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2024 NFL free agents: Ranking the top 10 tight ends originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
It’s not a good year to need a tight end.
NFL free agency begins in March, and there isn’t a top-tier tight end expected to hit the open market. None of the tight ends who ranked top 10 in receiving yards at the position will be free agents this offseason.
Complicating matters is the fact that the 2024 draft class isn’t loaded with high-end talent at tight end, either. University of Georgia star Brock Bowers is an elite talent, but he is one of just four tight ends ranked in draft expert Dane Brugler’s recent top 100 prospects big board. We likely will have a fifth straight draft without multiple tight ends taken in Round 1.
Depth is important at tight end given the physical nature of the position. And while there are no star tight ends hitting the market, there are several good players who can slot in as a No. 2 tight end and be productive in the right system.
Here’s our ranking of the top 10 free agent tight ends of 2024.
2023 Stats: 17 GP, 13 Rec, 208 Yards, 1 TD
Brown isn’t going to put up huge stats, but he’s a smart player who blocks well and is capable of making some plays in the passing attack. He played in all 17 games for the first time last season, while also tallying a career high in receiving yards. The Patriots should give serious consideration to re-signing Brown as a depth tight end.
9. Irv Smith, Bengals
2023 Stats: 12 GP, 18 Rec, 115 Yards, 1 TD
Smith is a talented pass-catching tight end. The issue for him is durability. He missed five games in 2023, nine in 2022 and four in 2021. But when healthy, Smith can be a productive player.
2023 Stats: 17 GP, 29 Rec, 244 Yards, 2 TD
Gesicki was supposed to be a meaningful addition to the Patriots offense but he was, frankly, disappointing in 2023. His receptions, receiving yards, targets and touchdowns all declined from 2022. In fairness, the Patriots’ awful quarterback play probably was a contributor there. However, he…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-nfl-free-agents-ranking-182541731.html
Author : NBC Sports Boston
Publish date : 2024-02-13 18:36:17
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