Brenton Strange is positioned to emerge as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ lead tight end heading into the 2025 NFL season, offering promising fantasy football potential. After stepping up during Evan Engram’s injury absence in 2024, Strange gained valuable experience and demonstrated he can handle a larger role within the Jaguars’ offense.
Selected in the late second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Strange initially ranked behind veterans Evan Engram and Luke Farrell. However, injuries to Engram and the departure of Farrell in free agency shifted Strange into the primary tight end role. As the Jaguars prepare for the 2025 campaign, Strange looks to capitalize on this opportunity, becoming a notable fantasy football sleeper choice at the position.
On-Field Performance Highlights from Strange’s NFL Tenure
During his rookie year in 2023, Strange’s contributions were limited; he recorded five receptions for 35 yards and one touchdown, primarily serving behind Engram and Farrell on the depth chart. His impact began to grow in the 2024 season when he surpassed Farrell on the depth chart, playing more snaps early on.
In Week 2 of 2024, Engram’s injury during warm-ups thrust Strange into the starting lineup, where he averaged nearly 74% of the Jaguars’ offensive snaps over a four-game stretch. Although his target volume remained modest, Strange made the most of his opportunities, scoring two touchdowns and posting a game with 65 receiving yards. His 36 fantasy points over that period ranked ninth among NFL tight ends.
Engram’s return in Week 6 relegated Strange back to a backup role, though he still played over 35% of offensive snaps and produced a notable outing with five receptions for 59 yards. When Engram missed the final four games of the season, Strange once again started and maintained approximately 69% of snaps. He delivered two strong performances with 11 receptions for 73 yards and four catches for 60 yards, accumulating 30.5 fantasy points over the stretch. His fantasy point average of 8.3 per game as a starter placed him 19th among tight ends, supported by a 50.6% open target rate when in single coverage.
Projected Role as the Jaguars’ Primary Tight End in 2025
Heading into 2025, Strange stands as the undisputed lead tight end for Jacksonville following the release of Engram and Farrell’s departure via free agency. While the Jaguars signed veterans Johnny Mundt, Hunter Long, and Quintin Morris, these additions are primarily known for run-blocking, suggesting Strange will command the majority of pass-catching responsibilities.
The Jaguars are among a select group of NFL teams making a significant change at their tight end spot, in contrast to teams like the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Jets, who have recently added rookie tight ends. Established veteran additions by the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers tend to be older players with less upside. As a result, Strange emerges as a rare, non-rookie sleeper option at tight end in 2025.
Jacksonville’s receiving corps has also evolved, with rookie Brian Thomas Jr. establishing himself as a top wide receiver and the team investing their second overall pick in prized young prospect Travis Hunter. Strange is expected to rank as the third receiving option at best, balancing his role within a competitive offensive unit.
Influence of Coaching Staff and Offensive Schemes on Strange’s Outlook
The Jaguars introduced Liam Coen as their new head coach, who historically favors balanced offensive attacks including lead tight ends, though the tight end position has not always been a central focus. Comparisons to Cade Otton of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tyler Higbee of the Los Angeles Rams offer context: Otton was eighth in offensive snaps last season but saw his peak production during a stretch when wide receivers were injured, while Higbee ranked fourth in snaps and maintained consistent fantasy scoring regardless of his top receiver’s availability.
Strange’s quarterback remains Trevor Lawrence, who frequently targeted tight ends during Engram’s tenure in Jacksonville. This established pattern could support an elevated target share for Strange. However, Lawrence tends to rely heavily on his first read, and despite Doug Pederson’s history of integrating tight ends within passing concepts, Strange’s role may still face limitations in target volume.
Fantasy Football Implications and What to Expect from Strange in 2025
Though Strange did not consistently produce fantasy starter-level numbers during his eight starts in 2024, he gained enough experience to be considered one of the few viable sleeper tight end options with some veteran foothold. The competition for targets in Jacksonville increases with a new offensive coordinator focused on leveraging wide receiver talent, potentially limiting Strange’s ceiling.
Nevertheless, Strange offers upside as a late draft pick or waiver wire target, particularly if injuries impact key receivers Brian Thomas Jr. or Travis Hunter. Fantasy football managers seeking a developmental player with starting potential at the tight end position may find Strange a worthwhile selection in 2025 given his roles and playing time in the prior season.