Who Should I Start? Pat Freiermuth or Theo Johnson

Friday, August 22, 12:08 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth hauled in both of his targets for six yards in a 19-10 exhibition victory over the Carolina Panthers. Freiermuth, who was held out of Pittsburgh's first two preseason contests, played with the first-team offense on Thursday night and was immediately a go-to option for quarterback Mason Rudolph. In addition to his two official opportunities, Freiermuth was targeted early in the first quarter on third down, but his defender was flagged for pass interference. While recently-acquired tight end Jonnu Smith (knee) isn't expected to miss any regular-season action, Freiermuth should still be a focal point of the Steelers' passing game that lacks depth at the wide receiver position. He's an intriguing late-round target with upside in most redraft fantasy leagues.

Sunday, July 6, 12:22 PM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (foot) is hoping the work put in during the offseason will keep him healthy throughout the 2025 campaign. "The big thing for me this year is I want to play 17 games," said Johnson on the Giants Huddle podcast. "That's the number one priority. I've been taking my recovery and my health, what I'm putting in my body and everything, more serious than I ever have." The 24-year-old wasn't a consistent fantasy producer last season. However, he demonstrated some signs of growth and would total 29 catches for 331 yards and one touchdown before sustaining a season-ending foot injury in November. Johnson has more work to do to earn additional snaps, although it appears he has the edge over Greg Dulcich, Daniel Bellinger, among others, to enter Week 1 as the No. 1 tight end on the depth chart. Still, he has a way to go before establishing himself as a week-to-week fantasy starter.