at a high level. The Colts quarterback situation is a concern, no matter if it's Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson starting, and that puts a bit of a damper on the excitement around Warren. We like the rookie as a TE2 with upside in 2025. |
Chiefs | Kevin Foelsch released Sat Jun 21, 09:37 AM
The Kansas City Chiefs released TE Kevin Foelsch Friday, June 20.
Link to story
Panthers | Tommy Tremble could be PUP candidate Fri Jun 20, 06:24 PM
Carolina Panthers TE Tommy Tremble (back) could be a candidate to start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list depending on his recovery, in the opinion of PanthersWire's Anthony Rizzuti.
| Footballguys view: Tremble has been a solid depth piece for the Panthers, who brought him back on a two-year deal following his rookie contract. He had back surgery at the end of May. Head coach Dave Canales said he's hopeful the veteran tight end will be rehabbing when training camp starts. |
Tommy Tremble player page
Chiefs | Kansas City adding Geor'Quarius Spivey Fri Jun 20, 04:25 PM
Free-agent TE Geor'Quarius Spivey (Chiefs) agreed to terms with the Kansas City Chiefs Thursday, June 19, according to AtoZ Sports' Charles Goldman. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to story
Jaguars | OC heaps praise on Brenton Strange Fri Jun 20, 03:09 PM
Jacksonville Jaguars TE Brenton Strange has 'a lot of physical traits that can be a balanced tight end and do a lot of different things that this offense will ask him to do,' according to recent comments from offensive coordinator Grant Udinski.'His work ethic, first and foremost, is hopefully a leadership attribute that the guys can model and see what he does on a day-to-day basis. But from a leadership standpoint and just from a player standpoint, you see a guy with a lot of potential to just continue to grow, whether it's in the pass game or the run game. ... A guy with a lot of physical traits that can be that balanced tight end and do a lot of different things that this offense will ask him to do,' Udinski said.
| Footballguys view: Strange, a former second-round pick, spent the first two years of his career buried on the depth chart behind Evan Engram. Engram missed eight games last year. Strange flashed a bit in his absence, especially in his 11-reception outing in Week 15. Despite expectations of being the Week 1 starter, he's being drafted as the TE23, leaving a lot of room to exceed his ADP. He'll likely struggle to find consistent production behind Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter. But like Cade Otton last year, he's just an injury away from what could be a significant role. |
Brenton Strange player page
Cowboys | Jake Ferguson eyeing rebound season Fri Jun 20, 01:08 PM
Dallas Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson's physical condition and determination have been 'noticeably different in a good way this offseason, according to recent comments from head coach Brian Schottenheimer.'I think last year was a fluke (for Ferguson). He definitely dealt with some stuff that was hard for him. Jake's always motivated. Jake is one of those tone setters who just plays the right way. But the look in his eyes and the way his body looks, in terms of physique, and the way he's moving has been noticeably different in a good way,' head coach Brian Schottenheimer told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
| Footballguys view: Ferguson landed a volume-rich role in 2023, pulling 102 targets. Despite missing a few games last year, he actually averaged more targets per game. With Dak Prescott presumably healthy to start the year, the entire Cowboys offense should get back on track. The addition of George Pickens could be a detriment to Ferguson's previously lucrative role. But he's being drafted as the TE16, making him a worthy late-round target with much more upside than risk. |
Chiefs | Travis Kelce expected to handle significant snaps again Fri Jun 20, 12:47 AM
Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce is set to turn 36 years old in October, but head coach Andy Reid told reporters on Thursday, June 19, that he has no intention to limit Kelce's snaps this season.'I'm not feeling that. It would be similar to last year, I would imagine. ... So, he's in great shape right now, so I think he's looking forward to getting going. 'I always watch him. I always keep an eye on him. I know he's getting older. He doesn't know he is getting older, but I do so I can be the bad guy in some cases there and if I think it's catching up to him a little bit, I'll pull off and put him where he needs to be. Other than that, he hasn't shown me any of that yet. He's done real well,' Reid said.
| Footballguys view: Despite turning in the worst production since his single-game rookie season in 2013, Kelce was still a viable fantasy option last year, albeit without his typical ceiling. With improved pass-catchers around him now, it's expected that Kelce will continue his downward trajectory. However, these concerns are baked into his cost. Kelce was third in targets last year among all tight ends. If that usage is similar in 2025, slightly better touchdown luck could push him back to another high-end finish. |
Travis Kelce player page
Browns | Cleveland swaps out tight ends Thu Jun 19, 02:51 PM
Cleveland Browns Tre' McKitty was waived on Thursday, June 19. Free-agent TE Sal Cannella (UFL) was signed to an undisclosed contract to replace him on the roster.
