Who Should I Start? Cole Kmet or Michael Mayer

Wednesday, February 18, 6:55 AM

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet's value is declining ahead of the 2026 season. Kmet never really established himself as a top fantasy threat through his first five years in the league, but he did have two top-eight finishes at the tight end position during that span. However, his fantasy production took a major step backward in 2025 (his sixth season in the league) as the Bears shook up their personnel. New head coach Ben Johnson made plenty of changes on the offensive side of the ball, with the most notable being the addition of rookie tight end Colston Loveland. Chicago started feeding Loveland after the Week 5 bye, which resulted in Kmet's snap share dropping from 100% in Week 4 to just 52% in Week 6. Kmet ultimately finished the year with a modest stat line of 30 catches, 347 yards, and two touchdowns across 16 games. The reception and yardage totals both represented his lowest marks since his rookie campaign in 2020. Kmet is under contract for two more years, and while the Bears do have a potential out this offseason, it seems like he'll remain in Chicago through 2027. That would mean he'll nestle into the No. 2 tight end role next season, severely limiting his fantasy value and upside. He's not worth drafting in 2026 redraft leagues, and dynasty managers should absolutely look to trade him within the next couple of months, even though it's too late to completely "sell high."

Tuesday, February 17, 9:49 AM

Once viewed as a top-10 dynasty tight end following his early-second round selection in the 2023 NFL draft, Las Vegas Raiders three-year veteran Michael Mayer has seen his stock dip season after season. With the Raiders bringing in an entirely new coaching staff for the second year in a row, Mayer has again seen his name floated in trade speculation, with dynasty managers hoping a change of scenery can revive his value. A dominant receiving tight end while at Notre Dame, Mayer has shown the occasional flash with the Raiders, notably finishing the 2025 season with 136 yards on 14 targets while Brock Bowers was sidelined for Weeks 17 and 18. If Mayer is indeed traded, he should see his value spike, but even if he remains in Las Vegas, new head coach Klint Kubiak could find more creative uses for a player that still ranks among the most talented offensive weapons on the team.