NFC West TE rankings: Rams reload, but is it enough?

Shifting over from one group of pass catchers to another, tight ends can be a quarterback's best friend, and the NFC West houses some of the biggest stars in the league.

From George Kittle’s all-around dominance in San Francisco to Trey McBride’s breakout in Arizona, the division features a wide range of styles at the position.

Some teams will lean on its proven veterans, while others are banking on youth and the upside. With 90-man rosters mostly set heading into training camp, here’s how all four tight end rooms stack up in the West entering the 2025 season.

4. Seattle Seahawks

2025 Depth Chart: Noah Fant, AJ Barner, Eric Saubert, Elijah Arroyo, Nick Kallerup, Marshall Lang

Seattle has been waiting for Noah Fant to take the leap since acquiring him in the Russell Wilson trade back in 2022. The veteran has not scored a touchdown since catching four of them in his first year with the team. AJ Barner, who caught four touchdowns as a rookie, and Eric Saubert bring size and blocking upside, while Elijah Arroyo, the team's second-round pick, is an athletic rookie and a guy the offense hopes can be a long-term option. Depth guys like Nick Kallerup and Marshall Lang face uphill battles to make the roster, but the opportunity for one of them to possibly sneak onto the practice squad is there.

3. Los Angeles Rams

2025 Depth Chart: Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, Terrance Ferguson, Mark Redman, Anthony Torres

A tight end group that doesn’t jump off the page, but it’s a reliable one for the Rams, and in Sean McVay’s system, that often counts for more than flash. Tyler Higbee returns as the veteran leader, though age and injuries have started to chip away at his workload. The big storyline is rookie Terrance Ferguson, a second-round pick out of Oregon and the team’s first selection in the 2025 draft. He’s an athletic, fluid pass catcher with the ball skills to contribute early, and potentially take over the starting job sooner than later with Higbee at 32 and in a contract year. Colby Parkinson, signed in free agency last offseason, brings length and red-zone upside, and could see an expanded role in two-TE looks. Davis Allen, Mark Redman, and Anthony Torres round out the depth, likely battling for the final spot or a position on the practice squad. It’s a solid, system-fit group with upside, especially if Ferguson hits.

2. Arizona Cardinals

2025 Depth Chart: Trey McBride, Josiah Deguara, Tip Reiman, Elijah Higgins, Oscar Cardenas, Travis Vokolek

Arizona struck gold with Trey McBride, who emerged as a true TE1 last season and one of Kyler Murray’s most trusted weapons. The former second-round pick in 2022 finished his third season with career highs in receptions (111), receiving yards (1,146), and yards per catch (10.3). He’s productive, physical, and entering his prime. Josiah Deguara adds H-back versatility after coming over from Green Bay, while second-year man Tip Reiman could continue to find a place as a pure blocker. Elijah Higgins is a converted receiver still developing, and Oscar Cardenas and Travis Vokolek round out a group that has promise, but will need a proven option behind McBride. Training camp will uncover more of that.

1. San Fransisco 49ers

2025 Depth Chart: George Kittle, Ross Dwelley, Luke Farrell, Brayden Willis, Jake Tonges, Mason Pline

The Niners are once again anchored by George Kittle, who remains one of the gold standard for all-around tight ends in the NFL, and earlier this offseason, signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension. He’s the complete package: elite as a blocker, dangerous after the catch, and still the emotional engine of San Francisco’s offense. Ross Dwelley and Brayden Willis bring system familiarity and versatility to the team, with Dwelley returning after spending the first six seasons (2018-2023) of his career with the team. Meanwhile, Luke Farrell adds blocking value. Pro Football Focus graded the veteran as 86.2 in pass blocking in 2024. Depth pieces like Jake Tonges and Mason Pline will battle for the last spot or a practice squad role, but as long as Kittle is healthy, this remains the NFC West’s top tight end room.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Ranking every NFC West TE room entering the 2025 season