2021 NFL free agents: Tight end

With the NFL's franchise-tag deadline in the past, attention moves to the opening of the league's free-agent negotiating window on March 15.

These are the best tight ends slated to hit the market.

By position
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
DL | ED | LB | CB | S
Top 100

Tight end

1. Hunter Henry

We're still waiting for Henry to find that next gear, but he did establish a new career best with 60 receptions in 2020. Unfortunately, those catches only translated into 613 yards and four touchdowns, ranking a modest 12th and 16th among tight ends, respectively. At 26, there are still likely several productive years ahead for Henry, and he might finally go from good to great in the right situation.

2. Rob Gronkowski

Even during a down year by his standards, Gronkowski finished with the most receiving yards of any free-agent tight end. The Buccaneers are the overwhelming favorites to re-sign him.

3. Jonnu Smith

Smith has improved each year since entering the NFL in 2017, and he set career highs with 41 receptions, 448 yards, and eight touchdowns in 2020. At 25, his best campaigns might still be ahead of him.

4. Gerald Everett

Buried on the depth chart beneath Tyler Higbee for four years, Everett never truly had a chance to shine with the Rams. After eclipsing 400 yards in back-to-back seasons as a backup, Everett could be poised for a breakout.

5. Jared Cook

Cook's 37 receptions and 504 yards in 2020 were his lowest such totals since 2016, but he's still dangerous, especially in the red zone. He caught seven touchdowns last year and has six or more in each of the last three seasons.