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Tyler Kroft
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Tyler Kroft (born October 15, 1992) is an American professional football tight end. He played college football for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and was selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He has also played for the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Kroft attended Downingtown East High School in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. He played tight end and wide receiver for the football team. He was rated by Rivals.com as a three-star recruit.[1] He committed to Rutgers University to play college football.[2] He is of German descent.[3]
College career
[edit]Kroft was redshirted as a freshman in 2011 at Rutgers. As a redshirt freshman in 2012, he played in 11 games and had three receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown.[4] As a redshirt sophomore in 2013, Kroft started 12 of 13 games, including a career-best 133 yards against Arkansas.[5] On the season, he had a team-leading 43 receptions and 573 yards, along with four touchdowns,[6][7] and was a first-team all-conference selection. Kroft started 12 of 13 games as a redshirt junior in 2014, but took on a restricted role and reached neither five receptions nor 50 yards in any of them. On the season, he had 24 receptions for 269 yards.[8] He was awarded the "Loyal Knight" award for his willingness to scale back.[9]
After his redshirt junior season, he entered the 2015 NFL draft.[10][11] He finished his collegiate career with 70 receptions for 901 yards and five touchdowns.[12]
College statistics
[edit]| Season | Team | GP | Receiving | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | |||
| 2012 | Rutgers | 11 | 3 | 59 | 19.7 | 1 |
| 2013 | Rutgers | 13 | 43 | 573 | 13.3 | 4 |
| 2014 | Rutgers | 10 | 24 | 269 | 11.2 | 0 |
| Career | 34 | 70 | 901 | 12.9 | 5 | |
Professional career
[edit]| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 5+1⁄2 in (1.97 m) |
246 lb (112 kg) |
33 in (0.84 m) |
9+5⁄8 in (0.24 m) |
4.75 s | 1.65 s | 2.79 s | 4.50 s | 7.18 s | 34.0 in (0.86 m) |
10 ft 0 in (3.05 m) |
17 reps | |
| All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[13][14] | ||||||||||||
Cincinnati Bengals
[edit]Kroft was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round, 85th overall, in the 2015 NFL Draft.[15] He played back-up to Pro Bowl tight end Tyler Eifert. He caught his first career touchdown in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers on a 20-yard pass from A. J. McCarron.[16] He played in all 16 games his rookie season with six starts, recording 11 receptions for 129 yards and one touchdown.[17]
Kroft was third on the depth chart behind Eifert and C. J. Uzomah for much of the 2016 season, compiling ten receptions for 92 yards off the bench.[18]
Kroft began the 2017 season behind Tyler Eifert, but after Eifert was injured in Week 2, Kroft took the starting role. In Week 4, he had six receptions for 68 yards and two touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns, leading the team and setting career bests in all three categories. In Week 9, he had a career-long 59-yard reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars en route to a career-best 79 receiving yards.[19][20] In Weeks 11 and 12 he had back-to-back receiving touchdowns for the first time in his career, both of one yard;[21] the one in Week 11 occurred after teammate Dre Kirkpatrick returned an interception 101 yards, but committed an unforced fumble just before reaching the end zone.[22] He finished the 2017 season with 42 receptions for 404 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns.[23]
In 2018, Kroft suffered a foot injury in Week 5 and missed the next five games in hopes he could return. He was placed on injured reserve on November 16, 2018, officially ending his season.[24] He played in five games and finished with four receptions for 36 yards.[25]
Buffalo Bills
[edit]On March 13, 2019, Kroft signed a three-year $18.75 million contract with the Buffalo Bills.[26][27] On May 20, on the first day of organized team activities, he broke his foot during practice, which required surgery.[28] Kroft finished the season with six catches for 71 yards and a touchdown, which he scored during a Week 15 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter, allowing the Bills to win 17–10 and clinch a playoff spot.[29][30]
In Week 3 of the 2020 season against the Los Angeles Rams, Kroft filled in for injured starter Dawson Knox, catching four passes for 24 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning score from Josh Allen as Buffalo won 35–32.[31] Kroft was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on November 14, 2020,[32] and activated on November 19.[33] He was placed back on the COVID-19 list on January 2, 2021,[34] and activated again two days later.[35] Overall, he finished the 2020 season with 12 receptions for 119 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.[36]
