Jets in Market For Free-Agent Tight Ends?

With Tyler Conklin, Jeremy Ruckert and Zack Kuntz all under contract, the New York Jets are unlikely to make an offseason splash at the tight end position.

The New York Jets are making a notable change to their tight ends' room during what may prove to be a relatively quiet offseason for that position group.

Moving on from a disappointing free agent addition, the Jets are reportedly releasing veteran tight end CJ Uzomah, who ended the 2023 season on Injured Reserve. After signing a three-year, $24 million contract in 2022, Uzomah totaled 29 receptions for 290 yards and three touchdowns over a 27-game sample. The move is said to create $5.3 million in salary cap space the Jets.

With more pressing needs on the offensive line and the absence of a reliable WR2, the Jets are unlikely to reinvest that cap savings back into the tight ends' room. Outside of potentially re-signing restricted free agent Kenny Yeboah, it's possible that New York stands pat at the position.

The free agent pool, which no longer features Houston Texans' re-signee Dalton Schultz, doesn't appear to offer a serious upgrade to Jets' starter Tyler Conklin. Meanwhile, there are plenty of potential upgrades to pursue at both receiver and offensive tackle.

At this point, it appears as if the Jets' 2024 tight ends are all already on the roster.

Tyler Conklin

New York's clear cut TE1 finished as the team's second-leading receiver last season and has the potential to produce even better numbers with Aaron Rodgers throwing the passes. The former Minnesota Vikings' starter signed a three-year contract with the Jets in 2022 and has not missed a game since.

After making 58 catches for 552 yards in his first season with Gang Green, Conklin totaled 621 yards on 61 receptions while securing 70.1 percent of targets last fall.

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Jeremy Ruckert

The 2022 third-round draft pick is the Jets' best-blocking tight end by a noticeable margin. After an injury-plagued rookie season, Ruckert saw an increase in snaps in 2023 but has yet to become a factor in the passing game.

The Ohio State product, who grew up a Jets' fan on Long Island, made 15 appearances in his second season as a pro. He played 301 offensive snaps as a TE2.  

Zack Kuntz

Albeit raw, the 2023 seventh-rounder possesses intriguing physical attributes and may have a chance to claim the TE3 spot as a sophomore. The 6-8 Kuntz, who opened eyes through his Combine test results, spent the first 17 weeks of his rookie campaign as a member of the Jets' Practice Squad before earning the call-up for the regular season finale.

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Kenny Yeboah

The 25-year-old Yeboah has totaled 24 appearances for the Jets over the past three seasons, seeing most of his action on special teams. The Temple product, who also offers the ability to contribute on offense as a pass-catching tight end, is no longer under contract.

As a restricted free agent, Yeboah is "free to negotiate and sign with any team, but the Jets can submit one of various qualifying offers ("tenders") that come with the right of first refusal and/or draft-pick compensation."

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