NFL trade deadline rumors: 1 deal each team should make

Oct 10, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end D.J. Wonnum (98) and defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (90) celebrates a sack of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 10, 2021; London, England, United Kingdom; Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst (81) carries the ball against the New York Jets in the second half during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Jets 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Jets: Falcons’ TE Hayden Hurst

The Falcons’ drafting of tight end Kyle Pitts obviously meant pushing Hurst down the depth chart to more of a reserved role. In his one year as a starter in Atlanta last season, Hurst looked like a starting-caliber tight end, catching 56-of-88 targets 57 yards and six touchdowns. So far in 2021, he’s only played on 53% of snaps.

The Jets’ starting tight end is Tyler Kroft, a veteran who has never made a sizeable impact as a starter in the NFL. He’s also dealt with injury in 2021, so the Jets have had to turn to reserve Ryan Griffin. Adding Hurst would instantly upgrade a tight end unit that is one of the weakest in the NFL.

Hurst is in the final year of his rookie deal, and the Falcons declined his fifth-year option, meaning he’ll be playing elsewhere in 2021 if the Falcons choose to go all-in on Pitts. The Jets taking a flier on him to become their No. 1 tight end would be a good move and would give rookie quarterback Zach Wilson a reliable target.

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