Jets reward Jeremy Ruckert for solid 2025 with new contract extension

NY Jets GM Darren Mougey is already making some moves that will help lock down many of the team's more impressive role players ahead of the 2026 season. Just a few days after agreeing to a contract extension with center Josh Myers, tight end Jeremy Ruckert is next up on the docket.

After looking like a complete whiff from Joe Douglas after a brutal start to life in the NFL, Aaron Glenn and his coaching staff have been able to mold Ruckert into a viable NFL tight end. Just when it looked like the new regime would move off him, the Long Island native and lifelong Jets fan managed to get a second wind.

Mougey and Glenn believe that Ruckert is going to be a part of the solution for the monumental test of overhauling the Jets, as the two parties agreed to a deal that will keep the former third-round pick in green until the 2027 season.

Ruckert agreed to a two-year extension worth up to $11 million in totality. For a team that is running more 12 personnel as the season rolls on, giving Ruckert a deal like this allows them to lock in a regular piece of the offense for relative chump change. Not bad, Darren.

Jets extend backup tight end Jeremy Ruckert with 2-year deal

Ruckert caught 20 passes for 163 yards and (somehow) his first career touchdown this season. Those numbers look poor to the untrained eye, but as TE2 in a passing offense primarily led by Ohio State teammate Justin Fields, Ruckert has been making the most of his opportunities.

The initial disappointment in Ruckert's play as a pro was the struggles as a blocker, as that was his calling card in college. Tanner Engstrand's offensive staff, including tight ends coach Jeff Blasko and offensive line coach Steve Heiden (a former blocking TE2 in his pro career) has helped Ruckert improve.

The Jets have holes at just about every position that need to be addressed in the offseason, but tight end appears to be locked down. With rookie Mason Taylor as the starter and Ruckert getting burn in some two tight end sets, the Jets have a two-pronged attack they can feel comfortable with.

While Ruckert going from unplayable to serviceable should be used as some example of Glenn's developmental magic, the fact that he did overcome his struggles shows that this coaching staff can take a scuffling player and iron out their flaws.