| Footballguys view: You're seeing a few UFL players signed this week. With the Arlington Renegades, Canella caught 44 passes for 474 yards with a touchdown this season (he was selected as All-UFL). Cannella was undrafted out of Auburn in 2020, and he's had a few chances in the NFL with teams like the Dolphins, Packers, Seahawks, and Buccaneers. Now, the former UFL receiving touchdown leader (2024) will try to latch on with the Browns. |
Tre' McKitty player page
Chiefs | HC gives positive update on Jared Wiley Thu Jun 19, 01:18 PM
Kansas City Chiefs TE Jared Wiley (knee) did enough at the end of mandatory minicamp to convince head coach Andy Reid that he should be fine for the start of training camp.
| Footballguys view: Good news for the Chiefs here. Dynasty GMs are interested in Wiley and his big-bodied WR-like skill set in the Chiefs offense. Travis Kelce is arguably the best tight end in NFL history, and he's in the best shape of his life (per reports) entering this season, but Father Time is undefeated and the Chiefs will need a TE of the future. Wiley is on the list, so we'll watch to see what he can do and take fliers on that upside in deep dynasty formats. |
49ers | George Kittle may see more targets Wed Jun 18, 05:39 PM
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle may receive more routes this upcoming season because the team can use TE Luke Farrell as a blocking tight end in two-tight end sets, according to general manager John Lynch.
| Footballguys view: Last year, Kittle stayed in to pass block on 11.6 percent of the team's passing plays -- his highest mark since 2021. In 2023, when they played more multi-TE personnel, he was on pass blocking on 7.0 percent of the team's pass plays. As USA Today's Kyle Madson suggests, with question marks at wide receiver, having Kittle, who led the team with 1,106 receiving yards and eight touchdown catches last year, available as often as possible makes sense. His consistent production over time makes his TE3 average draft position and fourth-round price this summer appealing. |
George Kittle player page
Saints | Seth Green signs with Saints Wed Jun 18, 11:41 AM
Free-agent TE Seth Green (UFL) signed an undisclosed deal with the New Orleans Saints Wednesday, June 18. He spent the last two seasons with the Arlington Renegades of the UFL.
Link to story Raiders | Michael Mayer poised to break out? Tue Jun 17, 03:44 PM
Las Vegas Raiders TE Michael Mayer has been 'outstanding,' according to offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
| Footballguys view: In two seasons, Mayer, a second-round pick in 2023, has totaled 460 yards and two touchdowns on 48 catches. He had just 21 catches for 156 yards as he was absent seven weeks last year for personal reasons. While it's true the offense opens up even more if Mayer is productive and the team can play more two-tight end sets, it hardly guarantees fantasy relevance. As long as Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers are healthy, Mayer will be battling for targets in a group that Tre Tucker, Jack Bech, Ashton Jeanty, and Raheem Mostert. |
Michael Mayer player page
Chargers | Oronde Gadsden draws lofty comp Tue Jun 17, 01:31 PM
Los Angeles Chargers TE Oronde Gadsden II reminds tight ends coach Andy Bischoff of a former pupil of his, Darren Waller. 'I know it's a huge, huge forecast, but I was fortunate to coach Darren Waller and Darren Waller was a receiver in college. We turned him into a tight end. He's got some of those traits. It's way early. Way early, but he's twitchy. He separates, he does some really good things in the pass game. I think as he's become more comfortable in our system in the last four or five days, I think people are beginning to see that,' Bischoff said Tuesday, June 17.
| Footballguys view: Gadsden transitioned from wide receiver to tight end while he was at Syracuse and capped his college days with an All-ACC season. He posted 73 catches for 934 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024. While Gadsden's blocking skills are not as well developed as his receiving chops, the willingness to mix it up has been there so far. Still, Gadsden has work to do before he's fantasy-relevant. At this point, free-agent addition Tyler Conklin is the first Charger TE being drafted -- as TE34. Investors don't see much value at the position on this depth chart. |
Titans | Chig Okonkwo productive this offseason Tue Jun 17, 12:27 AM
Tennessee Titans TE Chig Okonkwo caught multiple passes during the workouts open to the media this offseason and showed a good connection with QB Cam Ward, in the opinion of TennesseeTitans.com's Jim Wyatt.
