Dan

Vitale

The Patriots released Vitale this offseason after he opted out of 2020. The 2016 sixth-round pick made 13 starts for the Browns and Packers during his four-year career.

Originally signed to a one-year deal with the Patriots last March, Vitale opted out of the regular season after welcoming a newborn to the family. 28 in October, it’s still possible he lands a starting gig elsewhere in 2021.

Vitale and his wife recently welcomed a newborn baby to their family. He signed a one-year deal worth $1.3 million back in March to compete for the starting fullback spot. That role will now fall to Jakob Johnson and rookie Dalton Keene.

It’s a one-year deal worth $1.3 million that includes a $100,000 signing bonus. Vitale can make up to $1.5 million by meeting a playtime incentive. We would imagine he’s insurance for James Develin and Jakob Johnson following season-ending injuries to both last year. While the league continues to feature 11 personnel and Air Raid attacks, the Patriots will apparently be sticking to their trusted 21 offensive base.

They’ll move forward with Glenn Gronkowski as their lone fullback.

Vitale will try to carve out a role as a swiss-army type, with special teams being his first home.

Vitale was the 197th pick in April’s draft. The Bucs are keeping five tight ends, electing to move on without the H-back-type Vitale. Luke Stocker has been getting reps in the backfield as Tampa Bay’s lead blocker.

Of the Bucs’ rookie class, only second rounders Noah Spence and Roberto Aguayo remain unsigned. A great athlete who excels in the passing game, Vitale could be looking at an H-back role in addition to lead-blocking duties. Kyle Juszczyk, who caught 41 passes for Baltimore last season, is a nice analog for Vitale.

Vitale (6'1/239) was a four-year starter at “superback” for the Wildcats, excelling as a receiver with a career line of 135-1,427-11 (10.6 YPR). Despite his fullback profile, Vitale turned heads in Indy with a 4.6-flat forty, 38 1/2-inch vertical, and 10-foot-3 broad jump. His SPARQ score was the second highest among running backs at the Combine. Vitale is a rich man’s version of Kyle Juszczyk as a fullback-running back-H-back hybrid.