Look back at the 2023 draft class. Dalton Kincaid, Sam LaPorta, Michael Mayer, and Luke Musgrave were all in the mix to be the top tight end. That year, I had Detroit as a prime landing spot for a tight end based on historical usage and overall offensive structure. We saw that thesis play out, with LaPorta outshining the rest of the class by a wide margin.

So where should we focus our attention in 2026? Which teams offer landing spots that could elevate a player beyond expectations? We know these players are talented -- the margins between them are often slim. That's why situation matters.

Below are the top 12 fantasy landing spots for 2026.

1. Dallas Cowboys – Running Back

The Cowboys have been searching for a franchise running back since Ezekiel Elliott. While they haven't found a long-term solution, they've still managed to produce strong fantasy contributors. Rico Dowdle finished as an RB2 in 2024, and Javonte Williams followed that up with a top-12 season in 2025.

Dallas has consistently emphasized the offensive line, and all starters return heading into 2026. While they lose some depth pieces that played meaningful snaps in 2025, the core remains young and talented enough to sustain production for the next few seasons.

After losing their top rushers following one-year stints, the Cowboys are likely to either commit to a multi-year deal in free agency or spend significant draft capital at the position. With the coaching staff returning, we should expect similar usage to last season -- an offense that handed Williams 252 carries.

2. Philadelphia Eagles – Tight End

The Eagles remain one of the league's best offenses. Jalen Hurts is an elite quarterback, Saquon Barkley anchors the ground game, and the passing attack has been driven by A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert.

Goedert now hits free agency, and there have been rumors that Brown could be traded. If that happens, the tight end position becomes even more valuable in Philadelphia. Even with the Eagles' top receivers healthy, Goedert averaged 5.4 targets per game since Hurts became the starter. He scored 11 touchdowns in 2025 and finished as TE7.

This is a premium spot for whoever steps into the role.

3. San Francisco 49ers – Wide Receiver 2

The 49ers consistently maximize their offensive talent and remain perennial Super Bowl contenders. That window may be narrowing, however, with Christian McCaffrey turning 30 and Brock Purdy's cap hit set to balloon to $57 million in 2028.

George Kittle suffered an Achilles injury in the playoffs and is expected to miss the start of the season. Brandon Aiyuk is likely gone, while Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne are free agents. That leaves a massive number of vacated targets and no clear WR1.

Whoever lands in San Francisco will compete with oft-injured Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing, who has yet to live up to the hype. With both a strong free agent and draft class at wide receiver, expect the 49ers to prioritize the position. The organization is loyal, and any significant addition should have long-term security as long as Kyle Shanahan and Purdy remain in place.

4. Dallas Cowboys – Wide Receiver 2

We saw in 2025 that Dallas can support two fantasy-relevant wide receivers. George Pickens arrived via trade and produced the best season of his career, but he now enters free agency alongside Jalen Tolbert.

Cap management will be one of Dallas' biggest challenges after trading Micah Parsons, and the Cowboys still need to address both wide receiver and running back. That said, opportunity remains.

Dallas ranked 10th in pass attempts last season, and that was with CeeDee Lamb missing four games. Whoever earns the WR2 role should profile as a reliable fantasy WR2 with upside for the next several seasons.

5. New York Jets – Running Back

The Jets remain one of the league's most unstable franchises, but chaos doesn't preclude fantasy value. As the offense undergoes a near-total reset, the running back position stands out as the most intriguing opportunity.

New York needs a quarterback in a thin market, along with a WR2 and likely a tight end. With the entire staff turned over except for the head coach, there's a real chance we see more upheaval in 2027.

That instability often leads teams to lean on the run game early and often. Braelon Allen remains on the roster but profiles more as a goal-line or rotational option than a true starter. With a deep free agent class available, the Jets are well-positioned to bring in a back who becomes the offensive centerpiece.

6. Washington Commanders – Wide Receiver 2 or Tight End

It's unclear which direction Washington will go, but either their WR2 or tight end spot is firmly on my radar. Injuries derailed the offense in 2025, with Jayden Daniels missing 10 games and Terry McLaurin missing seven. Deebo Samuel is a free agent, and Zach Ertz suffered a leg injury that could end his career.

