Finding reliable tight ends is no easy feat, which is why reliable free agents receive massive contracts every year. There’s a case to be made that tight end is the second-hardest offensive position behind quarterback, as the elite options are expected to block like an offensive lineman and run routes like a wide receiver. Put simply, there aren’t enough good ones to go around, and the following five players will likely break the bank when the legal tampering period officially begins.
Top 5 Free Agent Tight Ends, Ranked
5. Isaiah Likely, Ravens
Isaiah Likely would probably be higher on this list if he hit free agency following his 2024 season. The lifetime Raven showed plenty of promise through his first three seasons in the league, playing well in a depth role and shining when filling in for Mark Andrews. However, he struggled last year, recording just 27 receptions for 307 yards, one touchdown, and a 56.4 PFF grade. This could be an isolated down year, but the fact that the Ravens chose to extend the older Andrews instead of Likely suggests this poor season could be a sign of things to come.
4. David Njoku, Browns
David Njoku already announced that he will not return to the Cleveland Browns, as the team has its tight end of the future in Harold Fannin Jr. The former first-round pick has been one of the league’s better tight ends since entering the NFL, and this will be the first time in his career that he doesn’t wear a Browns jersey. The biggest question is how much gas is left in Njoku’s tank as he enters his age-30 season.
3. Travis Kelce, Chiefs
Travis Kelce is not the player he once was, but he’s still good enough to earn a high spot on the list of free agent tight ends. The 11-time Pro Bowler may or may not retire in the coming weeks, but if he does return, it’s hard to envision him playing for any team other than the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs will need him, too, as Patrick Mahomes needs a reliable security blanket as he works his way back from a torn ACL.
2. Dallas Goedert, Eagles
Dallas Goedert has never put up crazy numbers, but he’s spent his whole career either playing behind Zach Ertz or alongside star receivers in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Now, the South Dakota State product finally has the opportunity to play a bigger role in a high-volume passing attack. Don’t be surprised if he puts together a career-best season despite his age.
1. Kyle Pitts, Falcons
Fans and analysts alike believed that Kyle Pitts was a generational tight end prospect, and he finally put it together to earn the top spot on this list of free agents. While he broke into the league with an impressive 1,000-yard season, his production took a dip over the next three seasons. However, he finally found his dominant form again in 2025, finishing the season with 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns. Now entering his age-26 season, Pitts should be entering the prime of his career and could be the focal point of his next team’s passing attack.
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