2025 NFL TE market: Top free agents, best team fits, projected deals for Zach Ertz, Juwan Johnson, other vets

Even though it feels like we’re just coming off the heels of the Philadelphia Eagles taking down the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, the NFL offseason is about to come on hot and heavy. Already, we’re less than a month away from when the free agent negotiating period begins on March 10, and then the new league year rings in on March 12. 

It’s at that juncture where free agents will be able to officially put pen to paper on contracts with new teams, sending this latest rendition of the NFL’s game of musical chairs fully into motion. This free agent cycle, quarterbacks and wide receivers are expected to dominate the headlines with a number of intriguing names soon hitting the market. That said, don’t sleep on the crop of tight ends set to be free agents.

Below, we’ll dive into the more notable free agent tight ends this offseason, rank them, examine what their market value could be and what teams could make for logical fits. 

Tight ends’ listed ages are as of Sept. 4, the opening night of the 2025 NFL season, and their seasons of experience include the upcoming 2025 season.

Age: 30 | Season: 10th | Current Team: New England Patriots

While the Patriots offense left little to be desired throughout the 2024 campaign, Austin Hooper was a steady outlet in the passing game. The veteran caught 76.3% of his targets on the year, finishing with 45 receptions, 476 yards, and three touchdowns while suiting up in all 17 games. That production should fetch him a better contract than the one-year, $3.1 million contract he inked with New England last offseason, and could prove to be a solid No. 2 tight end in a more potent passing offense. 

• Spotrac projected AAV: $4.1 million
• Best team fits: Patriots, Broncos, Chiefs, Colts

Age: 30 | Season: 8th | Current Team: New York Jets

Conklin won’t change the fortunes of an offense upon arrival (no TE in this class can do that), but he’s a very safe signing for any unit looking to bolster the position. He can help with protection and is a solid check-down option in the passing game. He won’t break off a monumental gain but will give the offense the necessary yards to help move the sticks. In a struggling Jets offense, Conklin did prove to be a reliable target for Aaron Rodgers, catching 51 balls for 449 yards and four touchdowns. 

• Spotrac projected AAV: $9 million
• Best team fits: Broncos, Ravens, Chargers, Colts

Age: 34 | Season: 13th | Current Team: Washington Commanders

Ertz isn’t at the peak of his powers back from when he was a Pro Bowl talent with the Philadelphia Eagles, but the veteran tight end showed last season that he still has fuel left in the tank. With the Commanders, he proved to be a great outlet for Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, catching 66 of his 91 targets for 654 yards, and seven touchdowns. Ertz ramped up in the playoffs, adding 18 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown, helping Washington reach the NFC Championship. Given that rapport with Daniels, it’d make sense for Ertz and Washington to seek a reunion, but he’d also be a valuable piece to a contender looking for tight end depth. 

• Spotrac projected AAV: $5.3 million
• Best team fits: Commanders, Chiefs, Broncos, Bears

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Garrett Podell

Age: 29 | Season: 8th | Current Team: Cincinnati Bengals

Similar to Ertz, Gesicki might be best served sticking with his old club in the Cincinnati Bengals, seeing as he put together a solid year with Joe Burrow. After bouncing from Miami to New England over the previous two seasons and being phased out of both offenses, Gesicki revitalized his career with the Bengals, catching 65 passes for 665 yards and two touchdowns. While listed as a tight end, Gesicki should be looked at more as a big slot receiver in an NFL offense. 

• Spotrac projected AAV: $6.7 million
• Best team fits: Bengals, Bears Chargers, Chiefs

Age: 28 | Season: 6th | Current Team: New Orleans Saints

Johnson may not be a household name, but that’s largely due to the Saints not being particularly competitive throughout his tenure. However, if/when he shakes loose this offseason and lands in an offense with more consistent quarterback play, he could prove to be quite the addition. Unlike some of these other tight ends in the free agent market, Johnson has the raw ability to rip off some chunk plays and is a highly athletic pass catcher. Even with topsy-turvy quarterback play from the Saints in 2024, Johnson is coming off a season where he notched new career highs in receptions (50) and receiving yards (548). 

• Spotrac projected AAV: $10.1 million 
• Best team fits: Chargers, Chiefs, Broncos, Patriots