Darren Mougey's first official NY Jets signing could signal key offensive shift

NY Jets general manager Darren Mougey didn't waste much time making his first official signing as a member of his new organization. On Friday, the Jets agreed to terms on a reserve/futures deal with veteran fullback Andrew Beck.

Beck split the 2024 season between the Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans and was a member of the latter's practice squad when the season concluded. With his practice squad contract expired, Beck was free to sign a futures deal with any team, and the Jets came calling.

The Texas product has an obvious connection to the Jets' new regime, as he spent the first four years of his career with the Denver Broncos, crossing paths with Mougey, who was promoted from area scout all the way to assistant general manager during Beck's tenure.

Beck has experience as both a tight end and most recently a fullback, which could signal a notable change to the Jets' offensive plans under new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand in 2025.

NY Jets might use a fullback in Tanner Engstrand's offense

The Jets did not utilize a traditional fullback in their offense in 2024. The likes of tight end Jeremy Ruckert and even defensive tackle Solomon Thomas were occasionally used at the position, but there was no legitimate fullback on the team's roster.

The last time the Jets used a fullback regularly came in 2023, Nathaniel Hackett's first year as offensive coordinator. Nick Bawden appeared in 16 games for the Jets that season, playing roughly 13 percent of his team's offensive snaps.

The addition of Beck could indicate that the Jets are at least considering using a fullback in their offense this coming season. The Lions' offense has made use of the position in the past, even if they didn't this past year.

Jason Cabinda was Detroit's primary fullback during Engstrand's time with the Lions, appearing in 46 games between 2020 and 2023. Cabinda actually took over for Bawden, whose time in Detroit was marred by injuries.

Beck entered the NFL as a tight end with the Broncos but has since shifted to more of a full-time H-back/fullback role. In 16 games with the Texans in 2023, Beck played 184 snaps in the backfield and 109 snaps as an in-line tight end.

Beck likely won't be the only former Broncos player the Jets target this offseason, given Mougey's ties to the organization. Look for the Jets to also bring in a few ex-Lions players to reunite them with Engstrand and head coach Aaron Glenn.

Mougey is officially on the board with a signing just a couple of weeks into his new job.

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