Who Should I Start? Grant Calcaterra or James Mitchell

Saturday, January 4, 9:53 AM

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra faces the New York Giants in Week 18 and his role will likely be limited but unknown to what extent. With Dallas Goedert (knee) having his 21-day practice window opening this week, there's a chance he plays and sees a few snaps to shake off rust before the playoffs. Additionally, backup C.J. Uzomah (abdominal) was placed on IR, so that now adds E.J. Jenkins to the mix, who could very well see significant playing time. Calcaterra has stepped in admirably during Goedert's absence but has yet to carve out a reliable role in the offense. While the Giants' defense has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to tight ends this season, the uncertainty surrounding Calcaterra's workload makes him a risky fantasy option in Week 18.

Tuesday, January 21, 10:17 PM

The Carolina Panthers announced on Tuesday that they signed free-agent tight end James Mitchell and outside linebacker Boogie Basham to Reserve/Futures deals. Mitchell was a former fifth-round selection by the Detroit Lions in 2022 out of Virginia Tech. He was with the Lions on their practice squad in 2024 and will now try to make Carolina's active 53-man roster for the 2025 season. In 30 games over three seasons in the NFL, he has only recorded 13 catches for 141 yards and one touchdown in Detroit. Basham, meanwhile, was a second-round selection by the Buffalo Bills in 2021 out of Wake Forest. He'll reunite with general manager Dan Morgan, who was in Buffalo's front office when he was drafted. In 40 games over his four years in the NFL, Basham has 4.5 sacks. He was traded to the New York Giants in 2023.