NFL Player News

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports Hooper has agreed to contract terms with the Browns, while the tight end told Adam Schefter of ESPN that he's "definitely leaning Cleveland."

The first report presents Hooper to Cleveland as a sure thing, while Schefter's report suggests there's still a small degree of uncertainty. With Green Bay and Washington also rumored to have interest in Hooper, the Browns came out firing with a big offer at the very beginning of the "legal tampering" period that opened at 12 p.m. ET on Monday. This is a pretty strong signal that the new leadership in Cleveland doesn't hold David Njoku in high regard, though Browns general manager Andrew Berry suggested in February that he'd likely pick up the tight end's fifth-year option for 2021.

The Chargers have decided to place the franchise tag on Henry, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The move was expected and signals the team's desire to keep a key playmaker in the fold. The 25-year-old is coming off a 2019 season in which he hauled in 55 passes for 652 yards and five TDs in 12 games. Who will be throwing the talented tight end passes this coming season remains to be seen, however, with the Chargers planning to move on from long-time franchise QB Philip Rivers.

The Buccaneers signed Hudson to a one-year contract Friday, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Hudson was eligible to be tendered as an exclusive rights free agent, and the Buccaneers have opted to exercise exactly that option. With the team reportedly considering dealing O.J. Howard and/or Cameron Brate, Hudson could be in line for an increased role in 2020. He recorded two catches for 26 yards across nine contests last season.

Kroft and the Bills have come to a mutual agreement to restructure his contract, Nick Shook of NFL.com reports.

Kroft's salary for 2020 is now $4 million with $3.4 million in full guarantees, and he'll become a free agent in 2021 rather than 2022. Shortening the length of his contract by a year while adding guarantees serves as a hint that Kroft, who logged just six catches for 71 yards and a touchdown during his injury-plagued 2019 campaign, will utilize the 2020 season as a "prove-it" audition. He stands to spend the offseason competing for Buffalo's top tight end spot with Dawson Knox.

The Packers released Graham on Thursday.

Graham was among a run of splashes at tight end for the Packers in recent years, accounting for 93 receptions for 1,083 yards and five touchdowns over the past two seasons. At 33 years old, he still has some tread left on the tires and can get a jump on free agency following this move.

The Packers are expected to release Graham on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

This move has been rumored since the conclusion of the regular season. Once it's made, the Packers will free up $8 million in salary cap on the eve of free agency. Graham will have the ability to sign elsewhere immediately after accounting for 93 catches (on 149 targets) for 1,083 yards and five touchdowns over two modest campaigns in Green Bay.

Henry is considered the Chargers' top priority in free agency this offseason, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Retaining Henry has seemingly been the Chargers' main concern since the end of the season, to the point where it seems like a foregone conclusion the team would ultimately place a franchise tag on its star tight end should it ultimately fail to lock him in on a long-term deal. The 25-year-old has been a weapon when on the field, but missing 22 games over the past four seasons could hurt his market value. The Chargers certainly aren't hurting for cap space -- particularly after it was announced that long-time franchise icon Philip Rivers would not return to the team for a 17th professional season -- but a new signal-caller will inevitably eat into that cap figure this offseason. The Chargers have until noon ET on March 16 to offer the fourth-year tight end the franchise tag.

The Saints are expected to place a first-round tender on Hill, who is a restricted free agent, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Hill has been a gadget player in the Saints offense the past two seasons, racking up 119 yards on 13 passes, 64 carries for 352 yards, 22 catches for 238 yards and nine total touchdowns while playing all 32 regular-season contests. With Drew Brees committed to playing in 2020 and Teddy Bridgewater almost certainly moving on as an unrestricted free agent, Hill seems resigned to serve as the backup QB in the Big Easy. If New Orleans proceeds with the aforementioned tender, the organization will have the opportunity to match any offer Hill gets on the open market, or otherwise receive a first-round pick if it opts not to do so.

The 49ers tendered Dwelley to a one-year contract Thursday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Dwelley was a solid contributor as the team's backup tight end in 2019, hauling in 15 of 22 targets for 91 yards and two scores. The 25-year-old performed admirably behind No. 1 tight end George Kittle last season, especially when Kittle missed two games due to injury, and Dwelley is expected to assume a similar role in 2020.

Graham is expected to part ways with the Packers during the offseason, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Graham would earn $11.7 million in 2020 if the Packers were to retain him, while Green Bay would save $8 million by cutting him. The tight end caught just 38 passes for 447 yards and three touchdowns in 2019, production that just isn't worth his current salary rate. Assuming Green Bay moves on from Graham, 2019 third-round pick Jace Sternberger would likely be the next man up for starting duties.