The Chicago Bears signed former Denver Broncos tight end Jake Butt to an undisclosed deal on Friday. The Bears also added offensive lineman Tyrone Wheatley Jr., the son of former NFL running back Tyrone Wheatley. Offensive lineman Gunnar Vogel and defensive lineman Thomas Schaffer were released. Butt is only 25 years old, but he's played in only eight games in two seasons in the NFL and missed the entire 2017 and 2019 seasons due to injuries. He fell to the fifth round in 2017 due to a torn ACL. Butt will join a tight end group that includes Jimmy Graham and Cole Kmet, among others. He projects as an in-line tight end who will provide some depth behind Graham and Kmet, so he won't have any fantasy value to begin the year.
Jake Butt, Nick Vannett Must Step Up With Noah Fant Out
With Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant (ankle) out for Monday night's game against the Patriots, Jake Butt and Nick Vannett could see more targets in the passing game. Because both Butt and Vannett could take turns alternating at the position, neither player is worth a look for fantasy managers in starting lineups. Butt has just two catches (four targets) for five yards in four games, while Vannett has a measly two receptions (six targets) for one yard in three games. It doesn't help matters that the Patriots Defense has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position through four games in 2020. Butt or Vannett might luck into a red-zone/goal-line touchdown, but you obviously can't bank on that happening.
Denver Broncos tight end Jake Butt (knee) said he is back to 100 percent health heading into the 2020 season. Butt was drafted in the fifth round in 2017 out of Michigan, but he's played in just three games (all in 2018) and has had four pretty serious knee surgeries since 2014. As he heads into his age-25 campaign, Butt is desperately trying to prove that he can stay on the field, but it is probably too late. Denver drafted pass-catching tight end Noah Fant in the first round last year and spent more draft capital on rookie Albert Okwuegbunam a month ago. The Broncos also have Jeff Heuerman and Nick Vannett on the roster, so even if Butt manages to stay healthy in 2020, he's highly unlikely to see much playing time.
Denver Broncos tight end Jake Butt (knee), who has already had three ACL surgeries in his career, experienced soreness in his left knee and will undergo a minor procedure, according to a source. You have to wonder how much longer Butt will be around if he can't stay on the field. The Broncos also have Jeff Heuerman and rookie Noah Fant, so Butt is a distant third right now considering his injury. Fant is the one to own here in fantasy, but it's no guarantee that he'll make waves immediately. Consider him a low-end TE2, at best, while his real value lies in dynasty leagues. Butt should be avoided everywhere.
Denver Broncos tight end Jake Butt (knee) caught two passes for 17 yards in the fourth preseason game Saturday. It was his first action since he suffered the third torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee last season. Butt is a talented player that could be worth watching for a backup spot on your fantasy roster, and the Broncos like to use their tight ends.
Denver Broncos tight end Jake Butt (knee) is expected to be a full participant in Wednesday's non-padded practice, according to sources that informed NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Butt was the team's starter in 2018 for three games before he tore his ACL for the third time in his career. It's notable progress, but it doesn't guarantee that Butt will be ready to go for the regular season, and he also has Jeff Heuerman and impressive rookie Noah Fant ahead of him on the depth chart. The Broncos will be happy with whatever they can get out of Butt this season. You can ignore him for now in fantasy drafts.
Denver Broncos tight end Jake Butt, who has torn his ACL three times since 2014, said he is getting closer in his recovery from his latest knee injury. I cant go (practice), but Im getting closer, Butt said. Im about five months out right now. But rehab is going really well. Im feeling great and I know the trainers are feeling good about where Im at. He finished with eight catches for 85 yards in three starts in 2018 and has a chance to be the primary pass-catching tight end if he can stay on the field. The Broncos re-signed Jeff Heuerman and also have Troy Fumagalli recovering from a sports hernia. Fumagalli has been cleared to practice starting April 2. Quarterback Joe Flacco likes to lean on tight ends, which is good for this group, but it remains to be seen how this situation will play out. Fantasy owners would be better off avoiding Denver's tight end group.
Denver Broncos tight end Jake Butt (knee), who tore his left ACL in practice on Sept. 27, would like to be on the field when organized team activities begin this spring. Ill be here all offseason rehabbing and at the very least Ill be fully healthy for (training) camp, Butt said. Im progressing and I have goals I want to at least be doing something during OTAs. I feel really good. He had eight catches for 85 yards in the first three games of the season before his injury. Butt tore his right ACL twice in college and sat out all of 2017. He could be in line for a starting job if Jeff Heuerman departs in free agency, but Butt is really only a consideration as a dynasty league stash until he proves he can stay on the field.
Denver Broncos tight end Jake Butt suffered a torn left ACL during the walkthrough portion of Thursday's practice and will be out for the remainder of the 2018 season.
Denver Broncos tight end Jake Butt was limited in practice Thursday and is being evaluated for a left knee injury. Butt looked to be a sneaky play heading into this Week 4 matchup with the Chiefs as Kansas City has allowed opposing TEs to pick up 102 receiving yards per game (second most). However, unless his status is confirmed before kickoff Sunday, he's no longer worth the risk as this one will be played Monday night.
