NY Jets: 5 tight ends to target at the trade deadline

3. NY Jets trade target: Hayden Hurst, Atlanta Falcons

Hayden Hurst has been a popular name at the trade deadline this year and many expect the former first-round pick to eventually get moved.

But could the Jets be a team that's interested?

A former minor league pitcher in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, Hurst was a late-bloomer on the gridiron but was still good enough to be drafted 25th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Hurst never found his footing in Baltimore and was quickly overshadowed by fellow draft pick Mark Andrews.

The Ravens shipped Hurst to Atlanta in March of 2020 and the former South Carolina standout went on to have a very productive season with the Falcons in 2020 finishing with 56 catches for 571 yards and six touchdowns.

But following the selection of Kyle Pitts in this year's draft, Hurst has taken a backseat role. The 28-year-old is a good player who could certainly provide value to other NFL teams.

The Jets could use Hurst's receiving skills and he'd immediately become the best tight end on the roster. The biggest downside is that he's playing in the final year of his rookie contract.

Hurst will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year meaning that the Jets would need to re-sign him in the offseason.

Still, if they want to get a head start on their tight end search, Hurst would be a rock-solid addition.