The Buffalo Bills will certainly have their challenges in the coming season. Their only real competition in the division should come from the defending AFC Champion New England Patriots, but that doesn’t mean that the division is devoid of talent.
The tight end position has evolved in recent years, and teams are looking for the kind of pass-catcher that can make a difference on the offense. Going into the 2026 season, these are the four best tight ends in the AFC East.
The best starting TEs in the AFC East heading into 2026 season
4.) Greg Dulcich, Miami Dolphins
Dulcich had a solid rookie campaign with the Denver Broncos in 2022 and proceeded to battle injuries. He only played in 10 games with the Dolphins in 2025, hauling in 26 passes for 335 yards.
In a Miami offense devoid of talent, the potential is there for Dulcich to have a breakout season of sorts. That said, he has to stay in the lineup and his 10-game career-high isn’t exactly the most encouraging sign in the world.
3.) Mason Taylor/Kenyon Sadiq, New York Jets
A few games into the season, we may be able to revise this into just being about Sadiq. As it stands, he and Taylor will more than likely platoon. Mason was solid as a rookie in 2025, catching 44 passes for 369 yards and a touchdown.
It will be hard for Taylor to stay ahead of Sadiq. The 16th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is an athletic freak with a 4.39 40-yard dash and 43.5” vertical. He could wind up being one of the best picks in the draft, that’s how talented he is.
2.) Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills
The 25th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has consistently been one of the Bills’ best pass-catching targets over the years. He had just 39 receptions in 2025 (his lowest ever) but had a career-best 14.6 yards per reception and five touchdowns.
The problem with Kincaid is his health. He appeared in just 12 games and only started four last season. When he’s in the lineup, he’s a dynamic target who can stretch the field. The problem is keeping him on the field. Until he can prove he can play a full slate again, it’s hard to put him at the top of the rankings.
1.) Hunter Henry, New England Patriots
In terms of playmaking ability, Henry and Kincaid aren’t all that far off. The difference is availability and it’s hard to ask for more out of Henry. He may not be as dynamic as some of the other tight ends the Bills will face, but he is a consistent weapon.
Henry had a career-high 768 yards playing with quarterback Drake Maye, quickly becoming a favorite target. At 31 years old, he has a few years left athletically but he’s smart and has good hands, so he will remain an asset for the foreseeable future.
A group of solid tight ends with potential
This is as solid a group of pass-catching tight ends as you’ll find in any other division. With Sadiq poised to be the next breakout tight end, and Kincaid looming as a threat if he can be healthy, there should be no shortage of big plays had.
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