Could Trey Burton be a backup plan for Jets in free agency?

Heading into free agency, could the New York Jets potentially lose tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins? If they do, Trey Burton could be a solid backup plan to replace him.

When free agency drops in early March, anything, and everything will happen. NFL teams will be going through a frenzy in order to either re-sign or land potential free agents to bolster their team. For the New York Jets, they’re expected to be very active in free agency but also have a big list of their own players who could also test free agency.

One such player is tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins. On all accounts, it would make sense for the Jets to bring Seferian-Jenkins back considering the decent job he did last season on offense. As always, though, Seferian-Jenkins might want to test the market to see if he can get a bigger contract elsewhere.

What would happen if he bolted via free agency and leaves the Jets with a big void at tight end? Well, any good general manager will prepare for any potential obstacle as they undoubtedly have backup plans in case players don’t return when their contracts expire. One such player that could fill the void if that did happen this offseason would be tight end Trey Burton of the Philadelphia Eagles.

More from Free Agency

• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency
• NY Jets: Jonnu Smith would be a smart free-agent target
• NY Jets expected to be ‘much more aggressive’ in free agency this year

Set to be an unrestricted free agent, Burton is coming off a pretty solid season with the Eagles but is playing second-fiddle to star tight end Zach Ertz. Besides money and long-term stability, a lot of players who are backups on the depth chart are also looking for opportunities to start elsewhere.

Considering that the Jets offense will more than likely continue to feature the tight end position in receiving plays, means that if Seferian-Jenkins leaves, it would present an ideal situation for Burton. Not only is Burton young but could be a difference-maker in football games when he’s able to be a consistent starter on offense.

Must Read: Top 10 defensive backs of all time for the Jets

Overall, should Seferian-Jenkins not return, Burton could be a viable replacement and possibly even an upgrade for the Jets due to his upside to get a shot at a starting gig. Last season with the Eagles, Burton totaled 248 receiving yards, 23 receptions, and five touchdowns in a backup role.