These tight ends will turn heads heading into the 2026 NFL season
Fantasy football: Trey McBride leads the pack and Travis Kelce is still a head-turner as he heads into the twilight of his career.
Mark
Tight end is one of the most confusing positions in the NFL. Sometimes the tight end turns into one of the biggest stars of a team, like Travis Kelce and Rob Gronkowski. Other times the position is an unheralded one that includes blocking and doing whatever it takes to win in the margins. They’re also usually tall, muscular, and nice to look at.
These are the tight ends that stand out on the field for their skills and their physiques as the 2026 NFL season begins with training camp and preseason.
Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals
McBride is now considered the consensus best fantasy player at the tight end position in the NFL. It’s too bad he plays for a perennial cellar dweller in the Arizona Cardinals. McBride will provide plenty of entertainment for fans of the team even if they have another losing season. Bonus for gay fans: McBride has two moms.
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Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Kelce’s fame has never been greater than after marrying Taylor Swift this offseason. The Chiefs’ legend will try to give it at least one more go in an attempt to bring Kansas City back to the playoffs. There’s something about Kelce’s infectious energy and smile that makes him still a hunk all these years later.
Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears
Loveland had a strong rookie season for the Bears with 713 yards and six touchdown receptions. He’s one of the top fantasy tight ends, and he’s got movie-star looks to match. Loveland should be getting even more attention if the Bears are the contender everyone expects in 2026.
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
George Kittle is another enduring fantasy legend, much like Kelce, who uses a magnetic charisma to attract attention both for his play and his aura. Kittle’s only flaw is his inability to remain on the field for an injury-riddled Niners squad.
Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys
Despite being taken in the fourth round of the draft in 2022, Ferguson has slowly evolved into one of the Cowboys’ top threats. Dallas always holds high hopes, and Ferguson can be a big part of the playoff push. He’s the 11th fantasy tight end according to ESPN.
Isaiah Likely, New York Giants
Likely is the 13th-highest-rated fantasy tight end according to ESPN. He’s taking on a new challenge in New York after a successful start to his career with the Ravens. He’s got an underrated cuteness to him and an under-the-radar game. People will be getting to know him more this year.
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