Top 10 Tight Ends Going Into the 2025-26 NFL Season
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George Kittle
I think Kittle is the top tight end in the NFL right now, although it's close. He's arguably the most complete tight end in the league, excelling at blocking and receiving, making him a versatile threat.
Statistically, he's been very consistent for almost a decade. He led the Niners in receiving yards and was top 15 league wide in receiving yards and touchdowns. He has the potential to reach Hall of Fame status when it's all said and done.
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Brock Bowers
Brock Bowers had an outstanding rookie season, shattering records and doing it with a weak Raiders QB room too, making it all the more impressive.
He led the team in receiving yards and all tight ends too, and finished top 10 in the entire league. Bro has arguably reached elite status already. Some may say he is the best tight end in the league right now.
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Trey McBride
Trey McBride is easily a top 3 tight end in the league right now. He has emerged as the Cardinals' primary go-to guy on offense.
He is a great pass catcher and a high-value tight end who has proven his consistency. He was one of the best tight ends in 2024, and as long as the touchdowns keep coming, which I believe they will, he is well on his way to becoming elite.
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Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta had a phenomenal 2023 season and broke the record for receptions by a rookie tight end, which was then broken by Brock Bowers.
His second year, his stats dipped, but I think it's mainly because the Lions spread the workload around the offense more. LaPorta is still a very good tight end who has plenty of potential. I think he will have better stats in 2025.
He will be a valuable asset for the Lions' offense. I think he is without a doubt a top 5 tight end in the league right now.
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Travis Kelce
Travis Michael Kelce is an American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He has played for the Chiefs since being drafted in 2013. Kelce is considered one of the top tight ends in NFL history and has been selected to multiple Pro Bowls.
Travis Kelce has to be close to retiring, right? I mean, his age is catching up to him whether you like it or not. He statistically had his worst year since 2015. His 2022 season is a thing of the past, I'm afraid.
He's still a decent, reliable tight end, obviously. He's always been Mahomes' go-to guy. I can't realistically rank him lower than 5, but it's becoming clear he is close to done. Noah Gray is going to absorb more targets, I think, going forward.
Kelce is going to wind up in Canton anyway. I see him enjoying the celebrity spotlight.
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Mark Andrews
Mark Andrews sold in the playoffs on what was a very routine, catchable pass that sealed the Ravens' fate. Also, he had a very slow start to the season.
He did have 673 yards and 11 touchdowns. I'd still say he's a decent tight end, but it would not surprise me one bit if the Ravens slowly start using Isaiah Likely more going forward.
Andrews is good but not quite in the elite tight end conversation anymore.
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TJ Hockenson
His stats aren't half bad considering he missed half the season. He has proven consistency and remains a high-value tight end, arguably top 5 in the league talent wise.
He was decent as a Lion but wasn't part of the long term outlook for them. Turns out he's been just as good, if not better, as a Viking. The injuries are really the only major concern I have with him.
I'm sure JJ will like having him as a security blanket, in a way.
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Dallas Goedert
Dallas Goedert is a steady, reliable pass catcher. His stats don't necessarily reflect his impact on the field. Injuries are a concern for sure, but when he is on the field, he is a high-value part of the Eagles' offense.
He does have a Super Bowl ring, for what it's worth. He showed up big during their Super Bowl run. Overall, a decent tight end, one of the better ones in the league. Maybe a bit underrated, honestly.
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Jonnu Smith
I'm honestly surprised how well he did in Miami last year. He seems to have found a home with the Dolphins after going from team to team.
He had his best season by far in 2024 with 88 receptions for just shy of 900 yards and 8 touchdowns. In a way, he was a focal point of the Dolphins' offense. Assuming Tua stays healthy this year, he should have another big year.
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Evan Engram
Evan Engram is alright. Nothing special, honestly, but he is a generally reliable, starting-caliber tight end. His 2024 was disappointing considering he missed half the season.
Can't judge him too harshly because he's only played for the Giants and Jaguars, which are not very good teams. At least in Denver, he's with a somewhat decent team. I would not be surprised if he breaks out in 2025.
Engram always felt like he was underrated to me.