Top 25 NFL free agents for 2018

24. Tyler Eifert, TE, Cincinnati Bengals

When he’s been healthy, there’s no denying Eifert’s talent and production. The problem is he has never played all 16 games in five NFL seasons, with just 10 games played over the last two campaigns and eight games or fewer on the field in three of those five seasons.

Eifert had his best season in 2015 (52 receptions for 615 yards and 13 touchdowns). But his recent injury troubles started in the 2016 Pro Bowl, with an ankle injury that required surgery and helped sideline him until the middle of the following season. Then a recurrence of a preseason back injury ended his 2016 season early, and back and knee issues sidelined him (eventually for the season) after Week 2 this year with yet another back surgery in October.

ESPN’s Katherine Terrell recently reported the Bengals haven’t ruled out re-signing Eifert, with the caveat of little guaranteed money and bonuses for each game he’s active. But the free agent market is not deep at tight end, so a team that really needs to bolster the position may take things to a level (with a multi-year deal?) Cincinnati won’t consider trying to reach. But from Eifert’s end, the best chance to have a good season and take a better run at free agency next year may lie with the Bengals.