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New York Jets: 2 Tight ends they should consider signing for 2018

By Stephen Smith

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 08: Julius Thomas #89 of the Miami Dolphins tries to avoid the tackle of Adoree' Jackson #25 of the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter on October 8, 2017 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 08: Julius Thomas #89 of the Miami Dolphins tries to avoid the tackle of Adoree' Jackson #25 of the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter on October 8, 2017 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets need help at the tight end position once again. Here are two veteran free agents they should consider signing for 2018.

The New York Jets need a viable tight end. Again. Where have you gone Mickey Shuler? With the departure of Austin Seferian-Jenkins to Jacksonville and the recent arrest of Chris Herndon, New York’s tight end corps is in a state of flux. Their current roster of Jordan Leggett, Eric Tomlinson, Clive Walford, Neal Sterling, Bucky Hodges and Herndon doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. At least not yet.

While those six players are expected to vie for the starting gig, there is another possibility out there that should be explored. For one year only though. No long-term contracts.

Here are two free agent tight ends that general manager Mike Maccagnan should consider signing for the 2018 campaign. Both veterans would provide a viable security blanket for Josh McCown, Teddy Bridgewater or Sam Darnold.

Here we go:

Julius Thomas

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The Portland State product is not going to remind anyone of Rob Gronkowski but he’s carved out a fine seven-year NFL career. A former two-time Pro-Bowler with the Denver Broncos, Thomas recorded 41 receptions for 388 yards and three touchdowns for a poor Miami Dolphins squad in 2017. His 66.1 percent catch rate was the third highest of his career.

At 6-5, 256 pounds Thomas provides an imposing red zone target and he’s known for having good hands. He’s compiled 36 touchdowns and averaged 10.6 yards per catch since he entered the league in 2011. Injuries have always been an issue with the Stockton, CA native but he did perform in 14 contests last season.

Thomas turns 30 in late June so he remains in his prime years. If Maccagnan can ink him to a one-year, incentive laden pact for reasonable money, Thomas could provide the Jets with a very strong return on their investment.

Antonio Gates

Why should the Jets consider signing one of the grand old men of the NFL? Gates turns 38 on June 18. It would have to be for only one season with loads of performance incentives but the reason is simple. The future Hall of Famer can still find the end zone.

The Kent State product tallied three touchdown receptions for the Chargers last year and seven the season before. Gates averaged 10.5 yards per catch on 30 receptions in 2017 and his 114 career touchdowns is the most in NFL history for a tight end.

Next: NFL 2018: Top Rookie of the Year candidate for each team

We don’t know how much the Detroit, MI native has left in the tank. He’ll be heading to Canton, Ohio some day for his Hall of Fame induction but for now he can really help Gang Green for one year. He still has a nose for crossing the goal line. He’s still a viable red zone target. Gates would provide quality leadership for a young offensive unit. It’s worth a shot. The Jets could certainly do a lot worse.

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