NY Jets: Who was the most surprising player this season?

The NY Jets had their fair share of ups and downs in 2019, but when all was set and done, who was the team’s most surprising player?

Through the 2019 season, the NY Jets were injury-stricken throughout their entire roster allowing new guys chances to step up and show their worth to New York.

One of those guys who was thrown into the spotlight and surprised everyone with his ball play was tight end Ryan Griffin. After 24-year-old Chris Herndon was placed on the IR after fracturing his ribs against the New York Giants in Week 10, it was Griffin’s turn to step up.

Griffin spent six years on the Houston Texans previously and was a great role player throughout his time in Houston. But, in his first season in New York, he was never expected to become a starter.

But, all the right dominos fell for Griffin to get his chance and once he got it, he tackled the opportunity. In his first game after Herndon’s injury, he went for 109 yards on five receptions as well as a trip to the endzone.

Unfortunately, Griffin’s season was put to a halt after he suffered an ankle injury against the Dolphins in Week 14. He ended the regular season with 34 receptions, 320 yards, and five touchdowns despite the fact that his season ended early.

His spurt of success led to a well-deserved extension. Griffin’s new deal is a $10.8 million contract that will keep him in New York for another three years.

Griffin’s season was one of his best through his seven years in the NFL racking up five touchdowns which is the most he has ever had in a season.

If Griffin is able to come back a better player than he was before the ankle injury, the expectations at tight ends for next year are sure to be very high and if we can get Herndon as well as Griffin to 100 percent health, we could possibly see one of the best tight end duos in the league.

The only real way to see if Griffin is gonna be a bigger threat next year is waiting for the season to commence.

Be ready to hear his name next year and hear “Touchdown Ryan Griffin!” a lot more in seasons to come.