NFL Player News
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Nikola Kalinic TE | CHI
Nikola Kalinic: Gets let go by Indy
Kalinic was waived by the Colts on Thursday.
Kalinic bounced between Indianapolis' 53-man roster and practice squad throughout the 2022 season, ultimately suiting up seven times. The York University product played 45 snaps on offense but failed to see a target, while also chipping in for 42 snaps on special teams. He'll now have to find an opportunity elsewhere.
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Eric Tomlinson TE | LAC
Texans' Eric Tomlinson: Heading to Houston
Tomlinson agreed to a contract with the Texans on Wednesday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
Tomlinson will head to Houston after he spent the 2022 campaign in Denver, where he reeled in a career-high nine catches for 79 yards and two scores over 17 games. The 31-year-old will reunite in Houston with tight end coach Jake Moreland, who was on the Denver staff last season. Tomlinson will provide an additional depth option behind newly-acquired Dalton Schultz in 2023.
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Brock Wright TE | DET
Lions' Brock Wright: Joined by high draft pick
Wright sits atop a tight end depth chart that now features rookie Sam LaPorta, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Wright has served as the de facto No. 1 TE in Detroit since the team traded T.J. Hockenson to Minnesota midway through last season. Given Wright's limitations as a receiver and the underwhelming depth behind him, it was unsurprising that the Lions spent a second-round pick to add some upside to the group. However, given LaPorta's profile as a receiving specialist who can operate in the slot and out of the backfield, Wright may not see much of a dip in playing time as he specializes as an in-line blocking tight end.
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Blake Whiteheart TE | CLE
Blake Whiteheart: In line to join Arizona
Arizona is slated to sign Whiteheart as an undrafted free agent, Bob McManaman of The Arizona Republic reports.
Over his final two seasons at Wake Forest, Whiteheart caught 39 passes for 480 yards and six touchdowns. The 6-foot-4 tight end joins a crowded group led by veteran Zach Ertz (knee) and 2022 second-round pick Trey McBride, so Whiteheart likely will need to display a willingness to compete on special teams if he wants to land a roster spot following training camp.
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Elijah Higgins TE | ARI
Dolphins' Elijah Higgins: Moving to tight end
Higgins told reporters Saturday that he is "definitely willing" to transition from wide receiver to tight end, Hal Habib of the Palm Beach Post reports.
The Dolphins selected Higgins with the 197th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Although he played wide receiver in his four years at Stanford, the Dolphins listed him as a tight end, a position they identified as a need for them. Higgins has no experience at tight end, but his 6-foot-3, 235-pound frame will help him as he learns the position. Higgins caught 59 passes for 704 yards and two touchdowns in his final season at Stanford.
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Travis Vokolek TE | ARI
Travis Vokolek: Heading to Baltimore
Vokolek is slated to sign with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Vokolek played in 10 games in his final season at Nebraska, catching 20 passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns. His blocking and catching ability steadily improved over his college career, and though he still needs to develop his fundamental skills, he has the size and strength to stick on an NFL roster.
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Brayden Willis TE | SF
49ers' Brayden Willis: Selected by Niners
The 49ers selected Willis in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 247th overall.
Willis doesn't stand out as a receiver, but he served as a do-everything H-Back for Oklahoma. Given the way San Francisco has used Kyle Juszczyk, it's not particularly surprising to see them select Willis late in the draft. He isn't likely to make an immediate impact, but Willis could ultimately emerge as a useful piece in the 49ers offense.
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Zack Kuntz TE | MIA
Jets' Zack Kuntz: Brings athleticism to Gang Green
The Jets selected Kuntz in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 220th overall.
Kuntz had a lot of helium heading into the draft, thanks to his standout athletic profile. The 6-foot-7, 255-pounder ultimately slid down the board due to his relative lack of production in college at a combination of Penn State and Old Dominion. Kuntz is a raw prospect, but with some patience, he could emerge as a viable target in the Jets' pass-catching corps.
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Elijah Higgins TE | ARI
Dolphins' Elijah Higgins: Goes to Miami in sixth round
The Dolphins selected Higgins in the sixth round of the NFL Draft, 197th overall.
Higgins emerged as Stanford's most productive wide receiver the last two seasons, tallying a combined 104 receptions, 1,204 yards and six touchdowns. He tested very well at the combine in terms of both his speed and burst, and he has a big frame (6-foot-3, 235 pounds) that will allow him to play as either a move tight end or big slot as a pro. That's an interesting fit in Miami, as they lack proven options at both positions.