2013 Free Agents: Tight Ends

2013 NFL Free Agent Positions:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | Winners/Losers

2013 Free Agency: Star rating is out of five. Age listing as of Sept. 1, 2013.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

Aaron Hernandez, TE, Patriots. Age: 23.
I’m listing Aaron Hernandez with his true rating because the only way he’ll be signed is if he’s exonerated, which is looking pretty bleak right now. You’ve heard the Hernandez story by now; he’s been arrested and charged with the murder of Odin Lloyd. This is a huge shame for many reasons, including the fact that we’re being robbed of watching one of the top tight ends in the NFL. At just 23, Hernandez had all of the potential in the world. He was the No. 2 fantasy tight end behind Jimmy Graham in the wake of Rob Gronkowski’s injuries. Hernandez may now never play a single snap in the NFL ever again.
Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons. Age: 37.
Re-signed with Falcons

Tony Gonzalez somehow recorded 93 catches for 930 yards and eight touchdowns as a 36-year-old. He’s expected to retire, but if he comes back, he’ll still probably be able to play at a high level.
Martellus Bennett, TE, Giants. Age: 26.
Signed with Bears

Martellus Bennett was solid all around for the Giants in terms of receiving and blocking. He proved that he can be a quality starting tight end in the NFL, so he’ll be rewarded accordingly.
Dustin Keller, TE, Jets. Age: 28.
Signed with Dolphins

Dustin Keller caught a career-high 65 balls for 815 yards and five touchdowns in 2011, but barely played this year because of various injuries.
Dennis Pitta (RFA), TE, Ravens. Age: 28.
Tendered by Ravens (2nd round)

Dennis Pitta really grew at the end of the season to become one of Joe Flacco’s more reliable targets. He finished the year with 61 catches, 669 yards and seven touchdowns.
Brandon Myers, TE, Raiders. Age: 27.
Signed with Giants

Brandon Myers isn’t much of a blocker, but he was a very dependable target for Carson Palmer in 2012, catching close to 80 balls.
Jared Cook, TE, Titans. Age: 26.
Signed with Rams (5 years)

Jared Cook has tons of potential, but has never developed. He hauled in 49 receptions for 759 yards in 2011, but regressed this past season. That could be blamed on poor quarterbacking though, so some team should take a chance on him.
Delanie Walker, TE, 49ers. Age: 29.
Signed with Titans

Delanie Walker doesn’t play a big part as a receiving tight end, but he’s a tremendous blocker.
Anthony Fasano, TE, Dolphins. Age: 29.
Signed with Chiefs

Anthony Fasano is only a mediocre pass-catcher, but he’s great as a blocker.
Fred Davis, TE, Redskins. Age: 27.
Signed with Redskins (1 year)

Already an overrated player, Fred Davis tore his Achilles in October. He won’t be completely healthy next year.
Ed Dickson (RFA), TE, Ravens. Age: 26.
Tendered by Ravens (2nd round)

Ed Dickson has lots of potential, but he’s never developed into the type of receiving threat the Ravens hoped he’d become when they took him in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
Jeff Cumberland (RFA), TE, Jets. Age: 26.
Tendered by Jets (original)

Jeff Cumberland caught 29 balls for 359 yards and three touchdowns in relief of an injured Dustin Keller. He also blocked well.
Ben Watson, TE, Browns. Age: 32.
Signed with Saints

Ben Watson’s best days are behind him. He caught 49 passes for 501 yards and three touchdowns in 2012.
Matt Spaeth, TE, Bears. Age: 29.
Signed with Steelers

Matt Spaeth is an awesome blocker, but doesn’t offer much as a receiver.
Ben Hartsock, TE, Panthers. Age: 33.
Re-signed with Panthers

Ben Hartsock offers nothing as a pass-catcher, but he’s one of the better blocking tight ends in football.
Michael Hoomanawanui (RFA), TE, Patriots. Age: 25.
Dallas Clark, TE, Buccaneers. Age: 34.
David Thomas, TE, Saints. Age: 30.
Kellen Davis, TE, Bears. Age: 27. — Signed with Browns
Matthew Mulligan, TE, Rams. Age: 28. — Signed with Packers
Kevin Boss, TE, Chiefs. Age: 29.
Randy McMichael, TE, Chargers. Age: 34.
Steve Maneri (RFA), TE, Chiefs. Age: 25. — Signed with Bears
Evan Moore, TE, Eagles. Age: 28.
Will Heller, TE, Lions. Age: 32.
Dante Rosario, TE, Chargers. Age: 28.
Tom Crabtree (RFA), TE, Packers. Age: 27. — Signed with Buccaneers
Gary Barnidge, TE, Panthers. Age: 27. — Signed with Browns (3 years)
John Phillips, TE, Cowboys. Age: 26. — Signed with Chargers (3 years)
Bear Pascoe, TE, Giants. Age: 27. — Re-signed with Giants (1 year, $715,000)
Zach Potter, TE, Jaguars. Age: 27.
Jeron Mastrud (RFA), TE, Dolphins. Age: 25. — Signed with Raiders
Billy Bajema, TE, Ravens. Age: 30.
Michael Palmer (RFA), TE, Falcons. Age: 25. — Signed with Giants
Chris Cooley, TE, Redskins. Age: 31.
Leonard Pope, TE, Steelers. Age: 29.
Travis Beckum, TE, Giants. Age: 26.
Dick Quinn, TE, Bengals. Age: 26. — Re-signed with Bengals
Josh Baker, TE, Jets. Age: 26.
Jake O’Connell, TE, Chiefs. Age: 27.
Martin Rucker, TE, Chiefs. Age: 28.