Tight End Takeover: How Increased TE Usage is Shaping NFL Offenses in 2025
The NFL is a league of constant evolution, where innovation and adaptation reign supreme. In 2025, a new trend is taking hold, reshaping offensive strategies and dictating defensive responses: the Tight End Takeover. Forget the days of the tight end as merely an extra blocker; today’s NFL offenses are weaponizing these versatile athletes, creating mismatches and unlocking unprecedented levels of playmaking. Just last season, 22.1% of plays featured 12 personnel (two tight ends on the field), marking the highest rate since 2013, according to TruMedia. This isn’t just a fad; it’s a fundamental shift in how teams are constructing their offenses.
The Rise of the Modern Tight End
The modern NFL tight end is a hybrid player, possessing the size and strength to block effectively, the route-running ability of a wide receiver, and the hands to make contested catches in traffic. This unique skill set allows offensive coordinators to deploy them in a variety of roles, keeping defenses guessing and creating favorable matchups.
George Kittle, the San Francisco 49ers’ star, exemplifies this evolution. Kittle, recently rewarded with a lucrative contract extension, isn’t just a reliable target; he’s a dominant force as a blocker and receiver. According to PFF, Kittle has earned an overall grade of 84.7 or better in seven straight seasons and was the highest-graded tight end over the past two seasons with a 92.0 grade. His ability to excel in all facets of the game makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Personnel Groupings and Tactical Advantages
The increased emphasis on tight end play is evident in the evolving personnel groupings we’re seeing across the league. Teams are increasingly utilizing “12 personnel” (one running back, two tight ends, two wide receivers) and even “13 personnel” (one running back, three tight ends, one wide receiver) to create a more physical and versatile offensive attack.
Versatility is Key: With multiple tight ends on the field, offenses can seamlessly transition between run and pass plays, forcing defenses to declare their intentions early. This allows the quarterback to make pre-snap reads and adjust the play accordingly, maximizing the offense’s efficiency.
Mismatches Galore: Defenses often struggle to match up with multiple tight ends, especially if they possess diverse skill sets. A linebacker might be too slow to cover a receiving tight end, while a safety might be too small to handle a blocking tight end in the run game. These mismatches create opportunities for big plays and sustained drives.
Key Players Driving the Trend
Several tight ends are at the forefront of this offensive revolution, showcasing the impact that a dominant player at the position can have on a team’s success.
- Brock Bowers (Las Vegas Raiders): After a historic rookie season, Bowers has quickly ascended to the top of the tight end rankings. His exceptional receiving skills and ability to generate yards after the catch make him a constant threat. According to PFF, Bowers ranked second in PFF WAR and third in PFF overall grade in 2024.
- Trey McBride (Arizona Cardinals): McBride enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier tight ends. His reliable hands and ability to make contested catches have made him a favorite target for Cardinals quarterbacks.
- Sam LaPorta (Detroit Lions): Despite a slight dip in production in his second season, LaPorta remains one of the most dynamic tight ends in the NFL. His athleticism and route-running ability make him a valuable asset in the Lions’ high-powered offense.
- Tyler Warren (Penn State): Entering the NFL as a rookie in 2025, Warren is already drawing comparisons to Rob Gronkowski. In 2024, Warren won the John Mackey Award and earned 1st-Team All-Big Ten honors after setting a Penn State record of 104 receptions.
The Impact on the Passing Game
The rise of the tight end isn’t just about adding another blocker or short-yardage receiver; it’s about expanding the possibilities of the passing game.
Increased Target Share: As tight ends become more integral to the offense, they are commanding a larger share of targets. This can lead to a more balanced passing attack, with quarterbacks spreading the ball around to multiple receivers instead of relying solely on their top wideouts.
Red Zone Threat: Tight ends are particularly valuable in the red zone, where their size and strength make them difficult to defend. Their ability to win contested catches in tight spaces makes them a go-to option for quarterbacks looking to score. Tyler Warren led all FBS-level tight ends in red-zone targets with 21 in 2024.
The Future of Tight End Usage
The Tight End Takeover is not a fleeting trend; it’s a sign of things to come. As NFL offenses continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more creative and innovative ways to utilize these versatile athletes.
Schematic Innovations: Offensive coordinators are constantly developing new plays and formations to maximize the impact of their tight ends. This includes utilizing them in motion, lining them up in the slot, and even using them as H-backs in the backfield.
Emphasis on Versatility: The demand for tight ends who can both block and catch will only increase. Teams will prioritize players who possess the athleticism and skill set to excel in all facets of the game.
The Two-Tight End Revolution: More teams are likely to embrace the use of multiple tight end sets, creating a more physical and unpredictable offensive attack. This will require defenses to adapt and develop new strategies to counter the challenges posed by these formations. The Saints in 2024, under Klint Kubiak, ran 480 offensive snaps in 12, 13 and 22 personnel.
The Tight End Takeover is transforming the NFL landscape, forcing teams to rethink their offensive and defensive strategies. As tight ends continue to evolve and become more versatile, their impact on the game will only grow, solidifying their place as key playmakers in the modern NFL.