X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

2025 Free-Agent Tight Ends Preview

Evan Engram - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Andrew Ball looks at the 2025 free-agent tight-end class. Who is officially a free agent at the tight-end position this offseason and could be on the move?

The 2025 tight-end free-agent class lacks top-end talent, which isn't surprising.

Unlike other positions, mainly wide receiver, the bigger names don't make it to free agency. Teams make it a priority to retain good, homegrown tight ends.

Still, there are a handful of notable names in this year's crop and a few franchises desperate for an upgrade at the position. Below is a preview of tight-end free agency, with a peek at the incoming rookies who could alter how teams approach this class.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Which Tight Ends Are Currently Free Agents?

Evan Engram

Update: Enngram signed with the Denver Broncos

A (somewhat) surprising cut before the start of the new league year, Evan Engram enters free agency two seasons removed from nearly breaking the single-season tight end reception record.

His 2024 season was riddled with injury woes. He missed nine games with hamstring and shoulder issues, causing a steep decline in his production. 2023 second-round pick Brenton Strange moves to the top of Jacksonville's depth chart.

Engram will turn 31 just before the start of the 2025 season but can be a reliable pass-catching outlet for his new franchise.

Juwan Johnson

Update: Johnson re-signed with the New Orleans Saints

Juwan Johnson is the most underrated tight end in this class. 2024 was his best season in the receptions and yards departments, despite uneven quarterback play in The Big Easy. Unreliable throwers have been a trend in Johnson's career in New Orleans. His rookie year was Drew Brees' final season, then came Jameis Winston, Derek Carr, and a handful of other experiments.

The Saints have also consistently rostered numerous good tight ends, from Jared Cook to Foster Moreau to late-age Jimmy Graham (who was still a red-zone threat). That list includes Taysom Hill, whose do-it-all style kept coaching staffs dialing up plays in his direction.

The 28-year-old is in his prime and can offer a downfield, athletic pass-catcher for a team needing his services.

Tyler Conklin

Tyler Conklin isn't speeding past defenders, nor will he be the focus of an offensive game plan. But the soon-to-be 30-year-old is a safe addition with his blocking prowess and ability to leak out for an easy checkdown from the quarterback.

He played that role for Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets in 2024. Conklin secured 50 passes for the fourth straight season but has failed to reach 10 yards per catch in three of those years.

Fantasy managers won't get excited about his potential in a new offense, wherever Conklin winds up.

Zach Ertz

Update: Ertz re-signed with the Washington Commanders

Whenever we write him off and wish him the best in a post-playing career, Zach Ertz reminds us he still has juice in his body.

Ertz's best days (five straight seasons of at least 74 catches from 2015-19) are behind him, but his resurgence led to a TE7 finish. Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury gave Ertz a second life in Arizona and is now doing so again on the East Coast.

Ertz was Jayden Daniels' security blanket during the latter's rookie season. In 2024, he caught 66 passes for 654 yards and seven touchdowns.

Ertz will turn 35 years old during the 2025 season. Whichever team signs him will offer a short-term deal to solve issues with completing passes in the middle of the field. Washington is the favorite for his services, and the team's move could depend on the development of second-year tight end Ben Sinnott.

Austin Hooper

Update: Hooper re-signed with the New England Patriots

Austin Hooper shouldn't and won't be a starting tight end next season. Just as he was in New England in 2024, Hooper will be a serviceable second option in a tight-end room.

The veteran snagged 45 catches (his most since 2020), 476 yards, and three touchdowns as a trustworthy member of Drake Maye's receiving corps (there weren't many of those on the Patriots). He was fourth on the team in catches and receiving yards and tied for the lead in touchdowns.

2025 could be Hooper's fourth team in as many seasons.

Other notable free-agent tight ends: Gerald Everett, Mo Alie-CoxIan Thomas, Hayden Hurst, and Pharaoh Brown

 

Which Teams Need a Tight End This Offseason?

With Johnson and Conklin's potential departures, the Saints and Jets rosters could have holes to fill, respectively.

New Orleans could use more of a traditional tight end to pair with Taysom Hill (who tore his ACL in December). Jeremy Ruckert is New York's backup tight end. He's not a starter in this league.

A handful of teams need tight-end help: Denver, Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis, Tennessee, and Carolina. An argument can be made for Atlanta (Kyle Pitts is floundering) and the New York Giants (dependent on Theo Johnson's development).

Carolina's second-year fourth-round draft pick Ja'Tavion Sanders flashed in his debut campaign. Depth is needed (despite the re-signing of Tommy Tremble), whether the Panthers view Sanders as a starting tight end or not.

Los Angeles and Denver are the marquee destinations. Jim Harbaugh and Sean Payton have extensive histories of featuring tight ends. The Chargers utilized Will Dissly more than one team should (50 catches, a career-high). Lucas Krull led Denver tight ends with 19 receptions. Payton was in New Orleans when Juwan Johnson was drafted. Justin Herbert and Johnson played together for one season at Oregon.

The Broncos and Chargers may also focus on prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. It's one of the major missing pieces from two playoff rosters last season. This draft class has top-end talent and depth. Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland (who played under Harbaugh at Michigan) are frequently mocked in the first round (often to Denver or Los Angeles).

