Tyler Conklin was one of the few reliable targets on a Jets offense that finished near the bottom of the league in multiple statistical categories in 2023.
With Aaron Rodgers returning from a season-ending Achilles injury, Conklin should benefit from having the four-time NFL MVP back under center.
“It’s nice to have Aaron back,” Conklin said. “I think the cool part was, like, towards the end of last year, getting some reps with him before the end of the season and then jumping right back into it.
“It is obviously nice to have him back and, you know, just be back with the team and obviously getting the offense going.”
When the Jets signed Conklin during the offseason of 2022, he was expected to team with C.J. Uzomah to form a high-powered tight-end tandem and give Gang Green a 12 personnel option (one running back, two tight ends and two receivers on the field). But they released Uzomah after two less-than-productive seasons. Uzomah caught 29 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns during his time with the Jets.
Last season, Conklin finished with 61 receptions and 621 yards. However, Conklin didn’t register a touchdown catch. In 2022, Conklin recorded 58 catches, 552 yards and three TDs.
“Tremendous, tremendous human first off,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said. “But Conk, I don’t know what his number is, but at least it feels that he is one of the better-contested catch guys in football.
“He’s unbelievable in tight-window throws and a very reliable player for the quarterback, but he also blocks his tail off in line as a tight end and a tremendous leader for that entire group.”
Conklin failed to find the end zone last season largely because of the Jets’ inept quarterback situation after Rodgers went down. Gang Green started three quarterbacks following Rodgers’ injury — Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian — with minimal results.
After Rodgers tore his Achilles four plays into his season debut last September, the Jets finished 7-10 and third in the AFC East. They also were 31st in yards (268.6) and points per game in 2023 (15.8).
Conklin is entering the final year of a $20.3 million contract he signed in 2022. He is scheduled to make a base salary of $6.1 million with zero guaranteed money remaining on his contract.
Entering his seventh season in the NFL, Conklin believes he still has something to prove. That’s why he has been working on his speed, strength and route running when away from the Jets facility.
“Just speaking for myself, I can take another step and a big step in my career,” Conklin said. “Having Aaron is going to be helpful, but you know that’s the fun part about the offseason.
“It’s my favorite part of the year besides playing the games. To be able to craft and become the best me possible when nobody is looking. I’m excited to do that.
“After we get through OTAs and we get a little break and then come back and show you guys what’s getting crafted.”
Earlier this offseason, it was thought the Jets would attempt to upgrade the tight end position. During the pre-draft process, many experts believed the Jets would select Georgia tight end Brock Bowers with their first-round pick.
Not only did the Jets move back one spot from 10th to 11th overall, but they selected Penn State tackle Olu Fashanu instead. Two selections later, the Raiders drafted Bowers at 13th overall.
Conklin admitted that the talk of the Jets drafting Bowers irked him.
“Obviously, it’s not something you want to hear,” Conklin said. “It’s obviously motivation to go out there and make people change that thought process.”
