Free agent TE grades
By: Jake Rajala
There has been a lot of action regarding the tight end position in free agency. Many tight ends have signed with new teams. Well, I’m going to hand out grades for the free agent TE signings thus far.
Isaiah Likely: B+
The GMEN are trying to be well-rounded, as they Jaxson Dart at QB, Cam Skattebo at RB, Malik Nabers at WR, and now Isaiah Likely at TE. Likely was one of the top free agent tight ends available. He had five touchdowns in 2023 and six touchdowns in 2024. He also had a run block grade of 66.5, which was his second highest graded season as a run blocker. There weren’t many quality free agent TEs this offseason. PFF dubbed Likely as the second-best TE in free agency. He signed a three year deal worth $40 million dollars.
Kyle Pitts: A
To put it simply, Kyle Pitts was a monster last season. He had 928 receiving yards (second among TEs), 88 catches, and five touchdowns. Furthermore, he had a PFF grade of 73.6, which was a modest grade. The Falcons brought in Tua Tagovailoa to compete against Michael Penix. Neither of them is cemented as the starting QB in 2026. The unknown starter will need as much help as they can get, too. Pitts signed a one year deal worth $15 million dollars.
Cade Otton: C+
Cade Otton has made a lot of plays with the Bucs. He had 572 yards last season and 600 yards in the season prior. With Mike Evans gone, it was paramount that the Bucs could retain a weapon like Otton. He is their starting TE right now. The only issue I have with this signing is that I wish they made an upgrade at this spot. Otton was dubbed the 54th TE by PFF. Cade signed a contract for three years, worth $30 million dollars.
Noah Fant: A
Noah Fant can be the TE2 in New Orleans. Obviously, Juwan Johnson is the starting TE. Hence, they didn’t need to break the bank for a TE. Fant only recorded a few touchdowns last season, but he had 500 yards and averaged 10.4 YPC in 2024. It’s fair to note that the Bengals didn’t have Joe Burrow for nine games last season. I like this move, as the Saints will most likely not have Taysom Hill back, who gets lots of reps at TE. Fant inked a contract for $21 million over two years.
Travis Kelce: A-
I fully expect Travis Kelce to play his “last” season in 2026. Kelce has superb chemistry with Patrick Mahomes. Kelce has made a Pro Bowl in every season since 2015. He’s a sure-fire future Hall of Famer. It’s only a matter whether he’s a “first ballot” or not a first ballot. With the Chiefs not having a Pro Bowl-like WR on their roster right now, it was crucial that they brought back a pass catching machine at TE in Kelce. They brought in Kenneth Walker before bringing in Kelce. Now, I want to see them bring in Tyreek Hill. The Chiefs TE1 signed a contract worth $12 million for one season.
Daniel Bellinger: B
The Tennessee Titans made a fine move by bringing in a TE2 in Daniel Bellinger. Their starting TE is none other than Gunnar Helm. Bellinger had 286 receiving yards and two touchdowns last season. I do like that he’s 25 years old. He is just scratching the surface. He singed a contract worth $24 million over three years.
Austin Hooper: B+
I really like this move by the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have one of the best TE2s in Austin Hooper. Let’s not forget that he made two Pro Bowls. In 2024, he recorded 476 yards and three touchdowns. Hooper will be the x-factor in the Falcons offense, undoubtedly. Hooper signed a contract worth $3.25 million dollars for one season. In other words, he is quite the bargain.
Greg Dulcich: A
Greg Dulcich brings excellent depth to the TE spot in Miami. With the former legendary Raiders TE Darren Waller’s future up in the air, it was wise to reunite with Greg. He had 26 catches, 335 yards, and one touchdown. He is entering his fifth season. Hence, he still has a lot of potential. He can be a fine security blanket for the young, somewhat unproven Malik Willis.
The tight end group in free agency isn’t overly special. This is why teams had to pay a lot of money for average tight ends. Nonetheless, there are still some modest tight ends available. There is the former Browns TE David Njoku, former Steelers TE Jonnu Smith, former Eagles TE Dallas Goedert, former SaintS TE/QB Taysom Hill, and former Commanders TE Zach Ertz free to sign.
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