Hello. It’s time for Week 10 of our Exemption Wire Watch!
NFL weekend games are nearly here, and we’re officially at the midpoint of the 2025 regular season. While tight ends didn’t have standout games recently, a few lesser-known players managed to catch some attention.
Let’s take a look at some players worth considering as you scout the waiver wire before Week 10. For clarity, we define exempt additions as those who are part of up to 60% of the league.
This Week’s Bye Teams: Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans
Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears (24.3%)
If you believed in Loveland, well, maybe you were just ahead of your time. The rookie tight end from Michigan finally delivered a performance the Bears fans were hoping for. He pulled in six catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns during an exciting 47-42 victory against the Bengals. Notably, his 58-yard touchdown came with just 17 seconds on the clock, where he skillfully dodged a defender to secure the win.
With Cole Kmet potentially facing a concussion in this match, Loveland could see more targets next Sunday against the Giants. He’s likely to be a hot pick on the waiver wire this week, so make sure to act quickly.
Week 10 Matchup: vs. New York Giants, 1 p.m. ET
Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns (51.6%)
The Browns had their bye last week and they might still be in the mix for Fannin when they face the Jets next Sunday. The rookie from Bowling Green has added some much-needed vigor to a struggling Browns offense recently, placing in the top ten among tight ends with 38 receptions and a total of 352 yards.
And let’s not overlook that his veteran counterpart, David Njoku, is reportedly part of trade discussions. It seems unlikely the Browns will let him go at this stage, though. So Fannin is still a viable option—don’t take too long to put in your bid.
Week 10 Matchup: @ New York Jets, 1 p.m. ET
Theo Johnson, TE, New York Giants (29.3%)
The Giants have hit a rough patch recently, suffering a three-game losing streak capped by a 34-24 loss to the 49ers. However, on a brighter note, Johnson had another solid day. He caught three targets for 27 yards and scored his fifth touchdown this season. He’s currently third among tight ends in scoring and has consistently been a target for Jackson Dart lately. If you’re considering an addition, he might be an option soon.
Week 10 Matchup: @ Chicago Bears, 1 p.m. ET
AJ Varner, TE, Seattle Seahawks (15.5%)
Varner made some noise in the Seahawks’ 38-14 victory over the Commanders, but not in the conventional way. The second-year player from the University of Michigan caught just three targets for 24 yards, yet he impressively scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown. He continues to be a key player for Seattle in the red zone, making him an intriguing tight end option to consider.
Week 10 Matchup: vs. Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. ET
