NFL Free Agency: Brandon Pettigrew has interest from Jets, Lions, Raiders, deal could be close
Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (87) celebrates after catching a pass for a touchdown in the end zone during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions free agent tight end Brandon Pettigrew is one of the top players at the position on the open market, and he has received interest from a number of teams. The Lions are still looking to keep him around on an affordable deal, as he’s an average starting tight end in this league who brings some decent blocking and pass-catching ability to the table. Pettigrew caught 41 passes for 416 yards last season, and he was more consistent and less drop-prone than in past seasons, even if he wasn’t quite as productive on the stat sheet.
In a series of tweets, the New York Daily News’s Manish Mehta reported that the Jets “have been in communication” with Pettigrew, and he adds that the Oakland Raiders and Lions are interested in signing him. All three teams make sense as a potential landing spot for Pettigrew, who would form a TE duo with Jeff Cumberland if he were to sign with New York. Per Mehta, Pettigrew is expected to sign “shortly”, and it will be interesting to see where he lands.
The Raiders have a big need or pass-catchers and could really benefit from adding a solid piece like Pettigrew, whereas the Jets would clearly be in the market for a WR in the first round if they decided to sign Pettigrew (Eric Ebron is frequently mocked to them). The Jets have a big need at cornerback, but they are expected to address that in free agency or later on in the draft (they have interest in Captain Munnerlyn and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie).