Theo Johnson, the tight end for the New York Giants, is emerging as a potential fantasy football breakout candidate for 2025. Despite limited buzz, Johnson possesses the physical skills and opportunity to become a key target, especially in an offense that lacks a defined second receiving option. His blend of athleticism and projected target volume positions him as an intriguing sleeper in fantasy leagues.
Early Career and Promising Role in the Giants’ Offense
In his rookie season, Johnson recorded 331 yards and one touchdown across 12 games. Although these numbers appear modest, his usage reveals a more significant role: he participated in 84 percent of offensive snaps and ran routes on nearly 55 percent of passing plays. This usage pattern indicates that the Giants view him more as an active receiving option than a traditional blocking tight end. Meanwhile, the decline in production from players like Wan’Dale Robinson in 2024 has created space for Johnson to assume a larger role in the passing game.
“Johnson has Jason Witten-style fantasy ceiling, and the Giants don’t have a guaranteed No. 2 in the passing game.” —Jake Ciely, fantasy football analyst at The Athletics
Impact of Russell Wilson and Comparison to Pittsburgh’s Usage of Pat Freiermuth
The arrival of quarterback Russell Wilson in New York is a critical factor in Johnson’s potential breakout. Wilson, who turned Pat Freiermuth into a primary target during their time together in Pittsburgh, led the team in receptions and scored more fantasy points than even Travis Kelce in 2024. With opposing defenses primarily focusing on Malik Nabers, Johnson is positioned to exploit coverage gaps and increase his targets.
Currently, Fantasy Pros ranks Johnson as the 30th tight end off the board (TE30). However, with anticipated starter status and a likely volume of over 100 targets, his value could rise significantly, possibly placing him in the top 20 or even top 10 at his position. While he may not be a must-draft pick in standard leagues, Johnson represents a high-upside investment in Best Ball and deeper formats due to his favorable preseason cost.