There's ample opportunity and minimal competition for a new contributor to step in. Whether via free agency or the draft, whichever position receives the larger investment should soak up vacated targets.

With David Blough taking over as offensive coordinator after learning under Kliff Kingsbury, scheme continuity is possible. This is a team that reached the NFC Championship Game just a year ago, and the right addition could quickly become a cornerstone asset.

7. Atlanta Falcons – Tight End

This was one of the hardest spots to place on this list. There are red flags, starting with the quarterback situation. Michael Penix Jr. has exciting upside, but his injury history raises real concerns. Atlanta also features Bijan Robinson, the best running back in the league, and Drake London remains a high-end wide receiver.

On the positive side, the Falcons added Kevin Stefanski and Tommy Rees from Cleveland. For years, we wanted the Browns' offense to fully embrace the tight end -- and David Njoku eventually became a focal point.

Expect a similar approach in Atlanta. The Falcons could sign a veteran tight end like Njoku (check out my Free Agent tight end rankings) and draft a developmental option. For dynasty, both are appealing: the veteran provides short-term stability, while the rookie becomes a taxi-squad stash with long-term upside.

8. Kansas City Chiefs – Running Back

Everyone will be excited about whoever Kansas City adds at running back -- and for good reason. Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Keaontay Ingram, and Dameon Pierce are all free agents, accounting for 285 carries from the 2025 season. Rookie Brashard Smith is currently the only back under contract.

However, this spot comes with important caveats. The Chiefs rarely lean on the run. Since Andy Reid arrived in 2013, only two running backs have topped 225 carries, and just six have surpassed 200.

Kansas City does involve backs in the passing game, but with elite speed at wide receiver and Travis Kelce likely retiring, roles may shift. With Eric Bieniemy returning as offensive coordinator, expectations will drive prices higher than I'm willing to pay, even if the option is solid.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers – Wide Receiver 2

If we knew who Pittsburgh's quarterback would be, this spot would rank higher. The Steelers are undergoing a major transition, with Mike McCarthy replacing Mike Tomlin after nearly two decades.

Pittsburgh hasn't had a second receiver eclipse 70 targets since Diontae Johnson in 2023. McCarthy-led offenses, however, consistently rank top-15 in pass rate, pointing to untapped volume.

After DK Metcalf, the depth chart is barren. Calvin Austin, Adam Thielen, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Scotty Miller are all free agents, leaving Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, and A.T. Perry -- who combined for fewer than 20 receptions in 2025. With Metcalf's contract becoming more flexible after 2026, the Steelers should be aggressive in securing a long-term WR2.

10. Miami Dolphins – Tight End

Miami has undergone a sweeping organizational reset with a new general manager, head coach, and coordinators. A new quarterback is likely, with rumors swirling around Tua Tagovailoa and even Tyreek Hill potentially being moved.

Bobby Slowik takes over as offensive coordinator after helping elevate George Kittle in San Francisco and Dalton Schultz in Houston. His system historically benefits the tight end position.

The quarterback situation is the main concern. Malik Willis is the leading candidate and remains a below-average passer, limiting short-term upside. Still, the long-term outlook for the Miami tight end is promising once stability under center is established.

11. Green Bay Packers – Running Back 2

Josh Jacobs isn't going anywhere in 2026, but Green Bay still needs a secondary option. Jacobs missed only two games last season, yet his efficiency dipped late, opening the door for Emanuel Wilson, who logged 125 carries and now hits free agency.

The Packers retain their coaching staff and core players, providing stability. Jacobs' workload and injury history make him a candidate to either cede touches or miss time, and his contract becomes more manageable after the season.

MarShawn Lloyd was drafted as a potential successor but hasn't stayed healthy. Green Bay may reset the succession plan through the draft or free agency, making this a quietly valuable dynasty stash.

12. Kansas City Chiefs – Tight End

No one is replacing Travis Kelce's production. He was truly one of one. Still, the tight end position will remain relevant in Kansas City with Reid calling plays and Bieniemy back in the fold.

The Chiefs will have Xavier Worthy on the outside and eventually Rashee Rice (long-term deal?) and Jaylen Royals developing. Patrick Mahomes' short-term availability is a question, but long-term stability remains.

The system alone won't elevate a replacement to Kelce's level, but the next Chiefs tight end should remain a usable fantasy option -- just with tempered expectations.