Teams shifted their offensive strategy to use more multiple tight end sets last season, which means there’s more of a demand at the position.
That’s good news for a deep group of free agent tight ends. There are plenty of productive veterans and players coming off their rookie deals and still in their prime available for teams to look over. Travis Kelce could have gotten into the top five, but it seems inevitable that he will either be back with the Chiefs or retire. Even if he’s not a realistic option, plenty of others are.
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Here are the top five tight ends available in free agency:
1. Kyle Pitts Sr.
Pitts is inconsistent, but he is the best tight end who was slated to hit free agency. That doesn’t matter much because the Falcons put the franchise tag on him, and it is very unlikely that any team will give him an offer sheet. If Pitts plays on the tag, it’s a chance for the Falcons to see if he can put two good seasons in a row together.
2. Isaiah Likely
Likely has flashed in a backup role for the Ravens, which has led some to believe he could do much more if he could escape Mark Andrews’ shadow. We’ll see if an NFL team feels the same. He is only 25 years old, so he should have a few prime years ahead of him. It’s time to see if he blows up in a full-time role.
Isaiah Likely of the Ravens is a free agent and can find a team in which he can be a full-time starter. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
(Joe Sargent via Getty Images)
3. Dallas Goedert
Goedert was consistently productive for the Eagles, even with many other offensive stars around him to demand touches. Goedert had 11 touchdowns last season, which showed he’s not slowing down yet as he enters his age-31 season. Goedert seems to be a very safe, reliable option for a team that is looking for a effective starter.
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4. David Njoku
Njoku was pushed out by the Browns due to the emergence of 2025 rookie Harold Fannin Jr., but he’s an athletic player who has been productive in the past, topping out at 882 yards in 2023. He will be 30 years old next season and has plenty left to offer to a new team.
5. Chigoziem Okonkwo
It seems like there is another level for Okonkwo that he hasn’t reached yet. But he has been between 450 and 560 yards in each of his four NFL seasons for the Titans, and has shown athletic ability that hints at more. He will turn 27 years old in September and if the Titans can’t sign him to an extension, he’d be a good signing for a team that is looking for a player who can break out.
