Who Should I Start? Durham Smythe or Pat Freiermuth

Thursday, March 6, 2:33 PM

The Chicago Bears signed former Miami Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe to a one-year deal on Thursday, according to NFL.com. The former fourth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame has played his entire seven-year career with Miami but was released this offseason. Overall, the 28-year-old has hauled in 132 receptions for 1,228 yards and three touchdowns in 112 career games. Smythe is best utilized as a blocker, and with Chicago trading for former Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Jonah Jackson and former Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Joe Thuney, it's evident they want to improve quickly in run and pass blocking. Smythe could help Chicago's offense in 2025 under new head coach Ben Johnson, but he's unlikely to be on the fantasy football radar.

Saturday, September 13, 12:04 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth saw three targets last week and will look to build on his chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle was middle-of-the-road against opposing tight ends last season, but surrendered plenty of fantasy points to the position in its season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately for Freiermuth, new addition Jonnu Smith appears to have a more significant role in Pittsburgh's offense. Smith led the Steelers' tight end room in snaps, targets, and receptions in Week 1. Freiermuth has proven to be a productive player over his five-year career, so while he is sure to have some big games this season, it will be difficult to predict them so long as the team's weapons stay healthy. He should be rostered in dynasty formats, but Freiermuth can remain on waiver wires in most redraft leagues.