Jets were smart to finally release Jace Amaro

Oct 16, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Jets tight end Jace Amaro (88) reaches for a pass against New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (23) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Jets tight end Jace Amaro (88) reaches for a pass against New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (23) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The tight ends of the New York Jets couldn’t have been worse last season.  They combined for 25 targets, eight receptions, 95 yards, and one touchdown.

Jace Amaro‘s return to the New York Jets from injury was supposed to make the tight end spot much better, but he has underperformed on the field in the preseason.  According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, in his piece, “TE Jace Amaro, former second-round pick, could be on Jets’ chopping block,” general manager Mike Maccagnan said that tight end is “the most wide-open position.”

Related Story: Jets should stop wasting time with Jace Amaro

In the aforementioned piece, Amaro says he thinks that he’s doing well in practice.  Obviously, it’s not translating onto the field. Amaro’s numbers haven’t been impressive at all in the preseason. He had five catches (11 targets), 35 yards, and zero touchdowns.  Zach Sudfeld is the only tight end with a touchdown, and he leads the tight ends in catches and yards as well.

The Jets have options at tight end now that they finally released Amaro.  Kellen Davis and Brandon Bostick proved to be better options.  In addition to the players listed as tight ends, they have another option.  They can transition Quincy Enunwa to tight end, or play him at both wide receiver and tight end.

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At 6’2 and 225 lbs., Enunwa is a little undersized, but he has shown good strength and blocking ability as a wide receiver, and he’s developed well in terms of his route running.

He also doesn’t have to line up on the line, he can play H-back.

Unfortunately for Amaro, there’s only $360K in dead money on his contract.

So, it’s not a big hit to the Jets if they decide to cut him. There’s also a $1.5M savings for 2017.

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With the options they have at tight end, there was no reason to keep Amaro, who had limited upside.  Ultimately, Amaro’s limited ability prevented him from making the final roster,