Who Should I Start? James Mitchell or Gunnar Helm

Wednesday, September 24, 6:20 PM

Carolina Panthers tight end James Mitchell has an opportunity to make some noise with Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) expected to miss multiple weeks with a high-ankle sprain, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Tommy Tremble will move to the top of the Panthers' TE depth chart with Sanders injured, but he's more of a blocker than a pass-catcher, so Mitchell might have a chance to make some noise going forward in his first year in Carolina. The 26-year-old former fifth-round selection (177th overall) by the Detroit Lions in 2022 out of Virginia Tech has caught all 13 of his targets for 141 yards and one touchdown in 30 games played (one start) in his three NFL seasons with the Lions before joining the Panthers on a reserve/futures contract back in January. Mitchell is only worth a look on the waiver wire in the deepest of fantasy leagues at the moment.

Friday, February 13, 3:49 PM

Across 16 games as a rookie in 2025, Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm recorded 44 receptions for 357 yards and two touchdowns on 55 targets. Helm spent the majority of the year splitting playing time with veteran Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo, which limited the production upside for both players. However, Okonkwo is now set to hit unrestricted free agency. If Tennessee chooses to move on from Okonkwo, Helm could be positioned to be the team's clear top tight end option in 2026 and beyond. Additionally, the Titans' overall offensive infrastructure could be on the rise as quarterback Cameron Ward (shoulder) continues to develop. Ward largely struggled as a rookie in 2025, but he threw eight touchdown passes and just one interception over his last four full games of the season. Helm may not carry superstar upside at the tight end position. Still, his rookie year production, combined with the improving situation around him in Tennessee, should be enough to have dynasty-league fantasy managers intrigued heading into 2026.