Tight ends have always been a fascinating blend of strength and skill, often the unsung heroes of an NFL offense. In 2024, this position is stacked with incredible talent, combining athleticism, playmaking ability, and leadership.
From seasoned veterans rewriting record books to young stars making waves, here’s a breakdown of the top five tight ends dominating the league this season.
5. Dalton Kincaid
Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo’s first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has quickly proven his worth in the league. Known for his college dominance with San Diego and Utah, Kincaid brought his talent to the Bills, carving out a significant role in their offense.
Kincaid’s breakout moment in 2024 came in Week 8 when he caught his first career touchdown in a 31-10 win over the Seahawks. However, his momentum was briefly halted by a knee injury in Week 10 against the Colts, which caused him to miss the next two games. Despite the setback, Kincaid’s early impact and potential make him a key piece of Buffalo’s offensive future. Fans are eager to see what the young tight end will bring as he continues to develop.
4. Trey McBride
Trey McBride might not make as many headlines as some of his peers, but his 2024 season speaks volumes about his growth as a tight end. The Arizona Cardinals star has been a consistent performer, highlighted by his Week 2 outing against the Los Angeles Rams, where he caught all six targets for 67 yards and recovered a fumble for a touchdown.
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Despite a concussion that sidelined him in Week 4, McBride returned stronger than ever. His Week 6 performance against the Packers included eight catches for 96 yards, and he followed it up with a nine-catch, 124-yard game against the Dolphins in Week 8. In Week 9, McBride showed his versatility by rushing for a touchdown in a blowout win over the Bears. His ability to deliver clutch performances in multiple facets of the game makes him a vital cog in Arizona’s offense.
Also Read: What Is Hail Mary In The NFL? Everything You Need To Know
3. Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta has burst onto the NFL scene as one of the most electrifying young tight ends. The 2024 Pro Bowl selection and PFWA All-Rookie Team member has rewritten the record books for rookie tight ends. With 10 touchdown receptions, he not only shattered Lions rookie records but also set the all-time rookie tight end touchdown record.
Sobet Community Play🔥🔥🔥
— Nasty (@McNasty_Sports) November 28, 2024
Sam Laporta over 3.5 recs -105 1.5 units
Sam Laporta 37.5 -110 1.5 units
Sam Laporta atd +210 1 unit
Sam Laporta 1st td scored
+1300 .25 unit
I'm going to rock with LaPorta here.
💥 He has the due factor around his stats.
💥 St. Brown has his… pic.twitter.com/U0vycwn8yW
LaPorta’s postseason debut was just as impressive. In the Wild Card Round against the Rams, he hauled in a touchdown, helping the Lions secure a decisive victory. His combination of speed, hands, and ability to find open space has Detroit fans dreaming big. LaPorta has quickly become a cornerstone of the Lions’ high-powered offense and a name to watch for years to come.
2. Mark Andrews
Mark Andrews is one of the NFL’s most reliable tight ends. He has earned three Pro Bowl selections. In 2021, Andrews received an All-Pro nod for his outstanding performance. That season, he broke the Ravens’ records for receptions and receiving yards. His elite playmaking ability was on full display throughout the year.
In 2024, Andrews made headlines again. In Week 6, Mark Andrews tied Todd Heap for the most touchdown receptions in Ravens history with a 13-yard score. The following week, Andrews surpassed Heap with two touchdowns against the Buccaneers in a 41-31 win. His knack for finding the end zone and consistently moving the chains makes him an invaluable asset to Baltimore’s offense.
1. Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce, arguably the greatest tight end of all time, continues to redefine his position at 34 years old. With nine Pro Bowl appearances and seven All-Pro selections (four first-team, three second-team), Kelce’s resume speaks for itself. He holds the NFL record for the most consecutive and total 1,000-yard receiving seasons by a tight end, with seven straight. His single-season record of 1,416 yards in 2020 remains untouched.
Travis Kelce stats tonight: Chiefs TE's receiving yards, touchdowns and more in Week 13 vs. Raidershttps://t.co/ysVKurSsEr
— Sports Lab (@SportsLab18) November 30, 2024
This season, Kelce started slower than usual, managing just eight catches for 69 yards across the first three games. But in Week 4, he reminded everyone why he’s a legend. Against the Los Angeles Chargers, he posted a season-high 89 yards on seven receptions and broke Tony Gonzalez’s record to become the Kansas City Chiefs’ all-time receptions leader (917 and counting). Even in a “down year” by his standards, Kelce is a pivotal piece in the Chiefs’ offensive puzzle.
Also Read: What Record Did Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce Set In Receiving Yards?
