Who Should I Start? Anthony Firkser or John Bates

Thursday, May 1, 12:10 AM

The Kansas City Chiefs released tight ends Anthony Firkser and Baylor Cupp, linebacker Shaun Bradley, offensive guard McKade Mettauer and safety Jason Taylor on Wednesday, according to KPRC's Aaron Wilson. They also received an international exemption for offensive tackle Chukwuebuka Godrick. Firkser is the biggest name of the bunch. The 30-year-old veteran tight end played for both the Chiefs and New York Jets last year but didn't contribute at all on offense and wasn't targeted in the passing game in seven total games with both teams. He signed a Reserve/Futures deal after KC's Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles but will now be searching for a new organization after the 2025 NFL draft. Firkser hasn't caught a pass in the NFL since 2022 with the Atlanta Falcons.

Wednesday, December 24, 10:23 AM

Washington Commanders tight end John Bates was outsnapped 37 to 27 by second-year tight end Ben Sinnott in last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Bates has served as Washington's No. 2 TE for most of the season, primarily as a blocker. He posted his highest route share (50%) of the season in Week 15 with Zach Ertz (knee) out for the season, but that mark cratered in Week 16, falling to just 16%, his lowest since Week 2. Sinnott profiles as the better receiving option and is seeing his role increase in that area. He jumped to a season-high 56% route share last week. Bates seems to be trending back toward his typical role as the top blocking tight end and shouldn't be considered a fantasy option on Christmas Day against the Dallas Cowboys, especially considering Washington's starting QB is likely to be Josh Johnson with Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) injured.