New York Jets Release TE Hayden Smith

Jul 28, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets tight end Hayden Smith (82) walks out to the practice field prior to training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Another Mike Tannenbaum experiment is officially no more.

The Jets announced tonight that they have released TE Hayden Smith. You’ll remember that until last season, Hayden had never played one down of American football, his experience being solely in rugby. He earned his way onto the practice squad in 2012, and worked his way to the active roster in October of last year. His stats with the Jets were 1 reception for 16 yards.

Personally, of course I understand the move. The Jets are moving in a new direction, and it leaves little room for a guy that isn’t ready for the NFL yet full time. I get it. However, I, and I am sure a lot of other fans, were rooting for this guy to make it as a tight end.

How great of a success story would that be? A guy that never played football before, works his rear end of, and becomes an All-Pro tight end. Wouldn’t that have been nice to happen on the Jets for once?

Oh, well.