As we’ve done for the other positions, let’s start things off by reviewing the 2025 Post-Hype Sleeper Tight Ends:
Dallas Goedert proved that sometimes fantasy football really is simple. After being drafted around TE14, Goedert finished as the TE4 in total PPR points and TE5 on a points per game basis. His 60 receptions and 591 receiving yards were typical Goedert numbers, but he set an Eagles single-season record for touchdowns with a career-high 11 touchdowns, sending his fantasy production soaring. The original argument was that an injury-shortened 2024 season had depressed his price despite no meaningful decline in his underlying performance. Better health and the same reliable role were all he needed to smash that discounted ADP.
Verdict: Hit
Kyle Pitts finally rewarded those of us who refused to let go (shoutout Brian Hartman). Available as the TE17, Pitts set career highs in receptions (88) and touchdowns (five), recorded 928 receiving yards, and finished as the TE2 in total PPR points. Admittedly, the ride remained appropriately a Pitts-like rollercoaster. Nearly half of his fantasy production came over the final five weeks, including an absurd 11-catch, 166-yard, three-touchdown performance in Week 15. But when the original argument is that a player possesses top-five upside at a next-to-nothing cost, finishing second at the position is about as clear a victory as it gets.
Verdict: Hit
A clean 2-0 sweep to close the 2025 review. Sometimes, fantasy football really is simple.
If you want to revisit the original article and see the rest of my reasoning, click here.
Chig Okonkwo – Washington Commanders
(The “That name again is Mr. Blough” sleeper)
Chig Okonkwo steps into the spotlight as Washington’s offseason answer for a new tight end target for Jayden Daniels. Okonkwo hauled in 56 receptions and 560 receiving yards last season in Tennessee, both career highs that he’ll have every opportunity to top in 2026. Daniels has targeted the tight end position on over 20% of his professional pass attempts, and a good chunk of those are up for grabs with Zach Ertz not returning to the team. New Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough is said to be implementing a focus on creating opportunities for tight ends to make plays, and increased usage of multi-tight end sets. Although it still could happen, whatever the heck is going on with Brandon Aiyuk and the Commanders gives us absolutely zero clue if he’ll actually wind up in the burgundy and gold. If Aiyuk remains in the upside down, Okonkwo’s opportunity could swell enormously.
Isaiah Likely – New York Giants
(The “No, it’s not because he’s a Giant” sleeper)
Isaiah Likely is the human embodiment of a post-hype sleeper. He’s been talked up for years as the heir apparent to Mark Andrews in Baltimore and shows flashes of brilliance like he stole a swig of some of this:
It was a shock when the Ravens gave 30-year-old Andrews a hefty extension, leading to Likely’s exit and move to New York with John Harbaugh this offseason. That’s a fantastic landing spot for fantasy purposes, as Jaxson Dart loved throwing to the tight end in his first season. In 11 starts, Dart targeted the position on 44% of red zone targets and 35% of end zone targets. Tight ends accounted for seven of Dart’s 11 touchdown passes. Wan’Dale Robinson is gone, and Malik Nabers is working his way back to full speed, although he’s looked great in camp so far. Likely will likely be on the field a lot, especially with Giants Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy (I threw up in my mouth a little bit typing that) known for heavy use of multiple tight-end formations. I don’t think enough is being said about his upside to finish among the elite tight ends, just a tier below Trey McBride and Brock Bowers.
Photo by Mark Goldman | Adapted by Parker McDonald (@CarbonFoxGFX on Twitter/X)