Los Angeles Rams pick up Syracuse TE Dan Villari as undrafted free agent
As Syracuse's primary tight end in 2025, Dan Villari hauled in a career-high 412 receiving yards on 39 receptions. Lars Jendruschewitz | Senior Staff Photographer
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Syracuse tight end Dan Villari has signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent Saturday. Villari was one of Syracuse’s top pass catchers in 2025, setting career highs with 412 receiving yards and 39 receptions.
Villari started his career at Michigan in 2020 and 2021, redshirting both years after not playing in the first season and serving only as a rushing option for the Wolverines in 2021. He transferred to SU before the 2022 campaign and remained with the Orange for the last four years.
The Massapequa, New York, native didn’t see the field much in 2022, but he played a pivotal role in 2023 when quarterback Garrett Shrader suffered a shoulder injury. Villari, who was recruited to Michigan as a quarterback, operated out of the wildcat often, finishing the year with 326 rushing yards on 55 carries and 23 completions for 177 yards. The campaign was highlighted by a 17-carry, 154-rushing-yard day against Pittsburgh in November of that year.
After taking a backseat in 2024 once Oronde Gadsden II came back from injury, Villari returned to prominence with his best season as a pass catcher in 2025.
“(Gadsden) will never be able to be replaced by one person,” SU head coach Fran Brown said preseason. “But we feel when it comes to the work ethic, the mindset, the ability to make guys miss, to run after the catch. We think Dan Villari is the guy to step into that role.”
Villari finished his Syracuse career with 671 yards on 66 receptions and three touchdowns.
Now, it’s his turn to translate that success to the NFL. Whether the Rams use him as a rusher or for the occasional pass on a trick play on top of his receiving abilities, he’ll be an asset at the professional level.
Villari is the fourth Syracuse player to sign as an undrafted free agent after no SU players got drafted. Punter Jack Stonehouse was picked up by the Texans, defensive lineman Kevin Jobity Jr. signed with the Steelers and Dion Wilson is headed to the Ravens.
That list, however, pales in comparison to the Orange’s four draft picks and seven free agent signings last year.
