25 Best Tight Ends in NFL History
It could be argued that no position has changed more in the NFL's history than the tight end. Once primarily a sixth offensive lineman who would catch the occasional pass, tight ends have become key cogs on offense.
Some tight ends are so critical to a team's passing attack in the current NFL that entire packages are designed to fit their individual skill sets. The extra emphasis placed on the position today causes us to look back at some of the greats who played the position historically and decide how they measure up — both from a statistical sense as well as in the simple "eye test."
The changes at the position are impacted by how many players from the current era make this list, including a new addition to the top 10, but there is still plenty of representation from the past as well.
More greatest NFL players by position:
QB | RB | WR | LB | CB | S
25 Greatest Tight Ends in NFL History
25. Zach Ertz
Philadelphia Eagles 2013-21; Arizona Cardinals 2021-23; Detroit Lions 2023; Washington Commanders 2024
3-time Pro Bowler
Super Bowl LII champion
151 games – 709 catches, 7,434 yards (10.6 ypc), 46 TDs
For a three-year stretch (2017-19), Ertz was arguably the best player at his position. His consistent production and longevity have helped Ertz establish himself as one of the best tight ends in the history of the league.
24. Jay Novacek
St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals 1985-89; Dallas 1990-95
First-team All-Pro (1992), 5-time Pro Bowler
Super Bowl XXVII, XXVIII, XXX champion (Cowboys)
158 games – 422 catches, 4,630 yards (11.0 ypc), 30 TDs
Novacek was the perfect complement to the "Triplets" (Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin) during the Cowboys' epic run in the early 1990s.
23. Riley Odoms
Denver 1972-83
2-time first-team All-Pro, 4-time Pro Bowler
153 games – 396 catches, 5,755 yards (14.5 ypc), 41 TDs; 25 carries, 211 yards (8.4 ypc), 2 TDs
You could make the argument that he was Denver's best player for nearly a decade.
22. Vernon Davis
San Francisco 2006-15; Denver 2015; Washington 2016-19
2-time Pro Bowler
Super Bowl 50 Champion (Broncos)
194 games – 583 catches, 7,562 yards (13.0 ypc), 63 TDs
Davis was one of the better pure athletes to ever play the position.
21. Heath Miller
Pittsburgh 2005-15
2-time Pro Bowler
Super Bowl XL, XLIII champion
168 games – 592 catches, 6,569 yards (11.1 ypc), 45 TDs
Miller was a model of consistency over his 11-year career with the Steelers.
20. Dallas Clark
Indianapolis Colts 2003-11; Tampa Bay 2012; Baltimore 2013
First-team All-Pro (2009), Pro Bowl (2009)
Super Bowl XLI champion
143 games – 505 catches, 5,665 yards (11.2 ypc), 53 TDs
He was the unsung hero of the dominant Peyton Manning-led Colt offenses.
19. Keith Jackson
Philadelphia 1988-91; Miami 1992-94; Green Bay 1995-96
3-time first-team All-Pro, 5-time Pro Bowler
129 games – 441 catches, 5,283 yards (12.0 ypc), 49 TDs
Probably the most complete tight end in history.
18. Todd Christensen
New York Giants 1979; Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders 1979-88
2-time first-team All-Pro, 5-time Pro Bowler
137 games – 461 catches, 5,872 yards (12.7 ypc), 41 TDs
He was a Raider favorite who thrived despite being in the huddle with a handful of other legendary skill position players.
17. Charlie Sanders
Detroit 1968-77
3-time first-team All-Pro, 7-time Pro Bowler
128 games – 336 catches, 4,817 yards (14.3 ypc), 31 TDs
Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2007
The other legendary Sanders to play in Detroit was a serious deep threat at the position.
16. Ben Coates
New England 1991-99; Baltimore Ravens 2000
2-time first-team All-Pro, 5-time Pro Bowler
158 games – 499 catches, 5,555 yards (11.1 ypc), 50 TDs
He was a key cog in the Drew Bledsoe-led Patriot offenses that put up huge numbers in the 1990s.
15. Jerry Smith
Washington 1965-77
First-team All-Pro (1969), 2-time Pro Bowler
168 games – 421 catches, 5,496 yards (13.1 ypc), 60 TDs
One of the most underrated players in NFL history.
14. Jimmy Graham
New Orleans 2010-14; Seattle 2015-17, Green Bay 2018-19, Chicago 2020-Present
First-team All-Pro (2013), 5-time Pro Bowler
184 games – 713 catches, 8,506 yards (11.9 ypc), 85 TDs
When healthy and in his prime, few could match Graham's dominance — especially in the red zone.
13. Jackie Smith
St. Louis Cardinals 1963-77; Dallas 1978