Who Should I Start? Payne Durham or Gunnar Helm

Friday, August 29, 8:14 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Payne Durham could potentially see a larger role in the offense to begin the regular season. The Bucs are uncertain if starting tight end Cade Otton (leg) is going to be ready to play during the season opener. The team will likely wait and see how Otton progresses throughout next week before making a final decision. If he misses time, Payne Durham and Devin Culp figure to split up time as the starting tight end. Durham didn't see a ton of action last season, but played well when Otton missed time late in the season. When Otton was out, Durham hauled in nine receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns as the starter. There's not a lot of value here, but maybe Durham is a dart throw if Otton is unable to go in Week 1.

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.