Who Should I Start? Giovanni Ricci or Teagan Quitoriano

Monday, February 3, 7:02 PM

The New England Patriots signed free-agent tight end Giovanni Ricci (knee) to a Reserve/Futures deal on Monday. Ricci was on the Cleveland Browns' practice squad in 2024 but never was active for a regular-season game and was cut in August due to a knee injury. The 28-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Western Michigan made his NFL debut in 2021 with the Carolina Panthers, with all 36 of his career games coming with Carolina. In three NFL seasons, Ricci has caught only nine of 12 targets for 102 yards and no touchdowns with the Panthers. Ricci is more of a blocker than a pass-catcher and will now represent tight end depth for the Patriots throughout the offseason and into training camp this summer. The most likely scenario is that he'll effective serve as a fullback for new Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

Friday, March 28, 8:28 PM

The Atlanta Falcons have come to terms with free agent tight end Teagan Quitoriano on an undisclosed contract. Quitoriano appeared in seven games for the Houston Texans last season but did not record any catches. The Texans initially selected the 25-year-old in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. That season, he accrued seven receptions, 113 yards, and two touchdowns in nine games. The Oregon State alum has spent time on IR in each of the last three seasons. He'll now join a Falcons tight end room that features Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner, and Feleipe Franks. Quitoriano will compete for snaps but will likely serve as a depth piece for the team.