Blake

Whiteheart

Whiteheart signed with the Cardinals as a UDFA in 2023 but didn’t make their final roster. He was called up from Arizona’s practice squad for a few snaps as a rookie but didn’t stick with the team after the season. He landed on the Browns’ practice squad for the 2024 season. Cleveland called him up after David Njoku went down with an ankle injury in Week 1. Whiteheart caught his first career pass on the opening drive and then nabbed his second on a play-action throw from Deshaun Watson for a one-yard score a few plays later. Though his reps will be cut once Njoku returns, Whiteheart’s Week 4 performance could be enough to get him a shot on the active roster.

The undrafted free agent initially survived roster cuts but was let go to make room for one of the six total waiver claims put in on Wednesday by the Cardinals. It is still possible he is brought back to the organization via the practice squad should he clear waivers.

In a class full of undersized tight ends, Whiteheart (6’4/247) is no exception. The former Demon Deacon lacks ideal size to contribute as a run blocker, but his highlights show a sure-handed receiver. Whether it’s hauling in an errant pass or beating a defender on a contested target, Whiteheart was about as reliable as they come during his time at Wake Forest. His career receiving line of 44-541-6 won’t wow anybody, but Whiteheart has just two drops to his name on 63 targets and secured 10-of-14 contested targets for his career. Despite the impressive hands, Whiteheart will need to improve as a run blocker if he hopes to one day contribute on offense. His experience on special teams could buy him some extra time to develop on the practice squad.