Much like the running back position, the tight end spot is a little devalued but we have seen some rising stars in the NFL at the position. Tight ends can be great in the pass, helping out with run blocks, or both. When we think about the tight end position, the best current tight end is Kansas City Chiefs’ star Travis Kelce. After that, it is a little bit of a debate as to who is in the top five. There are more stars at other positions on the field so if your favorite team has one of the best tight ends in the league, it is a great weapon to have.
Heading into the 2024 season, the Arizona Cardinals do not face a ton of star tight ends but they will still have their hands full with tight ends who have exceeded expectations or are on their way of doing so.
Here are the top five tight ends the Cardinals will face in 2024.
5.) Dalton Kincaid
When the Buffalo Bills traded up in the 2023 NFL Draft to get Dalton Kincaid, there was some confusion seeing as how the Bills already had Dawson Knox on the roster, and even gave him a four-year contract extension heading into the 2022 season. However, Kincaid has brought value to the Bills’ offense and is used more in passing situations than Knox. Despite not having a game over 100 receiving yards, Kincaid still managed to finish last season with 73 catches for 673 yards and two touchdowns.
Heading into his sophomore year, the Bills have a different wide receiver room with Gabe Davis and Stefon Diggs on different teams. While rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman has been turning heads as if he will be getting a lot of production, Kincaid already has experience in Joe Brady’s offense and can open up the middle of the field while also being a security blanket on third down.
4.) Cole Kmet
For the past two seasons, Bears’ tight end Cole Kmet has become a solid player in Chicago and now he gets Caleb Williams throwing him the ball in 2024. Kmet is coming off a career year in catches (73) and yards (719) and six touchdowns. While things are looking up for him, there is a little bit of a disadvantage this upcoming season. The Bears have loaded up on the offense with getting Keenan Allen, D’Andre Swift, and Rome Odunze to pair with D.J. Moore. Kmet may have a tough time getting targets, but rookie quarterbacks always need a reliable tight end in the middle of the field.
Kmet may not have a big breakout game, but he can catch the crucial passes if the receivers are having a tough time getting open in situations.
3.) Sam LaPorta
The best rookie tight end from last year quickly got the attention of NFL fans last season in Detroit and was a big contributor in the Lions’ success. Sam LaPorta came up just 11 yards shy of 900 receiving yards but did have ten touchdowns through the air. In an offense that has Amon-Ra St. Brown, David Montgomery and Jahymr Gibbs, LaPorta still found a way to produce.
LaPorta could give the Cardinals’ defense major trouble when Detroit and Arizona face off this season.
2.) George Kittle
Within the NFC West, the Cardinals matchup with the San Francisco 49ers twice a year which means they will face tight end George Kittle. Last season, Kittle got his first 1,000+ receiving yard season since 2019 and also added on six touchdowns. In four of the last seven games against the Cardinals, Kittle has over 50 receiving yards including one game of over 100 yards. As long as Kittle stays healthy, he is a valuable weapon in the 49ers’ offense. While he does not have big breakout games, he seems to find a way to either have a solid game or create the crucial plays in crucial moments.
In addition, Kittle is the best run-blocking tight end in the league. With Arizona having one of the worst run-defending defenses in the league, KIttle has the ability to open a running lane for Christian McCaffrey. Arizona already has a lot to deal with when it comes to the 49ers’ offense and Kittle adds an extra layer of stress for the Cardinals’ defense.
1.) T.J. Hockenson
T.J. Hockenson has become a top three tight end in the league and has become a big weapon for the Minnesota Vikings. However, there is a chance that Hockenson may not face the Cardinals this season. Late last season, Hockenson suffered a massive knee injury that ended in a torn ACL and MCL which could impact him greatly for this upcoming season. If the Cardinals and the Vikings play early on in the season, then more than like Hockenson will be missing the action.
However, if Hockenson is cleared to play and the Cardinals have to face him, he will be a big handle on top of having to guard Justin Jefferson. With quarterback competition between J.J. McCarthy and Sam Darnold, it will be interesting to see how the offense operates. Kevin O’Connell is a proven play caller and can make a lot happen with so little. Hockenson is a fantastic tight end and if Arizona is given the headache to play against him, he will be a nightmare matchup.