Who Should I Start? James Mitchell or Theo Johnson

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.

Saturday, September 13, 2:17 AM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is not a recommended fantasy start for Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. He was the TE49 in fantasy football for Week 1, securing just one of his three targets for five receiving yards and one fantasy point. This meager production, despite dominating the tight-end snaps with 46, makes him an unreliable option. Furthermore, the Cowboys' defense was a difficult matchup for tight ends in 2024, ranking second in the league by allowing only 7.66 fantasy points per game to the position. Given the tough matchup and Johnson's minimal usage and production in Week 1, he should be left on the bench in all formats.