9 tight ends the NY Jets could target in 2022 free agency

8. NY Jets target: Maxx Williams

Maxx Williams is a tough evaluation. A former second-round pick, Williams has fallen well short of expectations in the NFL, but he's shown flashes of the former star he was in college.

That was evident this past season as he looked to be on pace for a career year after hauling in 16 catches for 193 yards and a touchdown over the first five weeks of the season. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in that fifth game, cutting his likely career-year short.

Williams has always been a strong blocker as his 82.3 Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade since 2017 is the third-best mark among qualified tight ends. That would go a long way in a Jets' offensive scheme that prioritizes tight ends that can block.

Williams wouldn't be the solution, and his injury history is a concern, but he could at least be part of the solution in the form of a cheap, high-upside signing.

7. NY Jets target: O.J. Howard

A frequent subject of trade rumors, it's quite frankly amazing that O.J. Howard managed to play out his entire rookie contract (including his fifth-year option) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's even more amazing when you consider what his role was.

Despite widely being viewed as one of the most underutilized players in the league, Howard remained an afterthought in Tampa Bay's offense hauling in just 14 catches for 135 yards this season despite playing all 17 games.

Howard has long needed a change of scenery, and while his stock has fallen tremendously, perhaps a team like the Jets can take a chance on him for cheap.

The former Alabama star has all the talent in the world and remains gifted as both a receiver and blocker. Perhaps he could finally realize his potential in an offense that actually utilizes him.