Fantasy football rosters change quickly, and this week is no exception. A few notable tight ends who once seemed reliable are now on the chopping block. Whether it’s injury, declining production, or shifting team dynamics, managers need to adapt fast. Here’s who might be worth cutting before your playoff push.
Even dependable veterans and emerging names aren’t safe as the season winds down. Injuries have reshaped depth charts, and some offenses are now too inconsistent to trust. Making tough drop decisions now could open up room for breakout players or key handcuffs heading into the postseason. It’s all about maximizing every roster spot.
Cut: Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders
Rostered: 71%
When Zach Ertz tore his ACL in 2022, I thought that was it for his career. Incredibly, he was not only able to play again, but return to being a starting-caliber NFL tight end. Unfortunately, that seems impossible to happen again at age 35.
Ertz tore his ACL again last week, which will probably be it for his career. One of the greatest tight ends of the 2000s, Ertz did not deserve to go out like this. It is very sad to see, and the worst reason to drop a player in fantasy.
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions
Rostered: 61%
Sam LaPorta underwent back surgery and is currently on IR. Head coach Dan Campbell said he does not expect his tight end to play again this season.
There’s an outside chance LaPorta could return in the NFL playoffs. But he is definitely out for the remainder of the regular season. Thus, he can be dropped.
READ MORE: Fantasy Football Cut List Week 15: Isiah Pacheco, Trey Benson, Justin Jefferson, and Others
Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rostered: 39%
Fantasy managers seem to have forgotten that Cade Otton has never been a must-roster tight end. The only reason he was ever picked up last season is that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sustained a bunch of injuries to their wide receivers. It was the same situation this season.
Now, the Bucs have most of their guys back. At the very least, they have enough that Otton is back to being “Cardio Cade.” Why Cardio Cade? Because he runs a bunch of routes and never gets targeted.
Otton has a total of 18 targets over his last three games. He’s caught a combined 11 passes for 77 yards. He hasn’t scored more than 6.1 fantasy points since Week 10.
With Baker Mayfield not playing well and Emeka Egbuka gobbling up uncatchable targets, there’s nothing for Otton to do.
