NFL free agency 2017: Best 5 tight ends available

NFL free agency 2017: Best tight ends available

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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Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Ryan Griffin

Griffin set career-highs in receptions (50), targets (74) and yards (442) last season, as he seemed to be fairly immune to Brock Osweiler’s patent inability to throw a football accurately on a consistent basis. It was also a very well-timed good season too, as Griffin will now head into free agency this offseason

It’s worth wondering what Griffin’s full potential is, if he had a bigger role and a more capable quarterback. Multiple teams looking for a tight end in free agency will probably have similar curiosity about Griffin, and the Texans should be in line to make a significant effort to re-sign him.

Griffin is not necessarily in position to break the bank with a long-term deal next month, barring a big surprise from a team that has significant salary cap space, but he is theoretically a starting caliber pass-catching tight end with untapped upside. That is enough to put Griffin on this list, and there’s an argument for him to be higher for those that fully buy into his potential.

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