Jets sign Ryan Griffin to help fill temporary tight end hole

[gmf1369]

Just days before training camp, the Jets addressed some depth Monday.

Gang Green agreed to a deal with tight end Ryan Griffin, the team announced. Griffin spent the past six seasons with the Texans.

Jets starting tight end Chris Herndon is suspended for the first four games of the season after violating the league’s substance abuse policy, creating a hole at the position. Griffin will compete with Daniel Brown, Eric Tomlinson and Trevon Wesco in training camp to take Herndon’s spot.

Griffin has more experience as a receiving tight end than any of the others. He caught 136 passes for 1,491 yards and seven touchdowns over his six NFL seasons. Last year, he had 24 catches for 305 yards and no touchdowns in 14 games with Houston. His best season came in 2016 when he caught 50 passes for 442 yards and two touchdowns.

The 29-year-old was a sixth-round pick of the Texans out of UConn in 2013. The Texans released him this offseason after he was arrested during the draft in Nashville. The charges of public intoxication and vandalism were eventually dropped.

The Jets open training camp Wednesday when players report and their first practice is Thursday.

 

[Gramoah]

He has experience, and a decent resume. so it certainly can't hurt to give him the opportunity and see what he can contribute.

 

[TonyFtLaud]

Let's hope he's not suspended to start the season. His charges from the public intoxication and vandalism arrest at the draft were dismissed as part of a settlement agreement. Per the CBA it's the same as a conviction.
Would have preferred to see someone like Gates signed on a 1 year league minimum like he played on last year.
Much better player and could have been a valuable veteran prescense for Herndon and Wesco to learn from for the rest of season.