Which Tight Ends Should Jets Target After Top Free Agents Received Franchise Tag?

With top options like Dalton Schultz and David Njoku no longer available, the Jets must turn to the NFL draft and veterans in free agency.

Earlier this offseason, the Jets were in a position to address the tight end position by adding a top-tier asset in free agency.

Now, three of the very best tight ends set to hit the market are locked in for 2022 with their current teams.

David Njoku, Mike Gesicki and Dalton Schultz each received the franchise tag from their respective clubs this week. 

Much to the chagrin of Jets fans, Schultz was the most recent domino to fall, getting the tag from the Cowboys on Tuesday morning. It makes sense for Dallas—after Blake Jarwin's injury and the expected release of Amari Cooper—but Schultz would've been a tremendous addition in New York. 

Nonetheless, the Jets must move forward and find value in the remaining assets on the table. Where should New York go from here? Let's break it down.

Which Tight Ends Should the New York Jets Target Going Forward?

With top options like Dalton Schultz and David Njoku no longer available after receiving the franchise tag, here are some places where the Jets can turn this offseason.

Add Top Tight End in NFL Draft

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The Jets got a close look at plenty of top tight ends from this year's draft class at the 2022 Senior Bowl, working with the likes of Trey McBride, Jeremy Ruckert, Jake Ferguson and more. Isaiah Likely and Greg Dulcich were there as well.

If the Jets view the draft as the best avenue to add a No. 1 option at the tight end position, perhaps New York will use one of their two second-round picks on a player like McBride, making sure they get their guy.

That said, with the depth at the position in this draft, perhaps another prospect sticks out in their evaluation process. New York has plenty of picks in this draft to capitalize when a player that they like is still available. They can also make a trade to ensure they are on the clock in that moment.

Target Best Remaining Tight Ends in Free Agency

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Tags have changed the market, but there's still talent available.

Referencing Pro Football Focus' free agency big board, Gesicki, Schultz and Njoku were all listed among the top-50 players set to become available this offseason. Rob Gronkowski is the only other tight end in that classification.

From there, veteran tight ends like Zach Ertz, Gerald Everett, Evan Engram, Maxx Williams and C.J. Uzomah crack the top 100. With the cap space the Jets have, they can afford any of those options, bringing them in to provide some production to a position that's been a weakness in green and white for eons.

READ: Three Affordable Tight Ends the Jets Should Target in Free Agency

Why Not Both?

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Perhaps this was the plan all along.

New York can draft a top prospect, molding him into one of Zach Wilson's best and trustiest targets. 

They can also sign a second-tier asset in free agency—likely one of the names listed above—to help guide the rookie and give Wilson guaranteed production right away.

Consistent production from the tight end position will be pivotal in Wilson's evolution. Sure, they would've loved a player like Schultz, but imagine how much better this Jets offense can be with an improved tight end room, possibly another top wide receiver and some questions answered on the offensive line.

The Jets have plenty of work to do on the defensive side of the ball as well, but this would certainly be a step in the right direction. 

MORE:

• NFL Combine Recap: What Did Jets Learn in Indianapolis?
• Report: Jets Will Likely Let Jamison Crowder Walk in Free Agency
• Ex-Jets Scout Urges New York to Pass On Amari Cooper

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