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 features 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.
The Best AFC East Tight Ends for 2026
5. Mason Taylor, New York Jets
The first entrant on this list of AFC East tight ends is the least experienced, as Mason Taylor heads into Year 2 in 2026. The stat sheet doesn’t show it, but the LSU product, who is cut from legendary football cloths, had a promising rookie campaign. He racked up 44 catches for 369 yards and 1 touchdown. Due to how poor the Jets offense was, this was actually good for second-most receiving yards on the team. What was promising for the Jets was how much of a professional he became by the end of 2025. He was reliable and was consistently trying to get better. Taylor is primed to move up this list come 2027.
4. Greg Dulcich, Miami Dolphins
Continuing the AFC East tight ends rankings is Greg Dulcich. Despite not being frequently used since his rookie year in Denver, quietly had a solid year last year on a dysfunctional Miami team. His production practically matched that of the previous entrant Mason Taylor, as Dulcich racked up 26 catches, 335 yards and one touchdown. Dulcich is a much more explosive player as shown by the larger yards per catch mark. This, along with him having zero competition in 2026, just barely puts him over Taylor. The former UCLA Bruin may be in for a big year with a new offensive system and a new signal-caller in Malik Willis.
3. Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills
The first Bill on this AFC East tight ends list (spoiler: he will not be alone) is backup tight end Dawson Knox. Knox may not have the same starter role he used to have, but he is still a force on an electric Bills offense. He does a lot of dirty work as a run blocker and was an important part of James Cook’s elite 2025 campaign. Notably, despite his backup role, he outproduced both Dulcich and Taylor as a pass-catcher, bringing in 42 catches for 479 yards and four touchdowns. If the previous entrants make the most of their roles, Knox will slide down this list next offseason, but he comes in at #3 now.
2. Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills
Just like that, two Bills are now a part of the AFC East tight ends list. Kincaid, rightfully, lands above his teammate on this list due to his prowess as a receiver. The former Utah Ute may have had five less catches (42) than Knox, but he made up for it in yards and touchdowns with 682 and seven, respectively. That stat-line also includes a whopping 14.2 yards per catch, which was a career best for Kincaid and second in the NFL among eligible tight ends. If Kincaid can have another year in 2026 like he did in 2025, he could cash in on a nice extension with Buffalo and become a staple AFC East tight end.
1. Hunter Henry, New England Patriots
Finally, the quartet is complete as the first Patriot enters the top AFC East tight ends list at the #1 spot – Hunter Henry. Henry’s long, consistent career, coupled with having his best season ever in 2025 at age 30 cements him as the best AFC East tight end. Individually, Henry had 69 catches, 880 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
This helped lead to great team success as the Patriots were AFC Champions and Super Bowl runner-ups. He not only factored into this run as a receiver, but as a run blocker as well. He was the primary blocking tight end for a Patriots team that featured two 800+ yard rushers in Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson, who was among the best AFC East running backs.
These factors make Henry the clear best AFC East tight end. However, there are some young studs hungry to take the mantle including the aforementioned Mason Taylor and Dalton Kincaid, as well as 2026 first round pick Kenyon Sadiq.
Main Photo Courtesy of Mark J. Rebilas – Imagn Images
