NFL Player News

James said he doesn't think he'll be used in Detroit the same way he was used in Pittsburgh, Michael Rothstein of ESPN reports. "I feel like I'm going to be a key part of this offense," the tight end told Kyle Meinke of MLive.

In between a forgettable rookie campaign and last year's role reduction, James logged over 850 offensive snaps for Pittsburgh in both 2015 and 2016. Even at this peak of his tenure, James was little more than a complementary piece in an offense that ran through wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back Le'Veon Bell. That shouldn't be the case anymore in Detroit, as James will slot in as the clear No. 1 tight end in an offense that doesn't have a bonafide superstar. However, before getting excited about James' sleeper appeal in fantasy formats, it should be noted the Lions targeted tight ends the second-fewest times in the NFL last season, and this year's draft class is absolutely loaded at tight end.

The Packers re-signed Lewis on Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Lewis joined the Packers in the midst of the offseason program last May and proceeded to play a bit role in the offense. The majority of his 11.9 snaps per game were spent as a blocker, with minimal impact (three catches for 39 yards on four targets) as a pass catcher. The Packers could still address their tight-end ranks through the draft and/or free agency, but Lewis tentatively slots back in as the No. 2 option behind Jimmy Graham.

The Bills declined to tender Thomas a contract for 2019, making him an unrestricted free agent, Mike Rodak of ESPN.com reports.

Thomas split time between special teams and offense last season, notching 12 receptions for 77 yards without a touchdown across 12 games. He did most of his damage during a Week 9 loss to the Bears, posting seven catches for 40 yards in that contest. Now free to go wherever he pleases, Thomas will look to secure a depth role at tight end in advance of OTAs.

The Bills have agreed to terms with Kroft (foot), Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Per the report, Kroft's deal is for three years and worth $18.75 million. The 26-year-old was limited to four catches for 36 yards in five games this past season, but considering the terms of the 2015 third-rounder's deal, the Bills are banking on Kroft recovering fully from the foot injury that derailed his fourth year with the Bengals. When Kroft played a full slate in 2017, he hauled in 42 passes for 404 yards and seven TDs. He'll now slot in as Buffalo's top pass-catching option at tight end.

The Lions are slated to sign James, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The 2015 fifth-rounder caught 30 passes for 423 yards and two TDs for the Steelers in 2018. James will now slot in as the Lions' top pass-catching tight end, an assignment that should lead to a degree of fantasy relevance for the 6-foot-7, 261-pounder this coming season.

Uzomah has signed a three-year deal worth more than $18 million to remain with the Bengals, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

It's quite a nice payout for Uzomah, who caught 43 passes for 439 yards and three TDs in his fourth NFL season. Given the lucrative terms of his new contract, it's clear that the Bengals view Uzomah as a big part of their offense for the next few years. Meanwhile, fellow tight ends Tyler Eifert and Tyler Kroft are set to become unrestricted free agents Wednesday.

Allen will sign a two-year, $7 million deal with the Dolphins, Josina Anderson of ESPN reports.

It didn't take long for the veteran free agent to find a new team following his release from the Patriots, as Allen nearly signed with the Ravens before ultimately locking in a two-year pack with the AFC East rival just days later. The team's 2018 second-round pick, Mike Gesicki, headlines a talented but unproven tight end depth chart. meaning Allen will likely reprise his role with the Patriots as a blocking specialist, albeit with a different team.

Daniels received an extended tender offer from the Cardinals on Friday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Daniels appeared in two games for the Cardinals after being claimed off waivers in December. It remains to be seen if he will accept the team's offer.

The Packers extended a tender to Tonyan on Friday, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

With less than three accrued seasons, Tonyan is an exclusive rights free agent, leaving him with no option but to sign the aforementioned tender. He was active for all 16 games last season, first as a special teamer before slowly but surely working his way into the offense. With fellow tight ends Lance Kendricks and Marcedes Lewis about to become unrestricted free agents, Tonyan will enter the new league year as the No. 2 to starter Jimmy Graham.

The Cardinals extended a tender to Seals-Jones (neck) on Friday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

As an exclusive rights free agent, Seals-Jones has no leverage and will sign the tender in due time, or else not be able to play in 2019. In 25 games the last two seasons, he's recorded 46 catches (on 97 targets) for 544 yards and four touchdowns. With the arrival of Charles Clay in Arizona, Seals-Jones may have difficulty having that true breakout in 2019, but an improving Josh Rosen and new system under coach Kliff Kingsbury could help the tight end's cause.