The Touchdown That Caused the Buzz
If you were watching the Patriots play the Bears on Thursday night, you saw it. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye dropped back and launched a 30-yard strike to Eli Raridon, who beat his man up the seam for a touchdown. The play showcased everything that made
Raridon an intriguing third-round pick out of Notre Dame: a massive 6-foot-6 frame combined with the speed to create separation from linebackers. That one play boosted his final stat line to three catches for 56 yards and a score, good for a healthy 14.6 points in PPR leagues. For fantasy managers struggling at the notoriously thin tight end position, it was an eye-opener. It was his second touchdown of his young career, proving his Week 1 score was no fluke and that the Patriots already trust him in the red zone. This kind of big-play ability is exactly what you look for in a potential fantasy difference-maker.
Let's Talk About Volume (Or Lack Thereof)
Before you rush to spend your entire free agent budget, it's crucial to look at the whole picture. Raridon’s touchdown was exciting, but it came on just four total targets for the entire game. Meanwhile, the team's veteran starter, Hunter Henry, was targeted seven times, catching all seven for 71 yards. This tells a clear story: Raridon is still the TE2 in this offense. While his snap counts have been respectable for a rookie, hovering around 45-55% in recent weeks, he isn't on the field enough to command a consistent, high volume of targets. Fantasy football championships are built on opportunity, and right now, Henry is seeing the lion's share of it at the tight end position for New England. Raridon's production, for now, seems tied to making the most of limited chances, which makes him a volatile, boom-or-bust option on a weekly basis rather than a reliable starter you can set and forget.
The Bull Case: A Glimpse of the Future
While his current role is limited, Raridon’s long-term outlook is incredibly bright. The Patriots didn't spend a top-100 pick on him to be a career backup. At 22 years old, he represents the future of the position for the franchise. The current starter, Hunter Henry, is a reliable veteran, but he's also 31. It's only a matter of time before Raridon's role expands. His impressive 14.0 yards-per-reception average shows he's not just a red-zone target but a genuine downfield weapon. In the modern NFL, athletic, pass-catching tight ends are fantasy gold. Raridon fits that mold perfectly. He is the ideal 'dynasty stash'—a player you acquire now before he becomes an obvious star. The flashes he has shown this season suggest he has the talent to eventually become a top-12 fantasy tight end once the opportunity fully opens up, which could be as soon as next season.
The Verdict: Your Waiver Wire Move
So, should you add him? The answer depends entirely on your league's format and your team's needs. In deep leagues (14+ teams), tight-end premium formats, or dynasty leagues, the answer is an emphatic yes. Go get him now. His upside is worth a spot on your bench, even if you don't start him right away. In standard 10 or 12-team redraft leagues, the decision is more nuanced. If you have an unstable situation at tight end or a free bench spot to play with, he makes for a fantastic high-upside stash. However, if your roster is tight, you might be better off leaving him on the waiver wire for now while keeping him at the very top of your watch list. He's not yet a player you can trust in your starting lineup every week due to the low volume, but another big game could change that in a hurry.
