Last Word’s best players series continues on with our tight end rankings for the 2026 season! There are some great young talents lining up at tight end this year, with a handful of vets who still have it. The league has seemingly shifted back into using more multiple-tight-end sets, thus making each one on these lists more valuable.
Did you know that no tight end has ever won an MVP or Offensive Player of the Year? While it’s not as exciting a position as quarterback, wide receiver, or running back, the tight end position has had some incredible playmakers. This year is no different, so let’s take a look at how our staff ranked each division’s tight ends heading into 2026.
Last Word on NFL’s Official 2026 Tight End Rankings By Division
AFC North
According to Drew VonScio
“AFC North tight ends aren’t exactly face-of-the-franchise players such as Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, but they are good enough to make consistent plays and help their team win games. Given the division’s tough nature, every tight end needs to be proficient in run blocking, pass blocking, and pass catching to be successful.
With training camp just a few weeks away, it’s time to break down the best AFC North tight ends ahead of the 2026 season…” READ MORE
AFC South
According to Mike Roberts
“Who are the best AFC South tight ends? Who are those players who are solid blockers as well as go-to receivers? Having a quality tight end will make any quarterback happy, as it certainly makes their job easier.
The 2026 NFL regular season is right around the corner, which has every pro football fan full of joy. Here are the five best AFC South tight ends right now…” READ MORE
AFC East
According to James Gruter
“The tight end position is one built on variance. There are the larger-than-life blocking specialists that make an impact in the trenches, the leaner but still large-framed redzone machines, and the “big wide receiver” types that thrive with the ball in their hands. The AFC East tight ends feature all of these archetypes. However, only one can stand atop the mountain, so let’s check out who ranks where in the latest edition of the Last Word on Sports “Best Of” series…” READ MORE
AFC West
According to Liam Rebellato
“The AFC West is loaded with talent at the tight end position entering the 2026 season. Future Hall of Famers, rising stars, and proven veterans all call the division home. With several teams relying heavily on their tight ends in the passing game, this group could have a major impact on the AFC playoff picture this year.
Here are the top AFC West tight ends entering the 2026 season…” READ MORE
NFC North
According to Lance Warren
“The NFC North tight ends room features one of the youngest and, due to that, highest upside position groups in the NFL.
Nobody on this list is older than 29, and three out of the five players are 25 or younger. The only reason this position group wasn’t one of the strongest in 2025 was injuries and poor quarterback play for one player on this list (we’ll get there soon enough), but otherwise, the upside is through the roof with these guys.
With hopes that those hinderances improve in 2026, here’s a look at the top five tight ends in the NFC North for the 2026 season…” READ MORE
NFC South
According to David Keech
“Who are the best NFC South Tight Ends for 2026? Tight ends have long been one of the most anonymous position groups in the NFL. There are only ten tight ends in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a testament to how little respect they have received over the years. Things have changed over the past three decades, though. National Tight Ends Day began in 2018, as the fourth Sunday in October was set aside by the NFL to recognize the significance of tight ends.
We return with Last Word On the NFL’s top returning series as we take a look at the best players at their position groups. Who makes number one as the best NFC South Tight End for 2026? Let’s take a look…” READ MORE
NFC East
According to Drew VonScio
“The group of NFC East tight ends went through a major overhaul this offseason, as two of the four teams added new starters through free agency. All four starters are expected to be major playmakers this fall for their respective offenses, which feature quarterbacks with a wide range of NFL experience.
It’s time to break down the top NFC East tight ends heading into the upcoming season…” READ MORE
NFC West
According to Lance Warren
“The NFC West tight ends room arguably has the best top two at their position of any division in the NFL, but the rest of the position group in the division is intriguing too. While the stats might not pop off the table for some of these guys, there’s a reason this division was one of the best in football in 2025, and all of these players contributed to that.
Here’s a look at the top five tight ends in the NFC West as the 2026 season approaches…” READ MORE
