Falcons 2023 Free Agent Big Board: Tight Ends

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Jake Gordon | Last updated 2/9/23

The Falcons don’t have much at the tight end position right now, so they’ll have to address it in free agency or the draft. How much money will they allocate to the unit when guys like MyCole Pruitt and Parker Hesse just came off solid seasons? If you missed my 2023 Offseason Overhaul series, where I went through and spent Atlanta’s cap space in my own perfect world, those are linked below:

I’ll be ranking these guys considering things like cost and overall scheme fit, as well as if they would be brought in as a starter or reserve. Previous Editions are listed below:

Current Rostered Tight Ends

TE Kyle Pitts

TE Feleipe Franks

This isn’t an inspiring group, so let’s cut to the chase. I’ve advocated for Atlanta to draft Darnell Washington, but even if they do, they’ll still have to add to the position.

10. Geoff Swaim — Tennessee Titans

Arthur Smith loves him some former Titans tight ends, and Swaim fits the mold of what he needs. He’s a willing run blocker, but at the price point, the team is probably better off rolling with Parker Hesse again, another former Titan.

2022 Stats: 12 Rec, 58 Yards, 4.8 YPC, 1 TD

9. OJ Howard — Houston Texans

The former first round pick of the Bucs never lived up to expectations, but there should be some mutual interest on a prove-it deal here. Howard would be going to a tight end friendly system, albeit with fewer targets, with Atlanta emphasizing the run and Kyle Pitts lined up across from him. However, this could create mismatches for Howard and allow his athleticism in the open field to shine.

2022 Stats: 10 Rec, 145 Yards, 14.5 YPC, 2 TD

8. Robert Tonyan — Green Bay Packers

Bob Tonyan had a down year for the Packers, but he’s still a willing run blocker with a reliable set of hands. He’s an attractive target.

2022 Stats: 53 Rec, 470 Yards, 8.9 YPC, 2 TD

7. Maxx Williams — Arizona Cardinals

The Falcons acquired Hayden Hurst partially because Maxx Williams was playing so well with the Ravens, but he has been a disappointment with the Arizona Cardinals. He was once revered as one of the best run blockers in the NFL, so maybe the Falcons look to unlock that in him again.

2022 Stats: 3 Rec, 18 Yards, 6.0 YPC, 0 TD

6. Parker Hesse — Atlanta Falcons

One of the more pleasant surprises for the Falcons, Hesse has shown he can be a reliable tight end/ H-bach hybrid, and I’m sure Atlanta will look to bring the restricted free agent back to do the same in 2023.

2022 Stats: 9 Rec, 89 yards, 9.9 YPC, 0 TD

5. Foster Moreau — Las Vegas Raiders

The LSU product had a strange year in Vegas, but he’s still a threat to make a big play as a receiver. He isn’t much of a run blocker, but he is a weapon you can use in the passing game.

2022 Stats: 33 Rec, 420 Yards, 12.7 YPC, 2 TD

4. Austin Hooper — Tennessee Titans

After being let go by the Browns, Hooper revitalized his career with the Titans. Perhaps a little reunion is in order? I’d love to have Hooper back if the price is right.

2022 Stats: 41 Rec, 444 Yards, 10.8 YPC, 2 TD

3. MyCole Pruitt — Atlanta Falcons

Pruitt played very well for the Falcons after Kyle Pitts went down with injury, and he has absolutely earned the right to be on this team in 2023 if he wants to. I expect the Falcons to get it done.

2022 Stats: 16 Rec, 150 Yards, 9.4 YPC, 4 TD

2. Josh Oliver — Baltimore Ravens

I was a fan of Oliver coming out of San Jose State, and he could be worth a long-term deal after a strong showing with the Ravens. Oliver is a strong run blocker, and he’s only 25 years old. He’s a guy that could be a solid under-the-radar signing for the Falcons, and it may not cost them an arm and a leg. Who knows, maybe his old quarterback Lamar Jackson will also be in town.

2022 Stats: 14 Rec, 149 Yards, 10.6 YPC, 2 TD

1. Dalton Schultz — Dallas Cowboys

Perhaps the best name in this class besides Gesicki, Schultz proved that he’s a huge part of what makes Dallas’ offense tick. He’s a solid run blocker, and if the Falcons look to go big on tight end, I think Schultz will be in the mix. I don’t think Atlanta should spend big on a tight end (which is why Gesicki isn’t here), but Schultz could be the best combination of talent and price on the board, depending on his market.

2022 Stats: 57 Rec, 577 Yards, 10.1 YPC, 5 TD

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