In most fantasy football leagues, fantasy owners should wait until the final rounds to draft a backup tight end—or skip one altogether. Because only one TE starts in most formats and waiver-wire replacements are often available, carrying a second TE can be an inefficient use of a roster spot. The right backup TE strategy depends on your starter, league format, and bench size.
1. Most Fantasy Owners Don’t Need a Backup TE #
In standard redraft leagues, drafting two tight ends is often unnecessary.
Instead, fantasy owners should prioritize:
- RB depth
- WR depth
- High-upside bench players
- Breakout candidates
Those positions usually provide more roster value than a second TE.
2. Your Starting TE Determines the Plan #
Backup TE strategy should begin with evaluating your starter.
If you drafted:
- An elite TE
- A reliable every-week option
- A player with a secure role
You can often skip a backup entirely and use waivers during the season.
3. Late-Round TEs Should Offer Upside #
If you do draft a backup TE, target players with breakout potential.
Look for:
- Athletic profiles
- Expanding roles
- Increased target opportunities
- Strong offensive environments
The goal is finding a player who can become a weekly starter, not merely survive a bye week.
4. Don’t Draft a Backup TE Too Early #
One of the biggest mistakes fantasy owners make is drafting a second TE before building depth elsewhere.
Prioritize:
- Starting lineup strength
- RB depth
- WR depth
- FLEX options
Backup TEs should rarely come before those needs.
5. Waivers Can Solve Most TE Problems #
Tight end is often a streaming position for many fantasy owners.
Waivers can provide:
- Bye-week replacements
- Injury fill-ins
- Emerging breakout candidates
Because of this, carrying two TEs all season is often unnecessary.
6. TE Premium Leagues Are Different #
In TE Premium formats, backup TEs become more valuable.
Fantasy owners may want:
- Additional TE depth
- FLEX-worthy TEs
- Multiple target earners
League settings should always influence roster construction.
7. Deep Benches Make Backup TEs More Viable #
Bench size matters.
Small Benches:
Prioritize RBs and WRs.
Large Benches:
Carrying a developmental or upside TE becomes more reasonable.
The more roster spots available, the easier it is to stash potential breakouts.
8. Bye Weeks Aren’t Enough Reason Alone #
Fantasy owners often draft a second TE solely because of bye weeks.
Remember:
- Bye weeks last one game
- Waivers can fill the gap
- Bench spots are valuable
Don’t sacrifice season-long upside for a temporary concern.
9. Treat Backup TEs as Lottery Tickets #
If you carry a second TE, make sure there is upside attached.
Target:
- Young players
- Athletic prospects
- Rising offensive roles
- Potential breakout candidates
A low-ceiling backup TE rarely impacts your season.
10. Draft Backup TEs Last #
In most 1-TE redraft leagues, backup TEs should be among the final selections, if drafted at all.
Fantasy owners who wait gain:
- Better RB depth
- Better WR depth
- More upside opportunities
- Greater roster flexibility
Those advantages usually outweigh the value of carrying a second tight end.
The best time to draft a backup TE is typically in the final rounds, if at all. Fantasy owners should focus on building depth and upside elsewhere before considering a second tight end, especially in standard redraft formats.
