It’s that time of year again. The time when Franchise Tag deadlines have passed and NFL rookie fever is in full effect. Before we get to the 2024 NFL Draft and see which high-profile rookies are going to which team, let’s take a look at which veteran free agents are the best at their position. Here are the Top 10 Tight End Free Agents for 2024. For our complete list of 2024 rankings, check out our Rankings Page. Our list will include the average annual value of the player’s contract for 2023 (AAV) as well as their projected free agent market value as per www.spotrac.com.
10. Robert Tonyan, CHI
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $2,650,000
2024 Market Value: Minimum contract
Robert Tonyan transitioned to the Chicago Bears after a successful stint with the Green Bay Packers. Flourishing alongside Aaron Rodgers, especially in 2020, Tonyan became a top-tier fantasy football tight end with double-digit touchdown receptions.
In NFL free agency, Tonyan could boost his fantasy football production by joining a team with an experienced quarterback. Thriving in an offense that heavily involves tight ends, particularly in the red zone, could enhance his performance. Moreover, a team with a creative play-caller maximizing tight-end targets could solidify Tonyan’s fantasy relevance, making him a prized asset for fantasy football managers.
9. Irv Smith, CIN (Signed with KC)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $1,750,000
2024 Market Value: Minimum contract
Irv Smith Jr.’s NFL journey began with the Minnesota Vikings, aiming to establish himself as a tight end threat. Despite flashes of potential, Smith faced challenges, including disappointing seasons and injuries hindering his progress. His move to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023 was anticipated to revitalize his career, but it resulted in another disappointing year, dampening his fantasy football relevance.
As Smith enters free agency, an ideal landing spot to rejuvenate his fantasy value could be with a team that prioritizes involving tight ends in the passing game. Joining an offense with a dynamic quarterback and a play-caller who emphasizes utilizing tight ends could provide Smith with ample opportunities to shine. Moreover, finding a situation where he can stay healthy and secure a significant role in the offense, particularly in the red zone, could solidify his status as a valuable fantasy asset.
8. Mike Gesicki, NE (Signed with CIN)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $4,500,000
2024 Market Value: 3 years/$11,238,255
During his time with the Miami Dolphins, Mike Gesicki emerged as a reliable fantasy football tight end. However, after moving to the New England Patriots, Gesicki’s fantasy relevance declined.
In free agency, Gesicki could enhance his fantasy value by joining a team with a pass-heavy offensive approach. Becoming a primary or secondary target, especially in the red zone, would elevate his relevance. Additionally, playing with a quarterback who targets tight ends consistently could secure Gesicki’s status as a valuable fantasy asset.
7. Austin Hooper, LV (Signed with NE)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $2,750,000
2024 Market Value: Minimum contract
Austin Hooper has carved out a notable NFL career, primarily with the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns. Throughout his journey, Hooper has emerged as a reliable tight-end option, showcasing his ability to contribute in both the passing and blocking game. His fantasy football production has been commendable, particularly during his time with the Falcons, where he often ranked among the top tight ends in fantasy scoring.
As Hooper enters NFL free agency, potential landing spots that could optimize his fantasy football value include teams with established quarterbacks who frequently target tight ends in the passing game. Joining an offense that features creative play-calling and utilizes tight ends as key receiving options could elevate Hooper’s fantasy relevance. Moreover, finding a scenario where he can secure a significant role in the red zone, providing him with consistent scoring opportunities, could further solidify his status as a valuable fantasy asset.
6. Adam Trautman, DEN (Re-Signed with DEN)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $1,124,851
2024 Market Value: 3 years/$11,238,255
Adam Trautman began his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints, showing promise as a tight end. Despite the challenges, Trautman displayed flashes of potential, contributing as a receiver and blocker. His fantasy production grew steadily, especially in his second season, establishing him as a viable option for fantasy managers.
However, Trautman’s fortunes shifted in 2023 when he followed coach Sean Payton to the Denver Broncos. The season proved disappointing for Trautman as he struggled to find his place in the offense, leading to a decline in his fantasy football relevance. As Trautman explores free agency, joining a team like the Seattle Seahawks, with a pass-heavy offensive approach that prominently features tight ends, could revitalize his fantasy football value. In Seattle’s system, where tight ends have historically been utilized effectively, Trautman could thrive, providing him with the opportunities to regain his fantasy relevance and solidify his status as a valuable asset for fantasy football managers.
