NFL Player News

Hill expects to have an easier time with blocking and running routes during the upcoming season, Sean Fazende of Fox 8 News New Orleans reports.

Hill is locked in for another season as a third-string quarterback, gadget player and core special teams contributor. He's a natural runner who produced 5.3 yards per carry on 37 attempts last season, but the blocking and receiving aspects of his unique role seemed to present a challenge, with Hill catching just three of seven targets for four yards. His continued development in those areas will only make the Saints more dangerous in the red zone, potentially allowing the team to utilize Hill without holding Drew Brees out for select snaps.

Higbee is facing increased competition for the starting tight-end job from Gerald Everett, who appeared much improved during the offseason program, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

The Rams have favored Higbee's blocking over Everett's receiving ability in the past, but it may be a different story now that the latter is becoming increasingly comfortable as a blocker. There's also the matter of Cooper Kupp (knee) not being a lock to play in Week 1, which could inspire coach Sean McVay to place a greater emphasis on throwing to his tight ends. Of course, the same scenario also would encourage increased use of two-tight-end formations, something the Rams started to do after Kupp suffered his season-ending ACL tear in November. Regardless of the different scenarios at play, the 26-year-old Higbee hasn't shown much hint of upside beyond his receptions totals from the past two years (25 and 24).

Swaim is facing competition from rookie third-round pick Josh Oliver, John Oehser of the Jaguars' official website reports.

Swaim joined one of the weakest position groups in the league when he signed a two-year, $6.6 million deal in March. The contract still makes him a favorite for the Week 1 starting job, but his middling athleticism becomes all the more obvious next to Oliver, who tied Irv Smith Jr. for the third-fastest 40-yard dash (4.63 seconds) among tight ends at the 2019 combine. The Jaguars also have James O'Shaughnessy and Ben Koyack competing for snaps at tight end.

Uzomah is joined by Tyler Eifert and second-round pick Drew Sample at tight end, ESPN.com's Katherine Terrell reports.

Uzomah re-signed with Cincinnati on a three-year, $18.3 million contract, though the team can escape after one season and $6.25 million if he's released before the third day of the 2020 league year, per overthecap.com. The Bengals signed Eifert to a one-year, $5.5 million deal shortly thereafter, then picked up Sample at No. 52 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. The result is a three-way competition for playing time, but there's still a decent chance for Uzomah to draw regular targets at some point this upcoming season, considering the rookie mostly is valued for his blocking -- he had just 46 catches during his college career -- and Eifert hasn't played more than eight games in a season since 2015. Uzomah's career marks of 9.7 yards per catch and 6.5 yards per target hint at limited upside even if he eventually finds his way into a three-down role again.

Seals-Jones (neck) was an active participant in the Cardinals' offseason program, Bob McManaman of The Arizona Republic reports. "We're doing a lot of rotating and just trying to put the pieces together," Seals-Jones said during OTAs. "Coach (Kliff Kingsbury) is throwing everybody in and just seeing what everybody can do, from the vets to the rookies."

After the signing of Charles Clay early in the offseason, the Cardinals extended an exclusive rights tender to Seals-Jones in March, thereby rounding out the top of the tight end depth chart. Seals-Jones has displayed pass-catching acumen in his two-year career, reeling off 11.8 YPC and four TDs on his 46 receptions. On his third go-around, he'll have to get in the good graces of another coach-quarterback combo, but at least he has experience with 2019 first overall pick Kyler Murray, as the two were teammates at Texas A&M in 2015. If Seals-Jones can gain a better part of the TE snap share this season, he may finally break through in what's expected to be a high-tempo offense that features three- and even four-wide sets.

Andrews made "a ton of plays" during offseason practices, looking bigger, stronger and faster than he was last year, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic.

The 256-pound tight end already provided ample evidence of his athleticism, averaging 11.0 yards on 50 targets last season after running a 4.67 40-yard dash at the combine. He served as the receiving threat in a timeshare during his rookie campaign, lining up as an in-line tight end for 174 of his 444 snaps (39.2 percent), while Nick Boyle (74.1 percent) and Hayden Hurst (56.1 percent) handled more traditional TE roles. Andrews still appears stuck in the same timeshare, but he'll likely take on a few more snaps and also figures to draw the target on a higher percentage of his snaps (if the Ravens have any idea what they're doing). He was the only Baltimore pass catcher to thrive after Lamar Jackson took over last season, with John Brown, Willie Snead and Michael Crabtree all falling off a cliff once Joe Flacco was benched. Brown and Crabtree have since been replaced by rookies Marquise Brown (foot) and Miles Boykin (hamstring), both of whom missed most of the offseason program. Andrews is a real threat for the team target lead, albeit in a run-heavy offense.

Thomas (leg) was limited to rehab work during mandatory minicamp, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Thomas rode a stationary bike on the sideline while watching his teammates practice. There hasn't been any suggestion of a serious injury, with coach Ron Rivera saying he's hopeful the second-year pro will be ready for training camp. Thomas averaged four catches for 36.7 yards on six targets in six starts last season, typically handling a three-down role when Greg Olsen wasn't available. The 34-year-old is healthy and now has clearance for all football activities, but his recent history of foot injuries hints that Thomas may be needed this season.

Knox, a third-round rookie, signed his rookie contract with the Bills on Friday, The Buffalo News reports.

It's rare that a guy who never caught a college touchdown pass would draw up any fantasy interest, but Knox has a legit chance to be the Week 1 starter. Favorite Tyler Kroft will be out for a stretch with a broken foot, while Lee Smith is more of a blocker and Jason Croom continues to be bogged down by a hamstring injury. Knox has taken advantage of the extra reps during spring work and has shown true hands. Meanwhile, the Bills have now signed all eight of their 2019 draft picks.

Gathers will be suspended without pay for Week 1 of the 2019 regular season, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

The 25-year-old tight end is facing discipline for a violation of the NFL's policy on substances of abuse. Gathers picked up some steam in the preseason a couple years ago, but he struggled with concussion symptoms throughout the 2017 campaign and then finished 2018 with only three receptions. A suspension won't help his chances to stick around on the 53-man roster for another year.

Everett made a strong impression throughout the offseason program, including an emphasis on improving as a blocker, Clarence Dennis of the Rams' official website reports. "I think the game's slowing down for [Everett]," coach Sean McVay said. "He's playing with some patience, he's got great aggressive hands where he can step to the football. I think you're just seeing a guy gain confidence, gain experience."

Already the team's best pass-catching threat at tight end, Everett should push for Tyler Higbee's starting job if he narrows the gap in blocking ability. The 2017 second-round pick came on strong in the second half of last season, with 23 of his 33 receptions and all three of his touchdowns occurring in a seven-week span during November and December. The Rams used more two-TE formations during that stretch in an effort to compensate for the absence of Cooper Kupp (knee), who tentatively is expected back for Week 1 of 2019. It's difficult for the Rams tight ends to account for more than a handful of targets per game when Kupp, Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods and Todd Gurley all are available.