In an unprecedented turn of events in the 2024 NFL season, tight ends defied expectations, with rookies and underperformers rising to the challenge. Brock Bowers, a standout rookie with the Las Vegas Raiders, emerged as the top tight end (TE1), showcasing versatility and reliability. Meanwhile, Jonnu Smith of the Miami Dolphins delivered a career-best season, finishing as TE4. Zach Ertz, now with the Washington Commanders, demonstrated he still has gas left in the tank, bouncing back from injury to post impressive stats. Tucker Kraft of the Green Bay Packers made noise despite fierce competition, while Cade Otton from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed flashes of promise. Lastly, Mike Gesicki reinvented himself with the Cincinnati Bengals, proving doubters wrong. This year's tight end landscape was anything but predictable.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers concluded a successful 2024 season, achieving their fourth consecutive NFC South title with a solid 10-7 record, marking Todd Bowles' best season as head coach. Despite facing injuries to key receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, quarterback Baker Mayfield excelled, throwing a career-high 41 touchdowns and leading the team to a top-five offense.

However, Mayfield's performance was marred by a league-high 16 interceptions and 13 fumbles, which he must improve upon in the upcoming season. With a new offensive coordinator, Mayfield has the potential to further elevate his game.

The 2025 NFL season is shaping up with key players emerging as potential boom-or-bust options for fantasy managers. Among them is wide receiver George Pickens of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who, despite behavioral concerns, showcases strong metrics suggesting he could yield solid returns if drafted as a borderline WR3/4. His performance indicates he’s poised to improve after a fluctuating 2024 season.

Additionally, tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo from the Tennessee Titans is expected to stabilize as a TE1 following his impactful late-season surge. His explosive traits, combined with a new offensive strategy, position him for a career-best performance. Meanwhile, Cade Otton of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also represents a promising tight end option.

Baker Mayfield led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a solid season, achieving personal milestones and helping the team to a 10-8 record and a playoff berth. Unfortunately, their postseason run ended prematurely with a 23-20 loss to the Washington Commanders in the wild-card round.

Head Coach Todd Bowles expressed pride in the team's efforts but acknowledged the frustration of falling short again. Mayfield, who posted over 4,000 passing yards and 40 touchdowns this season, has emerged as a reliable franchise quarterback, showing promise for the Buccaneers' future.

Baker Mayfield's standout season propelled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a fourth consecutive division title and an NFC-best playoff appearance, though they faced disappointment with a narrow 23-20 loss to the Washington Commanders. Coach Todd Bowles acknowledged the team's effort but emphasized that only the Super Bowl champion would find satisfaction.

Despite the playoff exit, optimism surrounds the team as Mayfield emerged as a top-tier quarterback, achieving over 4,000 passing yards and 40 touchdowns. His leadership has solidified his role as the franchise quarterback for the Buccaneers, supported by key players like All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs and future Hall of Famer Mike Evans.