The Colts should have the option of selecting Warren in the draft but have plenty of other roster holes to fill. The Titans, who hold the first overall pick, won't land one of the top options but can snag Harold Fannin Jr., Gunnar Helm, Elijah Arroyo, Terrance Ferguson, or Mason Taylor in later rounds. Ultra-athletic Chig Okonkwo found his stride late in the 2024 season, which could have bought him one more season as the starter in Tennessee.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Darren Waller

Not Expected to Play in Week 3
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
Jameson Williams

Records Long Touchdown in Week 2, Still Limited to Downfield Role?
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Jayden Daniels

Considered "Day-to-Day" with Knee Injury
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Jonathan Taylor

Tops 200 Yards From Scrimmage in Week 2 Win
Joe Burrow

Could Miss Three Months if he Requires Toe Surgery
Davante Adams

Headlines Rams Receiving Corps Sunday
Wan'Dale Robinson

Explodes for 142 Yards, Touchdown in Overtime Thriller
Joe Flacco

Browns Not Considering Benching Joe Flacco After Week 2
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Lamar Jackson

Throws for Four Touchdowns in Week 2 Win
James Cook

Scores Two Touchdowns in Rout of Jets
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Rome Odunze

Scores Twice in Loss
Ja'Marr Chase

Snags 14 Receptions, Finds End Zone in Week 2
Russell Wilson

Throws for 450 Yards, Three Touchdowns in Loss
Jared Goff

Throws Five Touchdowns
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Scores Three Touchdowns
Joe Burrow

Suffers Turf Toe and Torn Ligaments in Win
Malik Nabers

Explodes for Two Touchdowns in Overtime Thriller
Joe Burrow

Seen with Boot and Crutches Postgame
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
Justin Fields

Diagnosed With Concussion Sunday
Tyrod Taylor

Justin Fields Evaluated for Concussion, Tyrod Taylor Enters Game
Luis Arraez

Takes a Seat on Sunday With Head Injury
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Activated, Starting on Sunday
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
Bryan Woo

Records Career-High 13 Strikeouts
Max Muncy

Exits Early on Saturday
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Salvador Perez

Reaches 300 Home Runs, 1,000 RBI
Jose Altuve

Exits Early With Foot Discomfort
Trey Yesavage

Heading to Big Leagues
Will Smith

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
Ryan Preece

Seems Slower on Concrete Than on Asphalt
NASCAR

Legacy Motor Club's Short-Track Speed Will Likely Hold John H. Nemechek Back
Erik Jones

Definitely Faster This Year, but Short Tracks Still a Liability
Daniel Suarez

Despite Poor Qualifying Run, Daniel Suarez Might Not Be a Great Choice
Noah Gragson

Unlikely to Be Fast at Bristol but Still Might Be Worth Considering for DFS
Tarik Skubal

Avoids Serious Injury, Expected to Make Next Start
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
Tanner Bibee

Fans 10 in Two-Hit Shutout
Zach Neto

Dealing With Wrist Soreness
Masyn Winn

Shut Down for Rest of Season
Tarik Skubal

to Undergo Imaging on Saturday
Tyler Soderstrom

Scratched on Friday With Groin Tightness
Tarik Skubal

Exits with Side Tightness
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
Ketel Marte

Scratched From Friday's Lineup
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Kyle Tucker

"Unlikely" to Return When Eligible on Tuesday
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Alexander Hernandez

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Quang Le

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Card Opener
Santiago Luna

Set For His Debut At Noche UFC 3
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Won't Play Against Georgia
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
CFB

Dylan Edwards Slated to Return on Friday
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
Charles Oliveira

Not Eyeing Retirement
CFB

Ryan Williams Expected to Play Against Wisconsin
CFB

Billy Edwards Jr. Unlikely to Play on Saturday
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Questionable to Make Debut Against Georgia
Lauri Markkanen

Big at Both Ends as Finland Books Place in EuroBasket Semis
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
NBA

Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
NBA

Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
Charles Bassey

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Hawks
Sacramento Kings

Terence Davis Waived by Kings
Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension
Sidney Crosby

Not Thinking About Leaving Pittsburgh
SJ

Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
Rutger McGroarty

Nursing an Injury
Cameron Champ

the Ultimate Wild Card at Procore
Cameron Young

Looks to Extend Momentum in Napa
Davis Thompson

Searching for a Spark at Procore
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Reignite Form at Procore
Mackenzie Hughes

Aims for Another Strong Showing at Procore
Luke Clanton

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Napa
Seamus Power

Looking to Overcome Poor Course History at Procore
Joe Highsmith

Hoping to Find Form in Napa
Kristaps Porzingis

Reportedly Still Not Completely Healthy
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Reportedly on the Trade Block
Andre Drummond

Future in Philadelphia in Doubt
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Helps Greece Reach Semis at EuroBasket
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Posts Historic Triple-Double
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For 15 at Wyndham Championship
Bud Cauley

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied for Seventh at Tour Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 25th at Tour Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 19th at Tour Championship
Keith Mitchell

Misses Cut at Wyndham Championship
Ben Griffin

Finishes Tied for 10th at Tour Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for Second at Tour Championship
Gary Woodland

Could Hang Around at Procore Championship
Karl Vilips

Ready for Napa Valley This Weekend
Taylor Montgomery

Heating Up at the Right Time
Jackson Koivun

May Be a Little Rusty at Procore Championship
Doug Ghim

Looking to Rise Up at Napa Valley
Josh Giddey

Re-Signs With Bulls for Four Years
Shakir Mukhamadullin

Joins Informal Skate
William Eklund

Skates With Sharks
Owen Power

Back at 100 Percent
Tyler Seguin

Cleared for Action
Mathew Barzal

Good to Go for Season Opener
Dustin Wolf

Signs Seven-Year Extension
NBA

Mason Jones Takes His Talents to Australia
NBA

Talen Horton-Tucker Joins Reigning EuroLeague Champions
Malcolm Brogdon

on Knicks' Radar
Andrew Wiggins

Attracting Interest From Lakers

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP