NY Jets and Braxton Berrios have reportedly begun extension talks

The NY Jets have seen the emergence of Braxton Berrios this season with the versatile wide receiver/return man putting together a career year. In recent weeks, he's been arguably the only competent member of the team's receiving corps.

But with his contract set to expire in the offseason, many have speculated about whether the Jets would look to bring him back. According to one recent report, they absolutely plan to keep him around long-term.

uSTADIUM is reporting that the Jets and Berrios have begun contract negotiations and that both sides are "motivated to get a deal done." The hope is that Berrios doesn't even make it to free agency.

The report also states that both offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and special-teams coordinator Brant Boyer are big fans of Berrios and that he's a favorite amongst the coaching staff and his teammates.

The NY Jets are looking to re-sign Braxton Berrios in the near future

A sixth-round pick of the New England Patriots in the 2018 NFL Draft, Berrios was claimed off waivers by the Jets before ever appearing in a game for the team that drafted him.

While initially just a punt returner and depth receiver, Berrios has developed into an incredibly valuable player for the Jets over the last two seasons.

The former Miami standout is now their full-time punt and kick returner who has carved out a regular role on offense as well. And with Elijah Moore, Corey Davis, and Jamison Crowder sidelined, Berrios has managed to shine.

In 16 games this season, Berrios has hauled in 46 catches for 431 yards (both career highs) while adding 40 yards on the ground. He has five total offensive touchdowns, and that's not including his 101-yard kick return score a couple of weeks ago.

Berrios leads the NFL in average yards per kick return by a healthy margin and trails only Devin Duvernay of the Baltimore Ravens in average yards per punt return.

No matter how you look at it, Braxton Berrios is an integral part of this Jets team right now. And it seems the organization has recognized that.