The Jets were busy Thursday as they tendered 10 players, nine of which having exclusive-rights with the team. Of all the names that are staying in New York, however, tight end Eric Tomlinson is not one of them.
Tomlinson entered the offseason as a restricted free agent under the Jets, but he now is available to all suitors. The 26-year-old played 15 games last season for New York before being placed on IR due to a toe surgery that was required after dropping a weight on his foot.
Not known for receiving, Tomlinson spent most of his time as a blocker in the run game. As a result, he finished 2018 with eight receptions for 72 yards. Gang Green was only able to utilize the UTEP product in 35 percent of its offensive snaps.
With Tomlinson gone, Jordan Leggett and Chris Herndon are the only remaining tight ends on the roster. Herndon looks to be the tight end of the future, but Leggett has failed to do much of anything in his two NFL seasons. The team needs more depth at the position, something that can be addressed in free agency or the draft.
As the Jets are looking to build for the future, Tomlinson wasn’t the only player shown the door on Thursday. Fellow tight end Clive Walford and defensive tackle Destiny Vaeao didn’t receive tenders either.
