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Tucker Kraft Contract Talks Could Reset Tight End Market
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft remains in contract talks with the team, and the next deal at the position could be a big one. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Green Bay hopes to get something done by the end of Week 1, with Kraft in position to become the first tight end to reach $20 million per year. George Kittle currently tops the market at $19.1 million annually, just ahead of Trey McBride at $19 million. Kraft is entering the final year of his rookie contract after catching 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games last season before tearing his ACL against Carolina. He returned from the PUP list on July 31 and worked back into 11-on-11 drills in August. If the two sides can close the gap, Kraft's deal could be the one that finally pushes the tight-end market past $20 million.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Isaiah Likely Could Hit The Ground Running This Season
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely is creating some real buzz in the fantasy community mostly because he is no longer blocked for playing time behind Mark Andrews for the Baltimore Ravens. He has been impressive in training camp and there is a real belief among many who follow the team that he emerges as the No. 2 target behind Malik Nabers on the outside for the Giants. Adam Bernstein of GMENHQ, a Giants blog, wrote this about Likely: "Given the state of New York's receiver room, there's a real chance he functions as Dart's No. 2 receiving option behind Malik Nabers." Likeley played in 14 games last year with the Baltimore Ravens and caught 27 passes for 307 yards and a touchdown playing most of the season behind Andrews on the depth chart. This is an opportunity for a breakout season for Likely in an expanded role.
Source: GMEN HQ blog
Source: GMEN HQ blog
Daniel Jones Could Be Looking At Big Year With Full Health
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is making his way back from a torn Achilles he suffered about nine months ago in Jacksonville. Jones hasn't played in an preseason games but turned heads within the Colts organization for a positive return from the devastating injury. Jones passed for 3,101 yards and 19 touchdowns last season and has added to he receiver room with Keenan Allen coming in and having Alec Pierce and Josh Downs on the outside with Tyler Warren at tight end. It's a good group of receiving talent, which sets up Jones nicely for a good season, but the main thing is that he appears to have put the injury behind him. He's always brought scrambling to the table a little bit and should continue to do that after rushing for 164 yards in 2025.
Source: WISHTV.com
Source: WISHTV.com
Darren Waller Making Smooth Transition to Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller is receiving positive buzz from the Carolina coaching staff as he prepares to be ready for Week 1. Head coach Dave Canales had this to say about the veteran tight end, on Panthers Wire, "Big and fast. The offensive stuff, the playbook stuff has been really smooth, really easy for him. And we have totally different terminology then where he was at in Miami before. Intelligent guy, hard worker. So he's been great from a mental standpoint." Waller played in nine games for the Miami Dolphins last year and caught 24 passes on 34 targets for 283 yards and six touchdowns. At age 33, Waller is still in great shape and is a threat in the red zone. He could emerge as a big target for quarterback Bryce Young in the target areas. He could be an under-the-radar tight end option.
Source: Panthers Wire, USA Today
Source: Panthers Wire, USA Today
Brock Bowers Likely Out For Week 2 As Well
Las Vegas Raiders star tight end Brock Bowers (knee) reportedly had meniscus trim surgery done in Dallas, and according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, he could miss Week 2. "Out the opener, probably out Week 2, and then we will see after that," Rapoport said on Good Morning Football. Rapoport did note that the fact that it was a meniscus trim rather than a meniscus repair is a promising sign, as he says the trim surgeries are measured in weeks rather than months for meniscus repairs. Bowers is an elite tight end, so his fantasy managers don't want to hear the news of his absence. But if he can keep it at just a two-week absence, it will be manageable and will avoid potential disaster. But now it does sound like Bowers is unlikely for Week 2 as well.
Source: NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport
George Kittle Will Be On "Pitch Count" During Season Opener
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle tore his right Achilles in January and has worked his way back to being available for Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams. However, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports that the talented tight end will be on a "pitch count to start, but a pretty dramatic return for one of the NFL's best tight ends. George Kittle is back." Kittle played in 11 games in 2025 and recorded 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged 11.0 yards per reception and 57.1 yards per game. Even at age 32, Kittle is still one of the best tight end bets for fantasy. Returning from an Achilles tear as quickly as he did at that advanced age is a bit concerning, but if anyone can do it, it would be Kittle. Look for a bit of a slow start to the season as he adjusts back to playing, but he still should be a top-tier tight end.
