NFL Player News

Coach Frank Reich said Monday that he expects Alie-Cox to garner increased playing time as a blocker and pass catcher in 2020, Andrew Walker of the Colts' official site reports.

Alie-Cox is a unique weapon in Indianapolis' tight end corps, boasting a dominating 6-foot-5, 267-pound frame, and he appears to have earned a fan in Reich after spending his the last two seasons developing with the Colts. Jack Doyle and Trey Burton (hip) are early favorites to handle the majority of snaps at the position, but Alie-Cox's power and stature could conceivably lend him to red-zone utilization or even a handful of designed plays. After hauling in just 15 combined passes in his first two years, the 26-year-old could now be in line for a key role on offense if he can take another step forward in his development.

Kittle's agent doesn't believe the existing tight end market is relevant to his client's next contract, ESPN.com reports.

The agent, Jack Bechta, makes a reasonable point, considering Kittle's combination of receiving and blocking skill hasn't been seen in the NFL since Rob Gronkowski's prime. Travis Kelce is the closest thing to a fair comparison right now, but he signed a five-year, $46.8 million extension four years ago and has since become one of the top bargains in the league for his team. Entering the fourth and final season his his rookie contract, Kittle can make a case for the same type of money that's recently been paid to No. 1 WRs and top pass rushers -- around $20 million per year. The 49ers do have some leverage in the form of franchise tags, an option that likely would cost $10-11 million for 2021 and $12-13 million for 2022. Of course, it's also an option that likely would led to a holdout, and potentially hostility between player and team.

The Raiders re-signed Butler on Thursday, Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Butler was waived by Las Vegas earlier this month, but the team's decision to place Nick O'Leary (illness) on the reserve/Non-Football Injury List list opens up a roster spot. The 27-year-old will now resume competing for a depth role in the Raiders' crowded tight end room.

Henry is willing to play under the franchise tag, though he prefers a long-term contract, SiriusXM NFL Radio reports. "I think it's fine," Henry said when he was asked about the tag. "I mean, obviously, I would like to get something done... just for security, in the long term."

Henry signed the franchise tender in April, ending any discussion of a possible holdout. He said it's been awhile since serious contract negotiations took place, but he's hoping to get a deal done this summer. The tight end also mentioned that he's been able to talk and throw with rookie quarterback Justin Herbert, the sixth overall pick from April's draft. The Chargers still expect Tyrod Taylor to get the Week 1 start, but recent history shows that first-round QBs tend to get on the field sooner rather than later.

Bryant played four positions during his four years in college, Ellis L. Williams of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Bryant is primarily a tight end, if an undersized one, but he has experience at H-back, being split out wide and playing in the slot. The fourth-round pick out of Florida Atlantic University could line up at multiple spots for the Browns, similar to Minnesota's Irv Smith, the 2019 second-round pick who served as a second tight end under then-VIkings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski. He caught 36 of 47 targets, one target fewer than No. 1 tight end Kyle Rudolph, while scoring two touchdowns for the Vikes. Bryant will have a slightly more crowded position group in Cleveland, which will have Austin Hooper and David Njoku as the top two tight ends.

Coach Pete Carroll expects Sullivan to start off as a tight end, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

The Seahawks list Sullivan as a wide receiver on their roster but apparently intend to test him out at tight end once they're able to practice. The seventh-round pick was a wideout during his sophomore and junior seasons at LSU, catching 34 passes for 582 yards and three touchdowns before lagging to a 12-130-0 receiving line as a tight end during his senior campaign. At 6-foot-5, 248 pounds with 4.66 speed, Sullivan looks like a TE more so than a WR, but he could still play the latter position if he were to drop some weight. It'll be tough for him to earn a roster spot as a tight end in Seattle, where the depth chart already holds Greg Olsen, Will Dissly (Achilles), Jacob Hollister, Luke Willson and rookie fourth-round pick Colby Parkinson.

Butler was waived by the Raiders on Tuesday.

The Raiders claimed Butler off waivers from the Lions in April, but he only remained on the team for a few weeks. The 27-year-old will become a free agent if he clears the waiver wire.

Mack was cut by the Chiefs on Monday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Mack spent time on the Saints' and Steelers' practice squads during the 2019 regular season, and he'll now part ways with the Chiefs in order to make room for a slew of undrafted free agent signings. The Notre Dame product is still looking for an opportunity to make his NFL debut.

Houston has agreed to terms with the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Arizona added two tight ends as priority free agents (also, Ryan Becker from SMU). Houston isn't much of a receiver, combining for 45 catches for 420 yards and three touchdowns in 49 contests at San Diego State. As a result, he may have to show off his blocking chops if he hopes to make the Cardinals' final roster.

The Giants picked up Engram's (foot) fifth-year option for 2021 on Wednesday.

Though the 25-year-old missed eight games last season and underwent surgery to address the Lisfranc injury to his left foot in December, it's not a surprise that the Giants elected to pick up his option for 2021. Engram finished the season with 44 catches for 467 yards and three touchdowns prior to being shut down, and if health prevails, he should be back as one of Daniel Jones' top targets in 2020. Engram was seen running on a treadmill Wednesday as he continues his recovery from the procedure.