The Tight End market was hot and heavy in the opening round of NFL free agency. Big money was thrown around to some big name fellas. While many of these guys landed on new squads, there fantasy impacts have taken a tremendous change.
We all know the Tight End position was historically bad from a fantasy standpoint as well as actually real life play. Below I will discuss the big pass catchers and what each signing means for your fantasy season.
Hunter Henry, Patriots– Bill Belichek went against his cheap tendencies and decided to be a big spends. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him upgrade that raggedy hoodie into a suit Vince Lombardi style. Henry hit the open market and Pats scooped him up ASAP.
Justin Herbert managers 🤝 Hunter Henry managers.pic.twitter.com/wjVahM1yUW
— Rotoworld Football (@rotoworld_fb) October 13, 2020
3 of the last 4 years Henry has finished in the top 11 at his position for Average FPPG which is considered a starter in most leagues. He benefited from playing in high passing offenses between Phillip Rivers and Justin Herbert and the target share shows. Henry has also dealt with injury concerns from time to time in his 5 year career but I wouldn’t read too much into that.
Going from rookie sensation Herbert to a Cam Newton who has really fell off raises some red flags for me but not enough to dismiss Henry. The Pats signed several offensive weapons in this young free agent period but Henry is clearly the best target to me. He will supply Newton with his best pass catcher since prime Greg Olsen and Newton relied heavily on that monster. Give me Henry in the 9-11 range making him a starter in your fantasy leagues.
Jonnu Smith, Patriots– Why have 1 really good tight end when you can have 2? The Pats double downed and quite frankly shocked many of us after spending big bucks on another talented Tight end.
Smith made a name for himself in Nashville most recently last season when he snagged 8 touchdowns. The 26 year old has been relatively healthy and will be a staple in the Pats offense. He is a big strong body who gives his defenders hell from a physical standpoint. Not an easy tackle!
Unfortunately like stated earlier, Cam is a shade of himself and this landing spot is disappointing. I would much rather of seen Jonnu thrive In a more efficient passing offense but nothing we can do about that. Some have Jonnu ranked higher then Henry but I am not on that ship. I do love me Smith but Henry seems more polished and reliable as a pass catching option. Right now I have Smith ranked in the 11-13 range due. Again this does not reflect on his skill set, rather the team he chose to sign with. Can’t say I blame him with that cheesy bread he’s making.
Rob Gronkowski, Buccaneers– Let’s keep the ball rolling on Patriots Tight Ends and speak on behalf of Gronk. Gronk came out of his championship bender and resigned with the Super Bowl champs.
I must say I was down on Gronk last off-season and he faired well from his return from retirement. His 2020 started off VERY slow but after getting his feet wet in September he provided Fantasy owners with competitive play. From week 6 to the end of the season the party animal finished as the #5 Tight end in PPR.
Moving forward I see Gronk finishing as a lower end TE1. We know Brady has his bromance with the big fella, but you have to think a healthy Godwin during the whole season will eat into Roberts target share. I think we also must factor in his injury history. Gronkowski played in 16 games for the first time in his NFL career last season. I highly doubt he replicates that.
Jared Cook, Chargers– The 33 year old linked a 1 year deal to sign with the Chargers for the upcoming season. Cooks numbers weren’t eye popping but he did grab 7 TDs and had to deal with some weakkkk sauce QB play for much of the season. Cook now takes his talents to Cali and will be asked to fill the role of starting tight end, previously assigned to Hunter Henry.
Top 5 Plays from Jared Cook🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/IwfSJFdR7j
— ＣＨΛＲＧΞＲＳ⚡️ＴΛＬＫ (@ChargersTalkNow) March 23, 2021
I really like the move for Cook as he will be playing in a more pass friendly offense while rekindling the flame with his former coach and current Chargers offensive coordinator (Joe Lombardi). Cooks fantasy value is not what is once was but he should be a viable streaming option in 12 team formats given his defensive opponents with the potential to sneak his way onto your roster.
Kyle Rudolph, Giants– Here at GCF we preach honesty and like to skip to the point. I absolutely don’t understand this move. Not to knock Rudolph but what they are paying him I just can’t comprehend. His better days are behind him and he hasn’t given us much from a fantasy standpoint in the last 2 years.
I am advising everyone to stand clear of Rudolph. I can see if Engram goes down with an injury where Rudolph could supply streaming value but he needs a lot of things to fall into place for me to feel any comfort in him. Don’t get cute.
Gerald Everett, Seahawks– This signing is intriguing to me and has potential to be rewarding considering he will probably go undrafted. Everett who previously was a Ram, split time with the “GREAT” Tyler Higbee and virtually had the same numbers from week 3 on.
Seattle has desperately tried tinkering with the position since Jimmy Graham’s departure and all has failed. We all know that Seattle has put more of an emphasis on passing now compared to years past and Everett will be very much involved in that. He seems to be in line for the starting spot but he needs to seize the opportunity.
Right now I have Everett outside my top 20 but the potential is there to break out into a weekly starter. You may want to look other avenues unless you play in a 16+ league.