5 best tight ends in free agency and why they could be difference-makers in 2025

Tight end is a weird position. The great ones make a huge impact on the team, but it’s unpredictable to find the best ones. Travis Kelce was a third-rounder, George Kittle was drafted in the fifth. But more importantly, players take time to develop.

It’s rare to have players reaching their ceiling during the rookie contract. And that creates scenarios where older players are still valuable and having career years—just look at Jonnu Smith for the Miami Dolphins last year.

This year’s top free agency list considers that, with some older options.

This is our fourth article in the series of top free agents, after quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers.

Austin Hooper, New England Patriots

Hooper is a great value and a solid all-around player, a set of skills that he showed in his season with the Patriots. Last year, he was eighth amongst tight ends in yards per route run and 16th in PFF pass block grade. You might not have a start if you sign him, but you will certainly have a highly useful piece without big injuries in his history, even though he is already 30 years old.

Tyler Conklin, New York Jets

Conklin is a different type of tight end than the other ones on this list. With 0.9 yards per route run receiving from Aaron Rodgers in 2024, he is clearly not a dynamic passing option. However, he is a really good blocker and a reliable target. Not many drops (1.4%) and zero fumbles last year, for instance. Ideally, he would be your second tight end option after a more explosive starter, but Conklin can be a useful player to be on the field frequently.

Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders

Ertz is 34, so it's fair to think that his age is a concern. But he can still play, and a short-term deal won't hurt any team. After a tough year in 2023 with injuries and a release from the Arizona Cardinals, the veteran had a resurgence year for the Commanders with 654 yards, his best season since 2021.

Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints

Johnson is coming off a down year for the Saints, but he had a strong season in 2023 with 508 yards and seven touchdowns. A big red zone target, he is athletic and moves well. The problem is that Johnson is a taller wide receiver in practicality, because his blocking skills are questionable at best.

Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals

Talking about tall wide receivers, Gesicki is the personification of that. He is 6'6 and had 460 receiving yards for the Bengals last year. Cincinnati wants him back as another receiving weapon for Joe Burrow. As a blocker, though, he can't do much. Still, he brings a lot of value as a big target in the middle of the field and even downfield sometimes.

Other options: Gerald Everett, Mo Alie-Cox, Durham Smythe, Pharaoh Brown, Jordan Akins, CJ Uzomah