With the decision to trade QB Sam Darnold, the New York Jets have made a daring move in roster construction. They re-signed TE Tyler Ruckert to a two-year deal worth up to $11 million. This is the second time in only one week that the Jets have re-signed an upcoming potential free agent. They did the same last month with starting center Josh Myers.
Tyler played football at Ohio State. This season, he’s become one of their most indispensable players. He’s already set new career bests with 55 receptions and 400 receiving yards. This demonstrates his development and promise as a key future component to this team’s offensive attack. Ruckert has been the team’s second tight end, playing behind rookie Mason Taylor. On pace to set a new career high, he’s played 383 offensive snaps this season, and he’s about to set a new career high!
With the goal of proactively locking up his impending free agents, general manager Darren Mougey handcuffed himself to the strategy with Ruckert’s extension. Coach Aaron Glenn has expressed confidence in Ruckert’s ability to fit into the culture he is trying to build within the team. The agreement has the potential to be worth up to $5.5 million annually. This demonstrates the Jets’ newfound willingness and commitment to retaining talent that makes the team better on the field and improves solidarity in the locker room.
This season, Ruckert has really stood out as a receiving threat. Beyond those touches, he’s shown he can be a dependable blocker and key player on special teams, which always helps with a crowded backfield. With just one career touchdown under his belt, he is slowly becoming a better all-around player. The extension was the realization of Ruckert’s boyhood dream of playing in the NFL. All of which will help him thrive at the next level.
As the Jets continue to navigate their roster and prepare for future seasons, retaining players like Tyler Ruckert will be crucial to their long-term success. The head coach’s wise choice to re-sign him shows the squad’s intention to invest in a highly competitive bench. It demonstrates their commitment to creating a collaborative team culture.
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