NFL Player News

With Jimmy Graham having departed in free agency, Sternberger has an opportunity to see an expanded role in 2020, Zach Kruse of USA Today reports.

The report relays that the Packers have plans to use Sternberger "in the slot a lot" this coming season. Robert Tonyan could also see added opportunities in 2020, but Sternberger, who Green Bay selected 75th overall in last year's NFL Draft, is viewed by Larry McCarren of the Packers' official site as a player with the skills to move into a more prominent pass-catching role. Though the Texas A&M product didn't catch any regular-season passes in 2019, Sternberger did haul in three receptions for 15 yards and a TD in two playoff contests. Veteran Marcedes Lewis remains in Green Bay's tight end mix as well, but Sternberger's ability as a route runner could help him emerge as a fantasy sleeper in his second campaign as a pro.

Coach Sean McVay believes he can do a better job utilizing Everett in the Rams offense, Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire reports. "Really, really excited about what Gerald Everett's going to do," McVay said Monday. "I think Tyler Higbee did a phenomenal job, but I think Gerald Everett's a guy that I've got to do a better job of utilizing his skill set because he's a difference-maker."

Everett appeared on track for his long-awaited breakout as recently as early November, averaging 55.6 yards and 8.2 targets over a five-game stretch Weeks 5-10. He slowed down over the next couple games and then suffered a knee injury, opening the door for Tyler Higbee to go wild in December. Higbee is now locked in as the Rams' No. 1 tight end in the first season of a four-year, $29 million extension, but Everett could also see a decent share of snaps and targets if McVay increases his usage of two-TE formations. Of course, that involves the sacrifice of taking Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods or Brandin Cooks off the field, assuming Cooks isn't traded at some point in the coming months. In any case, Everett is entering the final season of his rookie contract, and quite possibly his final season with the Rams.

The Bengals expect Sample (ankle) to handle a larger role in 2020, Paul Dehner of The Athletic reports.

The 2019 second-round pick operated as the Bengals' No. 3 tight end during his rookie season, recording five catches on 108 offensive snaps in nine games before a high-ankle sprain sent him to injured reserve. He'll now have a chance to take on some of the work that previously went to Tyler Eifert, who saw 63 targets last season before signing with the Jaguars in March. C.J. Uzomah is also a candidate to handle some of those snaps and targets, and he'll likely line up as the No. 1 tight end whenever practices begin. The Bengals may also add to their tight-end room during the 2020 NFL Draft, but Dehner believes it isn't one of the team's bigger priorities. Sample should have plenty of time to recover from his high-ankle sprain, if he hasn't already.

The Chiefs and Seals-Jones agreed to terms of a contract Friday, Terez A. Paylor of Yahoo Sports reports.

According to Paylor, the deal encompasses the 2020 season. Seals-Jones has been moderately productive in three pro campaigns, averaging 12.9 yards per catch and scoring eight touchdowns on 60 career receptions between the Cardinals and Browns. The Chiefs don't have much depth behind Travis Kelce, so Seals-Jones may be the frontrunner for the No. 2 role.

Despite signing Austin Hooper, the Browns aren't expected to trade Njoku this offseason, ESPN.com's Jake Trotter reports.

Hooper's presence will make it harder for Njoku to draw targets and establish fantasy value, but the young tight end should nonetheless have an important role under new coach Kevin Stefanski, who frequently utilized multi-TE formations while serving as offensive coordinator in Minnesota last year. It's also worth noting that the Browns don't have an established No. 3 wide receiver, though they did trade for fullback Andy Janovich (elbow) a couple weeks ago. The team has until early May to make a decision on Njoku's fifth-year contract option for 2020, with a report from February suggesting it likely would be picked up. The Hooper signing might change things, and it might also make the Browns more receptive if another team comes calling with a generous trade offer for Njoku.

Tomlinson signed a contract with the Giants on Saturday, Paul Schwartz of the New York Post reports.

Tomlinson spent time on four teams in 2019 -- including the Giants -- and totaled one catch for one yard in eight games. The 27-year-old figures to be fighting for a roster spot as a reserve tight end come training camp.

Philadelphia picked up Ertz's (rib/kidney) contract option for 2021 on Friday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

The news isn't a major surpise as the 29-year-old is set to earn $8 million and $8.5 million over the next two seasons, but the move officially puts him on the books for 2021. Ertz sustained a cracked rib and lacerated kidney Week 16 and missed the regular-season finale, but he returned to play 61 offensive snaps in the team's wild-card loss to the Seahawks. He finished the season with 88 catches for 916 yards and six touchdowns in 2019, and he'll enter next season as a top target for quarterback Carson Wentz.

Parham agreed Wednesday with the Chargers on a two-year contract, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Parham's most recent professional action came earlier this year with the XFL's Dallas Renegades , with the tight end logging 24 catches for 307 yards and four touchdowns across five contests. He also spent time with Washington last offseason after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent. On the heels of his dominant showing in the XFL, Parham could have a better chance at making his NFL debut with the Chargers in 2020.

Bell agreed to a deal with the Cowboys on Wednesday, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Bell has played for four different teams since he was taken in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, most recently serving as the No. 2 tight end for Kansas City in 2019. With 38 receptions in 65 career regular-season games, Bell shouldn't pose much of a threat to Blake Jarwin.

Dwelley inked his one-year contract offer from San Francisco on Tuesday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

The 25-year-old was tendered by the team earlier this month and has now officially signed his deal. Dwelley is expected to handle the No. 2 tight end role behind Pro Bowler George Kittle in 2020.