Ranking Top 5 AFC West TEs for 2026: The Division’s Best Tight Ends
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 5 AFC West TEs entering the 2026 season.
5. Evan Engram (Denver Broncos)
Evan Engram lands at No. 5 thanks to his experience and consistency. While he is no longer putting up the numbers he did earlier in his career, he remains a reliable target and an important piece of Sean Payton’s offense.
Bo Nix showed steady growth throughout the 2025 season, and Engram often served as a dependable option underneath. His ability to find soft spots in coverage and move the chains continues to make him valuable. Denver does not need him to be a superstar. The Broncos simply need him to be a reliable veteran presence for a young offense that is still developing.
2025 Stats: 50 receptions, 461 receiving yards, 1 touchdown in 16 games.
4. David Njoku (Los Angeles Chargers)
David Njoku is one of the more interesting players on this list. An injury-plagued season with the Cleveland Browns limited his production in 2025. At the same time, rising star Harold Fannin Jr. began carving out a larger role in the offense, making Njoku more expendable heading into the offseason.
Now he gets a fresh start with the Chargers on a one-year deal. That could end up being the perfect situation for both sides.
Justin Herbert is easily the best quarterback Njoku has played with during his NFL career. While Oronde Gadsden II will command plenty of targets, there should still be a significant role available for the veteran tight end. Njoku has tremendous hands and remains one of the better contested catch players at his position. His size and athleticism should also make him a dangerous red zone target.
A strong season could help Njoku rebuild his value and earn another lucrative contract next offseason.
2025 Stats: 33 receptions, 293 receiving yards, 4 touchdowns in 12 games.
3. Oronde Gadsden II (Los Angeles Chargers)
Oronde Gadsden II wasted little time making an impact as a rookie. The former Syracuse standout quickly became one of Justin Herbert’s favorite targets and showed why many evaluators were so high on him entering the draft.
What makes Gadsden special is his ability to create mismatches. Defensive backs often struggle with his size. Linebackers usually struggle with their athleticism. That combination makes him a difficult player to defend.
Another year alongside Herbert should only help his development. If he takes the next step in 2026, a Pro Bowl appearance would not be surprising.
2025 Stats: 49 receptions, 664 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns in 15 games.
2. Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs)
Travis Kelce may not be the dominant force he was five years ago, but writing him off would be a mistake. The future Hall of Famer remains one of the smartest and most reliable players in football.
This could likely be the final season of Kelce’s legendary career before he hangs up the cleats. Even so, he remains the focal point of the Chiefs’ offense and Patrick Mahomes’ favorite target.
Whenever Kansas City needs a big play, Mahomes still looks toward Kelce. That chemistry has helped define one of the greatest quarterback-tight end partnerships in NFL history. Age has slowed him somewhat, but his understanding of defenses and ability to get open remain elite.
Do not be surprised if Kelce delivers one more productive season before calling it a career.
2025 Stats: 76 receptions, 851 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns in 17 games.
1. Brock Bowers (Las Vegas Raiders)
There really is not much debate here. Brock Bowers is the best tight end in football entering the 2026 season.
At just 23 years old, Bowers has already become the centerpiece of the Raiders’ offense and one of the toughest matchups in the NFL. Defenses know exactly where the ball is going, yet they still struggle to stop him.
Versatility is a huge reason why. Bowers can line up all over the formation and create problems for every level of the defense. Linebackers cannot match his speed. Defensive backs often struggle with his size and physicality.
Few players at any position impact an offense the way Bowers does. Unless something changes dramatically, he should remain the gold standard at tight end for years to come.
2025 Stats: 64 receptions, 680 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns in 12 games.
2026 Outlook
The Top 5 AFC West TEs highlight just how talented this division has become. Engram continues to provide veteran stability in Denver. Njoku has a chance to rebuild his value catching passes from Justin Herbert. Gadsden looks like one of the NFL’s next tight end breakout stars. Kelce is possibly facing one final run before retirement. Bowers enters the season as the best tight end in football and the clear No. 1 player on this list.
With elite quarterback play spread throughout the division, expect these tight ends to play a major role in shaping the AFC West race during the 2026 season.
