NFL free agency 2019: Best tight ends available

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 28: Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after his 25-yard touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

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CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 13: Tyler Kroft #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs the football upfield during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium on September 13, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals defeated the Ravens 34-23. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /

3. Tyler Kroft (Cincinnati Bengals)

The Cincinnati Bengals actually have three tight ends eligible to test unrestricted free agency this year. Along with the previously mentioned Tyler Eifert, there’s a pair of 26-year-old performers in C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Kroft. And if you went on the 2018 numbers alone, keep in mind that the combined figures for the “Tylers” (19 receptions for 215 yards and 1 touchdown) are dwarfed by Uzomah. Meanwhile, the latter finished tied for third on the team with 43 catches, good for 439 yards and three scores.

For Kroft, an ’18 season cut short after five games would appear to be the exception rather than the rule for the 2015 third-round pick from Rutgers. He played in 16 and 14 games, respectively, his first two seasons and was not yet a big part of the passing game. But in 2017, he started all 16 contests, was targeted 62 times, caught 42 balls for 404 yards and scored seven touchdowns. The 6’6”, 252-pound performer could very well be re-signed by the Bengals before free agency begins next month.

However, the team has a new head coach (Zac Taylor) and a new offensive coordinator (Brian Callahan), so who knows at this moment what players are in the future plans for this franchise. In any case, Kroft would make for an intriguing addition for a team in need at the tight end spot.

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