Austin Seferian-Jenkins set to test NFL free agency for the first time
New York Jets tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins could look to test the free agency waters for the first time in his career.
One of the most intriguing (and youngest) tight end options in free agency this offseason could be the New York Jets’ Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who is set to hit the open market on Monday.
Seferian-Jenkins has never had the ability to control his own destiny, after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut him in 2016 following multiple DUI arrests and the New York Jets claimed him off waivers.
Statistically, Seferian-Jenkins put up the best season of his five-year career in 2017, nabbing 50 receptions for for 357 yards and three touchdowns.
The Jets would like to keep the tight end around, for the right price; Seferian-Jenkins and his agent reportedly rejected a two-year, $8 million offer back in February. It was “short on guarantees and total value,” according to SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano.
If the Jets can’t satisfy Seferian-Jenkins’ demands, plenty of other teams in the league would throw their hats in the ring for his services. Let’s take a look at three of the best fits.
Best Fits
1. Green Bay Packers
The Packers are in need of serious help at tight end after a messy parting with Martellus Bennett late in the 2017 season. They might be wary of another player who has had locker-room issues in the past, but by most accounts, Seferian-Jenkins has turned his life and career around after seeking out resources to help with his sobriety. On the field, Aaron Rodgers would certainly like a pass-catching weapon to threaten the seam and allow Richard Rodgers to do what he does best and serve a complementary role.
2. Seattle Seahawks
Seferian-Jenkins is from Fox Island, Washington, and played college football for the Huskies. A move back home to Seattle would no doubt be attractive to the 25-year-old as he looks to sign his next big contract. The Seahawks are set to lose both Jimmy Graham and Luke Willson in free agency, and may be better able to match Seferian-Jenkins’ contract expectations.
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3. New York Jets
The Jets have made it clear that they see Seferian-Jenkins as having a crucial role in their offense moving forward, and with $82 million in estimated available cap space, per Spotrac, they have room to move on their initial offer. Improving on the guarantees may be able to get the two sides to where they need to be.