Free Agent Tight End Rankings
[NOTE: Click the links to see our free agency rankings for quarterbacks, running backs, and fullbacks. We’ll continue our way through all of the positions this week.]
The Vikings are in an interesting position at tight end. Any drama hinges on their willingness to keep John Carlson who underachieved in his first year with the Vikings, but would cost just as much cap space to cut as he would to keep.
With Kyle Rudolph in command of the tight end depth chart and Rhett Ellison showing signs of being a great role player, the Vikings seem unlikely to make any big moves at the position, but it is always worth looking to see who is out there.
Top Tier
Even after 16 years in the NFL Tony Gonzalez is producing in Atlanta’s offense, and if he decides to keep playing, then it seems very likely that Atlanta is where he will stay. Martellus Bennett seems equally as likely to stay put with his Giants team that boosted his career in a big way.
If I had a man crush on one tight end free agent it would have to be San Francisco’s Delanie Walker. The seven year veteran seems to give everything he can every time he steps on the field. He isn’t going be a focal point of an offense, the Niners already pay Vernon Davis to be that, but he is an excellent option for team’s that like to use multiple tight end sets like the Vikings do.
Second Tier
4. Fred Davis, WAS
5. Anthony Fasano, MIA
6. Jared Cook, TEN
7. Dustin Keller, NYJ
8. Brandon Myers, OAK
Third Tier
9. Ben Hartsock, CAR
10. Will Heller, DET
11. Travis Beckum, NYG
12. Benjamin Watson, CAR
13. Dallas Clark, TB
14. Chris Cooley, WAS
The Rest
15. Leonard Pope, PIT
16. Dante Rosario, SD
17. Gary Barnidge, CAR
18. Jake O’Connell, KC
19. John Phillips, DAL
20. Billy Bajema, BAL
21. Cameron Morrah, SEA