New York Jets add another free agent tight end in Tyler Conklin
The New York Jets revived their tight end room with the signing of free agent C.J. Uzomah on the opening day of free agency. But that’s not all Joe Douglas had in mind.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Jets have agreed to terms on a contract with Minnesota Vikings free-agent tight end Tyler Conklin.
#Jets are signing TE Tyler Conklin, sources tell me and @RapSheet. Another tight end for Joe Douglas & Co. after adding CJ Uzomah.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 16, 2022
It’s a three-year, $21 million deal for Conklin, per Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network.
New York Jets signed tight end Tyler Conklin to a three-year, $21 million contract, per his agency @AthletesFirst
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 17, 2022
Conklin, who turns 27 in July, just had a breakout season with Minnesota. He caught 61 of his 87 targets for 593 yards and three touchdowns.
The 6-foot-3, 248-pounder was selected by Minnesota with the 157th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL draft. He has only missed one game in his career and has improved his receptions total each season.
New York’s addition of Conklin confirms that the Jets are aiming to build a 12-personnel based offense (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR). Taking after his days with the 49ers, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur aimed to establish the package early on in the 2021 season but found limited success due to the struggles of the team’s primary tight ends, Ryan Griffin and Tyler Kroft.
In turn, LaFleur abandoned 12 personnel and pivoted to using more 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR) while essentially removing 12 personnel from the game plan.
New York has now made three outside additions to its offense in free agency. Conklin joins Uzomah and former San Francisco 49ers guard Laken Tomlinson.
The Jets have also re-signed wide receiver Braxton Berrios, running back Tevin Coleman, quarterback Joe Flacco, and interior offensive lineman Dan Feeney.