Cade Stover

Marlin Klein (6'6", 248 lbs) was a genuine R2 investment at Stover's position — scouts praised his in-line blocking and athleticism (4.61 40, 36" vert). Klein is the long-term heir behind Schultz and directly competes for any TE2 snaps Stover was hoping to earn.

Stover continued a support role at tight end behind starter Dalton Schultz and since returning from a foot injury has seven catches (10 targets) for 45 yards in limited action, indicating minimal pass-game involvement behind the entrenched starter.

Stover has suffered multiple significant injuries in his first two NFL seasons including a broken foot (Week 1, 2025 season) and partial MCL/PCL tears (January 2026 playoffs), demonstrating durability concerns that could continue to limit availability and role development.

Dalton Schultz is locked in through 2026 on a three-year, $36 million contract signed in March 2024 with $23.5 million guaranteed and produced 82 catches for 777 yards and 3 TDs in 2025, cementing his role as the clear TE1 and leaving Stover with minimal path to significant targets.

Stover is the No. 3-4 TE behind a healthy Dalton Schultz (106 targets last year), veteran Foster Moreau, and now rookie Marlin Klein. Last-4-game target share sits at 6-9% with a 3.2 PPG, #61 TE season — he's a blocker, not a pass-game asset.

If Dalton Schultz suffers injury, Stover becomes Houston's primary TE with immediate high-volume opportunity in an improving Texans offense. He flashed receiving ability at Ohio State and could be league-relevant overnight.

Schultz racked up 82 catches for 777 yards and three touchdowns in 2025, but the depth chart lists Stover second behind Schultz. With Schultz's age (29) and recent calf injury, there is a window for acceleration if the starter declines or gets injured.

Houston's offense under 2024 showed willingness to use multiple TEs. Stover's athletic profile and recent reps suggest potential for role expansion if targets are distributed and he earns snap count growth.

Schultz's 2026 base salary is non-guaranteed at $11 million, creating a potential post-June 1 cut or trade scenario that could open the starting job for Stover heading into the 2027 season when he'd be 27 years old.

C.J. Stroud is a top-tier dynasty QB who elevates every pass-catcher. Even a modest expansion to 12-15% target share with Stroud translates to high-end TE2 production, a ceiling most backup TEs cannot reach.