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NFL free agency 2017: Best tight ends available

By Brad Berreman

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jared Cook (89) runs the ball against Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) during the third quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jared Cook (89) runs the ball against Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) during the third quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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The start of NFL free agency will be here before we know it, and here are the top five tight ends available.

Tight ends have become a more prominent part of NFL passing games, as many of the best are deployed as something beyond an in-line player in an effort to stress a defense. Some of that can be chalked up to college offenses. and how tight ends are used at that level, but it’s clear the tight end position has evolved.

As of now, the group of NFL free agent tight ends for 2017 lacks big names. If Julius Thomas is cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars before the end of this week , when a significant portion of his 2017 salary becomes fully guaranteed, he would become one of the top free agent tight ends immediately. On the heels of two very disappointing seasons, that says it all about this year’s class of free agent tight ends.

But that doesn’t mean there is no one worth signing, and here are the top five free agent tight ends available right now.

5. Luke Willson

As Jimmy Graham’s backup with the Seattle Seahawks in 2016, Willson had 15 receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games played. Over four seasons (56 games-30 starts), he has 74 career catches for 976 yards and seven touchdowns.

Willson has said he wants to re-sign with Seattle, while also acknowledging an early contract offer from the Seahawks that he didn’t take very seriously. No matter where he lands, Willson will be a strict backup with little statistical contribution.

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