NFL Player News

The Packers released Graham on Thursday.

Graham was among a run of splashes at tight end for the Packers in recent years, accounting for 93 receptions for 1,083 yards and five touchdowns over the past two seasons. At 33 years old, he still has some tread left on the tires and can get a jump on free agency following this move.

The Packers are expected to release Graham on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

This move has been rumored since the conclusion of the regular season. Once it's made, the Packers will free up $8 million in salary cap on the eve of free agency. Graham will have the ability to sign elsewhere immediately after accounting for 93 catches (on 149 targets) for 1,083 yards and five touchdowns over two modest campaigns in Green Bay.

Henry is considered the Chargers' top priority in free agency this offseason, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Retaining Henry has seemingly been the Chargers' main concern since the end of the season, to the point where it seems like a foregone conclusion the team would ultimately place a franchise tag on its star tight end should it ultimately fail to lock him in on a long-term deal. The 25-year-old has been a weapon when on the field, but missing 22 games over the past four seasons could hurt his market value. The Chargers certainly aren't hurting for cap space -- particularly after it was announced that long-time franchise icon Philip Rivers would not return to the team for a 17th professional season -- but a new signal-caller will inevitably eat into that cap figure this offseason. The Chargers have until noon ET on March 16 to offer the fourth-year tight end the franchise tag.

The Saints are expected to place a first-round tender on Hill, who is a restricted free agent, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Hill has been a gadget player in the Saints offense the past two seasons, racking up 119 yards on 13 passes, 64 carries for 352 yards, 22 catches for 238 yards and nine total touchdowns while playing all 32 regular-season contests. With Drew Brees committed to playing in 2020 and Teddy Bridgewater almost certainly moving on as an unrestricted free agent, Hill seems resigned to serve as the backup QB in the Big Easy. If New Orleans proceeds with the aforementioned tender, the organization will have the opportunity to match any offer Hill gets on the open market, or otherwise receive a first-round pick if it opts not to do so.

The 49ers tendered Dwelley to a one-year contract Thursday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Dwelley was a solid contributor as the team's backup tight end in 2019, hauling in 15 of 22 targets for 91 yards and two scores. The 25-year-old performed admirably behind No. 1 tight end George Kittle last season, especially when Kittle missed two games due to injury, and Dwelley is expected to assume a similar role in 2020.

Graham is expected to part ways with the Packers during the offseason, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Graham would earn $11.7 million in 2020 if the Packers were to retain him, while Green Bay would save $8 million by cutting him. The tight end caught just 38 passes for 447 yards and three touchdowns in 2019, production that just isn't worth his current salary rate. Assuming Green Bay moves on from Graham, 2019 third-round pick Jace Sternberger would likely be the next man up for starting duties.

Engram (foot) remains in a walking boot and isn't expected to practice until training camp, Ryan Dunleavy of the NY Post reports.

Engram had surgery Dec. 20 to address a Lisfranc injury in his left foot, and while he said the ligament wasn't completely torn, he nonetheless faces a lengthy rehab process. The 23rd overall pick from the 2017 draft has averaged 4.5 catches for 51.9 yards and 0.35 touchdowns per game through three seasons, playing in 34 of a possible 48 contests. The Giants have a couple months before they need to decide on a fifth-year option, but it should be an easy enough decision to do so at the expected price of approximately $6 million. Fellow Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (concussion) reportedly is considering retirement, while Kaden Smith could be in the mix for the No. 2 job after he caught 30 of 42 targets for 267 yards and three TDs over the final six weeks of 2019. With a new coaching staff in place, the Giants can start their offseason program as soon as April 6.

Tonyan is recovering from core muscle surgery undergone to address an injury he played through during the 2019 season, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Tonyan was forced to miss five regular-season games last year due to the injury. He hauled in 10 passes for 100 yards and one touchdown across the 11 games he did suit up for. The 25-year-old saw regular usage as Green Bay's third tight end when healthy in 2019, and he could have a shot at an expanded role in 2020 if the team opts to part ways with Jimmy Graham for salary cap reasons. Veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis is also a free agent.

Sweeney, a seventh-round pick out of Boston College, appeared in six games for the Bills in 2019 and caught eight balls on 13 targets for 114 yards and no scores.

Sweeney saw most of his action when the team's other tight ends were hurt, but he also served as a healthy inactive more often than not. He's currently fourth in the pecking order as the Bills gear up for 2020, while the team has already kicked the tires on Greg Olsen. However, teammate Tyler Kroft could get released if the Bills try to free up some cash space. Expect Sweeney to have to earn a roster spot once training camp rolls around.

General manager Andrew Berry suggested Tuesday that the Browns are likely to pick up Njoku's fifth-year contract option for 2021 this spring, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal reports.

It wouldn't actually be much of a commitment, as Njoku's draft position (29th overall) and football position (tight end) both serve to limit the cost of the fifth-year option, which is guaranteed for injury only. Berry said he envisions Njoku as part of the Browns' future, a sentiment echoed by new head coach Kevin Stefanski. It's no secret Njoku clashed with former coach Freddie Kitchens, failing to regain a significant role after he was out for two months with a broken wrist in 2019. The young tight end was promising but inconsistent in 2017 and 2018, often alternating ugly drops and big plays. With Njoku set to turn 24 this summer, the Browns believe he still has time to harness the immense physical gifts he demonstrated at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine -- a 4.64 40-yard-dash time, a 37.5-inch vertical jump and a 133-inch broad jump, all strong numbers for a player measuring in at 6-foot-4 and 246 pounds.