NFL Player News

The Saints and Jimmy Graham are expected to finalize a long-term deal before April 22, the deadline for Graham to file a grievance challenging his designation as a tight end, a league source tells Pro Football Talk. New Orleans placed the tight end franchise tag on Graham.

"Graham can make a strong case for consideration as a receiver for tag purposes," the report said. "The Saints can make a compelling case, too, but they surely have no desire to draw battle lines with one of their best players. That’s why it makes plenty of sense to resolve the situation before it can take a potentially ugly turn."

Colts tight end Dwayne Allen, who had hip surgery in October, says he feels great and is back to 100 percent. He's doing pilates three days a week and should participate in OTAs next month, according to the team's website.

Under new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew anticipates more passes thrown his way. He had 41 catches last season, a big drop from the 71 and 83 receptions he made in 2010 and 2011 respectively.

“I think these guys kind of want to open up the game a little bit more,” Pettigrew told the team's website after re-signing with Detroit for $16 million over four years. “Spread the ball out a little bit more and try to get the tight ends the ball.

“Knowing what (Lombardi) is coming from (New Orleans), the expectation is that balls will be coming my way a little bit more. It sounds fun. It sounds exciting.“

Pettigrew, however, will continue to do a lot of blocking in the running game.

Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew agreed to a four-year, $16-million deal to stay in Detroit on Thursday that includes $8 million guaranteed, reports the Detroit Free Press . Pettigrew was considering leaving the Lions for the Jets or the Raiders.

He had 41 catches for 416 yards and two touchdowns in 2013. In five seasons, Pettigrew has 284 catches and 16 touchdowns.

He's expected to remain the No. 1 tight end but also share time with Joseph Fauria.

Free agent tight Brandon Pettigrew could sign a new deal soon, reports the New York Daily News.

The report says Pettigrew is drawing interest from the Jets, Raiders and the Lions, his former team. He is expected to make his decision shortly, and the Jets would like to find an upgrade at the position.

Pettitgrew, 29, had 41 catches for 416 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games last season for the Lions. He has spent his entire five-year career in Detroit.

The Browns announced the signing of tight end Jim Dray on Thursday. Dray spent the past four years with the Cardinals. He posted career highs last season with 26 catches for 215 yards and a pair of touchdowns. 

The Packers held on to one of their own on Thursday, bringing back tight end Andrew Quarless. 

Quarless finished with 32 catches for 312 yards and two touchdowns.

The Texans and tight end Garrett Graham have agreed to a deal according to the Houston Chronicle. 

Graham stepped in for the injured Owen Daniels last season and caught 49 passes for 545 yards and five touchdowns. He should end up as the team's top tight end in 2014. 

The Chargers signed former Steelers tight end David Johnson to a two-year deal. He played in five games last season, making four catches for 70 yards, before going on IR with a wrist injury.

If he doesn't re-sign with the Lions, free agent tight end Brandon Pettigrew will land with the Giants, Jets, Texans or Raiders, reports NFL Network. The tight end market is expected to heat up Wednesday after a slow start.