Ranking the top 10 NFL tight ends in 2026 – Travis Kelce fights Brock Bowers to make final cut

Fernando Mendoza could soon be throwing NFL passes to one of the best tight ends in the league.

But is Brock Bowers better than Trey McBride, George Kittle and Sam LaPorta in 2026?

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Who is the best tight end in the NFL in 2026?

Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates and Rob Gronkowski revolutionized the tight end position, which has continued to evolve in the NFL.

Today’s players blend power and speed with soft hands, elite blocking skills and savvy route running.

McBride led all tight ends with 1,239 receiving yards last year, while Dallas Goedert tied McBride with 11 touchdowns.

Jake Ferguson (Dallas Cowboys) and Hunter Henry (New England Patriots) deserve fantasy football consideration in 2026.

But Colston Loveland, Tucker Kraft and Tyler Warren best represent a new wave of tight ends who are aiding running backs while serving as a quarterback’s best friend.

Below, talkSPORT looks at the top players at the tight end position in 2026.

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10. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens

Andrews has 484 career receptions for 5,952 yards and 56 TDs.

He’s one of Lamar Jackson‘s favorite targets and could finish his time in the NFL as a lifetime Raven.

2025 stats: 48 catches, 422 yards, 5 TDs

9. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

Kelce is still one of the best tight ends in the NFL at 36-year-old.

The next step for Mr. Swift is the Hall of Fame.

2025 statistics: 76 catches, 851 yards, 5 TDs

8. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons

Pitts was the No. 4 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft but only has one Pro Bowl selection.

The good news for the Falcons is that Pitts is coming off a strong 2025 and Atlanta has one of the best running backs in the league.

2025 stats: 88 catches, 928 yards, 5 TDs

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7. Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears

Loveland is rising up this list after a strong rookie season.

The No. 10 pick in 2025 out of Michigan should turn his 6ft 6in and 241lb frame into a regular red-zone presence for Caleb Williams in 2026.

2025 stats: 58 catches, 713 yards, 6 TDs

6. Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers

Kraft doesn’t have the receiving numbers of some of the big names on this list.

But the South Dakota State product has 15 TDs in three seasons and is a key part of Green Bay’s offensive attack.

2025 stats: 32 catches, 489 yards, 6 TDs

5. Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts

Like Loveland, Warren is rising up this list and quickly adding to his NFL name.

The No. 14 pick in 2025 out of Penn State was targeted 112 times as a rookie and made the Pro Bowl.

Expect more of that this year as Warren builds on his connection with Colts QB Daniel Jones.

2025 stats: 76 catches, 817 yards, 4 TDs

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4. Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions

LaPorta’s numbers fell off last year after suffering a back injury.

But he’s essential to Jared Goff‘s success in Detroit and has averaged 11.3 yards per catch since entering the NFL out of Iowa (No. 34 overall pick).

2025 stats: 40 catches, 489 yards, 3 TDs

3. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers

Kittle is a scoring machine for the 49ers and an offensive riddle for opposing defenses.

The seven-time Pro Bowler has made his fifth-round selection (No. 146 overall out of Iowa in 2017) appear laughable, while Kittle helped coin Tight End University.

He’s recovering from an Achilles injury but is still one of the best in the business at 32-years-old.

2025 stats: 57 catches, 628 yards, 7 TDs

2. Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders

Bowers will soon top this list if he continues on his upward trajectory.

The No. 13 overall pick in 2024 (Georgia) gives Las Vegas offensive hope and an easy target for Kirk Cousins.

Fernando Mendoza can then turn to the two-time Pro Bowler when the former Indiana star takes over the silver and black.

2025 stats: 64 catches, 680 yards, 7 TDs

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1. Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals

McBride caught 29 passes as a rookie.

He’s improved annually since and reached a new peak last season while leading his position in catches and yards.

The All Pro from Colorado State just needs to play for a better team and receive consistent quarterback play.

McBride has Super Bowl talent and has earned this top spot.

2025 stats: 126 catches, 1,239 yards, 11 TDs