Who Should I Start? Jeremy Ruckert or Gunnar Helm

Wednesday, December 17, 9:45 AM

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday morning that the New York Jets have agreed to terms with young tight end Jeremy Ruckert, locking him in for the future. He gets a 2-year, $10M extension with upside to $11M. Ruckert, the fourth-year player out of Ohio State, has underwhelmed in the receiving game since joining the Jets. This year, he has hit career highs in receptions (20) and receiving yards (163), but was drafted in the third round and is an asset to the team primarily because of his willingness and effectiveness to block in the run game. The Jets now have Ruckert and a rookie out of LSU, Mason Taylor, as their top tight end options for years to come. From a fantasy football standpoint, Ruckert is well off the radar and shouldn't be rostered in any formats.

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.