Brenden Bates

Brenden Bates enters Year 3 as a depth tight end for the Cleveland Browns at age 26, ranked #222 at the position in Verdict’s dynasty score (18.0, stable trend). He logged 35.5% of the offense’s snaps in 2025, with a notable upswing in usage across the season — a modest target share that’s unlikely to increase.

Bates’ 35.5% snap share in 2025, while modest, tracks as a stable floor given the Browns’ west coast scheme and play-action focus under Tommy Rees and Kevin Stefanski. His 4/5 target share translates into 3.2 receptions per game, a modest, but not insignificant, usage profile for a depth tight end.

Bates logged full participation in practice across every injury check in 2025 — no DNPs, no missed game time, and 11 starts logged at a 35.5% snap share. The Browns’ man-heavy coverage under Jim Schwartz slightly reduces his exposure, but his situational assignment remains intact.

Snap percentage trended upward in 2025, culminating in 46.0% usage in Week 18. However, the Browns’ offense prioritizes their receiving corps, led by Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones, and Bates’ target share remains limited. No realistic opportunity exists for increased usage or a more prominent role.

The Browns’ Shanahan-tree offense emphasizes play-action bootlegs, which situates Bates in a complementary role — often as a safety valve in the flat or a shallow cross. Tommy Rees’ emphasis on outside zone runs and play-action passes creates opportunities for Bates in the flat or on delayed crosses.

Stable Bates’ dynasty score holds steady at 18.0, reflecting his stable snap trend and consistent, if limited, usage across the season.

Bates’ ceiling clears his 2025 baseline of 6.8 fantasy points per game if his target share increases to 5/7 or more, but this is unlikely given the Browns’ receiving corps and scheme. Floor tracks near 6.8 given stable snap percentage and situational usage.