Who Should I Start? Darren Waller or T.J. Hockenson

Saturday, March 2, 2:40 PM

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller said on Friday that he is "still undecided" on if he is going to continue his playing career in 2024. A previous report on Friday suggested that while Waller had considered retirement after last season, he was expected to return this year. The 31-year-old dealt with more hamstring issues in his first year in the Big Apple and finished with a disappointing 52 catches on 74 targets for 552 yards and only one touchdown in 12 games played. He's due to make $10.5 million in base salary in 2024 and count $14 million against the salary cap. The Giants have no intention of making him a cap casualty. The only other tight end on the roster with substantial playing time is Daniel Bellinger, who is set to enter his third season in 2024. At this point in his career, Waller is an extreme injury risk as a TE1 in fantasy.

Tuesday, December 26, 4:18 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) suffered a torn ACL and MCL in the Week 16 loss to the Detroit Lions. He is expected to be placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season. Given the late-season injury, the 26-year-old could start the 2024 season on the PUP list. The former first-round pick signed a four-year, $66 million contract this offseason with Minnesota. Hockenson had career-highs in receptions, receiving, yards, and targets during his first entire season with the Vikings. He caught 95 of 127 targets for 965 yards and five touchdowns over 15 games in 2023. Hockenson will likely undergo surgery in the next few weeks and looks to recover fully in 2024. Josh Oliver is expected to be Minnesota's top tight end with Hockenson sidelined. Fantasy managers searching for tight end help or a replacement for Hockenson can look to add Oliver in most league formats.