Atlanta Falcons re-sign blocking tight end Parker Hesse

For the second time this week, the Atlanta Falcons brought back another pending free agent re-signing tight end Parker Hesse. Re-signing Hesse wasn’t surprising considering the team’s need for depth at the position and Parker’s ability as a blocker.

Hesse is a blocking tight end almost exclusively with only 14 catches and 132 yards in two seasons with the Falcons. Hesse joins a tight-end group with Kyle Pitts, John FitzPatrick, Feleipe Franks, Tucker Fisk, and John Raine.

It would be surprising to see anyone outside of Pitts and Hesse as roster locks heading into camp. Franks is an obvious cut serving as neither a blocking nor receiving option at a position he clearly cannot play.

FitzPatrick is an interesting candidate to make Arthur Smith’s roster considering his potential as a blocker and surprise target in heavy sets. Atlanta could opt to add a starter alongside Pitts in the draft or free agency keeping Hesse and FitzPatrick on the roster as blocking options.

MyCole Pruitt is still a free agent as well and could be brought back considering the chemistry the tight end showed with Desmond Ridder at the end of the year. Atlanta may prefer to add a more proven pass catcher, however, giving Ridder the best possible chance to succeed in year two.

Two possible fits for the Falcons could include a reunion with Hayden Hurst or Austin Hooper. Both are set to hit free agency and could be affordable options that would complete Atlanta’s depth at the position. Drafting Darnell Washington in the second round is an attractive option as well considering the blocking ability and mismatch that Washington is in the passing attack.

Signing Hesse is a small step in the right direction but Atlanta should be expected to make a bigger move at the position to take pressure off of Kyle Pitts and provide Ridder with another reliable option.