Gary Barnidge skipped a season of NFL football last year when he was not offered a fair contract in free agency. So do not forget about the rested 32-year-old tight end on the open market in 2018.

Then Barnidge’s fairy tale story got ruined by the business side of the NFL. Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge had a Pro Bowl season in 2015. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy) ...

Until recently, you couldn't blame a casual football fan for not having heard of veteran Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge. After all, the 30-year-old had caught just 44 passes and scored ...

Gary Barnidge with the Cleveland Browns. Barnidge didn't have his professional breakout in the NFL until he left Carolina and signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent.

The life of NFL player can change in an instant. Even after the Cleveland Browns drafted a tight end in the first round, it didn't look like Gary Barnidge was in danger of losing his job.

Barnidge’s 18-yard touchdown grab goes straight into the NFL highlight-reel hall of fame, that’s how incredibly absurd it was. Trailing 21–16 with 12-plus minutes to play, Browns quarterback ...

Gary Barnidge is turning heads this season with his play -- but the Cleveland Browns' tight end has long been trying to impact the game off the field in a truly international way.

In 2015, Barnidge gave the NFL “the autumn of Gary.” A little-known tight end with 44 career receptions evolved into one of the league’s top pass-catching weapons.

Over seven seasons, Barnidge has 1,646 receiving yards—1,043 of which came last season. SI Staff | Jul 14, 2016 The NFL’s best tight ends, No. 8: Gary Barnidge, Browns / ...

By Will GibsonCleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge has emerged as one of the NFLâ s top pass catchers in 2015. His 40 receptions are tied for most among tight ends with New England Patriots ...

Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) runs with the ball after a catch against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in Cleveland.

The 2017 offseason has not been kind to the Baltimore Ravens' tight end depth chart. Presumed starter Dennis Pitta suffered a dislocated hip during mini-camp, and the Ravens later released him ...