NFL Player News

Smith is in line to be a full participant in the Patriots' voluntary organized team activities in advance of the 2022 season, NESN's Zack Cox reports.

That wasn't the case last year, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, as Smith awaited the birth of his daughter, while also factoring in COVID considerations. In his first season with the Patriots after signing a four-year, $50 million deal last March, Smith finished with 28 catches (on 45 targets) for 294 yards and a touchdown to go along with nine carries for 40 yards over 16 games, while operating in a time-share that tilted in Hunter Henry's favor. Cox suggests that with the team seemingly moving away from employing a traditional fullback in 2022, Smith could see added opportunities with a potential uptick in two-tight end sets, as well as the possibility that he could take on a share of fullback/H-back duties, with Jakob Johnson no longer in the mix. In that context, Smith could gain added fantasy relevance, but as long as he and Henry share snaps, consistent volume could remain an issue for the 2017 third-rounder.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday that the Vikings are "going to be smart" with Smith (knee) during spring practices, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

Smith may not handle many on-field reps during spring activities, but O'Connell said "there's no reason why he can't hit the ground running from a mental perspective." After missing the entire 2021 season due to a meniscus injury, for which he had to undergo surgery, Smith appears primed to headline Minnesota's tight end group in 2022 as long as he can return to full health. With Tyler Conklin having moved on to the Jets, only depth options Johnny Mundt (knee), Ben Ellefson and Zach Davidson currently offer competition for the top TE gig, which may indicate confidence from the Vikings regarding Smith's recovery.

Coach Dennis Allen said Tuesday that the plan is for Hill (foot) to "focus" on playing tight end, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

The Saints' new coaching staff doesn't appear as intrigued with Hill's potential as a dual-threat quarterback as Sean Payton once was. This offseason, it appears that Hill will return to a familiar gadget role that primarily involves taking snaps as a tight end. Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Advocate recently reported that Hill, who is recovering from left foot surgery to address a Lisfranc injury, was never in the mix for the starting quarterback gig this offseason, and the team has since re-signed Jameis Winston (knee). What remains to be seen is whether Hill could still operate as a backup quarterback, or if his time under center has run its course entirely for New Orleans.

Dwelley signed a one-year contract to return to the 49ers on Monday.

Dwelley wasn't particularly involved in San Francisco's offensive scheme in 2021, as he logged only 185 snaps with the unit. However, he remained a key part of the special-teams group. He should maintain the latter role, but he could also move up the tight end depth chart if either George Kittle or Charlie Woerner suffers an injury.

Bell signed a one-year contract with Kansas City on Thursday.

Bell appeared in 16 games for the Chiefs last year and secured nine of 13 targets for 87 yards while rushing four times for 10 yards. He's unlikely to play a significant role in the team's offense as long as Travis Kelce remains healthy.

Hollister signed a one-year contract with the Raiders on Monday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Hollister is coming off a down year with the Jaguars, recording nine catches for 55 yards and a score in seven games. He'll benefit from veteran quarterback play in Derek Carr with his new squad, but he also will need to compete with Foster Moreau and Nick Bowers to get on the field, with Darren Waller in firm command of the top tight end spot.

Schultz signed his franchise tag tender with the Cowboys on Monday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

The Cowboys and Schultz' representatives can continue to work out a long-term deal through July 15, but if nothing pans out he'll play out the 2022 season on a $10.9 million salary. After emerging with a 63-615-4 line on 89 targets in 16 games in 2020, he broke out even further with 78 catches (on 104 targets) for 808 yards and eight TDs in 17 contests last season. Dallas has made some adjustments to its receiving corps this offseason, moving on from Amari Cooper (traded to Cleveland) and Cedrick Wilson (signed with Miami), so Schultz' current competition for targets in 2022 are CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, who is recovering from a Week 17 ACL tear.

Everett is signing with the Chargers on Sunday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

Everett spent the first four seasons of his career with the Rams but signed with Seattle ahead of the 2021 campaign. He appeared in 15 games for the Seahawks and hauled in 48 of 63 targets for 478 yards and four touchdowns while rushing three times for 20 yards. Everett should compete with Donald Parham for targets ahead of the 2022 campaign.

The Packers and Tonyan (knee) agreed to a one-year contract Saturday, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Since Green Bay sent Davante Adams to the Raiders on Thursday, the team has used the open cap space to bring back two of its own from last season (Tonyan and cornerback Rasul Douglas) and an outsider (punter Pat O'Donnell, formerly of the Bears). Tonyan is in the midst of his recovery from a torn ACL that he suffered Week 8, meaning his status will be one to watch as the offseason goes on. Considering the timeline for such recoveries, he could be ready for Week 1 of the upcoming campaign. If not, though, the Packers will continue to lean on Josiah Deguara, Marcedes Lewis, Tyler Davis and Dominique Dafney at tight end.

Sweeney appears to be the No. 3 tight end on the depth chart following Buffalo's signing of O.J. Howard this week.

Dawson Knox will remain the starter, but Howard has a stronger skillset and more NFL experience than Sweeney, so the latter is now the No. 3 entering offseason work. After catching just 17 balls over his first two NFL seasons, the 2019 seventh-rounder may have some work to do just to make the team.