New York Jets
[edit]Kroft signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets on March 22, 2021.[37] On November 9, 2021, Kroft was placed on injured reserve after suffering a chest injury in Week 9.[38] He was activated on December 18.[39]
Kroft finished the season with 16 catches for 173 yards and a touchdown in nine games, starting six.[40]
San Francisco 49ers
[edit]On May 23, 2022, Kroft signed with the 49ers.[41] He was released by San Francisco during final roster cuts on August 30, but re–signed with the team the following day.[42] He appeared in 11 games and started four in the 2022 season.[43] Kroft was the subject of criticism following the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles, as he was lined up on the right side of the offensive line when Eagles edge rusher Haason Reddick collided with quarterback Brock Purdy's arm, resulting in a Ulnar collateral ligament injury of the elbow that led to Purdy being ruled out for the rest of the game. Many in the media attributed blame towards Kyle Shanahan's play-calling, citing it as confusing and negligent.[44]
Miami Dolphins
[edit]On May 9, 2023, Kroft signed with the Miami Dolphins.[45] He appeared in eight games with the Dolphins in the 2023 season.[46]
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | Receiving | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | |||
| 2015 | CIN | 16 | 11 | 129 | 11.7 | 22 | 1 |
| 2016 | CIN | 14 | 10 | 92 | 9.2 | 21 | 0 |
| 2017 | CIN | 13 | 42 | 404 | 9.6 | 59 | 7 |
| 2018 | CIN | 5 | 4 | 36 | 9.0 | 16 | 0 |
| 2019 | BUF | 11 | 6 | 71 | 11.8 | 20 | 1 |
| 2020 | BUF | 7 | 10 | 107 | 10.7 | 38 | 2 |
| 2021 | NYJ | 9 | 16 | 173 | 10.8 | 26 | 1 |
| 2022 | SF | 11 | 4 | 57 | 14.3 | 28 | 0 |
| 2023 | MIA | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 100 | 105 | 1,081 | 10.3 | 59 | 13 | |
Personal life
[edit]Kroft is married and has two children.[47]
References
[edit]- ^ "Tyler Kroft, 2011 Tight End, Rutgers". Rivals.com. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
- ^ Funk, Joshua (June 20, 2010). "Downingtown East TE Tyler Kroft verbally commits to Rutgers". pennlive. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- ^ "49ers Players Pay Homage to their Heritage Through League-Wide Initiative". www.49ers.com.
- ^ Sugam, Matt (August 16, 2013). "Tyler Kroft missing valuable time to become complete tight end". SNYRutgers.com. Archived from the original on December 31, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
- ^ "Arkansas at Rutgers Box Score, September 21, 2013". Sports Reference. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
- ^ "2013 Rutgers Scarlet Knights Stats". Sports Reference. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
- ^ Barto, Tyler (September 1, 2014). "Rutgers' Tyler Kroft developing into elite tight end". The Trentonian. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- ^ "Tyler Kroft Career Game Log". Sports Reference. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- ^ "2016 Rutgers Football Media Guide". Rutgers University. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- ^ "Rutgers TE Tyler Kroft leaving for the 2015 NFL Draft". NFL.com. December 30, 2014. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- ^ Sargeant, Keith (December 30, 2014). "Rutgers tight end Tyler Kroft declares for NFL Draft". NJ.com. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- ^ "Tyler Kroft College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits". Sports Reference. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- ^ "Tyler Kroft Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
- ^ "2015 Draft Scout Tyler Kroft, Rutgers NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". draftscout.com. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
- ^ Marcum, Jason (May 1, 2015). "NFL Draft 2015: Bengals select Rutgers TE Tyler Kroft". CincyJungle.com. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
- ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos – December 28th, 2015". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
- ^ "Tyler Kroft 2015 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
- ^ "Tyler Kroft 2016 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
- ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns – October 1st, 2017". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
- ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Jacksonville Jaguars – November 5th, 2017". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
- ^ "Tyler Kroft Career Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
- ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos – November 19th, 2017". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
- ^ "Tyler Kroft 2017 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- ^ Toback, Rebecca (November 16, 2018). "Bengals TE Tyler Kroft's season is over; LB Brandon Bell promoted from practice squad". CincyJungle.com. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- ^ "Tyler Kroft 2018 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
- ^ Alper, Josh (March 11, 2019). "Koft agrees to deal with Bills". ProFootballTalk.NBCSports.com. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- ^ Brown, Chris (March 13, 2019). "Offense dominates Bills initial wave of 2019 free agent additions". BuffaloBills.com. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- ^ Gantt, Darin (May 21, 2019). "Bills tight end Tyler Kroft breaks foot in OTAs, needs surgery". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- ^ "Bills clinch playoff spot, defeat Steelers, 17–10". FOX News. Associated Press. December 16, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
- ^ "Tyler Kroft 2019 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
- ^ Paylor, Terez (September 27, 2020). "How far can the Bills go with Josh Allen? That's completely up to him". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
- ^ "Josh Norman tests positive for COVID-19, 3 other players placed on reserve/COVID-19 list". BuffaloBills.com. November 14, 2020. Archived from the original on December 20, 2020. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
- ^ Alper, Josh (November 19, 2020). "Bills take Levi Wallace, Tyler Kroft, Dean Marlowe off COVID-19 list". NBCSports.com. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
- ^ "Tyler Kroft placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list + four players elevated for Bills vs. Dolphins". BuffaloBills.com. January 2, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
- ^ "Bills' Tyler Kroft: Quick move off COVID-19 list". CBSSports.com. January 4, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
- ^ "Tyler Kroft 2020 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- ^ Greenberg, Ethan (March 22, 2021). "Jets Sign TE Tyler Kroft". NewYorkJets.com. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
- ^ Greenberg, Ethan (November 9, 2021). "Jets Sign S Elijah Riley, Place S Marcus Maye & TE Tyler Kroft on Injured Reserve". NewYorkJets.com. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
- ^ Greenberg, Ethan (December 18, 2021). "Jets Activate RB Michael Carter, TE Tyler Kroft, DE Bryce Huff and OL Chuma Edoga Off Injured Reserve". NewYorkJets.com. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
- ^ "Tyler Kroft 2021 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Sports-Reference, LLC. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
- ^ Madson, Kyle (May 24, 2022). "49ers roster moves: TE Tyler Kroft officially added, DL Chris Slayton released". Niners Wire. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
- ^ "49ers Announce 2022 Initial 53-Man Roster Ahead of NFL Deadline". 49ers.com. August 30, 2022. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
- ^ "Tyler Kroft 2022 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
- ^ Sanchez, Jose (January 29, 2023). "Brock Purdy's Injury Ends 49ers' Super Bowl Hopes in 31-7 Loss to Eagles". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
- ^ "Miami Dolphins Sign Tyler Kroft". MiamiDolphins.com. May 9, 2023. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
- ^ "Tyler Kroft 2023 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
- ^ Prusak, Heather (October 24, 2020). "Why Tyler and Lexi Kroft's baby girl has the 'clutch gene'". WIVB-TV. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
External links
[edit]Tyler Kroft
View on GrokipediaEarly years
Upbringing and family
Tyler Kroft was born on October 15, 1992, in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.[1] He is the youngest son of Erik and Charlotte Kroft, with an older brother named Ryan who is three years his senior.[7] The family resided in Lionville, a community near Uwchlan in Chester County, where Kroft grew up playing with older children in neighborhood streets and playgrounds, fostering his early toughness and athletic development.[7] From a young age, Kroft showed strong interests in multiple sports, including football, wrestling, baseball, and track, with football emerging as his primary passion. He began playing organized football in youth leagues, starting with the Marsh Creek Eagles and competing at the CYO level before advancing to Lionville Middle School, where he excelled as a running back.[7]High school career
