New York Jets: Austin Seferian-Jenkins Can Fill a Void

The New York Jets recently claimed tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins on waivers. What type of impact can he have on the team?

The tight end position for the New York Jets has been a major issue for the past few seasons. After drafting tight end Jace Amaro in the second round a few years ago, the Jets thought that they would be set at the position for years to come. The investment of a second round pick on Amaro turned out to be a big failure for the franchise.

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In a somewhat surprising move, the Jets cut Amaro prior to the start of the season. Amaro didn’t impress in the preseason after missing the entire 2015 season. However, the decision to release Amaro did leave the Jets rather bare at the tight end position.

Due to lack of talent at the position, the Jets haven’t featured the tight end position at all this season. Most of the Jets’ formations have been utilizing the spread formation to get their talented wide receivers on the field.

These formations might see a shakeup, however, with the recent waiver claim of Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Due to a DUI arrest, Seferian-Jenkins was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jenkins has all of the tools to be a talented tight end on the field, but it is the issues off-the-field that are concerning. Due to the DUI arrest, Seferian-Jenkins could be facing a suspension from the NFL. In college, Seferian-Jenkins also had a DUI arrest in Washington.

This is certainly a risk that the Jets are taking, but they are the only team in the NFL without a reception from a tight end. Seferian-Jenkins can certainly help the Jets’ passing attack if they choose to utilize him as more than a blocker.

In his first two seasons with the Buccaneers, Seferian-Jenkins totaled 42 receptions, 559 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns in 16 games. Durability is also an issue of Seferian-Jenkins. In his first two season, he hasn’t been able to play in double-digit games.

The move for the Jets comes after a really bad loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The poor performance by Ryan Fitzpatrick was the main reason for the loss, and many of his struggles came in the red zone. Instead of scoring touchdowns, the Jets had multiple turnovers in the red zone against Kansas City.

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If utilized as a pass-catcher, Seferian-Jenkins can help the Jets in the red zone as a 6’5” target. Furthermore, there is the possibility that he will be facing some sort of discipline from the NFL. Finally, it will mainly come down to how the Jets utilize him, but Seferian-Jenkins can certainly fill a void at tight end.