NFL Player News

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.

Hollister is signing a one-year contract with the Bills, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Hollister had a few weeks of fantasy relevance in 2019 after injuries cleared out Seattle's TE depth, but he's otherwise been a backup for most of his pro career. The 27-year-old will at least have a shot to earn playing time in Buffalo, where Dawson Knox is the returning starter at what's arguably the weakest position on an otherwise excellent roster. Knox is bigger, faster and younger, but Hollister arguably has better hands and a better feel for route running.

The Rams signed Mundt to a one-year deal on Thursday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Mundt, who's spent the past four seasons in Los Angeles primarily serving as a blocking tight end, caught all four of his targets for 53 yards in 2020. It will likely take a few injuries for the 26-year-old to play a larger role in the team's passing plans, but Mundt will aim to continue seeing more playing time in 2021.

Bell has signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs, Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star reports.

Bell spent last season with the Cowboys, logging 11 catches for 110 yards in 16 games. He's now set to return to Kansas City, where he played in 2019 and will provide the team with a capable blocking tight end presence behind star pass catcher Travis Kelce.

Fumagalli became an unrestricted free agent Wednesday after the Broncos didn't tender him a contract, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.

Fumagalli hauled in six passes for 38 yards and a touchdown during his first active NFL campaign with the Broncos in 2019. He then re-signed with Denver last November, after spending time on Houston's practice squad to begin last season. The 26-year-old will now have an opportunity to seek a contract on the open market, though Denver may keep Fumagalli on its short list of potential backup options, should the team's depth at tight end take a hit at any point in 2021.

Helm re-signed with the 49ers on Wednesday, Chris Biderman of The Sacramento Bee reports.

Helm suited up in five games -- his first NFL appearances -- for the 49ers in 2020, logging just 28 offensive snaps. The 25-year-old didn't provide much receiving upside at tight end during his collegiate career at Duke. He'll need to battle for a roster spot during training camp.