The 2026 fantasy football undervalued tight ends offer managers a chance to secure reliable production without spending heavily at a volatile position. Identifying the best TE values requires comparing fantasy ADP with result-driven factors, such as route participation, target share, quarterback play, red-zone involvement, and competition for enough involvement to matter.
These tight ends offer viable paths to exceed their draft placement and become dependable weekly starters. Finding an undervalued option can provide a meaningful positional advantage while preserving early-round picks for running backs and wide receivers.
Note: All ADP figures come from FantasyPros and use PPR scoring.
2026 Fantasy Football Undervalued TEs
Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens (ADP: TE15)
While Andrews no longer warrants an elite projection, TE15 may overstate the effects of age and Baltimore’s coaching change. The Ravens extended the veteran and continue to treat him as a central part of the offense. Andrews' touchdown production and established connection with Lamar Jackson provide a clear route to low-end TE1 numbers in an offense that will emphasize his role. Furthermore, two rookies are his primary positional competition after Isaiah Likely's departure. Andrews can beat this ADP without returning to his statistical peak.
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (ADP: TE23)
Schultz caught 82 passes for 777 yards in 2025 before receiving a one-year extension, demonstrating Houston’s continued confidence in his role. His limited touchdown total kept the former Cowboy from producing a stronger fantasy finish, but above-average target expectations and route volume provide a dependable foundation. The primary reason Schultz frequently goes undrafted in many leagues is the expectation of a larger target share for Houston's young wide receivers. It's a valid concern, but fewer looks and less defensive scrutiny could lead to more chances to score TDs, too. He's one injury away from being a top weekly option for C.J. Stroud.
Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (ADP: TE27)
Otton remains Tampa Bay’s projected starter and recently received an extension, giving him more role security than most tight ends drafted in this range. Mike Evans’ departure leaves more targets, including those in the red zone, available to be distributed in Zac Robinson's system. Baker Mayfield has shown a willingness to use Otton as a safety blanket on short and intermediate routes, which helps increase his PPR floor. WR Chris Godwin is a strong sneeze away from IR, and Jalen McMillan is primarily a deep threat. Emeka Egbuka should emerge as the Bucs' WR1, but it's actually RBs Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell who figure to be Otton's stiffest target competition. TE27 is laughably low, even if Otton's scoring profile leaves something to be desired.
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (ADP: TE29)
A new coaching staff gives Freiermuth an opportunity to reset after inconsistent 2025 usage in what was a disappointing campaign. Aaron Rodgers has a long history of using dependable intermediate targets, and Jonnu Smith is no longer in the picture, though Darnell Washington remains meaningful competition for tight end opportunities. Mike McCarthy can create favorable matchups in a system that will be much more explosive than Arthur Smith's plodding blueprint. Freiermuth offers legitimate matchup-play value at a backup-level cost, though the vet should be drafted as a TE2 with greater utility in best-ball formats.
