Tight end is the most frustrating dynasty position, until you have one of the two players who can tilt leagues. On The Trade Block, Ryan Wormeli and Pat Fitzmaurice reviewed updated dynasty trade values, and the conversation landed in two big places: the TE1/TE2 debate and who belongs at TE3.
Dynasty Trade Advice
Let’s dive into our dynasty trade advice for tight ends in January. And check out our full episode on updated dynasty trade values below:
Bowers vs McBride: athlete vs volume (and why both can be right)
Wormeli asked the key question: is it a real debate? Fitz’s stance was clear:
- He prefers Brock Bowers in dynasty because the athletic profile is rare.
- He expects McBride to be drafted very high in redraft after a huge volume-driven season.
This debate matters because it creates trade windows:
- Some managers pay for weekly volume certainty
- Others pay for long-term ceiling and athletic dominance
Dynasty move:
- Buy Bowers if any manager is spooked by injuries or team context.
- Sell McBride only if someone pays “clearly equal to Bowers” prices (you’re selling the peak).
The TE3 question: Fitz plants the flag on Colston Loveland
The most actionable TE segment was the TE3 debate. Fitz landed on Colston Loveland as his TE3 preference, citing how strong he looked as the season progressed and the idea that his athletic profile can separate him from the “good but replaceable” tier.
The takeaway: TE3 is often a bet on future role consolidation + talent. If Loveland becomes a consistent focal point, he can jump into the top tier quickly.
Dynasty move:
- Buy Loveland if your league still prices him like a general “TE upside bet.”
- Hold if you roster him; the market often takes longer to price TE leaps.
Tyler Warren and the next tier: strong cases, different ceilings
Wormeli mentioned that you can make a coherent argument for multiple tight ends in the next tier. That’s true, and it’s why TE3/TE4 prices can be volatile.
The dynasty strategy here is simple:
- If your league pays premium prices for TE4-TE7, sell the tier
- If your league discounts the tier as “all the same,” buy the talent you prefer
Market lesson: TE value is “cliff-based”
At TE, you’re not trying to be perfect. You’re trying to avoid the cliff:
- Have an elite (weekly advantage)
- Or punt the position and don’t pay premium prices for mediocre edges
That’s why the TE3 debate matters, because TE3 might become “tier 1.5,” and that’s where dynasty leagues overpay fast.
Tight end buy/sell targets
Buys (process buys)
- Bowers if discounted by injury/team fear
- Loveland as the TE3 upside bet
- Any young TE whose role is trending up but price hasn’t caught up
Sells (if priced at peak)
- McBride if someone treats him as clearly equal to Bowers long-term
- Any TE in the “blob tier” if the market prices them like a difference-maker
