The league’s unofficial negotiation period is underway! While no deal is official until 4:00pm EST on Wednesday, teams are free to reach out to players that are slated to become free agents when the league’s new year begins. Now, NFL rosters will begin to look a lot different as deals become announced, making these exercises a little tricky moving forward. Despite the increased roster volatility over the coming days, I plan on continuing to release team predictions for players at each position group.
I have already done projections for roster changes at the quarterback position this offseason, as well a look at free agent running backs and some of the wide receivers who declared for the upcoming 2021 NFL draft. Now, we’re going to take a look at tight ends, both the top free agents and draft prospects. Some big names are hitting the market, including Hunter Henry and Rob Gronkowski. The draft doesn’t have a lot of top-end talent at the position, but guys like Pat Freirmuth and Brevin Jordan could provide some great value for teams that are looking for future returns on some intriguing offensive pieces.
Disclaimer: Kyle Pitts was included in my wide receiver projections due to my belief that he will be playing that position at the next level, and thus the skill position phenom will not be listed at this position despite playing it in college. You can check out my favorite fit for the Gators standout here, as well as some franchise-wideout pairings for plenty of other talented pass catchers looking for a home to start their NFL career. That’s all I got, so let’s get started!
FREE AGENTS
Hunter Henry – Jacksonville Jaguars
- Projected Contract: 4-years, $56-million ($30M guaranteed)
With Trevor Lawrence on the way, it’s time to get the Jaguars offense some more weapons. The team is in a surprisingly good spot at the running back and receiver positions due to the likes of James Robinson, D.J. Chark, Keelan Cole, and 2020 rookies Laviska Shenault and Collin Johnson. The tight end position tells another story, however, as the team loses Tyler Eifert to free agency this offseason and is left with James O’Shaughnessy and Josh Oliver as the tops at the position. Hunter Henry could very well remain in Los Angeles, as the Chargers have cleared out plenty of cap space in anticipation of the 2021 offseason, but I think he bolts to another franchise that’s on a promising upswing.
Robert Tonyan – Arizona Cardinals
- Projected Contract: 3-years, $36-million ($18M guaranteed)
Kyler Murray took a noticeable step forward from 2019 to 2020, but had some turnover issues. The former first-overall pick was guilty of trying to do too much at times and end up coughing up the ball or at other times looked simply like a young quarterback that was a little lost on the field, both of these instances happened particularly often in the red zone. If Robert Tonyan can help Aaron Rodgers in scenarios that put a little pressure on the quarterback, such as chain-moving and red zone plays, he can certainly help Kyler Murray. Green Bay certainly has to be tempted to keep their temporary solution to the franchise’s recent tight end issue, but seems like a tall order after re-signing Aaron Jones.
Gerald Everett – Los Angeles Chargers
Projected Contract: 4-years, $32-million ($20M guaranteed)
The former forty-fourth overall pick failed to usurp Tyler Higbee for the top tight end spot, but has developed into a solid complementary piece for the Rams that’s now ready for a chance to start elsewhere (or in this case, the exact same stadium). A fine run blocker and receiving option, Gerald Everett could land a pretty contract for a player who has only started 11 games over four seasons, especially if a team like the Chargers shows that they’re unafraid to spend the chunk of money they have been clearing up.
Jonnu Smith – Tennessee Titans
- Projected Contract: 3-years, $30-million ($21M guaranteed)
*Sigh,* this is exactly what I was expecting when drafting up my introduction to this piece. At the time that I am writing this, Jonnu Smith is now a New England Patriot. I thought Jonnu Smith was going to remain a Titan, as the team let go of Adam Humphries and might not retain Corey Davis in free agency. Ryan Tannehill’s loss is Cam Newton’s gain, though, as the likely 2021 starter for New England has a more consistent weapon than arguably anyone on his 2020 roster, especially being that Julian Edelman was dealing with injuries. I was expecting Smith’s name to get lost in the mix before the free agent eventually signed at a bit of a discount, so I will say that I was quite off about Smith’s free agent process all-throughout.
