Former Ohio State tight end Vannett signs deal with Broncos
A person with knowledge of the deal told 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 that's complicated by the coronavirus pandemic that has forced the league to ban all free agents from visiting team facilities.
At 6 feet 6 and 261 pounds, Vannett, an Ohio State product, will be Denver's biggest tight end. 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 first-round 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.