2025 NFL Free Agents: Zach Ertz, Mike Gesicki, Juwan Johnson (Fantasy Football)

While a few teams are still fighting for the right to be called Super Bowl champions, most teams have turned their attention to the offseason. The NFL Draft is the highlight of the offseason every year. However, free agency plays a critical role in building Super Bowl contenders.

Let’s break down the top upcoming free-agent tight ends with an early look at how fantasy players should view them for 2025 redraft and dynasty leagues.

2025 NFL Free Agents: Tight Ends

1) Zach Ertz (WAS)

Few called Ertz a sleeper candidate entering the year after the veteran had a rocky 2023 season. He had a bounce-back year in Washington, finishing the season as the TE8, averaging 8.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Furthermore, Ertz finished the year on fire, averaging 5.3 targets and 11.4 fantasy points per game over his final seven regular season contests, totaling six receiving touchdowns. While the veteran had an impressive year, fantasy players shouldn’t expect a repeat performance in 2025 regardless of landing spot because of his age.

Early Redraft Outlook: Mid-range TE2 if he lands a starting role in Washington or elsewhere
Offseason Dynasty Outlook: Worth trading away for a late-round rookie pick or holding onto as a TE2 for contending teams.

2) Mike Gesicki (CIN)

After having limited fantasy success for most of his career, Gesicki had a solid 2024 season. He finished the year as the TE14, averaging 6.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, the veteran stepped up when Tee Higgins missed time, averaging 7.2 targets and 10.8 fantasy points per game in the five contests without the star wide receiver. Furthermore, Gesicki ended the regular season playing well alongside Higgins, totaling 18 receptions on 22 targets for 154 receiving yards and 24.4 fantasy points over the final two weeks.

Early Redraft Outlook: A potential low-end TE1 if he returns to Cincinnati without Higgins. Otherwise, a mid-to-low-end TE2 in any other scenario.
Offseason Dynasty Outlook: A low-end TE2 that fantasy players should trade for the best offer on the table, especially if they don’t need upside at the tight end position.

3) Juwan Johnson (NO)

Johnson was the TE17 this season, averaging 5.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The veteran played well late in the year when the Saints were missing their top two wide receivers. He averaged 5.4 targets and 7.9 fantasy points per game over the final five weeks, totaling 9.6 or more in 60% of the contests. New Orleans lacks salary cap space this offseason, which could lead to Johnson playing elsewhere in 2025. Unless it’s with his former head coach, Sean Payton, the veteran has limited fantasy upside moving forward.

Early Redraft Outlook: A potential low-end TE1 option if he lands with the Denver Broncos in free agency. Otherwise, a matchup-based streamer on a week-by-week basis.
Offseason Dynasty Outlook: Likely on the waiver wire in shallower leagues. He is a mid-range TE2 at best.