Joel

Dreessen

Usually a blocker, Dreessen got more involved in the passing game with the Texans playing from behind and Andre Johnson (hamstring) inactive. It was Dreessen -- not James Casey -- who stepped up as Houston’s No. 2 tight end. Casey didn’t have a catch. For all we know, it could be Casey in the same role next week against Baltimore. It’s a situation to avoid in fantasy. Sunday’s yardage total was a career high for the 29-year-old Dreessen.

Dreessen visited the Saints on Sunday and the Bengals on Monday. The Titans visit will be his third of the free agency period. Though Tennessee has yet to release Daniel Graham, it likely would if Dreessen was added behind Jared Cook. The Titans have Craig Stevens as their primary blocking tight end.

The Saints, Bengals, and Titans have been eliminated. Dreessen will choose between his home state and the team he’s played for over the past half-decade. His opportunity would be better in Denver.

Owen Daniels’ backup the past five years, Dreessen has already visited the Saints, Bengals, and Titans. The Broncos may have an advantage, as Dreessen is a native of Fort Morgan, Colorado. Denver is also interested in Jacob Tamme.

Houston’s free-agent exodus continues unabated. A fine all-around tight end, Dreessen has received high marks from Pro Football Focus for receiving and blocking the past couple of years. He’s also proven capable of high-end TE2 fantasy numbers while filling in for Owen Daniels. His 2012 value depends on whether the Broncos add Dallas Clark or Jacob Tamme to the mix. Garrett Graham ascends to the No. 2 role in Houston unless a fullback is signed to free up James Casey. Second-year TE Julius Thomas may need to stay in the incubator for another year in Denver.

The Saints are apparently looking for a No. 2 tight end after lingering concussion issues ended David Thomas’ season in November. The Texans remain interested in bringing back Dreessen as well.

Meanwhile, we continue to hear nothing but the sound of crickets on Dallas Clark. While a Tamme-Dreessen combination would work well for the Broncos, it would be a quagmire in fantasy terms. Neither tight end is strong after the catch, though they both can get open and catch the ball.

He’ll be the slot/"move” tight end in Denver’s offense, with Joel Dreessen playing on the line of scrimmage. Reuniting with Peyton Manning, Tamme will be a popular sleeper to target as a TE2 toward the end of fantasy drafts. He runs a 4.6-flat at 6-foot-4, 236, and has a knack for getting open. In 2010, Tamme racked up 67 catches for 631 yards and four touchdowns, finishing as the No. 15 fantasy tight end despite starting only eight games. Tamme just turned 27.

He met with the Saints on Sunday, but left without a contract. Dreessen turns 30 before the season. He’s an adept blocker and underrated receiver, and would be a solid complement to Jermaine Gresham with the Bengals. In New Orleans, Dreessen would have been a third-stringer behind Jimmy Graham and David Thomas.

Owen Daniels (rest, knee) was inactive. Dreessen filled his role while James Casey led Houston in receiving. Dreessen is a fine NFL player, but he’s primarily a blocker. He finishes the regular season with 353 receiving yards.