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The tight end free-agent classes have not been strong over the past couple of years. Last year, Josh Oliver and Foster Moreau were the highest-paid tight ends, both inking multi-year deals. Dalton Schultz was the biggest name available at the position last offseason, but he only signed a one-year deal worth up to $6.25 million.
That meant Schultz was going to be a free agent again this offseason. However, the Houston Texans quickly signed him to a three-year, $36 million deal before free agency began. The top available tight end this offseason is now officially off the board.
So, which tight ends are free agents this offseason? Which teams need a tight end before the 2024 season starts? Let's dive in and find out.
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Which Tight Ends Are Currently Free Agents?
There isn't a clear TE1 in this free-agent class, but if you want consistent production from a veteran, Hunter Henry could be a nice target for most teams. Henry has totaled at least 500 receiving yards in five of the past six seasons and 600 yards in three of the last five years. The 29-year-old has been in a tough situation with the New England Patriots for the last three seasons, so a better offense could help him produce better numbers in 2024.
Note: Hunter Henry re-signed with the Patriots
Jonnu Smith was released by the Atlanta Falcons this offseason, which makes him free to talk with any team before free agency starts. Smith should also see a lot of interest from other teams after he put up solid numbers in 2023. He totaled career highs in catches (50) and receiving yards (582). The 28-year-old already visited with the Miami Dolphins, so he should find a new home soon.
Free-agent tight end Jonnu Smith visited the Miami Dolphins today, per source. The two sides are said to be in contract negotiations.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2024
Note: Jonnu Smith has officially signed a two-year deal with the Dolphins
After being drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Gerald Everett has not lived up to expectations so far. He has only topped 500 receiving yards once in a season and averages about 2.7 touchdowns per year. However, in a weak free-agent class, he could be a top priority for many teams. Last year, Everett reeled in 51 passes for 411 yards and three touchdowns.
Logan Thomas is another player who was released this offseason before free agency began, so he has the advantage of talking to teams first. Thomas, though, might not find a home quickly this offseason. For starters, he will be 33 years old when the season begins. The veteran tight end has also totaled just 1,015 yards combined over the past three years. He might not garner a ton of interest from other teams in 2024.
Many thought Mike Gesicki would thrive in two tight end sets in New England, given Bill O'Brien's history of using multiple tight ends in his scheme. However, Gesicki wasn't utilized much. He caught just 29 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns across 17 games. The 28-year-old playmaker has shown that he can be a vital part of an offense, hence his back-to-back 700-yard campaigns in 2020 and 2021 with the Miami Dolphins. Despite a down year, he should see plenty of interest this offseason.
The talent is there for Noah Fant, who was a former first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. The problem is that the talent hasn't translated well to the NFL. Fant has 2,805 career receiving yards and 14 touchdowns across five years, but he has never topped more than 675 yards in a season. He is only 26 years old, though, so teams should be interested in a former top-20 overall pick.
I love that we are doing Noah Fant, Jonnu Smith, Gerald Everett, and Mike Gesicki again.
— Jeff Bell (@4WhomJBellTolls) March 6, 2024
Irv Smith Jr. joins Fant as the two youngest tight ends available in free agency. Smith is still 25 years old after spending his first three years with the Minnesota Vikings and last season with the Cincinnati Bengals. The former Alabama tight end hasn't shown much promise in his career so far -- with just 973 total receiving yards. Nevertheless, his young age should be enough to get a new contract.
Other free-agent tight ends: Will Dissly, Adam Trautman, Austin Hooper, C.J. Uzomah, and Hayden Hurst
Which Teams Need a Tight End This Offseason?
There are plenty of teams that will be in need of a tight end next season. However, the teams that might be willing to spend money on a tight end are the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, and Los Angeles Chargers.
Those teams all lack a tight end weapon in the receiving game, and it appears Miami is most ready to upgrade that group this offseason. They have already met with Jonnu Smith and should be the favorite to sign him following a solid campaign.
The Jets, Patriots, Bengals, and Chargers should also all be in on tight ends heading into 2024. All four of those teams don't have a true TE1 on their roster. Of those teams, Los Angeles is most likely to add a tight end in the draft since they have the fifth overall pick and could use it on Brock Bowers.
Brock Bowers is one of the greatest to come out of Georgia🐶 pic.twitter.com/hg6vkhayE4
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 6, 2024
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