This week’s waiver wire brings some intriguing developments at the tight end position that could shake up fantasy football lineups across the league. While the position has been notoriously unpredictable this season, a few players are starting to emerge from the pack with performances that demand attention.
Some veterans are finding their rhythm again after early struggles, while rookies are beginning to carve out meaningful roles in their respective offenses. Whether you’re desperate for help at the position or looking to add depth for the playoff push, there are opportunities worth exploring on the wire.
Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
Rostered: 30%
Just when fantasy managers had given up on Juwan Johnson, he surged back into relevance. Johnson caught five of seven targets for 79 yards against the Chicago Bears. It wasn’t a huge performance, but double digits are enough at the tight end position.
Johnson is not going to be the guy he looked like at the start of the season. He won’t be someone you can reliably start every week. But there’s enough here to justify putting him on rosters if you need a tight end.
Aggressiveness Rating: 2.5
Oronde Gadsden II, Los Angeles Chargers
Rostered: 3%
It looks like this is your top waiver wire pickup of the week. Oronde Gadsden II has fully taken over the TE1 role for the Los Angeles Chargers. Week 7 was his coming-out party.
The rookie caught seven of nine targets for a team-high 164 yards and a touchdown. It was his second straight game with seven receptions. More importantly, he’s now seen 17 targets in his last two games.
This is a high-priority add. Even if you don’t need a tight end, you have to go after Gadsden.
Aggressiveness Rating: 8.0
Essential Tight End Waiver Wire Targets for Week 8 Fantasy Football Success
The tight end landscape continues to evolve as we head deeper into the season. Gadsden represents the week’s most compelling pickup, offering genuine upside in a Chargers offense that’s clearly committed to getting him involved. His target share and red zone looks make him a must-add regardless of your current roster situation.
Johnson provides a different value proposition as a veteran option who can deliver when needed. While his ceiling remains limited, his recent performance suggests he’s worth stashing for managers seeking depth or streaming options.
Both players highlight how quickly circumstances can change at this volatile position. The key is staying aggressive on emerging talents like Gadsden while maintaining realistic expectations for veterans like Johnson. Monitor snap counts and target trends closely, as these metrics often predict future success better than single-game performances. Act decisively on your waiver claims.
