There are many Jets players who will benefit from the return of a healthy Aaron Rodgers, but one player who stood out during OTAs was tight end Tyler Conklin.
Conklin, in his third year with the team, has recorded 119 catches for 1,173 yards and three touchdowns in his first two seasons despite frequent quarterback changes.
A stable relationship with Coach Rodgers could work in Conklin’s favor in 2024, the final year of his contract.
Conklin said he has been focused on maximizing his talents during the offseason.
He also wants to avoid a repeat of last year, when he didn’t score a touchdown.
“It’s frustrating,” Conklin said, “Nobody wants to go through a season without touching the end zone, but that’s the way it is. There’s nothing I can do about it. But I will say I’m motivated to make sure this never happens again.”
Conklin is in the final year of his $20.25 million contract.
At the time, his contract was overshadowed by the acquisition of another free agent tight end, CJ Uzomah, but Uzomah was released this offseason and Conklin has proven to be the better addition.
Despite his performance, there was speculation before the draft that the Jets would select Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.
Conklin didn’t spend much time on that topic, but he admitted it bothered him to hear people believe tight end is an area of need for the Jets.
“That’s not something you want to hear,” Conklin said. “Obviously, it motivates you to go out and try to change people’s thought processes.”
Head coach Robert Saleh has been impressed with new LT Tyron Smith and not just on the field.
“I’ve watched him in the weight room bench press over 400 pounds as if I was bench pressing 135,” Saleh said. “He’s a great guy.”
Saleh said the Jets will have to protect Smith from himself because he is such a hard worker.
So while Smith did not practice on Tuesday, it appeared the coaching staff simply gave him the day off.
Offensive line coach Keith Carter received criticism after the season for his offensive coaching style.
Carter said he’s trying to adjust his style.
“We have to keep our promises,” Carter said. “If we want our players to continually improve and get better, then we as coaches should too. I’m a tough guy. I yell at people even when sometimes I don’t mean to. I’m focused on doing it when the time is right and doing it the right way.”
Jets legend Nick Mangold participated in practice Tuesday, splitting time with second-year center Joe Tippman during one drill. … Saleh said running back Breece Hall is battling a “lower-body issue” and that’s why he hasn’t practiced. … Saleh said DT Javon Kinlaw participated in the early stages of spring training but hasn’t participated in recent weeks.
