After spending his entire NFL career in the Eastern time zone, Tyler Kroft is heading west.
The veteran tight end has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers, per his agent Mike McCartney. The team has since announced the news.
Kroft has made a lengthy career out of filling the role of a traditional tight end for the Bengals, Bills and Jets from 2015-2021. He's averaged just 14 receptions per season, but his 2017 output of 42 catches, 404 yards and seven touchdowns in Cincinnati stands as proof he can become a quality receiving option when called upon.
Kroft heads to San Francisco, where Kyle Shanahan values lesser-known tight ends to play opposite superstar George Kittle and serve as quality blockers with the capability to get open and catch passes. He'll join a roster filled with such players (Ross Dwelley, Charlie Woerner, Troy Fumagalli) and bring with him seven seasons worth of wisdom to lend to his younger counterparts. Thanks to Shanahan's tendency to use multiple tight ends at once, Kroft could carve out a worthwhile role for himself with a team looking to build upon its appearance in the NFC Championship Game.
The 49ers waived defensive lineman Chris Slayton to make room for Kroft.
Roster moves
- The Baltimore Ravens announced the re-signing of defensive end Brent Urban and signing of linebacker Diego Fagot. The team also waived defensive back Chris Moore.
- The Cincinnati Bengals announced the signing of third-round defensive tackle Zachary Carter.
- The Cleveland Browns waived quarterback Felix Harper and signing defensive back Reggie Robinson II.
- The Houston Texans waived cornerback Jimmy Moreland and signed tight end Darrell Daniels.
- The Indianapolis Colts and veteran quarterback Nick Foles have agreed to terms on a two-year deal, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports, per a source. The team has since announced the news. Foles, who will back up Matt Ryan, reunites with Frank Reich after the pair contributed greatly to the Eagles' memorable run toward victory in Super Bowl LII. The team waived QB James Morgan in a corresponding move.
- The Las Vegas Raiders placed defensive back Malkelm Morrison on the reserve-retired list.
- The Los Angeles Rams announced the re-signing of safety Jake Gervase.
- The New York Jets signed third-round tight end Jeremy Ruckert to his rookie deal. The team also announced it signed wide receiver D.J. Montgomery and waived wide receiver Rodney Adams.
- The Seattle Seahawks announced the signing of veteran wide receiver Marquise Goodwin. Godwin, who competed in the 2012 Olympics as a long jumper, has previously played for the Bills, 49ers and Bears. He played the 2021 season with Chicago, tallying two starts in 14 games played with 20 receptions for 313 yards and a touchdown.
- The Tennessee Titans announced the signing of fourth-round tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo.
- The Washington Commanders signed offensive tackle Aaron Monteiro.
Injuries
- Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Pederson told reporters Monday that running back Travis Etienne (foot) is a full-go for all practice activity as the team begins its offseason program. Etienne missed his entire rookie season after suffering a Lisfranc injury in training camp.
- Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford confirmed to reporters that he received an anti-inflammatory shot in his right elbow for an issue he had last season. Stafford did not throw on Monday and coach Sean McVay said it's unlikely his QB will throw at OTAs.
- Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll told reporters Monday that running back Rashaad Penny is dealing with a slight hamstring issue.
