This off-season, the market for high-level tight ends is weaker than in previous years. But still there will be a good amount of Pro Bowl-caliber tight ends hitting the open market. Among them are Antonio Gates, Coby Fleener, and Benjamin Watson. These skilled tight ends will likely be able to some teams in need of a good tight end in order to make a championship run.
Below is a list of the top tight ends this off-season and where they could potentially end up:
Antonio Gates:
2015 was one of the worst years of Antonio Gates career in the NFL since joining the San Diego Chargers in 2003.
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003, Gates has spent all twelve of his seasons in the NFL playing in San Diego. Gates has had a big impact during his time with the Chargers as he has been one of Philip Rivers favorite targets throughout his time in San Diego. In his career he has caught 844 balls for over 10,600 yards and 104 touchdowns. 2015 was a major disappointment though as he had career lows in many categories and was suspended for four games for violating the leagues rules on PEDs.
It is unknown now if Gates will return to San Diego but it is likely the Chargers will want to keep him around, even at 35-years old.
Some wild card teams could be the Pittsburgh Steelers or New England Patriots. The Steelers are looking for a new tight end now that longtime Steeler Heath Miller announced his retirement last week. A veteran tight end could benefit that team greatly. As for the Patriots, they may want a backup behind Rob Gronkowski and they have been known to take a flyer on some older veteran players.
It is still most likely he will return to San Diego.
All Potential Destinations: San Diego Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots
Coby Fleener:
Coby Fleener will be a free agent for the first time since coming into the NFL in 2012 out of Stanford.
Fleener was originally selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 34th pick in the 2012 draft. Fleener hasn't put up the most eye-popping numbers with just 183 catches for over 2,100 yards and 17 touchdowns in four years, but Fleener has still proved he can be a solid tight end in the NFL.
2015 was Fleener's worst season since his rookie year. There isn't much reason to panic though as the Colts went through a revolving door at the quarterback position after Andrew Luck was injured early in the season.
It is likely that the Colts will try to re-sign Fleener this season, if the price is right. The only other team that possibly will be signing him is a team very much in need of a tight end. Therefore it seems like right now that Indy will be Fleener's probably home for years to come.
All Potential Destinations: Indianapolis Colts
Benjamin Watson:
Unlike the other options above, Benjamin Watson had by far his best season in 2015.
Watson began his career with the Patriots as their first round pick in 2004. After many years in New England and a brief stint with the Cleveland Browns, Watson has found a home with the New Orleans Saints. Watson put up career highs last season with 74 catches for 825 yards and 11 touchdowns.
At 35-years old Watson can still be a play maker in the NFL like he proved last season. The Saints will likely try to retain Watson as he and Drew Brees were able to develop chemistry with each other last season.
Another team could be the Steelers if they decide to look for a veteran to replace Heath Miller.
All Potential Destinations: New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers
Vernon Davis:
Vernon Davis had a bittersweet season in 2015. He was traded away from the San Francisco 49ers, the team he had been with since 2006, but he was traded to the Denver Broncos and he won his first Super Bowl tittle.
The bad news is Davis had terrible stats in 2015 and his production dropped to a career low. Davis finished with 38 catches for 395 yards and no touchdowns.
At 32-years old is likely that some team will bring Davis in this offseason. The Broncos may try to bring him back for a minimum if anything. Some other teams could be the Steelers, again, or a team like the Atlanta Falcons who have been looking for a solid tight end ever since Tony Gonzalez retired a few years back.
All Potential Destinations: Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons
Marcedes Lewis:
A first round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2006, it is unlikely that Lewis will be back next year.
After the Jags made a big splash in free agency last year by signing Julius Thomas, Lewis had career lows in Jacksonville this season. He finished with just 16 catches and 226 yards and no touchdowns.
At 31-years old Lewis can still be a reliable target in the NFL. He could return to the Jags on a one-year minimum deal to help mentor young tight ends but it is likely this won't happen.
A team that is in need of a tight end may be willing to give Lewis a shot. Again the Steelers come into play as they are now in the market for a tight end.
All Potential Destinations: Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars
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