Jets could solve tight end problems with one smart move after roster cut

The New York Jets have (almost) officially finalized their 53-man roster, but these rosters aren't going to be set in stone for the regular season opener, as teams will pounce to sign players who were cut by other teams.

The Jets enter the 2025 season with major questions at the tight end position. The Jets did use a second-round pick on Mason Taylor out of LSU, but the depth behind the rookie isn't exactly the greatest. However, one AFC team may have just given the Jets a lifeline.

On Tuesday, the Indianapolis Colts waived tight end Jelani Woods, bringing an end to his tenure after over three years with the team. The news isn't exactly shocking, considering the Colts used a first-round pick on Tyler Warren, but it appears the Jets are interested in the former Colts pass-catcher.

Connor Long of Jets X Factor is reporting that Woods has garnered interest around the NFL following his departure from the Colts, and mentions the Jets as "a team that is heavily interested in the tight end."

Jelani Woods could help solve Jets' tight end problem

Woods would be a high-upside addition to this Jets roster. He stands at 6-foot-7 and 255 pounds, after all, and he can get up for the pass. There was the 2022 season, where he caught a game-winning touchdown to stun the then-undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. That year, Woods hauled in 25 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games.

Unfortunately, that is Woods' only logged season of work, as he was hampered by injuries throughout his tenure. He missed the entirety of the 2023 season after injuring both of his hamstrings. Then, last year, Woods missed the whole season due to a toe injury.

Yes, the injury history is a concern, but the talent is absolutely there, and the Jets could stand to benefit. Taylor will be the starter for the Jets, but if the team is looking to bring in another tight end, it could very well open the door for Jeremy Ruckert or Stone Smartt to be moved elsewhere or released.

Ruckert was the local product that fans immediately took a liking to, but he hasn't panned out like many had expected or hoped. He hasn't made much of an impact in the passing game during his career, especially this summer.

In 23 pass snaps, Ruckert received just two targets, hauling in both for just eight yards, per Pro Football Focus. Rucket was no better as a blocker, which was supposedly his strength. Our very own Justin Fried pointed that out in an article earlier this month.

"Despite his reputation as the Jets' 'blocking tight end,' Ruckert was statistically one of the worst blockers at his position in the NFL last season. His 39.0 Pro Football Focus run-block grade ranked 72nd out of 73 qualified tight ends in 2024. This isn't exactly a new trend for Ruckert, either. He finished the 2023 season with a lowly 55.0 PFF run-block grade, which was also below-average league-wide. The narrative that he's a traditional blocking tight end seems to be based more in fiction than reality."

Justin Fried

As for Smartt, he is a backup NFL tight end with receiving upside, as evidenced by his time with the Los Angeles Chargers. This summer, Smartt caught four passes for 38 yards and a touchdown on five targets, but he's still ranked behind Ruckert on the depth chart.

The Jets need players who can make an impact in the passing game and help out starting quarterback Justin Fields. Giving Woods a chance could very well help with that.

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