Who Should I Start? Jonnu Smith or Mason Taylor

Thursday, May 29, 3:13 PM

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers have discussed a trade involving Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. These trade talks came after Smith hinted at wanting a new deal following his career season. The 29-year-old is due $4.8 million this season after catching 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in his first season with Miami. Smith is outside the top 20 highest-paid players at the position, so asking for a raise is warranted. Smith spent the 2023 season with current Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in Atlanta after spending four seasons with him in Tennessee from 2017 to 2020. That said, he would have instant familiarity with his system if he's dealt to Pittsburgh. If this trade materializes, the fantasy stocks of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle would rise, while Pat Freiermuth could be at risk of falling off the fantasy radar.

Tuesday, April 29, 4:39 PM

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt writes that rookie second-round tight end Mason Taylor will immediately walk into the Jets building at the top of the tight end depth chart going into his rookie season in 2025. Jeremy Ruckert projects as the No. 2, but he has yet to make an impact since the Jets drafted him in 2022. The Jets are at least hoping he can take a step forward as a blocker and contribute in the running game. The 20-year-old Taylor not only will be a starter immediately, but he could see plenty of targets from quarterback Justin Fields in his first year in the NFL, giving him TE1 fantasy upside in 2025. Outside of WR1 Garrett Wilson, the Jets don't exactly star-studded receiving depth in Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard and Arian Smith. Taylor will have intriguing rookie upside, but he'll still be better off drafted as a TE2 sleeper than a staple for those in single-TE leagues.