NFL Free Agency 2021: Ranking the 5 best tight ends available

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 29: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after a play in the fourth quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 29: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after a play in the fourth quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
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NFL Free Agency
Rob Gronkowski (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Lots of quality tight ends are available on the 2021 NFL free agency market as teams can fill a vital position on the roster.

There are only a few days left before the start of the new NFL fiscal year on March 17. There has been a slew of moves made by teams throughout the league as they look to make their financial situation much better ahead of 2021 NFL free agency.

This year’s salary cap stands at $182.5 million (via Kevin Patra of NFL.com), a little higher than was originally projected but a lot lower than a year ago. Hence all 32 clubs will be looking for bargains and many players may not the big payday they were hoping for this offseason.

When it comes to the tight end position, there are some familiar names that are either available now or who figure to be. We’re looking at the five best at the position on the market this offseason.

5. Rob Gronkowski (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

All signs point to the popular veteran returning to Tampa for a second straight season. But do the Buccaneers have enough money to get him and a lot of their key players back under contract for 2021?

Rob Gronkowski caught two of Tom Brady’s three touchdown passes in the 31-9 win over Kansas City in Super Bowl LV. The career numbers are impressive both in the regular season and in the playoffs. It took “Gronk” a little while to get acclimated back to football after taking 2019 off. But he rounded into form eventually and was at his best come the playoffs.

He has an impressive 86 regular-season touchdown grabs and has caught 14 touchdown passes in 20 career postseason contests.