In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, tight ends have become increasingly important playmakers. However, not all tight ends live up to the hype surrounding them.
Here’s a ranking of the 10 most overrated current NFL tight ends, based on recent performance and public perception.
10. Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars
Engram’s production has been inconsistent, particularly in 2024 when he dealt with injuries and inconsistent play. At 31 years old, his best days may be behind him.
9. Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers
While Freiermuth had a decent season with the Steelers, his inconsistent playing time and yardage totals make him a less reliable option than his overall ranking suggests.
8. Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys
Ferguson’s 2024 season was disappointing, but it’s not all his fault. His potential remains, but his current production doesn’t match the excitement surrounding him.
7. Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills
Kincaid, a first-round pick in 2023, has yet to live up to his draft status. Despite playing with one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, he hasn’t become the total superstar fans have wanted him to become.
6. Jonnu Smith, New England Patriots
Smith’s late-career breakout in 2024 has led to inflated expectations. While he set career highs in several categories, his overall body of work doesn’t justify his current hype.
5. David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
Njoku has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency throughout his career. While he’s certainly capable of having an incredible game, he has a history of up-and-down performances.
4. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
Despite being considered one of the best tight ends in the game, Kittle’s impact on the 49ers’ offense has been inconsistent. His impressive individual stats don’t always translate to team success, as evidenced by the 49ers’ failure to make the postseason in 2024.
3. Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions
LaPorta’s rookie season generated significant hype, with some calling it the greatest ever by a tight end. However, his sophomore campaign in 2024 was not quite as impressive. While talented, LaPorta’s current performance doesn’t justify the lofty praise he received after his rookie year.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Overrated NFL Wide Receivers Playing Now
2. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
While Kelce has been a dominant force for years, his 2024 season showed signs of decline. At 35 years old, he’s no longer the undisputed best player at his position, yet he’s still often discussed as such.
Read More: 10 Positions the Kansas City Chiefs Need to Address in the 2025 Off-Season
1. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
Despite entering the league as a highly-touted prospect, Kyle Pitts has failed to consistently deliver on his potential. After an impressive rookie season with over 1,000 receiving yards, his production has significantly declined. While he still has time to improve, his current performance doesn’t match the “generational talent” label he received coming out of college.
Read More: Yes, Travis Kelce IS the Best Tight End of All Time