X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Five Oldest Fantasy Football Skill Players - How Much Value Do They Still Have?

Adam Thielen - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL DFS Picks

Justin takes a look at the five oldest NFL skill position players for fantasy football in 2024. Do these veteran players still offer value this coming season?

I turned 34 this year, which doesn't feel old until you start looking at a list of the NFL's oldest skill-position players and you realize that if you'd been a football player, your career would be over at this point. There aren't many skill-position players in their mid-to-late 30s in the NFL, though there are a few left.

For the purposes of this article, we're excluding quarterbacks from the discussion. Why? Because if they were included, four of the five oldest players would be quarterbacks and three of those would be backups, and that's no fun to discuss.

Below are the five oldest skill-position players in the NFL. Do they still have fantasy value?

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Marcedes Lewis - TE - Chicago Bears

Age: 40

It's hard to believe that 40-year-old Marcedes Lewis is still in the NFL. He's the only non-QB skill-position player in the league over the age of 35 and is entering his 19th NFL season.

Of course, Lewis has been sapped of a lot of his athleticism because time has a way of doing that to a player, so fantasy managers don't need to really factor him into anything when planning for 2024. Lewis is still an exceptional run-blocker, but at this stage, he's essentially just a sixth offensive lineman. Last season, he caught just four passes for 29 yards and a touchdown. Lewis should not be on anyone's fantasy radar.

 

Travis Kelce - TE - Kansas City Chiefs

Age: 35

We go directly from a tight end who isn't a factor in the passing game to a tight end who is arguably the biggest factor in the passing game of anyone at his position: Travis Kelce.

The Chiefs star might be coming off his worst season since 2015, but he still managed to catch 93 passes for 984 yards and five touchdowns while missing two games. Maybe Kelce isn't quite the destructive force that he was in his prime, but he's still option No. 1 for quarterback Patrick Mahomes and KC's addition of Marquise Brown to stretch the field should open up more of those underneath routes for Kelce.

One concern is that Kelce had just four broken tackles last season. Pro Football Reference has broken tackle data back to 2008 and Kelce's 23.3 receptions per broken tackle is his worst mark in that span by a good bit. Maybe that's one way age is starting to show for him. Still, Kelce's massive role in this Chiefs offense makes him the fantasy TE1 heading into 2024.

 

Adam Thielen - WR - Carolina Panthers

Age: 34 (in August)

Last season, 33-year-old Adam Thielen made the move to the Panthers, ending his nine-year tenure with the Minnesota Vikings. Thielen ended up serving as rookie quarterback Bryce Young's top receiver, catching 103 passes for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. It was the most receptions and yards for Thielen since his 2018 Pro Bowl campaign.

But heading into 2024, the picture is cloudier when it comes to Thielen's production. The Panthers signed Diontae Johnson, who was a bit of a target hog during his time with the Steelers, with 140-plus targets in three of his five seasons. The team also used a first-round pick on South Carolina receiver, Xavier Legette.

All that likely means Thielen won't produce as much in 2024 as he did in 2023, though age isn't the reason why. It'll just be hard to have another 1,000-yard season when you have a QB who struggled with accuracy as a rookie trying to spread the ball around to three different talented receivers.

 

Taysom Hill - TE - New Orleans Saints

Age: 34 (in August)

It's wild that Taysom Hill is this old, right? He only emerged as an NFL weapon in 2018, which wasn't that long ago, but Hill was already in his age-28 season when that happened.

Hill has played all over the field, from QB to RB to WR to TE, but it's at the latter position that he has fantasy eligibility heading into 2024. Last season, Hill had 81 carries for 401 yards and four touchdowns while also adding 33 receptions for 291 yards and two scores. It was his best season as a receiver, and his 692 scrimmage yards were his most in the NFL.

So despite his age, it seems like Hill is still a versatile threat for the Saints. The problem when it comes to fantasy is that his production isn't very predictable. Hill had seven games with 10 or fewer rushing yards last season and in five of those had four yards or less. He also had eight games where he finished with zero or one reception. I love Hill if I'm playing TE-premium best ball, but he's super risky in normal redraft leagues.

 

Zach Ertz - TE - Washington Commanders

Age: 34 (in November)

Zach Ertz was once one of the NFL's best tight ends. His past two seasons with the Cardinals suggest that isn't true anymore, but he'll get a chance to be productive in Washington this season. Ertz, who caught 27 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown last season, should get the first shot at the starting job with the Commanders, ahead of John Bates and rookie Ben Sinnott.

In theory, Ertz could serve as a reliable short-yardage option for Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, but his age, injury history, and lack of recent production make it tough to trust him in fantasy. Sinnott has more upside and Ertz should be viewed as a low-end TE3 who will likely see his best production come at the beginning of the season.

 

Bonus: Oldest Running Back

Cordarrelle Patterson - Pittsburgh Steelers

Age: 33

Running back is a young man's game, which explains why no running back made the list of the top-5 oldest skill-position players and why the oldest running back on a roster right now is Cordarrelle Patterson, a converted wide receiver. If we were looking for someone who has played running back for his entire career, we'd be looking at Raheem Mostert with the Dolphins.

Patterson looks to be the team's No. 3 running back behind Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren and won't have fantasy value unless one of those two is injured. His biggest impact will come as a kick returner, so unless your fantasy league awards points for return yards, you can leave Patterson on the waiver wire.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Chase Elliott

an Easy DFS Pick at Chicago Street Course
Chris Buescher

Should Be Strong at Chicago Street Course
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace a Solid DFS Target After Qualifying 37th at Chicago
Michael McDowell

Has Solid Saturday at Chicago Street Course
Will Brown

an Interesting Fantasy Option at Chicago Street Course
Justin Haley

Has Strong Record at Chicago Street Course
Todd Gilliland

Could Surprise at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF