Herndon was released by New Orleans on Tuesday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Herndon joined the Saints on Aug. 3 after spending last season with the Vikings. The veteran tight end has yet to capitalize on the promise he showed in his 2018 rookie season with the Jets, where he caught 39 of 56 targets for 502 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games. He'll now work to earn an opportunity elsewhere.

The Saints signed Herndon on Wednesday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Herndon will play for his third NFL team in as many years after seeing just seven targets while playing second fiddle to Tyler Conklin in Minnesota last season. He enters a crowded tight end room that includes promising third-year player Adam Trautman, gadget-knife Taysom Hill, and blocking specialist Nick Vannett. Herndon's path to playing time is unclear, and whether he makes the initial 53-man roster may depend on whether New Orleans opts to keep four tight ends.

Herndon is expected to sign with the Saints, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Herndon was selected by the Jets in the fourth round of the 2018 Draft and had a promising rookie season he has yet to be able to duplicate. The four-year pro spent last season with the Vikings, recording four catches on seven targets for 40 yards and a touchdown.

The Vikings activated Herndon (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Herndon is healthy for the offseason after missing Week 18. He played in each of Minnesota's first 16 games in 2021, but was targeted only five times while averaging 11.5 snaps per contest. Herndon turns 26 in February, and 60 percent of his career receiving yards (502 of 836) came during his 2018 rookie campaign. He'll become an unrestricted free agent in March if he doesn't re-sign with Minnesota first.

The Vikings didn't reinstate Herndon (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list prior to Sunday's game against the Bears, Will Ragatz of SI.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Minnesota at least restored some depth at tight end for the finale with blocking specialist Ben Ellefson (foot/knee) making his return from injured reserve, but Herndon's absence will leave the Vikings without at true pass-catching threat at the position beyond starter Tyler Conklin. After being acquired from the Jets prior to Week 1, Herndon concludes his first season in Minnesota with just four receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown on seven targets over 16 games.

Herndon (neck) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

The tight end tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday and will now enter the league's protocols surrounding the virus. Herndon suffered a neck injury in Week 17 against the Packers, making it unlikely that he plays Sunday versus the Bears regardless of the his ability to clear COVID protocols.

Herndon (neck) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against Green Bay.

EDGE Analysis

Herndon wasn't targeted prior to being injured. Luke Stocker should see more run alongside Tyler Conklin at tight end in heavy sets with Herndon hurt.

Herndon played 13 offensive snaps and wasn't targeted during Sunday's 29-27 loss to the Lions.

EDGE Analysis

Herndon and Luke Stocker each played 13 offensive snaps while starting tight end Tyler Conklin led Minnesota's pass catchers with 72 snaps. Herndon has only three catches for 23 yards and a touchdown in 12 games this season and has no fantasy appeal in his current role as a depth tight end.

Herndon didn't record a target during Sunday's 34-26 loss to the 49ers.

EDGE Analysis

Herndon didn't record a target for the second consecutive game and played just eight offensive snaps, his lowest total since Week 9. As long as Tyler Conklin is healthy, it doesn't appear like Herndon will have much of a role in Minnesota's passing game.

Herndon had one reception for 14 yards on two targets in Sunday's win at the Chargers.

EDGE Analysis

Herndon tied for a season-high 23 snaps on offense, as he's usually been a non-factor in the passing game. He also had a bad drop during the game, so it doesn't appear he'll have a significant role in the air attack as long as Tyler Conklin is healthy.