5. Colby Parkinson, SEA (Signed with LAR)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $1,010,000
2024 Market Value: 4 years/$26,717,148
Colby Parkinson commenced his NFL journey with the Seattle Seahawks, aiming to establish himself as a promising tight end. Despite encountering initial hurdles, Parkinson displayed glimpses of potential, contributing both as a receiver and blocker. His fantasy football value has shown promise, particularly in his ability to make plays in the red zone and create mismatches with his size and athleticism.
As Parkinson explores potential landing spots in free agency, joining the Los Angeles Chargers could significantly elevate his fantasy football value. In the Chargers’ offensive system, which emphasizes utilizing tight ends as key receiving options, Parkinson could flourish. With quarterback Justin Herbert known for targeting tight ends effectively, Parkinson would have ample opportunities to showcase his skills and become a valuable asset for fantasy football managers.
4. Gerald Everett, LAC (Signed with CHI)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $6,000,000
2024 Market Value: 2 years/$17,389,684
Gerald Everett, known for his versatility on the field, has carved a notable NFL career path. His dynamic playing style has made him a consistent threat in the league, with solid performances as a tight end. Despite facing some hurdles, he’s managed to showcase his prowess, particularly in the passing game, adding depth to his team’s offensive strategy.
Given his skill set, the New England Patriots could be an ideal landing spot for Everett in free agency. With their history of utilizing tight ends effectively, Everett could thrive in their system, providing quarterback Mac Jones with a reliable target in the passing game. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches could significantly bolster the Patriots’ offensive arsenal, making him a valuable addition to their roster.
3. Noah Fant, SEA (Re-Signed with SEA)
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $3,147,680
2024 Market Value: 2 years/$10,761,096
Noah Fant’s NFL journey has been marked by his dynamic presence on the field, notably as a tight end for the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. His athleticism and reliable hands have consistently made him a key asset in the team’s offensive schemes, showcasing his versatility and skill set.
For fantasy football aficionados seeking to maximize Fant’s potential, the Indianapolis Colts emerge as an ideal destination. Joining forces with quarterback Anthony Richardson, Fant could become a primary target in the Colts’ passing game, bolstering his fantasy football value. In Indianapolis’ offense, known for its reliance on tight ends, Fant would have ample opportunities to shine, potentially cementing himself as a top-tier option at his position in fantasy leagues.
2. Hunter Henry, NE
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $12,500,000
2024 Market Value: 1 years/$7,598,774
Hunter Henry has had a noteworthy NFL career, marked by his time with the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots. During his tenure with the Chargers, he consistently delivered excellent fantasy football production, emerging as a reliable option at the tight end position.
However, since joining the Patriots, Henry’s fantasy output has been inconsistent and often disappointing. Despite flashes of brilliance, he has struggled to find consistent chemistry within New England’s offense. A potential ideal destination to reignite Henry’s fantasy value in free agency could be the Tennessee Titans. In Tennessee’s run-heavy offense led by quarterback Will Levis, Henry could serve as a dependable target in the passing game, particularly in the red zone, where his size and catching ability could make him a valuable asset for fantasy football managers.
1. Logan Thomas, WSH
Embed from Getty Images2023 Contract AAV: $1,750,000
2024 Market Value: 1 year/$1,020,000
Logan Thomas has had an eventful NFL career, marked by a blend of chronic injuries and productive stretches. Despite facing setbacks, he showcased his talent, particularly during his tenure with the Washington Football Team. Thomas emerged as a reliable target in the passing game, proving himself as a versatile tight end capable of making crucial plays.
Following his release by Washington, Thomas could find an ideal fit with the Arizona Cardinals’ high-octane offense led by quarterback Kyler Murray, Thomas could flourish as a dynamic receiving threat. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches could elevate his fantasy football value, especially in an offense known for its innovative play-calling and emphasis on spreading the ball to multiple targets.