Grade for the Patriots and the 4-year, $50-million contract that Smith was granted: around a “B+.” Smith is a great fit for what Josh McDaniels does with his tight ends, and the price tag, although steep, is less consequential once the NFL’s salary cap returns to increasing at its previous rate.
Kyle Rudolph – New York Jets
- Projected Contract: 3-years, $24-million ($10M guaranteed)
The longtime Minnesota Viking is no longer in his prime, for sure, but Kyle Rudolph has remained a consistent option at tight end for his ability as both a blocker and a possession receiver. As a guy that has never overly-relied on his athleticism, he continues to put up some of his best catches-to-targets ratios of his career and has been catching passes further from the line of scrimmage since Kirk Cousins has come to town. A team like the Jets would welcome a high-floor, low-ceiling option like Rudolph with open arms, as the tight end position has been a train wreck for the team since Dustin Keller left the team in 2013. With the necessary cap space and need, New York would be able to give the veteran some highly-desired, long-term stability.
Jared Cook – Tennessee Titans
Projected Contract: 2-years, $12-million ($6M guaranteed)
Returning to where it all began: Jared Cook is my second-chance at projecting a tight end for the Titans, as I originally projected Jonnu Smith’s return to Tennessee before learning about his signing with New England. The longtime starter across multiple different stops during his time in the league, the Titans’ former third-round pick can contribute to another talented veteran offense, much like the one he comes from in New Orleans. The Titans’ middling cap space wouldn’t net them much success with the other top tight end options in free agency, but the aging pass catcher could be the value pickup that keeps their offense afloat without Corey Davis, Adam Humphries, Jonnu Smith, and Anthony Firkser.
Rob Gronkowski – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Projected Contract: 1-year, $7.5-million ($6M guaranteed)
I try to keep this list organized by total money given out in an attempt to organize things. But, Gronk’s one of just a few players receiving a projected one-year deal and it felt unfair to put one of the most notable players at the position even further down the list than he already is. Anyways, back to business:
The Buccaneers have already found the money for Chris Godwin, Lavonte David, and Shaq Barrett in the same offseason that they give Tom Brady an extension and a pay raise. Instead of thinking that they’re done signing players as the franchise is running close to the red, I’m in fear that the Bucs will strike again. Rob Gronkowski didn’t shock the world during his first-year out of retirement, but remained a steady threat and caught 9 touchdowns between the regular season and postseason. I don’t see him deciding to play away from Tom Brady at this point in his career.
Anthony Firkser – Cincinnati Bengals
- Projected Contract: 3-years, $13.5-million ($9M guaranteed)
The Bengals got solid production out of their second-year tight end Drew Sample last season. However, their original projected starter before going on injured reserve, C.J. Uzomah, could save the Bengals about $5-million if they decided to cut ties with him. If they do, here’s a guy who would pair great with the Washington product. Anthony Firkser was quick enough for the Titans to fill in at the slot receiver position when Adam Humphries was hurt. Not the most popular guy on the market, the Harvard alum could be had at a decent price for versatile chain mover that can line up nearly anywhere.
Dan Arnold – Carolina Panthers
- Projected Contract: 2-years, $10-million ($5.5M guaranteed)
A surprisingly effective weapon for Kyler Murray last season, Dan Arnold could provide use as a stopgap option to a tight end-needy team that might have more prevalent holes on the roster. The former Saint and Cardinal might find himself right at home in Carolina, who desperately needs something more than Ian Thomas at the position. Originally a wide receiver in the league, Arnold might not provide much potential as a blocker, but could become a reliable chain-mover in an offense that spreads out like the one we saw him play in through 2020.
Richard Rodgers – Indianapolis Colts
- Projected Contract: 2-years, $9-million ($4M guaranteed)
Carson Wentz has a former target of his follow him to Philly. Richard Rodgers did a solid job filling in for the oft-injured Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert in 2020 and could look to find another team that enjoys putting two-tight end-sets on the field like the Eagles did. With 345 yards at a 14.4 yards-per-catch clip, Rodgers figures to be an upgrade over the already-impressive Trey Burton at the secondary tight end spot.
