The world of fantasy football is constantly evolving, and identifying future stars is key to staying ahead of the competition. Tight ends, in particular, can be a volatile position with many moving parts like frequent injuries, changing workloads, and emerging new talents. As we look ahead to 2024, it's essential to keep an eye on potential breakout stars who can provide significant value to your dynasty team. This article highlights the top five tight ends to watch for the upcoming season, offering insights into their current roles, performance, and future potential.
TE 1: Luke Musgrave (Green Bay Packers)
Current Team and Role
Packers 2nd year TE Luke Musgrave is coming off an up and down rookie season. Musgrave, standing 6-foot-6 and blessed with 235-pounds of muscle to go along with 4.61 speed, make him one of the better raw athletes at the position in the NFL. Currently Musgrave is slated to be the starter for the Pack, but fellow TE Tucker Kraft as a more prolific receiver in college and may challenge Musgrave in a bit of a timeshare.
Performance So Far and Potential
The second-round pick out of Oregon State was an immediate starter and averaged over 3 catches for 30+ yards in his first 10 games. He then missed six weeks with a lacerated kidney and once he returned worked behind fellow second-year man Kraft for the remainder of the season. Coming off a major injury, Musgrave still has the draft capital and potential to increase his fantasy stock.
Why He Is a Good Stash for 2024
Given his age and rising role in the Packer’s offense, Musgrave is a must-stash for dynasty formats. His athletic profile and growing chemistry with QB Jordan Love make him a prime candidate for a breakout season in 2024. If you’re looking for a tight end who can deliver TE1 upside, Musgrave is the perfect investment, even with backup Tucker Kraft on the roster.
Future Projections and Expectations
Looking ahead to 2024, Musgrave has the potential to emerge as a starting fantasy tight end. With an expected increase in targets, increased health, and involvement in the red zone, he could easily surpass 600 receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns, making him a valuable asset for any fantasy team.
TE 2: Dalton Kincaid (Buffalo Bills)
Current Team and Role
Bills TE Dalton Kincaid had a promising rookie year in 2023 and became a major part of the Bill’s passing game. Operating as the starting tight end, Kincaid found a connection with starting QB Josh Allen, often serving as a security blanket in the middle of the field. As the Bills’ offense continues to evolve, Kincaid’s role could expand even further.
Performance So Far and Potential
Kincaid showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie campaign. From week 7 onward, he was a beast, and ended up with over 500 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 72 targets. With both a full offseason to work with Allen and the loss of star wide-out Stefon Diggs, Kincaid is poised to have an even better year in 2024.
Why He Is a Good Stash for 2024
Kincaid’s youth and upside make him an excellent stash heading into this year. As his connection with Allen continues to improve, Kincaid should see more opportunities, especially in the red zone. If he isn't already there and can develop into a reliable target for Allen, he could easily become a top-5 fantasy tight end.
Future Projections and Expectations
Kincaid has the potential to be a consistent fantasy contributor in 2024, with a realistic expectation of 700+ receiving yards and 6+ touchdowns. His ability to make plays after the catch, combined with his role in a potentially lethal Buffalo offense, make him a player to go get, although the cost will probably not be cheap.
TE 3: Kyle Pitts (Atlanta Falcons)
Current Team and Role
Atlanta TE Kyle Pitts has had an up and down career to this point, but remains the starting TE for the Falcons. Coming into 2024, Pitts now has an offensive minded coach and solid QB in the form of Kirk Cousins for the first time in his career. The 6-foot-6 Pitts sits alone atop the depth chart and, barring injury, should have the position locked up for years to come.
Performance So Far and Potential
Pitts set the fantasy world on fire in 2021, becoming the first rookie TE since Mike Ditka to eclipse the 1,000 yard receiving mark. Since then, Pitts has had an up and down career, battling injury, ineffectiveness, and a terrible coaching staff to the tune of barely over 1,000 receiving yards since. However, with a new offensive minded coach now in place along with a better QB and playmakers Drake London and Bijan Robinson at WR and RB, Pitts is poised to fulfill the potential he possessed just three years ago.
