TE Extensions & Rookie Buzz 6 25 2026

1. Top Storylines of the Week (as of late June 2026, post-minicamps, pre-training camp)

• Brenton Strange signs 3-year extension worth up to $48M ($25M guaranteed) with Jaguars: Jacksonville locked in the breakout TE early after a strong 2025. Neutral summary: Solid commitment preventing UFA status. Fantasy relevance: Boosts Strange's stability in a TE-friendly offense under new emphasis on the position (with rookie additions). In TE-Premium PPR, this elevates him as a high-upside mid-tier option with reliable target share potential.

• Kyle Pitts agrees to 3-year, $54M extension with Falcons ($36M guaranteed): Atlanta secured their athletic TE after using the franchise tag. Summary: Long-term commitment post-strong play. Fantasy relevance: Reinforces Pitts' role in a pass-heavy attack; his receiving upside shines even more in premium scoring where TEs with big-play ability gain massive relative value vs. replacement-level options.

• Tucker Kraft progressing well from 2025 ACL tear; targeting full Week 1 availability (no pitch count): Packers TE optimistic after strong pre-injury production. Summary: Ahead-of-schedule rehab, expected PUP to start camp but ready for season. Fantasy relevance: Maintains his appeal as a high-floor TE in Green Bay's offense; TE-Premium formats reward his prior efficiency/yards-per-catch, making any positive updates a stabilizer for drafters.

• Patriots TE Julian Hill (new signee) placed on season-ending IR (knee): Depth hit for New England behind Hunter Henry. Summary: Injury in offseason practice ends his year. Fantasy relevance: Minimal direct TE-Premium impact (Hill was backup depth), but thins NE's room and highlights injury risk at the position; reinforces value of proven starters over speculative depth.

• Ongoing positive buzz for young TEs like Colston Loveland (CHI), Tyler Warren (IND): Minicamp/OTA reports highlight integration and upside for recent high picks. Summary: Sophomore leaps expected in better schemes. Fantasy relevance: These players exemplify the rising TE class; in premium scoring, their potential to crack top-5/7 tiers boosts early-round TE strategy viability.

• Trey McBride and Brock Bowers remain consensus TE1/TE2 anchors: No major negative developments; steady elite projections. Summary: Position leaders post-2025 production. Fantasy relevance: Their dominance widens the gap to the field in TE-Premium, where 1.5-2.0 PPR bonuses amplify separation from WR/RB equivalents.

2. ADP Movement Analysis

ADP data (early mocks, platforms like FantasyPros, Underdog, etc.) shows Bowers often TE1 (~overall 20-25 range), McBride right behind. Minor shifts post-contracts:

• Strange: Likely rising modestly (e.g., TE12-15 range) due to extension and role clarity. Premium implication: Solidifies him as a strong TE2/stream option; correlated with Jags' TE usage push. Strategy: Target in mid-rounds for premium upside without elite cost.

• Pitts: Stable-to-slight rise (TE8-10 territory). Extension removes tag uncertainty. In TE-Premium, his athleticism makes him a clearer reach candidate earlier than standard PPR, as big-play TEs outperform volume-dependent ones more dramatically. Handcuff/replacement: Monitor ATL depth.

• Kraft: Stable with positive rehab news; any dip from injury fully recovered in ADP. Premium value holds strong due to efficiency. Strategy: Buy any discount pre-camp; TE-Premium rewards consistent producers like him in the TE2 tier.

• Hill/Pats: Negligible market move; depth concern doesn't shift Henry much but flags NE TE volatility.

• Broader TE movers: Loveland and Warren seeing some upward momentum in mocks as sophomore breakouts loom. Elite TEs (top 3-5) rising in TE-Premium drafts (potentially 0.5-1 round earlier than standard), widening positional advantage. Late-round strategies shift toward proven veterans or high-upside rookies/sophomores over middling options. Overall, premium scoring encourages earlier TE investment at the top while devaluing the shallow end.

3. Draft Strategy Takeaways

In TE-Premium PPR 1QB, the format heavily rewards securing one of the top TEs (McBride, Bowers, especially) due to amplified reception/value separation—elite TEs can function like low-end WR1s. Prioritize one in Rounds 2-4 if value aligns, then pivot to high-upside TE2s (Pitts, Loveland, Warren, Kraft, Strange) rather than loading up on average starters.

Risers/better values: Pitts (stability + premium athleticism), Strange (role security), Loveland/Warren (youth/upside in good offenses). Fallers or cautions: Injury-prone or depth-limited vets; avoid overpaying for back-end TEs where replacement level is closer. Non-storyline movers: Watch for continued buzz on emerging TEs boosting their appeal in premium formats. Actionable: Tier-based drafting—anchor with a stud if possible, or stream effectively late. Pre-camp uncertainty means flexibility; monitor training camp for final adjustments. Balanced approach: Don't force reaches but capitalize on the format's TE emphasis for edge.

4. Quick-Hit Notes

• Minicamp reports highlight increased TE usage in several offenses (e.g., Jaguars); premium scoring amplifies any target share gains.

• Dalton Kincaid (BUF) and others noted for health/route share potential—monitor for TE2 relevance.

• George Kittle recovery (prior Achilles) and veteran TEs: Preseason performance will clarify tiers; uncertainty favors proven options in premium leagues.

• Depth chart tweaks (various rookie TEs) unlikely to move needles immediately, but flag camp battles for late-round darts.

• General: Pre-training camp is low-event; focus on contract/role stability over hype. All info is evidence-based, with typical preseason volatility noted.

This report prioritizes high-leverage TE insights for upcoming drafts.