Source: Broncos land tight end Vannett
A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press the Denver Broncos have agreed to a two-year free agent deal with former Seattle and Pittsburgh tight end Nick Vannett that’s worth $5.7 million.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because NFL teams aren’t announcing signings until all the paperwork is filed, a process complicated by the coronavirus pandemic that has forced the league to ban all free agents from visiting team facilities.
At 6-foot-6 and 261 pounds, Vannett will be Denver’s biggest tight end, and while he’s primarily built a reputation as a blocker, he did catch 29 passes for Seattle in 2018 and had a combined 17 receptions for the Seahawks and Steelers last season.
He’ll pair with 2019 firstround pick Noah Fant in the Broncos’ two-tight end sets, and his addition could spell trouble for fellow Ohio State alum Jeff Heuerman, who’s been plagued by injuries during his five-year career and is due nearly $4 million next season, none of which is guaranteed.
Vannett was a third-round pick out of Ohio State by Seattle in 2016. Heuerman was a third-round pick by the Broncos a year earlier.
In four seasons, Vannett has 61 catches for 591 yards and four touchdowns. Heuerman, who didn’t play as a rookie because of a knee injury, has remarkably similar numbers in his four seasons of action: 63 catches for 678 yards and five TDs.
With Chris Harris Jr.’s departure to the Chargers this week, Heuerman is one of only three players (Von Miller, Brandon McManus) remaining from Denver’s Super Bowl 50-winning team.
As they did with Harris, the Broncos thanked safety Will Parks on Twitter Saturday following his departure via free agency. Parks has agreed to a one-year deal with his hometown Philadelphia Eagles.
Jets make moves
Joe Douglas entered free agency focused on improving the New York Jets’ shaky offensive line.
The makeover with the big boys up front is on. In a big way.
Two people with direct knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Saturday night that the Jets and former Carolina Panthers guard Greg Van Roten agreed to a three-year contract. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because teams can’t announce deals until they are officially signed.
That news came a few hours after New York agreed to terms with veteran offensive lineman Josh Andrews, agent Brett Tessler announced on Twitter.
A busy Saturday for the Jets included the team releasing cornerback Darryl Roberts, a sometime starter and valuable backup. Another person with direct knowledge of the deal said New York and former Los Angeles Rams safety
Marqui Christian agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $2 million.
Raiders get Agholor
The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a one-year contract with free agent Nelson Agholor to add a veteran receiver to their offense.
A person familiar with the move said the sides reached the deal Saturday. The person also said the Raiders agreed to a one-year deal to keep backup running back Rod Smith. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contracts can’t be officially signed until the players pass physicals.
Offensive lineman Eric Kush also confirmed he agreed to a deal with the Raiders, and Nick O’Leary’s agency, Sports Trust Advisors, said the tight end has a deal in place with the team.
Agholor spent the past five seasons in Philadelphia. He had 62 and 64 catches in 2017 and 2018 but struggled last season with a knee injury.