The dog days of the NFL and CFB off-season are here, where the frenzy of free agency has cooled, draft boards are nearly finalized, and front offices are taking stock of their roster construction. For the New York Jets, this is a critical juncture. The Aaron Glenn-led staff and general manager Darren Mougey are still piecing together a vision for the franchise, navigating contract extensions, and most importantly, deciding how to use their No. 7trump card on April 24. The focus has been split—some insist the Jets should reinforce the offensive line, others argue that a quarterback might still be in play. But a new name has surged to the forefront, a game-changing talent who could elevate an offense that has long lacked firepower in the middle of the field.

Who’s better than the leader of the 2025 TE class, Penn State Nittany Lions’ Tyler Warren? The 2024 John Mackey Award winner has emerged as one of the most dynamic weapons in this year’s draft class, racking up 1,233 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 104 catches while also chipping in 218 rushing yards and four more scores on the ground. That kind of versatility is rare for a tight end—Warren isn’t just a safety blanket for quarterbacks, he’s a matchup nightmare. The buzz around him has only intensified as draft day nears, with the ever-mysterious NFL insider Dov Kleiman adding more fuel to the fire. “RUMORS: The Jets have been heavily linked to Penn State TE Tyler Warren and could target him with their 7th overall pick,” Kleiman posted on X. The rumor mill isn’t just idle chatter either—Warren has reportedly scheduled private workouts with six teams, and the Jets are among them.

If Tyler Warren does land in New York, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise. The Jets desperately need another weapon in the passing game alongside Garrett Wilson, and after losing starting tight end Tyler Conklin to the LA Chargers in free agency, the need is glaring. In ESPN’s Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft, he sees Warren as the perfect fit for Gang Green. “But consider how the Jets could use Warren…He would be a reliable safety valve over the middle, a seam stretcher and a red zone target for Fields (Justin),” Kiper noted. With the Jets committing to Fields as their QB1, giving him a target like Warren could be a game-changer.

The last time New York had an elite tight end threat, it was the days of Dustin Keller catching passes from Mark Sanchez. This team needs a modern weapon to compete in today’s league, and Warren fits the bill.

But while the draft dominates the headlines, there’s another storyline simmering in the background—one that has Jets fans on edge. After news broke of Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase’s extensions with the Bengals, the natural question became: When will Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson get their paydays? The two young stars are undoubtedly the future of the franchise, and locking them in long-term is a priority. The fanbase has been vocal about wanting those deals done as soon as possible, but Mougey has made it clear that patience is the plan.

Speaking at the annual league meetings, Mougey addressed the extension talks directly. “We believe Justin is the starter,” he reiterated, doubling down on the team’s commitment to Justin Fields. But when it came to contract extensions, he took a different approach. According to Connor Hughes of SNY Sports, Mougey is holding off on opening negotiations until later in the offseason. It’s a strategic move—securing the roster through the draft first, then turning attention to keeping their homegrown stars. Still, it’s a delicate balance. The longer the Jets wait, the more leverage Gardner and Wilson could gain, especially if the market continues to soar.

The next few weeks will shape the Jets’ immediate and long-term future. Will they pull the trigger on Warren and finally give their offense the missing piece it’s lacked for years?

NY Jets add more fuel with Tyler Warren zeroing in

The New York Jets might be in the market for a tight end, and Nittany Lions’ Tyler Warren is making sure they see what he brings to the table. According to Tony Pauline, Warren has been focusing on a select group of teams ahead of the draft, including the Jets.

“Warren’s choice to stand on the sidelines [at Penn State’s pro day] was something I’ve been privy to for a few weeks now,” Pauline reported. “I was told the tight end is focusing on a handful of teams and will showcase his talents for them before the draft.” Among those teams? The New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and Indianapolis Colts.

The Jets have already been linked to adding firepower on offense, whether it’s securing more protection for Fields with Missouri’s Armand Membou or finding a playmaker like Warren. Right now, New York and Indianapolis are considered co-favorites to land Warren, with odds sitting at +180. With his 6’6″ frame, reliable hands, and red-zone ability, Warren could be a perfect safety valve for the young QB.