Ranking the available free agent tight ends in 2023

NFL free agent tight ends: Evan Engram #17 of the Jacksonville Jaguars carries the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at TIAA Bank Field on January 14, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

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NFL free agent tight ends: Irv Smith Jr. #84 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the third quarter against the New York Giants in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

5. Irv Smith Jr., Minnesota Vikings

All of NFL free agency comes with a certain level of risk, of course, but certainly one of the biggest gambles a team can take is on a player with a significant injury history. Former second-round pick Irv Smith Jr. represents one of the more intriguing risk-reward options at the tight end position in this class.

Smith has plenty of talent as he put on display with a career-best five touchdowns in 2020, but he missed the entire 2021 season and nine games in 2022. The Vikings made a move to land TJ Hockenson at last year’s trade deadline, so Smith will almost undoubtedly walk in free agency and look to sign a prove-it deal to get his value back on track for 2024. At just 25 years old this season, Smith is a nice upside option for teams who may already have a solidified TE1 on the roster.

6. Austin Hooper, Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans found a nice bargain in 2022 NFL free agency when they landed Austin Hooper after he was cut by the Cleveland Browns. Hooper caught 44 balls for the Titans and averaged a career-best 10.8 yards per reception.

He put together a really nice season overall despite Titans rookie Chig Okonkwo really making a name for himself as the season went along. At the age of 28, Hooper is still a solid veteran option even if he’s going year-to-year on new contracts. Teams looking for a relatively inexpensive but dependable option at the position should show interest.

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