NFL Player News

Thomas is signing a three-year extension with Washington, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The two-year, $6.15 million contract Thomas signed last offseason ended up being a bargain for Washington, as the tight end entered the year with 317 career receiving yards before catching 72 passes for 670 yards and six touchdowns. Thomas did it on the strength of volume, with 110 targets in 16 games, but he also improved his efficiency after a rough start, producing 3.3 YPT in Weeks 1-5 and 7.2 YPT in Weeks 6-17. He averaged 5.3 catches for 51.3 yards over those final 11 games, then added five receptions for 74 yards in the playoff loss to Tampa. In any case, Thomas turned 30 this summer, but he could still be on the upswing given that it wasn't until 2014 that he began the transition from quarterback to tight end. That said, he's unlikely to see 110 targets again, as Washington no longer has an empty cupboard behind Terry McLaurin at wide receiver. The team now has Thomas under contract through 2024, Curtis Samuel and Antonio Gibson signed through 2023, and McLaurin through 2022. It's a solid group of pass catchers for 38-year-old QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, who should be an upgrade on last year's disastrous QB room -- Dwayne Haskins, Kyle Allen, Alex Smith and Taylor Heinicke all made starts.

Mack seems like the favorite for the No. 3 tight end role in Detroit, Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic reports.

One of the first players the Lions' new regime added this offseason, Mack will primarily need to fend off Jake Hausmann and Brock Wright to secure a roster spot.

Freiermuth has performed well early in training camp, Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com reports.

Freiermuth had a strong practice Saturday and made several impressive catches while the team practiced without pads. The tight end suffered a season-ending shoulder injury after appearing in just four games at Penn State in 2020, but he still totaled 1,185 yards and 16 touchdowns across his three collegiate seasons. The 22-year-old will face another test soon when the Steelers practice in full pads, but he appears to be on track to compete for a role in Pittsburgh's offense ahead of the regular season.

James signed a one-year contract with the Bears on Sunday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

James averaged 377.7 yards per season from 2016 to 2018 with the Steelers, but he totaled just 271 yards and two touchdowns with the Lions across the last two seasons. The 27-year-old will have to compete behind Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham for targets in Chicago.

Hudson is considered the favorite to secure the fourth tight end job heading into the 2021 season, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

The 26-year-old is expected to hold off the likes of Codey McElroy and journeyman Jerell Adams for the job barring any training camp/preseason surprises. Hudson has cobbled together a 5-67 line on 12 targets over the last two seasons, and even though he's displayed some impressive athleticism down the seam in limited action, it would presumably take an injury to the top trio of Rob Gronkowski, O.J. Howard (Achilles) and Cameron Brate (undisclosed) for him to have any chance at a consistent weekly role that would afford him even modest fantasy value.

Deguara was placed on the Active/PUP-List Friday, NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reports.

No surprise here, as Deguara is returning from an ACL injury that ended his rookie campaign after just two weeks. Prior to the injury, he saw a substantial amount of first-team reps. In his absence, Robert Tonyan proceeded to enjoy a breakout season and will enter 2021as the team's No. 1 tight end. However, Deguara does not project as a traditional tight end, as he is expected to display his versatitlity in the backfield, on the line and even in the slot. Still, it remains to be seen how close he is to returning to full-contact work.

Wells signed a contract with the Patriots on Friday, Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus reports.

Wells spent time on New England's practice squad last season, but he's still yet to actually make his NFL debut. He'll now get a chance to continue his development with the team during training camp.

The Patriots placed Keene (undisclosed) on the PUP list Thursday, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Keene can be activated from the PUP list at any time during training camp, but given that he's coming off an unimpressive three-catch rookie season, it will be somewhat concerning if he has to miss a significant number of practices. With Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith having joined New England's tight end corps in free agency, it will be pivotal for Keene to make the most of every opportunity he's given through training camp and the Patriots' preseason slate.

Shultz will compete with fellow tight end Blake Jarwin, who appears ready for the start of training camp after suffering a torn ACL in Week 1 last season, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Jarwin suffered the injury six months after signing a three-year extension, so the team still has some investment in him even after a lost season. His absence opened the door for Schultz to see 89 targets, but the 2018 fourth-round pick finished with a modest receiving line (63-615-4), as big plays were few and far between. The two now figure to compete for a starting job this summer, and it's possible the Cowboys ultimately settle on a committee approach at tight end.

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce told NFL Films that Waller is "knocking at the door," adding that he can "feel [Waller] on my heels."

Kelce remains widely acknowledged as the cream of the crop at his position, but he knows Waller and 49ers tight end George Kittle aren't far behind. Waller even reached a new level over the final five weeks of last season, averaging 8.6 catches for 130.8 yards and 0.8 touchdowns on 11.0 targets per game. He'll again be the top receiving threat in Las Vegas, where John Brown, Henry Ruggs, Bryan Edwards and Hunter Renfrow top the depth chart at wide receiver.