2014 Tight End Free Agent Breakdown

By: Matt Harmon

High-end starters

1)    Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints. Age: 27 *franchise tagged by Saints*

• A stud, a matchup nightmare, whatever you want to call him; Jimmy Graham is a monster. He had a great season, all while battling plantar fasciitis. In addition to all that, he might still have untapped upside, given his football history is so short. There is just about zero chance he plays anywhere but New Orleans next season. 
  

Good starters

1)    Dennis Pitta, Baltimore Ravens. Age: 29 *re-signed with Ravens*

• Pitta was a borderline top ten player at his position coming into 2013. A training camp hip injury destroyed any chance he had at enjoying a big year. He came back late in the season, but was clearly not the same player. If he is all the way back, Pitta could start for most teams. The Ravens would be foolish to let him walk.

2)    Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers. Age: 27

• This situation is tenuous at best. Finley sustained a very serious injury this season and his future playing days are in doubt. He is supposedly taking a massive risk if he steps on the football field again. If he should decide to continue playing, Finely is still talented enough to warrant a lot of attention. 
  

Solid Contributors

1)    Owen Daniels, Houston Texans. Age: 31 *signed with Ravens*

• A talented player, Owen Daniels has his set of issues. He cannot stay healthy, and his production has steadily been on the decline. He can certainly still be a piece of the offense, but if someone signs Daniels without a backup plan, they will regret it. His name recognition is greater than the current player's abilities.

2)    Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions. Age: 29 *re-signed with Lions*

• Pettigrew has been nothing but a disappointment since he entered the league. His movements are terribly unsmooth and he drops too many passes. He never even developed into a great blocker. Pettigrew seems destined to depart Detroit and its highly unlikely he finds a starting job elsewhere.

3)    Scott Chandler, Buffalo Bills. Age: 29 *re-signed with Bills*

• Chandler has been a pretty solid starter for the Bills, but they can do better. He would be an ideal second tight end for any team in the league. Someone should bring him on in that capacity. 

4)    Brandon Myers, New York Giants. Age: 28 *signed with Buccaneers*

• A complete bust signing for the Giants, Brandon Myers’s stock has really fallen. He was the recipient of a ton of Carson Palmer dump offs in Oakland, and it set unfair expectations. He is not a great starter by any means. Myers has a role, and must remain there.  
  

Role players

1)    Andrew Quarless, Green Bay Packers. Age: 25 *re-signed with Packers*

• His star is on the rise. Some seem to believe that Andrew Quarless is set to break out, whether he stays in Green Bay or not. Frankly, it is less than certain. His athleticism is overrated, and he also has trouble staying healthy. Be careful what you wish for here. 

2)   John Carlson, Minnesota Vikings. Age: 29 *signed with Cardinals*

• Surprisingly, John Carlson had some very good games with the Vikings, and with Christian Ponder at quarterback. He was only cut because he was overpaid and Kyle Rudolph is entrenched as the starter. Carlson could be a nice second tight end for a team, as he has some good skills as a receiver.

3)    Garrett Graham, Houston Texans. Age: 28 *re-signed with Texans*

• Garrett Graham had a big opportunity to prove he was a starting tight end, but failed to capitalize. There were games he posted big numbers. Other games he was virtually invisible. He’s a valuable second tight end, and nothing more.

4)    Ben Hartstock, Carolina Panthers. Age: 34

• Hartstock is high on this list for a player who is almost no threat as a receiver. However, he is a total stud as a run blocker. You bring him in and you instantly upgrade your rushing attack. 

5)    Jeff Cumberland, New York Jets. Age: 27 *re-signed with Jets*

• He flashed in a few contests on a bad offense. You could do a lot worse than having Jeff Cumberland on your roster. 

6)    Kellen Winslow Jr., New York Jets. Age: 31

• Kellen Winslow Jr. showed he still has something to provide to a team. He gave the Jets some valuable snaps this season, before being suspend. Given his latest, and weirdest, off the field incident, teams may decide he just is not worth the trouble.  

7)    Ed Dickson, Baltimore Ravens. Age: 27

• Another player that failed to take hold of an opportunity. Ed Dickson was given the chance to take the Ravens tight end gig, but failed miserably. He drops far too many passes, and is a really inefficient player. There isn’t much to get excited about here. 

8)    Fred Davis, Washington Redskins. Age: 28

• Two years ago, Fred Davis would have been higher on this list. Much has changed since then. Injuries, ineffectiveness, and failed drug tests have all contributed to his downfall. He is still worth a look to see if there is any gold to mine here. The greater likelihood is that his body has failed him. 
  

Diamond in the Rough

1)    Dustin Keller, Miami Dolphins. Age: 29

• Dustin Keller was supposed to be a dynamic weapon for the Dolphins this season. Unfortunately, he completely tore his knee up in the preseason and he was immediately placed on IR. It is fair to wonder if he will ever be the same again. If he can return from his injury, he still has a place in the NFL. 

2)    Anthony McCoy, Seattle Seahawks. Age: 26 *re-signed with Seahawks*

• Unfortunately, Anthony McCoy is hitting free agency at the worst time. His Achilles injury took away any opportunity of showing his skills to potential suitors. He is still very young, a big body, and has some upside. Bring him on for cheap and see what you have. 

QB--RB--FB--WR--TE--OT--OG--C--Int. DL--Edge Plyr.--LB--CB--S--K/P

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