Look, the days of just "having a guy" at tight end are dead. Gone. If you aren't rosterring a mutant who moves like a wideout but blocks like a tackle, you're basically playing 10-on-11 football. The 2025 season just wrapped up, and man, it was a weird one. We saw legends like Travis Kelce start to look—dare I say it—mortal, while a bunch of kids barely old enough to rent a car took over the league.
Honestly, the "top tight ends 2025 nfl" conversation isn't what we thought it would be a year ago.
✨ Don't miss: When is Kansas City Chiefs next game: Why the 2026 schedule looks different
Most people expected Sam LaPorta to just cruise into the #1 spot and stay there for a decade. Life comes at you fast. Between coaching changes in Detroit and a nasty mid-season injury, the hierarchy got flipped on its head. If you weren't watching the desert or the bright lights of Vegas, you probably missed the real story of the year.
Why Trey McBride is the New Standard
If you're still sleeping on Trey McBride, I don't know what to tell you. The guy was a vacuum in Arizona. He didn't just lead tight ends; he basically was the Cardinals' passing game for long stretches. We’re talking about 126 receptions. That isn't a typo. He hauled in 1,239 yards and 11 touchdowns, which finally silenced the critics who said he couldn't find the end zone in 2024.
He is the alpha now. Period.
While everyone else was trying to get fancy, McBride was just out-working people in the middle of the field. His target share hovered around 27%, which is absurd for a tight end. You usually only see those numbers from guys like Justin Jefferson or Tyreek Hill. He’s the first guy since the prime Kelce years that feels like a safe bet for double-digit targets every single Sunday.
The Brock Bowers Takeover
Then there's Brock Bowers. Vegas is... well, Vegas is a mess, let's be real. But Bowers is the exception. Even with the Raiders' revolving door at quarterback—eventually settling on Geno Smith—Bowers was a nightmare to cover. He finished his sophomore campaign with 64 catches for 680 yards and 7 scores in just 12 games before a knee injury slowed him down.
Is he the best pure athlete at the position? Probably. He’s basically a bigger Deebo Samuel. The Raiders used him in the slot, out wide, and even in the backfield. If he stays healthy for a full 17 games in 2026, he’s the only person who can realistically challenge McBride for the crown.
The "Old Guard" and the Reality of 2025
We have to talk about Travis Kelce. It’s tough. Nobody wants to see a legend fade, but the 2025 season was a reality check for the Chiefs. For the first time in a decade, Kansas City missed the playoffs. Kelce still put up numbers—851 yards and 5 TDs—but the explosive "take over the game" moments were fewer and farther between.
He’s mulling over retirement right now. You can hear it in his voice on the New Heights podcast. He feels like he let Andy Reid down, which is wild considering he’s done more for that franchise than almost anyone. If he comes back for 2026, he’s a top-10 guy, but he’s no longer the "cheat code" he used to be.
🔗 Read more: Yokohama F. Marinos vs. Liverpool: Why This Specific Matchup Still Haunts J-League History
George Kittle is Still That Guy
While Kelce's team struggled, George Kittle was busy being the soul of the 49ers. Even at 32, the guy is still a freak. He dealt with the usual "Kittle injuries"—hamstrings, ankles, you name it—but when he was on the field, he was efficient. He notched 7 touchdowns on just 57 catches.
That’s the thing about Kittle. He doesn't need 100 catches to ruin a defensive coordinator's life. He just needs three or four big plays and a few pancake blocks that don't show up in your fantasy box score but absolutely win real football games.
The Kyle Pitts Redemption (Finally?)
Can we talk about the miracle in Atlanta? Kyle Pitts actually looked like the guy we were promised in 2021. No, he didn't hit 1,500 yards, but 928 yards and 5 touchdowns is a massive win considering where he's been the last few years. Kirk Cousins finally gave him a baseline of competent quarterback play, and Pitts responded by leading the Falcons in receiving yards.
He’s still a "value" play because so many people are burnt out on him. But the talent is undeniable. He had a 166-yard, 3-touchdown explosion against Tampa Bay in Week 15 that looked like something out of a video game. If the Falcons keep this offensive staff together, Pitts is squarely in the Tier 1 conversation for next year.
What You Should Do Now
If you're looking at the top tight ends 2025 nfl landscape to prepare for 2026, here is the move:
📖 Related: Alabama football tickets 2023: What most people get wrong about the Saban era's final run
- Prioritize the "Big Three" Sophomores: McBride, Bowers, and LaPorta (if healthy) are the only guys worth a premium pick. The gap between them and the rest of the field is widening.
- Watch the Rookie Influx: Keep an eye on Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland. They showed flashes late in 2025 that suggest the 2026 "rookie" class for TEs might be just as impactful as Bowers was.
- Don't Pay for Past Performance: Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews are names that will tempt you. Don't do it. The volume is shifting toward the younger, more versatile players who are essentially oversized WR1s.
The position has evolved. It’s no longer about who can block the best; it’s about who creates the most defensive mismatches. Right now, Trey McBride is the king of that hill, but the throne is far from stable.