Kroft attended Downingtown East High School in Exton, Pennsylvania, where he emerged as a standout football player.[3] As a three-year starter under head coach Mike Matta, he began his varsity career at wide receiver as a freshman before transitioning to tight end for his sophomore and junior seasons, and returning to wide receiver in his senior year.[3][8] Rated a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Kroft was considered the No. 21 prospect in Pennsylvania by SuperPrep Magazine.[3] In his senior season of 2010, he delivered a breakout performance with 40 receptions for 669 yards and eight touchdowns while lining up at both tight end and wide receiver.[9] Kroft attracted attention from multiple NCAA Division I programs during his recruitment, receiving scholarship offers from Boston College, Connecticut, Northwestern, Rutgers, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, Virginia, and West Virginia.[10] He committed to Rutgers in June 2010 and officially signed his national letter of intent on National Signing Day in February 2011.[11][12]College career
Time at Rutgers
Kroft arrived at Rutgers University in 2011 after committing to the program as a highly regarded tight end recruit from Downingtown East High School in Pennsylvania.[13] As a true freshman, he redshirted the season to develop further, preserving a year of eligibility while adjusting to college-level demands under head coach Greg Schiano.[3] In his redshirt freshman year of 2012, Kroft saw limited action, primarily contributing on special teams and providing depth at tight end during Rutgers' final season in the Big East Conference.[3] He appeared in 11 games, including a start against Howard, and recorded three receptions for 59 yards and one touchdown, highlighted by his first career catch—a 42-yard reception against Arkansas—and a score against Syracuse.[14] Kroft also earned a spot on the Big East All-Academic Team for his performance in the classroom.[3] Kroft's junior season in 2013 marked a significant breakout, as he started 12 of 13 games following Rutgers' transition to the American Athletic Conference.[3] He led the team with 43 receptions for 573 yards and four touchdowns, establishing himself as a key receiving threat with a career-high eight catches against UCF.[14] His standout play earned him First Team All-American Athletic Conference honors, Honorable Mention All-America recognition from Sports Illustrated, and the John Mackey National Tight End of the Week award after a six-catch, 133-yard, one-touchdown performance against Arkansas.[15][16][17] Kroft was also named to the American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team.[3] As a redshirt junior in 2014, under head coach Kyle Flood, Kroft started 11 of 13 games and remained a vital part of the offense, though his production dipped to 24 receptions for 269 yards.[14][3] He received the Loyal Knights Award for his dedication and was selected to the Big Ten All-Academic Team after Rutgers joined the conference.[3] Following the season, Kroft decided to forgo his final year of eligibility and declared for the 2015 NFL Draft, citing feedback from professional scouts as a key factor in his choice.[18][19] Throughout his Rutgers tenure, Kroft primarily served as a blocking tight end, leveraging his 6-foot-6 frame to support the run game and protect the quarterback, while demonstrating receiving upside in Schiano's and Flood's pro-style offenses.[20][21] His development under Schiano's early guidance emphasized fundamentals and versatility, helping him transition into a more complete player.[7]College statistics
Kroft's college receiving statistics at Rutgers reflect his development as a tight end over three seasons, culminating in 70 receptions for 901 yards and 5 touchdowns.[14] His peak performance came in 2013, when he recorded 43 receptions for 573 yards and 4 touchdowns.[14]| Year | School | Conference | Class | Position | Games | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Rec | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Rutgers | Big East | FR | TE | 11 | 3 | 59 | 19.7 | 1 |
| 2013 | Rutgers | American | SO | TE | 13 | 43 | 573 | 13.3 | 4 |
| 2014 | Rutgers | Big Ten | JR | TE | 13 | 24 | 269 | 11.2 | 0 |
Professional career
Cincinnati Bengals (2015–2018)
