NFL Player News

Bills GM Brandon Beane said Tuesday that Sweeney should be ready for the 2021 season, Thad Brown of WROC-TV reports.

Sweeney developed myocarditis as a complication from COVID-19 last season. Beane relayed that Sweeney still has a few more visits with the cardiologist before he's fully cleared, but the 25-year-old tight end is on track to play next year. With Dawson Knox and Jacob Hollister in the fold, Sweeney will be aiming for a depth role during training camp.

Carlson signed his exclusive-rights contract tender with the Browns on Wednesday, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Carlson returns to a crowded tight-end room, one which currently features Austin Hooper, Harrison Bryant and David Njoku above him on him on the depth chart. Over his past two seasons in Cleveland, Carlson totaled six receptions for 62 yards and one score in 25 appearances.

Uzomah (Achilles) said during a recent appearance on the "London Is Blue Podcast" that he's been medically cleared, Adi Joseph of CBS Sports reports.

Uzomah apparently made a quick recovery from the Achilles tear he suffered Week 2, declaring himself healthy just seven months later. The Bengals may still opt to ease him into practices this spring and summer, but the tight end should be ready to challenge Drew Sample for playing time. Of course, the Bengals could add a rookie to their tight end mix during the 2021 NFL Draft, potentially giving Sample and Uzomah some tougher competition.

Dissly will compete for the No. 1 tight-end job in 2021 following the free-agent arrival of Gerald Everett, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Dissly showed promise in each of his first two NFL campaigns, recording 31 receptions for 413 yards and six touchdowns through 10 games. Both seasons were cut short due to two devastating injuries -- a torn patellar tendon and a torn Achilles. The 24-year-old managed to stay healthy for the entire 2020 season, finishing with a 24-251-2 line. With a healthy offseason ahead of him, the Seahawks are hoping Dissly can return to pre-injury form, but they signed Gerald Everett as insurance. Everett is the favorite for the No. 1 job after receiving $6 million guaranteed on a one-year deal. However, Dissly will garner plenty of playing time because of his blocking abilities, so he should have a chance to claim the top spot in training camp.

Daniels has signed a one-year deal with the Cardinals.

With Dan Arnold no longer in the mix, Daniels gives the Cardinals some tight end depth and experience behind Maxx Williams. The 26-year-old is off the fantasy radar, however, after recording eight catches (on 11 targets) for 92 yards and one touchdown in 12 games for Arizona in 2020.

Vannett agreed Wednesday with the Saints on a three-year contract, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The Saints let Jared Cook and Josh Hill go this offseason, so Vannett is part of their plans to replace them. Vannett suited up in 15 games with the Broncos last season, recording 14 receptions for 95 yards a touchdown while playing second fiddle to top tight end Noah Fant. The 28-year-old will need to compete with 2020 third-round pick Adam Trautman for the top spot on the depth chart in New Orleans, though both players should have roles on offense. The Saints could also add more competition at the position through the draft.

Lewis agreed Wednesday with the Packers on a two-year, $8 million contract, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Lewis will be returning for his 16th year in the NFL in 2021, and a fourth straight season in Green Bay. The veteran tight end's deal reportedly includes $4 million guaranteed, an indication of the value he provides to the Packers as a leader and reliable depth option. Though Lewis occasionally sees usage in the red zone (three touchdowns in 2020), his targets come too inconsistently to translate into real fantasy value.

Vannett has been released by the Broncos, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Vannett was to slated to earn $2.678 million this coming season, so the move frees up some extra cap room for the Broncos. The 28-year-old hauled in 14 of his 21 targets for 95 yards and a TD in 15 games last year, while earning most of his keep with his blocking. He'll look to catch on elsewhere as a depth tight end.

The Panthers and Arnold agreed to a two-year contract Friday, Peter Schrager of Fox Sports reports.

Since the Cardinals plucked him off waivers in December 2019, Arnold developed a nice connection with Kyler Murray, reeling in 37 of 55 passes for 540 yards and six touchdowns in 19 games. Such production equates to an impressive 9.8 yards per target, with 16.2 percent of his catches going for scores. Arnold will slot in at the top of the Panthers' tight end depth chart.

Kroft is signing a contract with the Jets, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

The former Bills tight end will remain in the AFC East, where he stands to play a depth role with the Jets. Kroft only had a combined 190 receiving yards across two seasons in Buffalo, but he dealt with serious injuries in that span. A full offseason to get healthy could serve him well with his new team.