A fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Royer is best left for Dynasty leagues and should not be drafted in redraft leagues. Until Royer earns playing time and targets, Fantasy managers should leave him off their rosters.
Fantasy News
Browns' Joe Royer: Misses opener
Rotowire
Royer (personal) did not play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Bears, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports.
There are no updates on the fifth-round rookie's issue and it is unclear when he might return to the team. Royer was set to be the No. 2 tight end behind Harold Fannin. In the 24-year-old's absence, Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates and fellow rookie Carsen Ryan have been competing for the No. 2 reps.
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Browns' Joe Royer: Nabbed by Cleveland
Rotowire
The Browns selected Royer in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 170th overall.
After starting his career at Ohio State and spending four years with the Buckeyes, Royer transferred to Cincinnati prior to 2024 and racked up a combined 79 catches for 938 yards and seven touchdowns over the last two seasons with the Bearcats. Royer sports sound hands and an ability to make things happen after the catch (8.9 YAC/reception in 2025), and he's a solid blocker in the run game. However, he isn't blessed with the top-tier athleticism for the position. Royer joins a tight end room that cut David Njoku loose this offseason, leaving Jack Stoll as the No. 2 option at tight end. Royer will likely slot in as a depth option for now with potential to move up the depth chart, depending on how he fares in camp.
