With the new league year on the horizon, free agency is stirring excitement among fans—except, of course, for those dedicated to the Seahawks and Patriots. Everyone else is buzzing about the changes their favorite teams might make in preparation for the 2026 season, particularly regarding which rookies will make their debut in September.
If your team is in need of a tight end, the market is rich with options to fit various preferences. Are you looking for the latest breakout star? Kyle Pitts is in line for a lucrative contract. Interested in a promising young prospect? Isaiah Littley might just fit the bill. Or, perhaps you prefer a seasoned veteran who still has plenty to offer? In that case, Dallas Goedert could be the answer to your search.
Here’s a glance at this season’s top free agent tight ends.
1.) Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
2025 stats: 17 games played (17 starts), 88 receptions, 928 receiving yards (10.5 YPR), 5 touchdowns.
Pitts, at just 25, had the best season of his career in 2025, achieving a personal best with 88 catches and 928 yards—his second-best result. He also scored five touchdowns, another career high, with a catch rate of 74.6 percent, significantly improving from 63.5 in 2024.
Considering his performance, it would be surprising to see Pitts leave Atlanta, especially with Kevin Stefanski as the new head coach. Stefanski successfully utilized tight ends like David Njoku and Harold Fannin during his time with the Browns.
2.) Isaiah Littley, Baltimore Ravens
2025 performance: 14 games played (7 starts), 27 receptions, 307 receiving yards (11.4 YPR), 1 touchdown, 2 fumbles.
Despite the Ravens signing Mark Andrews to an extension, it seems doubtful that they’ll keep Littley as a backup. Though he has shown potential, particularly in a tight end-centric offense, he may not fit in Baltimore with Andrews secured.
Meanwhile, the New York Giants have a solid pair in Theo Johnson and Daniel Bellinger, making it less likely for Littley to move there.
3.) Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles
2025 stats: 15 games played (15 starts), 60 receptions, 591 receiving yards (9.9 YPR), 11 touchdowns.
As Goedert turns 31 during the upcoming season, he’s showed no major signs of decline, apart from missing some time in 2024. While his return to the Eagles seems likely, he still has energy to contribute significantly to a team in need.
With quarterback Jalen Hurts having a standout season, reaching a career-high of 25 touchdowns and 3,224 passing yards, Goedert played a crucial role in those achievements.
4.) David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
2025 performance: 12 games played (11 starts), 33 receptions, 293 receiving yards (8.9 YPR), 4 touchdowns.
Njoku’s 2025 season was hampered by injury, resulting in him finishing with lower stats than previous years. A lot of that can be attributed to shifting quarterback dynamics and the emergence of rookie Harold Fannin Jr.
His previous stats were more impressive, so while he remains a valuable contributor, his role might shift more towards backup in an offense that utilizes multiple tight ends.
5.) Zach Ertz, Washington Commander
2025 performance: 13 games played (13 starts), 50 receptions, 504 receiving yards (10.1 YPR), 4 touchdowns, 1 fumble.
Ertz started strong but ended the season prematurely due to injury. Nevertheless, his stats were comparable to previous seasons. How he recovers from this latest setback will be critical, but if he plays on, a return to Washington seems likely.
6.) Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins
2025 performance: 12 games played (11 starts), 24 receptions, 283 receiving yards (11.8 YPR), 6 touchdowns.
Waller’s return to the field after retirement resulted in a modest season, but his talent to find the end zone remains evident. If he opts to continue playing, this could secure him a spot, although retirement could be a possibility too.
7.) Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams
2025 results: 10 games played (8 starts), 25 receptions, 281 receiving yards (11.2 YPR), 3 touchdowns.
Higbee’s involvement was somewhat limited this past season, largely due to numerous playmakers on the Rams’ roster. While his reception numbers were low, he still performed well as a run blocker, indicating that he remains a useful addition to any offense.
With a strong run-blocking grade, he can still contribute effectively, whether as a co-starter or a valuable backup.
2025 results: 15 games played (7 starts), 34 receptions, 288 receiving yards (8.5 YPR), 3 touchdowns, 3 fumbles.
Fant worked alongside Mike Gesicki in a tight end duo, having slightly better catches and touchdowns. Though not quite the standout he was in college, his performance remains reasonable, and at almost 29, he can still play a contributing role on the team.
He may excel as a co-starter or tight end 2, especially in situations requiring consistency.
2025 performance: 16 games played (6 starts), 21 receptions, 263 receiving yards (12.5 YPR), 2 touchdowns.
Hooper played a secondary role behind Hunter Henry and didn’t quite reach the impressive receiving yards he once achieved. Yet, he has solid experience in the league. He might not be the primary choice but can certainly fill in if needed, even if he hasn’t topped 500 receiving yards since 2019.
2025 performance: 17 games played (2 starts), 4 receptions, 25 receiving yards (6.3 YPR).
Smith is noted here for his dual role capable of playing both tight end and as an H-back. While his receiving contributions were minimal, his overall value to the Bears, who made the playoffs, cannot be understated. Expect teams to seek him out for his experience, even if a signing will likely involve the veteran minimum.
