Yep. It’s the ultimate wild card position. Like a Queen chess piece on the field if you have an elite one.
Is he blocking? Is he going out for a pass? Do we match up with nickel/dime personnel? Do we put a linebacker on him? If we put a DB on him do they audible to a run? If we match up with them for a running play do they audible to a pass? Do you put a corner on him and watch him get out-physical’d/beat by height. Do you put a safety on him and see them get beat by speed/athleticism?
An elite TE is one of the biggest advantages in today’s game, and it is no coincidence that the final four teams in the playoffs all had one.