Trey Burton – Philadelphia Eagles
- Projected Contract: 1-year, $4-million ($2M guaranteed)
Speaking of Trey Burton! With Zach Ertz and Richard Rodgers on the way out, the Eagles could choose to bring back a familiar face to back up Dallas Goedert. Trey Burton had some impressive moments in Indianapolis after flaming out with Chicago, and could look to keep it up by following his former offensive coordinator from Indy to Philly. The connections between Nick Sirianni, Burton, and the Eagles organization make this an extremely logical pickup.
Jordan Reed – Retirement
Jordan Reed had a successful season in San Francisco in which the former Washington tight end filled in for George Kittle and caught 4 touchdowns throughout 10 games. So, why am I writing that the 30-year old chain-mover should retire? Jordan Reed proved that he could come back from numerous concussions during his time with the Football Team, and that alone is impressive enough to be considered a successful career for the former Florida Gator. The former Pro Bowler should decide to value his long-term health moving forward.
If Reed continues, I could see him heading to a team where he could either be the first off the bench or like Firkser, Rodgers, and Burton, find a team that enjoys a two tight end set. Reed doesn’t have the same athleticism as he used to, but could be a promising contributor for a team in short-yardage and red zone situations. The Broncos and Texans come to mind as potential fits.
NFL DRAFT
Brevin Jordan, Miami – New York Jets
- Projected Pick: 66th overall
Brevin Jordan is anticipated to be the best receiving tight end in a draft class without a consensus number one prospect at the position. He’s undersized, but explosive and athletic enough to not only excel as a receiver, but to perform well as a blocker. While that second part is unlikely to last at the next level, he remains an intriguing option as the second day of the draft continues on. If he falls into the third round, the Jets could be willing spare with a pick from their treasure trove of draft selections and either bring in a guy like Kyle Rudolph to help mentor him or see if the Miami product’s athleticism is enough to help him from day one.
Hunter Long – Carolina Panthers
- Projected Pick: 73rd-overall
Hunter Long projects to be the most pro-ready tight end prospect in my book. The Boston College product comes into the league as a solid blocker and decent receiver. He doesn’t come with a similar ceiling to the prospects above and below him, but could be the most likely to end up as the first starter among this rookie crop of tight ends. As mentioned earlier, Carolina is in the market for help at tight end. Unless the Panthers land a top tight end in free agency, it would be smart for the team to pick up an option A and B at the position.
Pat Freiermuth, Penn State – Dallas Cowboys
- Projected Pick: 100th-overall
Dalton Schultz played a solid role for the Cowboys after Blake Jarwin went on I.R., but the team might want to add another player to the group in case Jarwin becomes a cap casualty sooner or later. Pat Friermuth isn’t the best blocker, but the former Nittany Lion showed some exceptional potential as a pass catcher before getting hurt this past season. The shoulder injury and blocking concerns might cause Freiermuth to slide into the middle of the draft, where a team like Dallas could find value in him as another weapon for Dak Prescott.
Matt Bushman, BYU – New Orleans Saints
- Projected Pick: 134th-overall
If Matt Bushman comes back from his season-ending Achilles injury, he could provide a franchise with some excellent value in the draft. A polished and productive receiving option throughout his first three seasons, the 25 year-old senior has to come back from a grueling ailment to prove himself again. With the proper recovery, and some refined blocking technique, Bushman provides the ideal size, athleticism, and skills that anyone would value at the position. The Saints, who are likely losing Jared Cook this offseason, could look for a mid-round replacement to pair with Adam Trautman. Trautman is the likely starter for this team in 2021, meaning Bushman could be eased back into football before ultimately providing a solid backup option to replace not only Cook, but some tight end snaps that are due to be lost due to Taysom Hill moving to full-time quarterback.
QUEUESPORTS 
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