Tyler Eifert Cut, Jasonville Seeks Tight End In The Offseason

By Jordan Long

The Jacksonville Jaguars might be the busiest team in free agency when it starts.  They will have around $83.776 million to spend.  The Jaguars decided to cut tight end Tyler Eifert who was expected to make a little under $5 million this upcoming season.  They will probably look for a new tight end.

                Eifert played in 15 games for Jacksonville last year. He was productive in the offense catching 36 passes for 349 yards and 2 touchdowns.   Eifert could also pass block for running back James Robinson.  Eifert’s blocking allowed Robinson to find the hole and gain yards helping the Jaguars’ offense move the chains.

                It makes little sense to let Eifert go.  He proved he could play in the Jaguars’ offense.  Eifert was healthy this year and had one more year left on his contract.  The Jaguars, even with new Head Coach Urban Meyer, should have kept him. When Meyer coached in the college game, he used the tight ends in the passing game.   Eifert might have been a difference maker in the offense. 

                Then again, his contract isn’t that much to let him go.  Eifert is now a free agent.  He should be able to sign with a team because of his ability to block and catch passes.  He may not put up the numbers of Travis Kelce, Rob Gronkowski, or George Kittle but he can still be a part of an offense to move the football.

                The Jaguars will have plenty of money to spend.  Tight end is now a position of need.  Jacksonville has options in free agency.  Those include veterans Jared Cook, Hunter Henry, or Tyler Kroft.  All of them can replace Eifert’s production.

                If Jacksonville doesn’t like what the position offers in free agency, they can always draft one in the 2^nd to 7^th rounds.  They are expected to select Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the #1 overall pick.  After that, they can draft a tight end.  Selecting one is a gamble.  Most college tight ends aren’t used to blocking.  It will take  a while for them to transition into the NFL game which could hurt their play on the field since the NFL game is faster than the college game.  Free agency makes the most sense for them to pick up a tight end.  Jacksonville will be busy in free agency as they look to improve on their 1-15 record.