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And the roll of fantasy-football relevant tight ends getting contract extensions continues. ... Delanie Walker is the latest to join that list after signing a two-year extension with the Titans on Friday.
The new deal is worth $14.7 million with $8.2 million in guarantees, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported.
"We are excited to get this deal done with Delanie," general manager Jon Robinson said in a statement released by the team. "He's an integral part of this offense, and he has bought into our philosophy of what Titan football is about. We are looking forward to his continued impact both on the field and in the community in the future."
A first-time Pro Bowler in 2015, Walker is coming off his best statistical season with franchise-record 94 catches for 1,088 yards and six touchdowns. He became just the ninth tight end in NFL history to record 90 catches in a season, joining Tony Gonzalez (five times), Jason Witten (four), Todd Christensen (two) and Dallas Clark, Jimmy Graham, Ben Coates, Martellus Bennett and Rob Gronkowski.
Walker has scored 16 of his 24 career touchdowns since joining the Titans in 2013. He's motivated to keep his roll going.
“I always felt like I was an elite tight end in the league, and I finally got the opportunity to play in the Pro Bowl,’’ Walker said. “But it hasn’t changed me. I am still hungry, and I want to do more. This time, I don’t want to be an alternate. I want to be that guy that gets voted in and I know that takes us winning games. This year I really think we are going to win the games and I’ll probably get the recognition I deserve.”
Contractually speaking, Walker joins a group of younger players, most notably Jordan Reed, Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz and Brent Celek, getting extensions this offseason.
Head coach Mike Mularkey told the team's official web site that keep Walker with the team for multiple years is important.
“This is a great day for our organization,” Mularkey said. “He is one of the best players in the NFL and he is a guy that has continued to represent himself, the organization and the city of Nashville in a positive manner since the day he arrived. Delanie has been a pleasure to coach and it is very gratifying as a coach to watch him perform at such a high level week after week.”
Walker will be 32 in August. He was drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round in 2006 and played seven seasons with the 49ers before signing a four-year deal with the Titans in 2013.
In 10 NFL seasons, Walker has caught 340 passes for 4,014 yards and the above-mentioned 24 touchdowns.
Walker, who has caught at least 60 passes in every season since joining the Titans in 2013, has been one of the team’s leaders in the early stages of the team’s offseason program, Robinson said. That might be due -- at least in part -- to the fact Walker is excited because of some of the changes around him.
The team has been busy, adding 10 new players since the beginning of March, including a trade for former Cowboys and Eagles RB DeMarco Murray and the selection of Heisman Trophy-winning running back Derrick Henry last week. While those additions might lead to run-heavier approach and an increased role as a blocker, fantasy owners shouldn't have major concerns.
With a still-developing group at wideout, Marcus Mariota's reliance on Walker in situations when it matters most is unlikely to change any time soon. And that means Walker's assessment -- that he's an "elite" tight end is going to be reflected in his Average Draft Position right up until the season starts.