3 Fantasy Football Tight End Busts to Avoid (2026)

As we get closer to the 2026 NFL season, it’s a good idea to think about players to avoid in your fantasy football drafts. These are landmines that could sink your chances at winning a championship.

In this article, we’re going to focus on tight ends. These are players we’re avoiding either due to a combination of cost and risk. Without further ado, let’s go over three tight ends to avoid this season.

Fantasy Football Tight End Busts

Before getting into my players to avoid, it’s worth pointing out my tight end strategy for 2026 fantasy football. I’m making it a priority to secure Brock Bowers in the second round because I think he’s in line for a record-setting season with Klint Kubiak calling plays. If I miss on Bowers, I’m targeting Colston Loveland in the fourth round, since the talented second-year tight end is in line for a leap in Year 2 with Ben Johnson. My last resort is Tucker Kraft in the fifth round, as I feel that he’s underpriced due to injury.

With that in mind, I’m already completely avoiding the middle-to-late group of tight ends. If I’m shopping at that price, I’m looking at Travis Kelce, who looked a lot better last season while Patrick Mahomes was healthy. Even though tight end is deeper than usual, those at the top have so much more upside than those in the later tiers.

George Kittle (TE – SF) | ECR: TE10

George Kittle is available at a rock-bottom price because he’s coming off a torn Achilles. Reports have been positive, with the 49ers optimistic that Kittle will be ready to rock at the start of the season. But with talented tight ends available at the top of the draft, why would I wait to take a 33-year-old tight end coming off such a significant injury? Do we really think Kittle is headed for a ceiling season after this kind of injury?

I want to aim higher at each position, including tight end. It’s not always just about finding solid value. You want to focus on players who could put up career years. Simply put, I don’t see that for Kittle. Add in the fact that he’s dealt with numerous other injuries throughout his career. Also, there’s more target competition with Mike Evans in the fold. Kittle is an easy avoid for me.

Jake Ferguson (TE – DAL) | ECR: TE11

Jake Ferguson’s career-high in the NFL is 71 catches for 761 yards and five touchdowns. While he scored eight touchdowns last season, there’s not enough upside in this profile. I just can’t see much more upside while he fights for targets with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and Ryan Flournoy.

If you take Ferguson, you likely want to roster a second tight end and play matchups, which can be difficult in managed leagues. If I waited this long for a tight end, I’d take more of a shot on a boom-or-bust play like Oronde Gadsden II.

Mark Andrews (TE – BAL) | ECR: TE15

Mark Andrews is getting some buzz because the Ravens let both Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency. Plus, the Ravens don’t exactly have a viable No. 2 wideout, as Rashod Bateman has been disappointing.

However, Andrews is entering his age-31-season, coming off the least productive year of his career. Can we really expect a bounce-back in this situation? You shouldn’t wait this long to take a tight end in managed leagues, as you’ll be playing with a massive question mark each week, putting you behind the eight-ball.