| Footballguys view: According to Wyatt, in the five open practices, no player caught more passes than Okonkwo, who tallied 13. Wyatt added: "Okonkwo looks fast, and he appears to have good chemistry already with Ward." For our purposes, Okonkwo's failure to live up to expectations last year has him priced as TE25 in Round 16. He'll more likely be on your waiver-wire watchlist than a roster, barring a fantastic training camp and preseason. |
Bears | Big expectations for Colston Loveland Tue Jun 17, 12:06 AM
Chicago Bears TE Colston Loveland (shoulder) was named as the choice for 'best rookie in the NFC North' by three of the four ESPN writers that were polled. All three drew parallels to Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta, who had 86 receptions and 10 touchdowns during his rookie year when new head coach Ben Johnson was the offensive coordinator in Detroit, though ESPN's Kevin Seifert suggested Loveland could get off to a slow start due to veteran TE Cole Kmet being an established contributor.
| Footballguys view: ESPN Bears' beat writer Courtney Cronin noted that teams don't draft tight ends in the top 10 without expecting them to make an immediate impact. Even if Kmet is a factor in two-TE sets, the outlet Loveland will provide Caleb Williams in the passing game is critical for the quarterback making a leap in his second season. Even if he falls short of LaPorta's remarkable rookie season, Loveland's TE13 average draft position and 10th-round price tag make it easier for those looking to take a shot on the upside. |
Broncos | Denver not expected to sign two FAs Mon Jun 16, 08:33 PM
Undrafted free-agent WR Will Sheppard (Colorado) and TE Patrick Murtagh (Jaguars) participated in the Denver Broncos mandatory minicamp on a tryout basis last week, but the team is not expected to sign either player at this point, according to 9News's Mike Klis.
Link to story
Vikings | Giovanni Ricci signed Sat Jun 14, 02:40 PM
Free-agent TE Giovanni Ricci (Patriots) signed with the Minnesota Vikings Tuesday, June 10. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Undrafted out of Western Michigan in 2020, Ricci has bounced around to four teams during that time. He's a converted wide receiver who is running out of time to prove himself at the pro level. |
Giovanni Ricci player page
Chiefs | Travis Kelce loses weight Sat Jun 14, 09:38 AM
Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce did not participate in optional organized team activities earlier this week but he will be in attendance for mandatory minicamp next week. He has told people close to him that he lost approximately 25 pounds this offseason, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
| Footballguys view: Father Time is undefeated, and Kelce is not the player he used to be. However, losing the weight will help him feel better and move faster. We'll see if the lost weight prevents Kelce from taking the NFL beating he's endured for years. Patrick Mahomes said he thinks Kelce "feels better than even last year before going into last season." Fantasy GMs can look to Kelce as a low-end TE1 in drafts this year. |
Travis Kelce player page
Browns | Harold Fannin Jr. impressing Fri Jun 13, 04:57 PM
Cleveland Browns TE Harold Fannin Jr. has stood out during OTAs, according to tight ends coach Christian Z. Jones. 'The guy catches everything, tracks the ball well and really adjusts to the ball in the air,' Jones said.
| Footballguys view: Fannin could be on the field a lot this year, along with stalwart David Njoku, limiting the number of three wide receiver sets - which is the main way Diontae Johnson can get on the field. The passing game could have a pulse if Joe Flacco starts, but don't expect him to remain the starter all year as the Browns will want to see what they have in draft picks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. While Fannin is worth stashing in dynasty leagues, it's difficult to see him mattering in redraft leagues. |
Bills | GM optimistic about Dalton Kincaid Fri Jun 13, 04:14 PM
Buffalo Bills TE Dalton Kincaid showed more confidence as the offseason went on, according to general manager Brandon Beane.
Link to storyDalton Kincaid player page
Seahawks | Mitch Van Vooren cut Fri Jun 13, 03:59 PM
Seattle Seahawks TE Mitch Van Vooren was released on Friday, June 13.
Link to story Bills | Dalton Kincaid draws praise for offseason work Fri Jun 13, 03:42 PM
Buffalo Bills TE Dalton Kincaid was a standout performer in practice on Thursday, June 12, and has 'worked his tail off' during the offseason, according to general manager Brandon Beane.'He's been here the whole time. I felt like I ... probably was a little over-critical (of his performance in 2024). I wasn't trying to be, but felt like maybe I could have done a better job (of talking about his last season). He's been here, he's worked his tail off. He's one competitive dude,' Beane told WGR Sports Radio 550.
Link to storyDalton Kincaid player page