{
  "id": 5552098,
  "title": "Tight end sleepers for 2026 fantasy football",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/tight-end-sleepers-for-2026-fantasy-football-5552098",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-04T12:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tight-end-sleepers-2026-fantasy-120500376.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Welcome to the 2026 fantasy football season. In this article, we will explore late-value options for tight ends. While finding strong fantasy tight ends late in drafts can be challenging, there are exceptions where \"value\" for a tight end is relatively low. For instance, last season, Tre McBride of the Cardinals had a remarkable season with 126 receptions for 1,236 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Kyle Pitts of the Cowboys was the second-best tight end with 88 catches for 928 yards and 5 touchdowns, 115 PPR points apart.\n\nHowever, the gap between tight ends is not as significant at the later stages. Comparing TE30 and Pitts yields only 33 PPR points difference. Similarly, the difference between TE10 and Pitts is 33 PPR points. Tight ends generally don't score as many fantasy points on average. Injuries to top performers like Brock Bowers, George Kittle, and Tucker Kraft, along with late breakout performances from Colston Loveland, indicate that drafting a late-round tight end is not ideal.\n\nFor a draft strategy, prioritize securing a tight end in the first two tiers if possible. Players like Harold Fannin Jr. and Dalton Kincaid are viable options if they fall in the draft. However, Juwan Johnson from the Saints should be targeted in every draft. Although he had limited touchdown production last season, the Saints' pass-heavy, up-tempo offense under Kellen Moore, coupled with the absence of rookie receiver Jordan Tyson, could benefit Johnson. The Saints' offense could help Johnson exceed expectations this season.\n\nBrenton Strange from the Jaguars is another viable option. After missing games in the middle of last season, Strange returned to the field and contributed significantly in the last six games. He has shown efficiency as a pass-catcher, catching 46 of his 60 targets for 540 yards and three touchdowns. Given the competitive nature of Liam Coen's spread offense, Strange could emerge as a TE2 with the potential for TE1 upside if Trevor Lawrence strengthens the team further.\n\nWhile generally avoiding drafting Titans players, Gunnar Helm's situation warrants attention. The Titans released Chig Okonkwo, making Helm the starting tight end. However, the team acquired Daniel Bellinger, likely leaving Helm in a supporting role. Brian Daboll, the new offensive coordinator, has a reputation for utilizing tight ends effectively in his offenses. Cam Ward's development as the OC is also promising. Helm's performance will depend on the Rams' usage, but he could be a TE2 or even a TE1 if given the opportunity. In redraft drafts, Helm could be a late-round pick (ADP TE25) if his role expands.",
  "summary": "Chet Gresham gives you 4 tight end sleepers for 2026 fantasy football drafts",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "SB Nation",
        "title": "Tight end sleepers for 2026 fantasy football",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/tight-end-sleepers-for-2026-fantasy-football",
        "published": "2026-09-04T12:05:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}