NFL Player News

Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said Pitts is only "scratching the surface," Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Pitts was drafted fourth overall by the Falcons in 2021 and lived up to the hype by recording 1,026 receiving yards as a rookie, becoming the first tight end to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in his first year since Mike Ditka in 1961. The 6-foot-6 phenom registered three 100-plus yard games -- including a 163-yard performance in Week 7 -- and averaged 15.1 yards per catch. However, Pitts, who was projected to be a major red-zone threat, caught just one touchdown on 25 targets from inside 20 yards. If the Florida product is going to continue living up to the hype, he'll have to improve his red-zone efficiency in Year 2. Atlanta hopes that the addition of fellow first-round pick Drake London and former Raider Bryan Edwards will open up more 1-on-1 opportunities for Pitts to showcase his athletic ability near the end zone moving forward, though it remains to be seen how prolific a Marcus Mariota-led offense can be in 2022.

Hooper has made a strong impression on quarterback Ryan Tannehill during offseason practices, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

The Titans have overhauled their pass catchers this offseason, moving on from A.J. Brown but also adding rookie Treylon Burks and Robert Woods. Hooper is a more under-the-radar addition, particularly after a couple uninspiring seasons in Cleveland. However, he has earned praise from Tannehill regarding his feel for running routes and ability to get open out of breaks. Though Hooper is entering his seventh season in the NFL, he still is only 27 years old and could be heavily involved in the Titans offense in 2022.

Uzomah (undisclosed) didn't participate in June minicamp, Connor Hughes of The Athletic reports.

While the injury isn't believed to be serious, it did allow fellow free-agent acquisition Tyler Conklin to take more reps with the first-team offense. Competition for snaps should be fierce this summer, as the Jets suddenly have good depth at both wide receiver and tight end.

Ruckert (foot) didn't participate in June minicamp, Connor Hughes of The Athletic reports.

Neither did fellow tight end C.J. Uzomah, who reportedly was nursing a minor injury. Ruckert came to the Jets with a foot injury when they drafted him in the third round at the end of April, but he should have time to recover before training camp. Earning Year 1 snaps will be more of a challenge, as the Jets signed both Uzomah and Tyler Conklin earlier this offseason.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said Fant had the "most spectacular camp of anybody" following the team's offseason program, Brady Henderson of ESPN reports.

The Seahawks received Fant from Denver in the Russell Wilson trade earlier this offseason, and he seems to already be making a strong first impression with the coaching staff. The 2019 first-round pick posted 68 catches for 670 yards and four touchdowns last season while catching passes from Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock. Lock will compete with Geno Smith to start for the Seahawks in 2022, and neither quarterback should be considered an upgrade. Nevertheless, Fant has an opportunity to be a solid underneath threat while DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett draw the attention of defenses.

Wesco (knee) is healthy and looking good in offseason practices after suffering a season-ending knee injury last year, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Cimini lists Wesco -- along with three other offensive players -- as under-the-radar standouts during practices this offseason. The 2019 fourth-round pick made 12 appearances last season but caught just three passes for 35 yards before suffering the knee injury. The Jets bolstered their tight end corps by signing C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin in free agency and drafting Jeremy Ruckert (foot) in the third round, so despite the positive impression he's making, Wesco will still have an uphill battle for offensive snaps.

Otton (ankle) could see a boost in his overall opportunity in the wake of Rob Gronkowski's retirement earlier this week, Joey Knight of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The rookie will first have to demonstrate his surgically repaired ankle is back to full health during training camp, but assuming that comes to pass, Otton should have an opportunity to make a mark relatively early in his career. Knight points out that the Buccaneers are likely to sign one of several veteran tight ends still on the market as insurance, but if Otton proves a quick study in the offense and pass-protection schemes, it's conceivable that he garners more snaps than originally planned with no dominant option at the top of the depth chart. Veteran Cameron Brate is currently the Bucs' No. 1 tight end.

Smith (knee) received live reps with the first-team offense at June minicamp and appeared to be a full participant, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

Smith was a limited participant in most of the Vikings' offseason practices prior to mandatory minicamp, slowly working his way back from the meniscus surgery he underwent last September. The typical rehab period for the surgery gives him more than enough time to be ready for Week 1, and he now looks on track for full participation in training camp. Smith could have an every-down role in the fourth and final season of his rookie contract, leading a tight-end group that also includes Ben Ellefson, Johnny Mundt and Zach Davidson. Ellefson and Mundt could poach some early down snaps while primarily serving as blockers, but Smith is in the clear as Minnesota's best receiving threat at the position.

Dillon signed with the Saints on Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

Dillon joined the Jets last December after spending most of the last three years on the Vikings' practice squad. He was waived in May but now has found a new home in New Orleans. Over the past three years Dillon appeared in five games, making one catch on one target for six yards. He'll now compete for a roster spot on a crowded Saints tight end depth chart.

Fortson (Achilles) participated in 7-on-7 drills during the Chiefs' minicamp, Nate Taylor of The Athletic reports.

Fortson tore his Achilles in October last year and was sidelined for the remainder of the 2021 season. He was limited throughout OTAs, but his participation in minicamp is an extremely encouraging sign for his availability heading into the 2022 campaign. The undrafted tight end out of Valdosta State caught five passes for 47 yards and two scores across six games during his rookie season, and if he's available to start the upcoming season, he'll compete with Blake Bell and Noah Gray for snaps behind Travis Kelce.