NFL Player News

The Eagles quickly moved to sign Texans fullback/tight end James Casey in free agency, and coach Chip Kelly quickly explained why he liked him. "Extremely versatile, and one of the qualities we really liked about him," Kelly said, talking up his former work as a baseball player and lining up at six different positions while at Rice University. " ... [A]s a coach it's almost like you kind of got a new toy when there's a lot of different spots you can put him in because he's got a background in it and he's extremely smart, extremely intelligent. ... [A] guy that can really come into our program and have a big effect on what we're going to do."

The Steelers re-signed fullback David Johnson to a one-year deal. He missed all of 2012 with a torn ACL.

The Eagles made their first 2013 free-agent signing official Tuesday night, announcing that they have agreed to terms on a three-year deal with tight end James Casey. The Eagles announcement specifically identified Casey as a tight end, and that's significant since he was used as a fullback in Houston.

The Florida Times-Union reports tight end Marcedes Lewis could be in line for more work in 2013. The current coaching staff believes the previous coaching staff didn't use Lewis enough as a receiver. Lewis caught 52 of a mere 77 targeted passes for 540 yards and four scores last season, following up on a zero-touchdown campaign in 2011 that was preceded by a 10 touchdown effort in 2010.

The Washington Examiner reports that the Redskins want to do a multi-year contract with tight end Logan Paulsen, a player they consider reliable, though no deal is imminent. The report says it's hard to see them making him a second-round tender, which would guarantee his return. Even if they give him a right-of-first-refusal tender, there's a chance no team will bite on Paulsen. The report also says it's doubtful Paulsen would pass on a multi-year deal elsewhere in the hopes of cashing in more as an unrestricted free agent. If the Redskins re-sign Fred Davis, as they are telling people they will do, then Paulsen would be a backup.

The Colts official team website reports that new offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton has high expectations for second-year tight end Dwayne Allen. “I think if you just look at the versatility of Dwayne Allen and his ability to line up in the backfield and lead block, or detach and line up in the slot and win the one-on-one matchup, that’s a tremendous weapon that you want to have in any offense,” Hamilton said.

The Chiefs added three players Monday: defensive end Marcus Dixon, tight end Kevin Brock and wide receiver Mardy Gilyard.

New Lions tight ends coach Bobby Johnson believes he can help Brandon Pettigrew maximize his potential in 2013. Pettigrew finished second on the team with 59 catches but scored just three times, had a slew of drops and for Fantasy purposes had one game with 10 Fantasy points. "I think Brandon, just looking at him from what I've been watching on film, maybe has a little bit more ability in the intermediate routes," Johnson said while comparing him to the guy he coached last year, Marcedes Lewis. "He has a little bit more redirect ability or change-of-direction ability. I just think my experience with Marcedes this past year will help me help him."

The Giants have re-signed reserve tight end Bear Pascoe to a one-year deal.

CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora reports Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis could be asked to take a pay cut in 2013. Lewis is scheduled to make $4.35 million. Reports La Canfora: "He has been woefully unproductive since the Jags extended him a few years back. Certainly the poor quarterback play has something to do with it, but with new ownership and a new management team in place, Lewis' future is in doubt."