There could be a reunion in the near future for the New York Jets.
NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo revealed that the Jets are among several teams that have “shown interest” in signing tight end Tyler Conklin. Garafolo said it is “a bit of a surprise” that Conklin is still available at this stage of the offseason.
He is set to visit the Los Angeles Chargers.
The #Chargers are hosting veteran TE Tyler Conklin on a visit, sources say. A bit of a surprise he’s still available, especially since a few teams have shown interest in signing him, including the Jets, with whom he had 170 catches for 1,622 yards and 7 TDs the last three years. pic.twitter.com/7uxiYuPvjU
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 20, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Conklin Should Come at a Good Price in Free Agency
According to multiple media reports, Conklin has been a popular guy in free agency.
Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic said on March 10 that Conklin is expected “to have a market.” NFL analyst Will Parkinson said Conklin would draw interest from 4+ teams in free agency.
Despite all that noise, Conklin remains unsigned in free agency.
Tyler Conklin is going to have a market especially after a few TEs (Geisicki, Hopper, Ertz, Bates, Tremble) re-signed.
It’s Conklin and Juwan Johnson left at the top of the free agency class. https://t.co/0msWQHo8Hs
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) March 10, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Pro Football Focus originally projected Conklin to sign a three-year deal for $27 million with $16.25 million of that guaranteed. That $9 million annual salary would place Conklin at No. 15 among the highest paid tight ends in football, per Over The Cap.
However the first wave of free agency is over. That is typically where free agents get paid big money. The further we get away from that initial wave, the less likely someone is expected to get a sizable contract.
Jets Need to Thing Long and Hard About a Conklin Reunion
The Gang Green tight end room leaves much to be desired.
Andrew Beck [listed at tight end but is really a fullback], Neal Johnson, Zack Kuntz, Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt is the entirety of the depth chart.
If the Jets brought back Conklin he would immediately become the best tight end on the roster. Conklin, 29, is a solid player.
PFF described Conklin as a “higher-floor, lower-ceiling” type player in their free agency profile. That is Apropos based on his career in the National Football League.
“You know exactly what you’re going to get with Conklin, which carries some value: a reliable check-down outlet after providing chip help in pass protection with sure hands and someone who can make the first guy miss and scamper for a few extra yards,” Pro Football Focus explained.
Conklin has appeared in 114 games and has made 64 starts. He has hauled in 263 receptions for 2,544 receiving yards and has scored 11 touchdowns.
If the Jets bring back Conklin, this shouldn’t stop them from adding another tight end body during the 2025 NFL draft. Conklin could be a valuable resource to a young player coming into the league on how to be a professional.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Jets Showing Interest in Bringing Back $21 Million Free Agent appeared first on Heavy Sports.