in 2016, he became the backup and blocking tight end after james hanna missed the season with a knee bone bruise. he started the season opener against the new york giants as the second tight end. he started in the ninth game against the pittsburgh steelers as the second tight end, but suffered a pectoral injury and was replaced by escobar. on november 16, he was placed on the injured reserve list with a pectoral tear. he started 6 out of 9 games, making 6 receptions for 69 yards.