Earlier today, the New York Jets agreed to terms with third-round pick Jeremy Ruckert. The duration of the contract is the standard four-year deal for all draft picks. This puts Ruckert with the Jets through the 2025 season.
With the selection of Ruckert, general manager Joe Douglas finished a complete turnaround to the tight end position for the Jets this offseason. Ruckert will join veterans C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin. They both signed three-year deals with the Jets in free agency. This trio gives Zach Wilson the support needed for a second-year jump.
According to Rich Cimini, Ruckert’s contract is worth $5 million with roughly $849K at signing.
What does Jeremy Ruckert provide the New York Jets?
Ruckert brings an exciting skill set to the Jets, one that fits offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s scheme. As a blocker, in both the run and pass game, Ruckert has an established reputation. He should be able to come in and contribute with his physicality and mindset on the end of the line of scrimmage right away. In-line, Ruckert will help on zone-split running concepts competing against backside edge defenders. His success pass blocking against first-round pick George Karlaftis last season has been well-documented.
As a receiver, Ruckert possesses good upside. He is a capable athlete with reliable hands, size, speed, and route-running ability. Throughout his college career, Ruckert made some impressive catches as well.
His lack of opportunities at Ohio State in the passing game is fairly well-known. With the luxury of being able to develop behind two proven tight ends in Uzomah and Conklin, it allows Ruckert to ease in. This should only help him continue to grow as a pass-catcher over time.
Ruckert, a childhood Jet fan, comes from a family full of them. His dad had a hilarious reaction that went viral when he was drafted by the Jets in April. Once again Monday, he had a priceless moment letting out a “J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets” chant when Jeremy signed his rookie contract with the Jets.
With Ruckert now signed, that leaves the Jets with four of their seven draft picks under contract. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Garrett Willson, and Jermaine Johnson are the other three first-year players signed. The team still has to agree with Breece Hall, Max Mitchell, and Micheal Clemons on deals.
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