The New York Jets have signed a few Aaron Rodgers‘ former teammates, but it would make a lot of sense for them to pursue veteran tight end Robert Tonyan in free agency.
Bleacher Report’s Joe Tansey outlined several free agents that the Jets should still try to recruit as they approach training camp. Two Kansas City Chiefs veterans, Jerick McKinnon and Donovan Smith, were mentioned.
However, the most significant name was Tonyan. The experienced tight end played alongside Rodgers during their time with the Green Bay Packers.
“The Jets have Tyler Conklin as their top tight end, but beyond that, there is not much proven depth,” Tansey stated. “The Jets would be taking a chance on Tonyan, but it may be worth it if the Rodgers-Tonyan connection even results in three or four touchdowns in 2024.”
Robert Tonyan requires a new beginning
There was a time when Tonyan seemed like one of the top tight ends in the league. Although he is not at that level anymore, a fresh start could help him regain his form.
Tonyan is one of the more remarkable stories of an undrafted free agent in the last ten years. Initially a quarterback at Indiana State, he transitioned to a receiver after his first year. However, standing at 6’4″ and 236 pounds, Tonyan was classified as a tight end during the pre-draft process.
The absence of experience as a tight end led to Tonyan going undrafted in 2017. The Detroit Lions picked him up as an undrafted free agent, but he was released during the final roster cuts. Green Bay signed him a few weeks later, but it wasn’t until 2020 that he truly found his stride.
Tonyan had an exceptional 2020 season statistically. He ended the year with 52 receptions for 586 yards and a league-leading 11 touchdowns for tight ends. The Packers were optimistic for another year like that in 2021, but an injury torn ACL shortened his season.
Regrettably, Tonyan was never able to replicate his 2020 success. The Chicago Bears gave him a one-year opportunity this past season, but he only caught 11 passes in 17 games.
At 30 years old, Tonyan may have already reached his peak performance. However, his past connection with Rodgers could be enough to help him regain some of his former productivity if he joined the Jets.
The Jets are in need of depth at the tight end position
After not selecting Brock Bowers in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Jets still have a significant gap at the tight end position.
The Jets have some intriguing options on their roster, but no truly dominant tight ends. Tyler Conklin remains the team’s top player at the position and has had a productive couple of seasons in New York. He has already made 119 receptions for 1,173 yards and three touchdowns in two years with the Jets.
Unfortunately, things aren’t as promising behind Conklin. Jeremy Ruckert and Zack Kuntz offer some intriguing young choices that have been waiting for their chance.
That being said, Rodgers has been quick to single out Kuntz, whom he believes he is continuing to build chemistry with. The 6’7″ tight end is the most athletic player ever recorded at the position by Relative Athletic Score.
If Kuntz can reach his full potential, the Jets might be well-equipped at the tight end position. Nonetheless, a more experienced veteran like Tonyan could bring some stability to the position.
