NFL free agency 2020: Best tight ends available

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 29: Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) between plays in the first quarter of an AFC West game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs on December 29, 2019 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 15: Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (85) runs onto the field before the game against the New England Patriots and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 15th 2019, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Tyler Eifert (Cincinnati Bengals)

In Eifert’s first six seasons, injuries caused former Notre Dame Golden Domer to miss an astounding 53 games. In fact, the talented tight end only managed to play in at least 10 contests twice over that span. He even was out three games in 2015 when he caught 52 passes for 615 yards and 13 touchdowns on the way to earning his first and only Pro Bowl invitation.

All told, Eifert’s first six campaigns in the league produced a combined 142 catches for 1,716 yards and 21 scores in just 43 outings. Last offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals opted to give the injury-prone performer a one-year deal. He responded by playing in all 16 games for the first time in his brief career. He finished tied for second on the team with 43 receptions, good for 436 yards and three touchdowns in what was a very disappointing season for Zac Taylor’s club.

Of course, this is a franchise coming off a dreadful 2-14 showing and one that owns the first overall pick in April’s draft and has a big-time decision to make on wide receiver A.J. Green as well. Throw in the speculation that the team could move on from quarterback Andy Dalton as well and this is a club that could have a dramatically different look on offense in 2020. But do those future plans include Eifert?

Next: No. 3

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