Who Should I Start? Chris Manhertz or Hunter Long

Friday, March 15, 3:42 PM

Free-agent tight end Chris Manhertz is signing with the New York Giants, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Giants have Darren Waller and Daniel Bellinger on the roster and signed former Philadelphia Eagles tight end Jack Stoll this week, so the position is getting crowded behind Waller. Manhertz has caught just 26 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns in his eight-year career with the Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Denver Broncos, so he will not be on the fantasy radar in 2024. He is primarily a blocking tight end, and he could be buried on the depth chart.

Wednesday, July 10, 9:10 PM

Working in Los Angeles Rams tight end Hunter Long's favor is the fact that Tyler Higbee (knee) probably isn't going to be ready for the start of the 2024 regular season. That lone could land Long a spot on the 53-man roster to open the year if Higbee starts on the Physically Unable to Perform list. However, the Rams added Colby Parkinson in the offseason and love the potential of Davis Allen. If one of Nikola Kalinic or Neal Johnson emerges in training camp and the preseason, Long could be out of a roster spot. The 25-year-old finished last year on Injured Reserve after having surgery on his MCL but he was taking part in organized team activities this offseason and should be ready to go this fall. In just four games played in 2023, Long wasn't targeted at all while playing 54 offensive snaps for the Rams.