Bigger role coming for Conklin

Vikings HC Mike Zimmer suggested at TE Tyler Conklin might be a bigger beneficiary of TE Kyle Rudolph's departure than TE Irv Smith. “I think it’s a bigger role for Tyler Conklin,” Zimmer said. “He’s kind of emerged as a guy that’s moving upward and with those two guys, we have a lot of weapons there. Irv always has been able to do what he’s been able to do whether Kyle was here or not." Conklin actually out-targeted Smith 21 to 20 over the final 4 games of last season with Rudolph sidelined. Smith just edged Conklin 118 to 106 in pass routes during that stretch. Smith remains the better 2021 fantasy bet -- but his role sans Rudolph might not grow as much as many are expecting. Conklin, meanwhile, is an intriguing end-of-draft flier in deep best-ball leagues, especially in the FFPC.

Jets TE Tyler Conklin caught both of QB Zach Wilson's TD passes in Sunday's loss to the Patriots. In all, he snared 6 receptions for 79 yards on a team-high 10 targets. Wilson completed just 20 of 41 passes but generated 355 yards. He tossed 3 INTs to go with the 2 TDs. Don't expect passing success for anyone in a Week 9 clash with the Bills.

Jets TE Tyler Conklin remained heavily involved in the offense in Sunday's win over the Jets, playing the 4th most snaps among non-QB skill-position players on offense. The problem is that TE C.J. Uzomah was among the 3 who played more. Uzomah edged Conklin 41-40 in total snaps and also ran 5 more pass routes. Compare that to Week 4, when Conklin doubled Uzomah's routes and played 26 more snaps in all (with QB Zach Wilson back). One game of the depleted receiving role doesn't make Conklin a "must" drop, but he's also not a "must" hold at a position where many fantasy football lineups are desperate for a decent starting option. Don't expect him to be close to our top 12 at the position for a Week 6 visit to Green Bay. We'll see whether the playing-time alterations become a trend.

ESPN's Rich Cimini on Wednesday predicted that Jets TE Tyler Conklin will catch "at least 60 passes" this year. Cimini said the free-agent addition had an impressive summer and expects him to emerge as a "safety blanket" for Jets QBs. That's not a huge reception total over a 17-game season, but only 13 TEs reached 60 catches last year. So it would be a fantasy-relevant level. Consider this at least the latest indication than we should bet Conklin over new teammate C.J. Uzomah among Jets TEs.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini calls Jets TE Tyler Conklin an “under the radar” player who’s “impressing the organization.” Cimini notes the veteran’s smoothness as a pass-catcher and ability to line up in several spots. Conklin is coming off a career-best 61-593-3 line in Minnesota, but he’s fully expected to share snaps with C.J. Uzomah this fall. Both guys project as inconsistent fantasy contributors.

Jets GM Joe Douglas told ESPN's Rich Cimini that TE Tyler Conklin "looks like he could be a nice under-the-radar find." Given that the team signed Conklin to a 3-year, $20.25 million deal with $10 million guaranteed, we're not sure just how under the radar he really is. It's certainly worth noting that Conklin has already impressed his new team, but it's also worth remembering that he got only the 2nd largest contract among new Jets TEs this offseason. "I think C.J. [Uzomah] and Conklin are going to make a pretty strong duo in this offense." Throw in 3rd-round TE Jeremy Ruckert as well, and it's tough to get excited about the fantasy football outlook for any Jets TE in any format.