Rhett Ellison received interest from the Jaguars and Giants and opted for New York. The tight end signed a four-year deal worth $18MM, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets. He will receive $8MM fully guaranteed at signing.
The Jaguars have outbid other suitors for big targets on Thursday but did not secure this mid-tier free agent, with the Giants agreeing to pay Ellison just less than $5MM per year. Both were interested in Ellison for around this price. Ellison, though, hasn’t proven too much in his career to date.
Operating as an auxiliary player in the Vikings’ offense behind Kyle Rudolph, Ellison has just 51 career catches in four seasons. Pro Football Focus graded him better as a blocker than receiver.
The Giants did not receive much from their tight ends last season, but Will Tye still snagged 48 passes for 398 yards. New York was also in on Martellus Bennett, who remains unsigned.
I don’t understand this move. That money could have went to a RB or OL.
They needed a blocker at the position since none of their tight ends from last season has done much . Also there could be hidden value for him as reciever since he was behind rudoloph on the depth chart. Might have been a slight overpay but still the Giants filled a need
They might have been able to get Fasano for less $
Seems like a player who has not peaked just yet. Adding a plus blocking TE who still has growth potential as a player is a great overall addition to the team. Looks more and more like O-line will be addressed on draft day (trade and or/picks). Rhett Allison also has a leadership award at USC named after him for being a leader in locker room and community. Giants add another piece to their Super Bowl puzzle.
I couldn’t agree more. He might not have stats as sexy as other tight ends on the market but he fills a need as a blocker and he is decent enough to make catches. He won’t stretch the field like a jack Doyle or a martelius Bennett but he’s good enough to make plays over the middle and create holes for Perkins
Also with each day Adrian Peterson is on the market, the window for a reunion with his former lead blocker (Rhett) opens greater.
Its pretty clear they are filling some less glaring needs in free agency in order to fix the oline in the draft. Its a weak class, but they can still get value. Reese has shown he will move up a few spots too. Everyone is getting overpaid with the raised cap.
Seems like the perfect Eli tight end as well, has the Kevin Boss/Mart Bennett size. Just needs to show he’s a bit brighter than Donnell and i think its a fine move.
I would have rather had Marcellus Bennett at 3 years 18 mil (what the packers paid). rather than Rhett Ellison at 4 year 18 million. Bad move. May too much money for someone not even on in the top 5 free agents at his position.