Dynasty Trade Advice: Michael Mayer, Evan Engram, Jelani Woods (2024 Fantasy Football)

The trick for finding winners at tight end is chasing three things: High target volume, consistent red zone usage and elite athleticism. With that in mind, below are three tight ends that stick out as great values heading into next season.

Dynasty Tight Ends to Trade For

Michael Mayer (TE – LV)

2023 witnessed the rise of young, exceptional talent at the tight-end position. One player who was not initially in the spotlight was rookie Michael Mayer. A standout at Notre Dame, Mayer was drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. It wasn’t long ago when fantasy managers considered rookie tight ends more of a long-term asset than a redraft investment. While Mayer’s numbers may not have matched those of Sam LaPorta, he is a player who demands your attention.

In a limited role with the Raiders, he demonstrated the ability to excel in contested catch situations and recorded an impressive six yards after catch per reception. In 2024, Mayer is set to step into a full-time role and welcomes new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, who, despite his ultimate lack of success in Chicago, transformed tight end Cole Kmet into a significant red zone threat. Michael Mayer may be on a Trey McBride timeline, but his talent is undeniable. Whether it’s this year or next, he is an asset you should actively seek to acquire.

What to Trade

Rookie Pick 2.04 or Lower
Brian Robinson or Jameson Williams + 2025 Third-Round Pick

Evan Engram (TE – JAX)

It wasn’t long ago when the NFL and fantasy football world thought Evan Engram was washed. Just before that, he was the most exciting young tight end in all of football when he set the record for rookie tight end fantasy points per game. As we head into 2024, he may not be the most exciting name at the position, but he is undoubtedly a league-winning asset for dynasty contenders. Engram finished last season as the TE2 behind rookie phenom Sam LaPorta. He achieved this on his second consecutive entire season and career high in targets and yards while leading the Jaguars pass-catchers in targets.

The Jaguars will look to add another receiver in the NFL Draft after the departure of Calvin Ridley, but the chemistry between Engram and Trevor Lawrence was palpable last season. Assuming health, Engram should see another 120+ target season. While Engram has not been known for his prowess in the red zone, if the Jaguars can take even a baby step forward, he could once again be a top-five asset at the position.

What to Trade

2025 Second-Round Pick
Jahan Dotson or DeMario Douglas

Jelani Woods (TE – IND)

Jelani Woods was a popular sleeper pick last season but was unfortunately lost for the season with soft tissue injuries. Woods presents us with the most athletic profile for a tight end we have ever seen — not one of the most athletic, but the most athletic.

Jelani Woods was drafted with pick 73 of round 3 in the 2022 draft class. He scored a 10.00 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 1006 TE from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/U4YsrmqEW6 #RAS pic.twitter.com/h65J5TcU1e

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 1, 2023

If he can remain healthy this season, his 6-foot-7 frame should be a dominant presence in the red zone for Anthony Richardson. In his rookie season, with limited playing time, he turned 40 targets into 25 receptions, 312 yards and three touchdowns. He also averaged 10 fantasy points per game in games he saw over 60% of the snaps. He might even be available for free on waivers in shallow dynasty leagues.

What to Trade

2024 Rookie Mid-Third-Round Pick or Two 2025 Third-Round Picks
Marvin Mims

Honorable Mentions

Cole Kmet
Daniel Bellinger

More Fantasy Football Draft Advice

NFL Michael Mayer Sam LaPorta Cole Kmet Trey McBride Brian Robinson Jameson Williams Evan Engram Calvin Ridley Trevor Lawrence Jahan Dotson DeMario Douglas Jelani Woods Anthony Richardson Marvin Mims Daniel Bellinger