Who Should I Start? Ian Thomas or Colson Yankoff

Tuesday, March 25, 1:32 PM

The Las Vegas Raiders announced on Tuesday that they signed free-agent tight end Ian Thomas (calf) to an undisclosed deal on Tuesday. Thomas will head to the AFC West after spending the first seven years of his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers after they selected him in the fourth round (101st overall) in the 2018 NFL draft out of Indiana. The 28-year-old never really established himself as a fantasy asset in Carolina, with his best season coming in his rookie campaign with a 36-333-2 line on 49 targets in 16 games (six starts). Thomas landed on Injured Reserve in 2024 with a calf injury and only caught three of six targets for seven yards in five games (two starts). He scored four touchdowns in his first three seasons but hasn't found the end zone since. In Vegas, he'll provide TE depth behind Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer and will remain off the fantasy radar.

Sunday, August 24, 12:01 AM

Washington Commanders tight end Colson Yankoff finished with two targets and one reception for 52 yards in Washington's final preseason game against the Ravens. Yankoff had a spectacular catch and run as he hauled in a pass up the seam, bounced off a defensive back, and showcased his speed with a 35-yard sprint after the catch. The 2024 undrafted free agent from UCLA is an exceptional athlete with a 9.56 Relative Athletic Score out of a possible 10. He's drawn consistent positive reviews out of Washington training camp for his versatility and impact on special teams. The team's top three tight ends are pretty set with Zach Ertz, John Bates, and Ben Sinnott, but signs point to Yankoff being kept as a fourth as well. If Ertz were to miss any time, Yankoff could be one to see opportunity in the receiving tight end role if Sinnott hasn't earned it.