Who Should I Start? Tyler Conklin or Sam LaPorta

Sunday, March 2, 9:27 PM

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin is not expected to return in 2025, according to SNY's Connor Hughes. Sources say the Jets are showing interest in free-agent tight ends, with Juwan Johnson being the top target. If the Jets choose to sign a cheaper player, they could look to someone like John Bates. The 29-year-old Conklin will soon become an unrestricted free agent this offseason and will be free to sign with any NFL team, but it's unlikely the Jets will make much of an effort to retain him. The former fifth-rounder (157th overall) of the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 out of Central Michigan caught 51 of his 72 targets for 449 yards and a career-high four touchdowns in his third year with the Jets in 2024. In his three years in New York, he accumulated 170 receptions, 1,622 receiving yards and seven TDs in 50 games (43 starts). Conklin is unlikely to be much more than a backup TE wherever he lands in free agency.

Sunday, January 19, 12:27 AM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta caught six of his seven targets for 51 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's Divisional Round loss to the Washington Commanders. His touchdown came at the end of an impressive offensive play in which Jared Goff scrambled, threw while being tackled, and connected with LaPorta, who used his left hand to haul in the football and secure the catch. It was a valiant effort to give the Lions their only receiving touchdown of the game, but it wasn't enough. Detroit fell to Washington by two scores, ending their season shy of a Super Bowl berth once again. With that said, this Lions team continues to show plenty of promise ahead of the 2025 campaign. LaPorta himself was riding a hot stretch when the season ended, catching 38 passes for 392 yards and five touchdowns over his last seven contests. He should continue to rank as a mid-range TE1 ahead of next summer's fantasy drafts.