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, December 13, 1:02 PM

Although Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth's fantasy value has been almost entirely touchdown-dependent this season, he could see more opportunities than usual on Monday night against the Miami Dolphins. Miami's defense has been strong in recent weeks, but it has still struggled to contain opposing tight ends. On the season, the Dolphins have surrendered the third-most fantasy points per contest to the position. Furthermore, fellow tight end Darnell Washington (concussion) has not yet cleared the league's concussion protocol and should be considered questionable to suit up. While Freiermuth's role has been inconsistent at best, he has been more efficient with his touches than Jonnu Smith. He shouldn't be considered a reliable option in most redraft formats, but Freiermuth could be a sneaky play in deeper fantasy leagues this week.