Kroft was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round (85th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Rutgers.[1] He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $3.001 million, including a signing bonus of $647,776. As a backup to Pro Bowl tight end Tyler Eifert, Kroft primarily contributed on special teams and in blocking situations, leveraging the inline blocking skills he honed during his college career.[1][22] In his rookie season of 2015, Kroft appeared in all 16 games with six starts, recording 11 receptions for 129 yards and one touchdown.[1] The following year, he suffered a sprained left knee during training camp, which sidelined him for the entire preseason but allowed him to return for the regular season.[23] Kroft played in 14 games with 11 starts in 2016, managing 10 receptions for 92 yards, while dealing with additional knee and ankle issues late in the season that caused him to miss the final two contests.[1] Kroft experienced a breakout in 2017, stepping up as the primary tight end amid Eifert's injuries and establishing himself as a reliable red-zone target.[1] He started all 16 games, hauling in 42 passes for 404 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns, including multiple scoring grabs in key victories that highlighted his development as a receiving threat.[1] The 2018 season was cut short for Kroft after he fractured a bone in his right foot during Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins.[24] Limited to five games with two starts, he posted four receptions for 36 yards before being placed on injured reserve on November 16 following unsuccessful attempts to return, effectively ending his tenure with the Bengals.[1][25]Buffalo Bills (2019–2020)
On March 11, 2019, Kroft signed a three-year contract with the Buffalo Bills worth $18.75 million, including $11.75 million guaranteed, marking a significant investment in the tight end position following his departure from the Bengals.[26][4] This deal positioned him as a key addition to support quarterback Josh Allen's development in Buffalo's offense. Kroft's 2019 season was hampered by injuries, including a fractured foot suffered during organized team activities in May that required surgery and sidelined him for the first six games, followed by an ankle sprain in September that caused additional absences.[27][28] Despite these setbacks—compounding a prior season-ending knee injury from his time in Cincinnati—he appeared in 11 games with three starts, recording six receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown, primarily serving as a rotational tight end behind rookie Dawson Knox.[1][29] In 2020, Kroft remained a steady presence in the Bills' tight end room, playing 10 games and starting four while splitting time with Knox and Lee Smith.[1] He finished with 12 receptions on 16 targets for 119 yards and three touchdowns, providing a reliable red-zone option for Allen.[1] Beyond receiving, Kroft excelled as a blocker, earning praise for his run-blocking prowess that helped bolster Buffalo's ground game and protect the quarterback; his efforts were especially valuable in the postseason, including key contributions during the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs.[30][31] Following the 2020 season, during which Kroft had restructured his contract to aid the team's cap situation, the Bills allowed him to become an unrestricted free agent rather than retaining him for the final year of his deal, a move influenced by salary cap constraints and the emergence of younger talent at the position.[32][33] This decision freed approximately $5.4 million in cap space for 2021, aligning with Buffalo's roster management strategy.New York Jets (2021)
On March 19, 2021, the New York Jets signed veteran tight end Tyler Kroft to a one-year contract worth $2 million, including $1.5 million in guaranteed money, to bolster their tight end group as a reliable blocker and experienced option in a rebuilding offense.[4][34] Kroft, who brought prior playoff experience from his time with the Buffalo Bills, was expected to provide stability and veteran presence to a young roster.[35] Kroft quickly emerged as the primary tight end for the Jets, starting the first six games of the season amid a thin depth chart at the position.[36] His role involved not only blocking in the run game but also serving as a mentor to younger tight ends like Ryan Griffin and undrafted rookies, leveraging his six years of NFL experience to guide the group's development.[37] Injuries further elevated his importance, including hamstring issues to backup Daniel Brown that sidelined him early in the year.[38] In nine games with six starts during the 2021 season, Kroft recorded 16 receptions on 25 targets for 173 receiving yards and one touchdown, providing a steady target for rookie quarterback Zach Wilson in a Jets offense that struggled overall.[1][39] His season was cut short by a chest injury—later diagnosed as a lacerated lung—sustained in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts, leading to his placement on injured reserve on November 9.[40] Although designated for return from IR in mid-December and activated on December 18, Kroft did not appear in any additional games.[41] Following the conclusion of his contract after the 2021 season, Kroft entered unrestricted free agency in March 2022.[4]San Francisco 49ers (2022)
