New York Jets

Jets add a new toy to offense in Austin Seferian-Jenkins

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The New York Jets added a new piece to their offense with their waiver-wire pickup of tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Will the risk pay off for the Jets?

The New York Jets have completely ignored the tight end position so far this season. Which is exactly what happened last season for them. They are trying to flip the script by adding some talent to the position. While this talented player comes with some baggage, apparently the Jets liked the risk versus reward.

Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins could be the answer to all the Jets’ prayers. He comes in at 6’6 and weighs over 250 pounds. He was the second tight end selected in the 2014 NFL Draft. Ironically enough, just a few picks ahead of the Jets’ choice, tight end Jace Amaro.

New York Jets claimed former Buccaneers TE Austin Seferian Jenkins on waivers, per source. https://t.co/we6nY5HNv1

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 26, 2016

Seferian-Jenkins is entering his third season in the NFL and he has accumulated 45 receptions for 603 yards and seven touchdowns. He adds a huge red-zone target for the Jets and perhaps, more importantly, a presence in the middle of the field.

Last Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick didn’t know where to go with the ball when Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall were covered. Now with the addition of Seferian-Jenkins, he has a security blanket.

The Jets are hoping he can provide a consistent target over the middle, something Amaro could never achieve. The Jets’ tight ends this year have yet to register a reception, to be frank, it’s limiting their potential on offense.

While this is a curious move considering the red flags and baggage he brings, it might work out for the Jets. He was released after multiple incidents including a DUI arrest, being thrown out of practice this offseason, and has suffered a rash of injuries.

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New head coach Dirk Koetter revealed that perhaps there was, even more, baggage than the media was aware of after his release.

He shared his comments through the ESPN radio affiliate in Tampa, courtesy of the Bucs Media Relations Department:

“There’s more to every story than meets the eye. Sometimes there’s more to it than I can say on the radio.”

While this is a very low-risk, high reward kind of move for the Jets, head coach Todd Bowles will give him a short leash. He has come across as a no-nonsense kind of coach early in his tenure.

If Seferian-Jenkins continues his immaturity he won’t last very long in the big apple. While considering the scope of this, this is a fantastic signing by the Jets.

We should see this pay immediate dividends for the Jets’ offense this week against the Seattle Seahawks. Sefarian-Jenkins won’t have much competition for playing time with Kellen Davis ahead of him so he could very well be used almost immediately on offense.

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