New York Jets Eyeing Changes: Potential Addition of Hunter Henry and Offseason Roster Analysis
The New York Jets are poised to enact roster changes during the upcoming offseason.
Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus has identified the green and white as a prime destination for New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry.
“Given the likelihood of the New York Jets parting ways with tight end C.J. Uzomah this offseason, acquiring Henry seems like a plausible scenario,” Spielberger stated. “This potential swap sees Henry joining Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert, addressing the Jets’ glaring deficiency in red-zone touchdowns observed in 2023. With Aaron Rodgers set to lead the offense, Henry’s addition as a sizable target on crucial plays could significantly enhance their scoring opportunities.”
PFF projects that Henry will sign a two-year contract worth $12.25 million in free agency. This annual salary of $6.13 million would rank him 20th among the league’s highest-paid tight ends, according to Over The Cap.
Out With the Old and in With the New for the Jets in 2024
Anticipated moves for the green and white include severing ties with Uzomah, who enters the final year of his $24 million contract. The Jets have an option to release him this offseason.
Cutting Uzomah would yield approximately $5.3 million in cap savings while incurring a $5.9 million dead cap charge.
Subsequently, the Jets would face a void at the tight end position, with only Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert remaining noteworthy on the roster.
Henry, aged 29, has proven to be a remarkably dependable player since entering the league in 2016. Over his career, he has amassed 329 receptions for 3,853 receiving yards and 38 touchdowns.
Following the disappointment with Uzomah, the Jets are seeking a reliable free agent signing. Spielberger describes Henry as a “high-floor veteran” and a “known commodity.”
Hurt the Patriots and Help the Jets Simultaneously
If the Jets decide to move on from Uzomah, acquiring a replacement tight end would be logical. However, there’s added incentive to potentially weaken a divisional rival while addressing their own needs.
Henry has notably performed exceptionally well against the Jets during his tenure in the AFC East. His addition could bolster the Jets’ offense while concurrently diminishing a key adversary.
Conklin enters the final year of his contract in 2024, while Ruckert is midway through his rookie deal. While Conklin has shown promise, Rodgers’ arrival could unlock further potential. As for Ruckert, although he has exhibited flashes of talent, his status as a bonafide starter remains uncertain.
The acquisition of Henry would furnish Rodgers with another dependable receiving option and provide depth at tight end. However, considering the Jets’ other pressing needs this offseason, his projected contract demands might be deemed excessive.
Gang Green must address areas such as the offensive line, backup quarterback, and wide receiver, in addition to potential defensive improvements. While Henry’s addition would be enticing, his financial requirements may ultimately prove prohibitive amidst the Jets’ broader roster considerations.
