Who Should I Start? AJ Barner or Oronde Gadsden

Tuesday, June 23, 8:59 AM

A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden II emerged as a surprisingly important piece of his team's offense as a rookie. Across 15 games (seven starts), the 22-year-old hauled in 49 catches for 664 yards and three touchdowns on 69 targets. With an average of 13.6 yards per reception, Gadsden II showed off an ability to stretch the field that is rare at the tight end position. Entering 2026, Gadsden II's playing time outlook has some questions following the Chargers' offseason acquisitions of veteran tight ends David Njoku and Charlie Kolar. However, Njoku is only signed through 2026, and Kolar profiles more as a blocking tight end. As long as Gadsden II continues to progress in his second NFL season, he profiles as the long-term answer for the Chargers at the tight end position. In dynasty leagues where Gadsden II's value may have dipped after Los Angeles' offseason moves, managers should take advantage of the opportunity to buy low.