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.
Ranking the Best NFC East Tight Ends for 2026
5. Eli Stowers
It’s very rare to see a player crack a list like this when they haven’t taken a snap in the NFL yet, but Eli Stowers has so much potential for the Philadelphia Eagles. However, he’s already being regarded as one of the team’s most important players for this year. Stowers has a lot to prove, but he will show why he was a second-round draft pick.
Even though he is a backup, he still cracks the list for best NFC East tight ends due to the impact he is expected to have. He won’t be the primary pass catcher within his position, but the opportunity is there for him to produce frequently for the Eagles.
4. Chig Okonkwo
Chig Okonkwo comes in ahead of Stowers after signing a three-year deal worth $27 million with the Washington Commanders. He spent the first four seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans and recorded 560 receiving yards on 56 receptions last year with two touchdowns. He was often a security blanket for Cam Ward and looks to be much of the same for Jayden Daniels.
The Commanders do not have much pass-catching depth behind Terry McLaurin, so there are targets up for grabs. Daniels relied on Ertz frequently last season, so he may do the same for Okonkwo this year. If he has a big season, or at least a big one compared to the other NFC East tight ends, he could certainly be higher this time next year.
3. Isaiah Likely
Isaiah Likely joined the New York Giants this offseason after spending several seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and playing second fiddle to Mark Andrews. Now, Likely gets to be the star of the tight end room. There were games with the Ravens where he produced more than Andrews, but he was still the second-choice target between the two.
Last season, he caught 27 passes for 307 yards in Baltimore, and he now moves into a Giants offense that has a lot of pass-catching questions behind Malik Nabers, who could miss games. It’s a similar situation to Okonkwo’s, but Likely has more talent and sits one spot up among the best NFC East tight ends.
2. Dallas Goedert
Dallas Goedert could take the crown for best tight end in so many divisions, but not the NFC East. He posted a 60-reception season last year for the Philadelphia Eagles with 591 yards and 11 touchdowns. Goedert bounced back last year after a poor showing in 2024. However, the Eagles’ offense was much different last season, which resulted in Goedert being the biggest beneficiary.
Hurts will continue to rely on Goedert this season, especially in the early stages of the campaign, while Makai Lemon adjusts to life in the NFL. Once he is acclimated, Goedert’s production level is up in the air, and Stowers’ growth will determine where he is at on this list of NFC East tight ends next year, or if he is even on the list at all.
1. Jake Ferguson
Jake Ferguson is as steady as you can get with tight end production. Last season, he caught 82 passes for 600 yards and eight touchdowns and remained a top target for Dak Prescott, even with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens as the top receivers. Ferguson is very good at being consistent and finding a way to make plays.
When Ferguson is not on the field, Dallas struggles to move the ball as efficiently as it does when he plays. The Cowboys know they have a gem in Ferguson, and he will maintain his spot at the top of the list for a while considering he is only 27 years old.
Main Photo Courtesy of Chris Jones – Imagn Images
