A big name is planning on getting back on the field next season. Veteran tight end Delanie Walker plans to return to the NFL in 2021 after taking the 2020 season off, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Schefter says Walker took the year off due to COVID-19 as well as to get 100 percent healthy, as he struggled with injuries during his final couple seasons with the Titans. We heard back in August that the Ravens and Patriots both had some interest in bringing him in, so those would figure to be teams to watch for whenever he signs this time around.
A late-bloomer, Walker never did a ton as a receiver during his first seven years in the league with the 49ers. He entered the league as a sixth-round pick back in 2006, and didn’t really break out until signing with Tennessee in 2013. He was one of the most productive tight ends in the NFL for a half decade, making three straight Pro Bowls from 2015-17.
An ankle injury limited him to only one game in 2018, and more ankle issues limited him to seven in 2019. In his last healthy season in 2017, he had 74 catches for 807 yards and three touchdowns. He’s 36 now, but due to his pedigree he should be able to find a home assuming he’s actually healthy.
Being stuck behind Vernon Davis did him no favors in the blooming department
That’s what I was thinking too.
Come to the Patriots!
If he can still run he has value. Go get em!