Why He Is a Good Stash for 2024
Pitt’s combination of size, speed, and pass-catching ability makes him a prime stash candidate for 2024. With Cousins projected to look his way early and often, Pitts should become a focal point in the Falcons' passing attack. His upside as a potential TE1 makes him a valuable addition to any dynasty roster, but he probably won’t come cheap. If you can acquire him for anything less than a 1st Round pick, he’s a must have.
Future Projections and Expectations
Pitts has the potential to become a top-5 fantasy tight end in 2024 once again, with the possibility of reaching 900+ receiving yards and 7+ touchdowns. If he can continue to develop his chemistry with Cousins, Pitts will most likely regain his status as a top fantasy option at the TE position.
TE 4: Trey McBride (Arizona Cardinals)
Current Team and Role
Trey McBride, a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has steadily grown into a key player for the Arizona Cardinals. With the departure of Zach Ertz, McBride is now the undisputed starting tight end in Arizona. His role as a versatile pass-catcher who can line up all over the field makes him a valuable asset in the Cardinals' offense.
Performance So Far and Potential
McBride has shown steady improvement since entering the league, becoming the breakout start of last year with over 800+ receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. His ability to create mismatches and rapport with quarterback Kyler Murray have been crucial to his development. With a full season under his belt, McBride is poised to take another step forward in 2024.
Why He Is a Good Stash for 2024
McBride’s talent and situation make him an excellent TE to acquire heading into this season. As the primary tight end in Arizona, he should see plenty of targets, especially with Murray at the helm. His potential to become a top-5 fantasy tight end makes him a valuable long-term investment.
Future Projections and Expectations
Looking ahead, McBride could easily build on last year and surpass 900 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, solidifying his place as a top fantasy option. His role in the Cardinals' offense, combined with his ability to make big plays, makes him a player that should have another excellent year as the security blanket for Murray.
TE 5: Hunter Henry (New England Patriots)
Current Team and Role
Patriots starting TE Hunter Henry has been a staple in the New England offense for the past few seasons, and should be there for at least 3 more years after signing a three year extension this past March. While New England also has Austin Hooper on the roster competing for routes, the job should still be Henry’s to lose.
Performance So Far and Potential
Henry’s 419 receiving yards last year were a career low, but he tied for second among all TE’s with 6 touchdowns while playing in a Patriots’ offense that had a league-low 16 touchdowns. He also was directly responsible for 38% of New England’s scores inside the red zone. That, combined with a new coaching staff and rookie QB in Drake Maye, give Henry the potential to have a bounce back season.
Why He Is a Good Stash for 2024
Not only did New England revamp their entire coaching staff, they drafted gunslinger Maye in the 1st round of the NFL rookie draft. Henry was quietly a very reliable option in an anemic Patriot’s offense last year, and should only improve with a better coaching staff and QB in place. If someone in your league isn’t paying attention, Henry is one of those under-the-radar acquisitions you should consider going after, as he would be a valuable spot starter on any fantasy team.
Future Projections and Expectations
Henry has the potential to be a security blanket for Maye and the rest of the New England offense heading into 2024. 6+ Touchdowns and 600+ receiving yards are not out of the realm of possibility, and if this occurs, makes Henry a top-12 fantasy option at the position.
Stashing tight ends can be a game-changing strategy in dynasty leagues, providing valuable assets for the future. The five tight ends highlighted—Luke Musgrave, Dalton Kincaid, Kyle Pitts, Trey McBride, and Hunter Henry—each offer unique potential and the ability to contribute significantly in 2024. While some of these players will not come cheap, by securing them now you position yourself for future success. As you make your dynasty league decisions, consider the long-term value of these tight ends and take action to enhance your roster for the upcoming season and beyond.
