NFL Player News

Hurst is part of an Atlanta offense that now includes TE Kyle Pitts, the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, ESPN.com's Michael Rothstein reports.

A first-round pick himself, Hurst finally got his big chance in 2020, playing 70 percent of Atlanta's offensive snaps while averaging 5.5 targets per game. He finished with a 56/571/6 receiving line and only 6.5 yards per target, while Pitts had 770 yards and 12 TDs in only eight games for Florida last season. The uber-prospect won't necessarily be a nominal starter right away, but he should be Atlanta's top receiving threat at tight end right out of the gate. That leaves Hurst on shaky footing ahead of his fourth pro season, with the Falcons perhaps declining the fifth-year option on his rookie contract -- a decision they'll need to make by Monday afternoon.

The Falcons selected Pitts in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, fourth overall.

Pitts (6-foot-6, 245) is pretty much a one-of-a-kind prospect at tight end, offering both major long-term upside and probably a high floor in the meantime. The Falcons have a long-term need at quarterback and had an opportunity to take one here, but Pitts is so solid as a prospect that this pick is still easily justified. Pitts outplayed pass catchers like 2020 Rams second-round pick Van Jefferson and likely high 2021 pick Kadarius Toney at Florida, yet he doesn't turn 21 until October. With Pitts, Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley running routes the Falcons will likely throw more passes with lighter formations than new coach Arthur Smith called in Tennessee. For dynasty league purposes Pitts is in the top three at tight end, and in redraft leagues he might warrant a top-12 spot at the position. His arrival to Atlanta is very good news for Matt Ryan.

Hill said Tuesday that he's training exclusively at quarterback this offseason, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports.

Prior to logging snaps at six offensive positions in 2020, per Pro Football Focus, Hill said he spent previous offseasons by preparing to play in a variety of roles on offense and special teams. With Drew Brees having retired, there's an open window for Hill to secure the starting quarterback gig in New Orleans, and for seemingly the first time in his professional career, he's only going to be taking snaps under center. While the 30-year-old will face competition from fellow incumbent backup Jameis Winston this offseason, it was Hill whom the Saints chose to start when Brees was injured for four games last season. Accordingly, the job may be Hill's to lose, especially after coach Sean Payton previously expressed doubt in March that New Orleans will add another signal-caller to the mix through the 2021 NFL Draft.

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.