Source: NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport
A.J. Brown Diagnosed with a High-Ankle Sprain
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (ankle) had a quiet debut with three catches for 26 yards on Wednesday night, before he was forced to leave with an injury. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, Brown is believed to have suffered a high-ankle sprain, which is an injury that usually requires multiple weeks to recover from. While X-Rays were negative for a fracture, the star receiver will have an MRI on Thursday to give the team a better timetable of how much time he'll miss. While Brown is out, Romeo Doubs will need to step up as he looks to rebound from his own disappointing debut. Kyle Williams, Mack Hollins, and DeMario Douglas will also likely get more playing time and targets, giving them the potential to pick up more work and fantasy value for as long as Brown is out.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Dallas Goedert Set for a Major Role
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert looks poised to continue to be his team's top option at tight end and play a major role this season. With A.J. Brown departing to the Patriots, more targets will be available for the rest of the Eagles' pass-catchers. Last year, Goedert had a career-high 60 catches for 591 yards and an impressive total of 11 touchdowns. There was concern for Goedert's playing time after the Eagles drafted Eli Stowers, but Stowers struggled in training camp and the preseason and appears to need more development time. Stowers is an elite athlete but is still new to the position, which should leave Goedert as a major contributor in the Eagles' offense, especially early in the season. He should be a reliable low-end TE1 with higher upside if he keeps finding the end zone so regularly in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Charlie Kolar Emerging as Early-Season Riser
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar signed a three-year, $24.3 million contract with the Bolts this offseason, and the former Raven is atop the depth chart heading into his first season with the team. Kolar earned his way to the top spot due to his skills as both a blocker and receiver, which he showed throughout training camp and the preseason. He is ahead of both Oronde Gadsden and David Njoku, who are more proven pass-catchers but may be limited this year behind Kolar. In his first four seasons with the Ravens, Kolar only had 30 catches on 41 targets for 409 yards and four touchdowns, but his complete skill set at the position has earned him enough playing time to make him a player to monitor early in the season, especially if you're looking for emerging tight end depth in deep leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
George Kittle Will Complete His Comeback, Play in Week 1
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) is off the injury report and has no designation for Thursday night's matchup in Melbourne against the Rams. Kittle tore his Achilles on January 11th against the Eagles, but the 32-year-old has been aiming for a Week 1 return. He'll hit that target and play on Thursday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Kittle could need some time to ramp up to a full workload, but he brings a high enough ceiling to be started in most formats right away. Kittle is the No. 8 tight end in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings, so he should probably be in your lineup if you drafted him in most leagues. With a whole new wide receiver group, Kittle's rapport with QB Brock Purdy will be critical to the 49ers' ability to keep up with the Rams Down Under this Thursday.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Drew Lock Delivers With Big Second Half in Week 1
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock stepped in for Sam Darnold (hip) in Week 1 against the New England Patriots. Lock completed 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown. He also added 13 yards on the ground. Lock was thrust into a difficult situation on Wednesday with Darnold going down on the fifth play from scrimmage. The Seahawks' offense struggled to move the ball for most of the first half. However, Lock found his chemistry with his wide receivers in the second half, leading Seattle to 13 unanswered points and the eventual victory. Lock was efficient in this outing and recorded a QBR of 78.6. We have seen Lock succeed in relief of Seattle's starting quarterbacks in the past as well. As such, he should be able to continue supporting fantasy success for Seattle's skill players. Notably, Lock still supported a high-end WR1 outing for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. If Lock has to play additional games, fantasy managers can rest assured that he should be able to keep the offense afloat.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Rashid Shaheed Quiet in Week 1
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed caught one of three targets for four yards on Wednesday against the New England Patriots. Despite his low target volume, Shaheed was much more involved in the offense in Week 1 than he was during the 2025 season. He played 66% of the snaps, and at one point, he was even lined up in the backfield for a pitch play before the Seahawks were called for a penalty. Despite his minimal output, fantasy managers should continue to roster him. The Seahawks' offense as a whole was not at its best in Week 1. Quarterback Sam Darnold (hip) went down with a hip injury on the fifth snap of the game, and it took the offense a full half to find its legs. Early news on Darnold's hip is positive, but backup quarterback Drew Lock demonstrated that he can hold down the offense if necessary. As such, the offense should only continue to improve. If it does, Shaheed's potential involvement is intriguing. Keep monitoring his usage in the coming weeks before letting him go to waivers.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
AJ Barner Limited to Two Receptions in Week 1
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (oblique) caught two passes for 13 yards in Week 1 against the New England Patriots. Barner was kept in check all night, with the Seahawks' offense struggling to move the ball at times. Barner entered the season with a path to a serious breakout after scoring six touchdowns and finishing as the TE14 in 2025. That path still exists and should begin to unfold as the Seahawks' offense finds its footing. With quarterback Sam Darnold (hip) sidelined in Week 1, it is unclear who will be under center next week. However, quarterback Drew Lock is a capable backup, and he should not affect Barner's ability to produce. For now, Barner is still best viewed as a TE. He can still emerge as the season wears on, but we will need to monitor his usage, particularly in the red zone. Expect better production when Seattle visits Arizona in Week 2.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
George Holani Keeps Pace With Rookie For Carries in Week 1
Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani was relatively involved in Seattle's Week 1 win over the New England Patriots. Rookie running back Jadarian Price drew the start, but Holani entered the game on the first drive, played 46% of the snaps, and recorded eight carries to Price's 10. Holani did not catch his only target of the game. Although Holani received a fair number of touches relative to Price, he was far less explosive. Price averaged 5.2 yards per carry to Holani's 3.6. However, it is clear that the Seahawks would like to work at least two running backs into the offense. As the offense improves, so too should the effectiveness of both backs. If Holani's yards per carry increase and he catches a couple of targets per game, he may garner flex appeal as long as Zach Charbonnet (knee) is out. Holani was also active when the Seahawks were near the goal line, suggesting that he possesses potential touchdown upside. He is worth rostering to see what happens over the next couple of weeks.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Cooper Kupp Has Touchdown Called Back in Week 1
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp caught two passes for 35 yards in Seattle's Week 1 win against the New England Patriots. Kupp also had a touchdown called back due to an illegal shift. The game was sloppy as a whole, with both offenses just getting their legs back under them. However, the Seahawks' usage of their pass catchers looked very similar to 2025. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the team with 11 targets while Kupp was tied for second place with just three. Kupp was targeted on got-to-have-it downs as a veteran presence, but it does appear that this is shaping up to be another quiet fantasy season for him. As the Seahawks' offense continues to improve, it is worth keeping an eye on Kupp's usage. However, for now, it is clear that he should not be in your lineup.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
