5th Week Exemption Wire Watch
Welcome to the fifth week of our exemption wire watch! It’s officially been a month since the 2025 NFL season kicked off. Whether you’re celebrating a Fantasy League win or feeling the sting of a tough loss, you might be searching for ways to enhance your roster for the coming week. That’s where we come in.
Here are some noteworthy tight end performances from the fourth week that you might want to consider picking up from the exemption wire before the fifth week starts. These players are currently rostered in about 60% of leagues, so there’s some opportunity here. Also, keep in mind that bye weeks are starting, which means it’s time to think a bit more strategically about our lineups in the weeks ahead.
Teams on Bye in Week 5: Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers
Brenton Strange, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars (27.5%)
In Jacksonville’s 26-21 win against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Strange really stepped up, catching six of his seven targets for a total of 45 yards. He ranked fifth among tight ends for receptions this past week and has been one of the more reliable pass catchers for the Jaguars so far. Despite flying under the radar, he could be a solid addition to your depth chart.
Week 5 Matchup: Against Kansas City Chiefs, 8:15 PM (Monday night)
JATKING, TE, San Francisco 49ers (3.1%)
With George Kittle out, JATKING had a productive day despite the 49ers’ loss, making three catches for 58 yards and a touchdown. He’s proven that he can capitalize on the limited opportunities he’s given, catching 12 of his 16 targets across four games. Kittle is likely still sidelined for a bit, so he might be worth a look if you need tight end help.
Week 5 Matchup: @Los Angeles Rams, 8:15 PM (Thursday night)
AJ Barner, TE, Seattle Seahawks (1.1%)
Barner seized his opportunity last Thursday during Seattle’s 23-20 win over the Arizona Cardinals, catching three passes and scoring a touchdown for 32 yards. He had a similar performance against the Steelers a couple of weeks back, and it seems he’s starting to catch the attention of fantasy players. Even if you don’t grab him this week, it’s worth keeping an eye on how he develops.
Week 5 Matchup: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4:05 PM
Tommy Tremble, TE, Carolina Panthers (0.6%)
Tremble had been a non-factor in the first three weeks of the season, but he finally made his mark during Carolina’s 42-13 loss against the New England Patriots by catching five of eight targets for 42 yards, including the opening touchdown. It seems like this season is going to be another tough one for the Panthers, who may need to find a spark in their offense.
Week 5 Matchup: vs. Miami Dolphins, 1 PM
