*Note- some of these calls aren’t sleepers just players I think could have a good year. It’s difficult to find a true sleeper in today’s fantasy football landscape, but I’ll do my best to uncover some longshots in larger leagues or leagues with deeper rosters.

This is your opportunity. To rise from these ashes and grab glory. We are….Marshall. We are…Marshall. Funerals end today.

Trey McBride
Trey is the best in the business at TE right now. McBride is a solid pick if you’re strategy is to go early at TE.

Brock Bowers
Brock had an injury plagued year which hurt his fantasy stats. He’s still one of the most talented TEs in the game. The upgrades at QB should help with veteran Kirk Cousins and heralded rookie, Fernando Mendoza, coming aboard. The Raiders also signed center, Tyler Linderbaum, to help fix a leaky offensive line. Bowers should have a better year in 2026. Bow to your sensai. Bow to your sensai!!!! Haha!!!

Colston Loveland
It took him a bit to get going, but Colston Loveland started coming on as 2025 winded down. Last year Loveland was rehabbing his shoulder from surgery. so the Bears eased him in. That won't happen this year. He'll be a focal point of the offense. This is the second year for the Bears in Ben Johnson’s offense. They should be familiar with the playbook and not be thinking as much. I expect the entire offense to make a leap forward, including Loveland. And while Loveland isn’t a sleeper, if he takes a step forward he could establish himself as one of the best young TEs in the game.

Sam LaPorta
(8/20) UPDATE- LaPorta injured his hip in practice. It’s unclear how bad it is. However, i’m dropping him down a few slots unless I hear positive news.

LaPorta slipped a little in performance, but he’s still really good. The only concern is the Lions’ offensive line. They’ve had some departures over the past few seasons and they’re no longer the dominant force they once were. If Detroit can protect Jared Goff, LaPorta should have a solid season.

Isaiah Likely
The Giants are concerned about Malik Nabers being ready for the start of 2026. In addition, I’ve heard that Nabers might not be 100% until 2027. Likely could come in and be a big slot WR for New York, who also lost WR WanDale Robinson in free agency. When Likely had opportunities as a go-to-guy in Baltimore, he produced. And with a consensus ranking at TE 13, Likely could easily outkick his draft cost, especially with a promising QB like Jaxson Dart, and a Giants' schedule that seems to be ripe for some fantasy points.

Mark Andrews
I’ve tried, but I can’t figure this one out. Mark Andrews, a longtime favorite target of Lamar Jackson, has a current consensus ranking of only TE 15. Isaiah Likely is gone and Andrews is “thee” guy. He should have a resurgent year in 2026. Andrews’ current consensus ranking at TE 15 seems like a gift. Just say thank you for the sale price and walk away.

Kenyon Sadiq (LONGSHOT PICK)
(8/05) UPDATE- Sadiq suffered a setback to his rehab from surgery. It’s unclear how long this will delay his progress. For now, I’m tempering my expectations at least at the start of the season, but the Jets are saying he should be ready by week 1.

Sadiq is a sort of gamble on potential and raw talent. for fantasy purposes I guess he’s sort of a longshot pick, but he was also taken in the 1st round, so unless the guys in your league are living in a cave, most have probably heard of Sadiq. He’s one of the most talented young TE prospects to come out in recent years. However, the New York Jets seems to be a place where talented young prospects go to die (in a fantasy sense). It sounds like they’ll use both Sadiq and Mason Taylor in two TE sets. Sadiq might be more of a big slot WR. If Geno Smith can right the ship at QB, Sadiq could have some highlight reel plays. That said, I wouldn’t want to count on Sadiq as my starter, but more as a backup with potential. Sadiq’s Current Fantasy Pros Consensus Ranking is TE 22. Worth a shot.

T.J. Hockenson (LONGSHOT PICK)
Tj Hockenson is another former member of the upper echelon of TEs from fantasy pasts. Last year he was coming off reconstructive knee surgery which is why he struggled. However, T.J. should be 100% by now and I expect him to have a bounce back year as long as Kyler Murray wins the starting gig. Remember, the last TE guy Murray threw to in Arizona, Trey McBride, had some pretty good fantasy seasons. While Hockenson isn’t McBride, he’s still very good and with a current consensus ranking of only TE 23, he’s dirt cheap.

David Njoku (LONGSHOT PICK)
One of my favorite players at TE finally escapes the fantasy hell that is Cleveland. The Chargers went out and signed Njoku to a one year contract. Njoku is explosive and can turn catches into long TDs. The pairing with Justin Herbert and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel could catapult Njoku into a Top 10 TE. McDaniel is known for having his QBs quickly get the ball out to his playmakers. Remember Jonnu Smith’s season in Miami a few seasons ago? The same could happen here with Njoku. My main concern is playing time with Oronde Gadsden penciled in as the starter. Still, with a current consensus ranking at TE 27, there are worse long shots you can take than on a very talented TE on a potent offense.

Darren Waller (LONGSHOT PICK)
Waller might not make through the full 17 game schedule, but when he plays, he produces. Waller just signed a deal with Carolina. I’ll admit it’s not the best landing spot, but it’s a spot. he’s a worthy dart throw based on his talent alone. Last year, Trave Kelce finished as a Top 5 TE and he’s a few years older than Waller. Worth a shot.