NFL Player News

Horstead signed a one-year contract as an exclusive-rights free agent with the Bears on Tuesday, Brendan Sugrue of USA Today reports.

Horsted was tendered by Chicago back in March, and he will now officially return to the team. The depth tight end mostly contributed on special teams last season, handling just six offensive snaps in seven appearances.

Njoku and the Browns are engaged in active talks on a contract extension, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Cleveland has already applied the franchise tag to Njoku, giving both sides until July 15 to agree to terms on a multi-year deal. If a long-term agreement can't be reached, Njoku will play out the 2022 campaign on a $10.8 million salary. With Austin Hooper no longer on the roster and Deshaun Watson now atop the Browns' quarterback depth chart, Njoku could be facing a legitimate breakout opportunity. Cleveland stands to add more pass catchers as the offseason continues, potentially in April's draft, but the 2017 first-rounder will still have a clear path to a notable role on offense.

With Jack Doyle having retired, Granson is in a position to see an expanded role in the Colts' passing game this coming season, JJ Stankevitz of the team's official site reports.

In his first NFL season, the 2021 fourth-rounder was limited to 11 catches (on 15 targets) for 106 yards in 17 games, but GM Chris Ballard believes that Granson has "big upside." While the SMU product still has sturdy blocker Mo Alie-Cox to contend with for targets and the team may add further tight end depth in advance of Week 1, Granson potentially could emerge as a fantasy sleeper at his position should the 6-foot-2, 242-pounder develop a productive rapport with Matt Ryan, the Colts' new signal-caller.

The Packers consider Tonyan (knee) to be ahead of schedule in his recovery from a left ACL tear, Zach Kruse of USA Today reports.

General manager Brian Gutekunst said the team doesn't "have a real timetable" on Tonyan's recovery, but it appears that the top tight end could have a shot to retake the field early in the 2022 campaign, potentially even by Week 1. Tonyan re-signed with the Packers on a one-year contract mid-March, just following the team's trade of Davante Adams to the Raiders. Considering the void left by Adams on offense, Tonyan figures to handle a key role in the passing game even if Green Bay makes notable additions to the wide receiver room as the offseason continues.

General manager Brad Holmes confirmed Tuesday that the Lions will pick up the fifth-year option on Hockenson's (thumb) contract, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

Expect the Lions to formally make the decision before the May 2 deadline, though it's possible that Hockenson could agree to a long-term deal before then. In any case, the Lions don't seem to have any concern that the tight end's season-ending thumb injury will affect his availability for offseason workouts this spring and summer.

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.