On May 23, 2022, the San Francisco 49ers signed veteran tight end Tyler Kroft to a one-year contract worth $1.22 million, adding depth to their tight end room behind star starter George Kittle.[42][4] Kroft, who brought eight years of NFL experience from prior teams including the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets, was initially released during final roster cuts on August 30 but re-signed to the practice squad the next day before being elevated to the active roster for games as needed.[4] During the 2022 regular season, Kroft appeared in 11 games primarily in a backup blocking role, recording just 4 receptions for 57 yards while focusing on pass protection and run support to complement Kittle's receiving prowess.[1] His limited offensive involvement underscored the 49ers' tight end hierarchy, where he served as a reliable but unheralded contributor on a squad that reached the NFC Championship. Kroft's tenure gained notoriety during the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 29, 2023, when he was tasked with blocking edge rusher Haason Reddick on a critical third-down play early in the game. Reddick overpowered Kroft's block, sacking quarterback Brock Purdy and causing a torn UCL in Purdy's throwing elbow that sidelined him for the remainder of the contest and sparked debate over the 49ers' blocking assignments.[43][44] The incident, which occurred with the 49ers driving on their opening possession, contributed to a 31-7 Eagles victory and fueled post-game analysis on Kroft's matchup disadvantage against one of the league's top sack artists.[45] Following the season, Kroft became an unrestricted free agent on March 15, 2023, effectively ending his time with the 49ers after one year.[46]Miami Dolphins (2023–present)
Kroft signed a one-year, $1.29 million contract with the Miami Dolphins on May 9, 2023, adding veteran depth to the tight end position.[4][47] He was released by the team on August 29, 2023, during final roster cuts, but re-signed two days later to the practice squad before being elevated for games.[4] During the 2023 season, Kroft appeared in eight games for Miami without recording a reception, serving primarily as an extra tight end and offensive lineman in blocking roles.[39][48] He saw limited offensive snaps, totaling just 43, and became a healthy scratch for the Dolphins' final four regular-season games, including their playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.[1][48] Ahead of the 2024 season, Kroft entered free agency but re-signed with Miami following a preseason release and subsequent agreement, maintaining his role as a backup tight end with emphasis on versatility in jumbo packages.[49] He continued to contribute on limited snaps, primarily as an additional blocker and extra lineman in offensive sets supporting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, without notable receiving production.[49] As of November 10, 2025, Kroft remains on the Dolphins' active roster under a contract extending through the season, functioning as a veteran backup who provides blocking support and utility in heavy personnel formations within Tagovailoa's offense.[4] His role draws on blocking skills honed during his prior stint with the San Francisco 49ers.[50]Career statistics
Regular season
Kroft has appeared in 117 regular season games over his NFL career through the 2024 season, recording 105 receptions for 1,081 yards and 13 touchdowns.[1] The following table summarizes his year-by-year regular season receiving statistics:| Year | Team | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | CIN | 16 | 11 | 129 | 1 |
| 2016 | CIN | 14 | 10 | 92 | 0 |
| 2017 | CIN | 16 | 42 | 404 | 7 |
| 2018 | CIN | 5 | 4 | 36 | 0 |
| 2019 | BUF | 11 | 6 | 71 | 1 |
| 2020 | BUF | 10 | 12 | 119 | 3 |
| 2021 | NYJ | 9 | 16 | 173 | 1 |
| 2022 | SFO | 11 | 4 | 57 | 0 |
| 2023 | MIA | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | MIA | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career Totals | 117 | 105 | 1,081 | 13 |
Postseason
Kroft has appeared in four NFL postseason games across three teams, primarily serving in a blocking role with limited involvement in the passing game. Over these contests, he recorded no receptions on three targets, accumulating zero receiving yards and zero touchdowns. His snaps were mostly dedicated to run blocking and pass protection, aligning with his career emphasis as a tight end who supports the ground attack rather than serving as a primary receiving option.[51]| Year | Team | Games | Starts | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns | Targets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | CIN | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | BUF | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2022 | SFO | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | - | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |