NFL Player News

Over eight regular-season games, Smith recorded 25 receptions (on 36 targets) for 182 yards and two touchdowns in 2022.

Smith got out to a solid start over the first seven games of the season before landing on IR with a high-ankle sprain. The 2019 second-round pick then was activated ahead of the regular-season finale, though he'd already lost his No. 1 tight end spot to T.J. Hockenson, whom the Vikings acquired via trade from Detroit just before Smith went on injured reserve Nov. 1. Smith then finished the campaign by catching one of two targets while playing just four offensive snaps in the wild-card loss to the Giants. He thus finished the 2022 campaign with the lowest receiving marks of his career outside of the 2021 season, when he sat out every game due to a meniscus injury. Smith now is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, leaving it possible he isn't retained by the Vikings.

Bowers reverted to the Bengals' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Bowers has spent the entire season on the practice squad and was elevated for the first time ahead of Sunday's divisional-round win over Buffalo. The 26-year-old tight end ultimately was ruled inactive, and he's unlikely to see any action in this coming Sunday's AFC Championship Game at Kansas City, barring any injuries to the tight ends on Cincinnati's active roster. Bowers still has yet to record a catch in his career.

The Bills signed Davidson to a reserve/future contract Monday, Chris Brown of the team's official site reports.

Davidson was a fifth-round pick by the Vikings in 2021 and was a member of the team's practice squad as a rookie. The 6-foot-7 tight end was then waived ahead of the 2022 season and spent the entire campaign with the Bills' practice squad. Davidson now will look to see the field in regular-season action for the first time with Buffalo during the 2023 season.

The Jaguars signed Prince to a reserve/future contract Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Prince spent the entire 2022 campaign on Jacksonville's practice squad, but he wasn't elevated to the active roster. With his new contract, the undrafted tight end out of UAB will be able to stick around the Jaguars' organization and have a chance to compete for a larger role during the offseason.

Dafney signed a reserve/future contract with the Buccaneers on Monday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Dafney appeared in 15 games for the Packers between the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He'll try to carve out a depth role in a Buccaneers tight end room that includes 2022 draft picks Cade Otton (fourth round) and Ko Kieft (sixth round).

The Giants signed Myarick to a reserve/future contract Monday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Myarick appeared in the Giants' first 16 games of the season and secured seven of eight targets for 65 yards during that stretch. He ended the season on New York's practice squad and wasn't elevated for the regular-season finale or either of the team's playoff matchups. With his new contract, the 27-year-old will be able to stick with the organization through the offseason and compete for a larger role next season.

Schultz had five receptions (10 targets) for 27 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 19-12 divisional-round loss to the 49ers.

Schultz wasn't particularly efficient with his 10 targets, but he was able to convert Dallas' lone touchdown in a low-scoring affair. The 25-year-old saw his numbers take a hit after a breakout fantasy campaign in 2021, finishing with a 57-577-5 receiving line this regular season after posting 78-808-8 last year. Schultz did get hot in the playoffs, scoring three touchdowns in just two contests. Dallas used its franchise tag on Schultz last offseason, but that scenario is unlikely to repeat, making the tight end an unrestricted free agent in 2023.

Kittle had five receptions on as many targets for 95 yards in Sunday's 19-12 divisional-round win over the Cowboys.

Kittle bounced back from a mediocre showing in the wild-card round (2-37-0) to lead his team in receiving en route to another playoff win. The eccentric tight end made the highlight play on San Francisco's game-winning drive in the fourth quarter when he volleyed a deep pass multiple times to himself before securing it for a huge gain. Christian McCaffrey capped off the lengthy drive with a touchdown run, effectively advancing the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game against the Eagles. Kittle will look to take advantage of Philadelphia's undersized linebacking unit next Sunday.

Knox caught five of seven targets for 65 yards in Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Bengals in the AFC divisional round.

Knox comfortably led the Bills in receiving yards, with his total including a game-long catch of 32 yards while Buffalo tried catching up during the fourth quarter. While his team's offense mostly struggled in the snow Sunday, Knox turned in another solid regular season, catching 48 of 65 targets for 517 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. With the security of a four-year extension signed back in September, Knox figures to remain a reliable complement for quarterback Josh Allen in 2023.

Hurst caught five of six targets for 59 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 27-10 win over the Bills in the AFC divisional round.

Hurst capped Cincinnati's second series with a 15-yard touchdown catch after running wide open. The tight end later helped quarterback Joe Burrow move the sticks consistently , nearly leading the team in receiving yards on a snowy day. Next up for Hurst and the Bengals is a meeting against the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. In facing Kansas City during Week 13 of the regular season, Hurst caught only two passes for 12 yards in a 27-24 win.