The tight end position in fantasy football is often a tale of two extremes: a handful of elite, early-round players, and a vast landscape of unpredictable options.
For the savvy fantasy owner, this uncertainty presents a prime opportunity. By identifying the deep sleepers — those tight ends flying under the radar who are poised for a good return on investment — you can secure a weekly advantage without spending a premium draft pick.
For the 2025 season, a number of players are in a decent position to surprise. Let’s dive into some of the most intriguing candidates who could become your next fantasy football value.
Brenton Strange (Jacksonville Jaguars): After the departure of Evan Engram, Strange is poised to be the Jaguars’ clear lead tight end in his third year. He showed flashes of potential in an expanded role late in 2024, and with a full offseason as the starter and a new coaching staff that has previously gotten production out of tight ends, he could have a breakout season.
Mason Taylor (New York Jets): As a second-round rookie, Taylor has an immediate path to a significant role in the Jets’ offense, which is otherwise thin at tight end. With Garrett Wilson drawing attention and Justin Fields at quarterback, Taylor has the potential to become a volume-fueled high-end TE2, making him a fantastic late-round pick with upside.
Chig Okonkwo (Tennessee Titans): Okonkwo showed signs of a breakout late in 2024, with his route rate increasing and his big-play ability on display. If he can build chemistry with quarterback Cam Ward and secure a consistent role in the Titans’ new-look offense, his speed and receiving skills could make him a top-15 fantasy tight end.
Hunter Henry (New England Patriots): Henry quietly led the Patriots in receiving in 2024, demonstrating a strong rapport with rookie QB Drake Maye. With the Patriots’ wide receiver room still lacking a dominant presence, Henry could continue to be a primary target for Maye, and if he can see some positive touchdown regression, he could once again provide high-end TE2 value.
Cade Otton (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Otton will be competing for targets with a host of other receiving options, but he had a very strong stretch in 2024 when other receivers were injured. While he may not get consistent targets with a healthy corps, he has shown he can be a reliable producer in Baker Mayfield’s offense, and he could have weekly value if he finds the end zone.
Elijah Arroyo (Seattle Seahawks): Arroyo is a rookie with a ton of athletic promise and is reportedly making a strong impression in Seahawks camp. With a new offensive system and a chance to win the starting job, his physical traits and high-upside profile make him a perfect deep sleeper to target in the final rounds of fantasy drafts.
Cole Kmet (Chicago Bears): The Bears drafted tight end Colston Loveland early, but Kmet is a known quantity who had a strong 2023 season as a mid-to-late TE1. If the new coaching staff can find a way to get him involved alongside the Bears’ other offensive weapons, Kmet could still be a reliable fantasy option, offering a safer floor than many other tight ends in this range.
Theo Johnson (New York Giants): After a rookie season in 2024 that was cut short by a foot injury, Theo Johnson is now healthy and expected to take on a larger role in the Giants’ offense. As the presumed TE1, his impressive athletic profile and ability to be a downfield threat could make him a breakout candidate in his second year, especially with Russell Wilson at quarterback.
Oronde Gadsden (Los Angeles Chargers): Gadsden is a fifth-round rookie who has received positive buzz in training camp and is considered by some to be a deep sleeper. With the Chargers’ tight end depth chart consisting of Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin, Gadsden has a long-term path to becoming a starter, and his receiving skills could make him a surprise fantasy contributor in an offense that likes to use the tight end.
